How I Got Started… by trusting an expert and taking a chance on myself
In February 2020, I bought a three-wheeled, handcycle, e-bike. I searched all over the internet and found something I believed could work for me. It’s a FreedomRyder from Brike International located in Tualatin, Oregon. I spoke several times with the owner, Mike Lofgren, to configure it properly. I never saw the bike in-person until it showed up at my front door in a box. I spent a month putting it together and adding little things to make it workable for me. I had originally intended to get a completely manual bike, but Mike encouraged me to get an e-bike. That was the best decision ever.
This is a picture of my bike before I took it on my first test ride. That first day, I went down the alley behind my house and struggled to make it back home (0.1 miles away). I had never ridden a bike before. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I didn’t of course… but it was clear I needed to build up my endurance. I don’t regret a single mile ridden.
Not so proud moments…
I admit that I started riding too fast, as well as not giving enough “buffer space” between me and the surrounding traffic. I have probably had 10 bike accidents in the first 4 years (a few bloody scrapes, one semi-serious crash, a couple of flip overs, some torn pants, one time running out of battery, several horns honking, etc.). At least I always wear my helmet.