Spring fever has definitely hit me! It's been around 70 for the past 3 days and riding my e-bike has been such a blast! 
Having conversations with people along the Greenbelt...pedestrians, cyclists and people outside spending time with their pups! 
Idaho and Cycling - A Great Match!

I sold my truck in July 2021 and have been car-free since. I used my bicycle for transportation until I injured my foot in June 2023, and I purchased an e-bike in September 2023. I love my e-bike, and it's made my life much easier. Still, I've always been an adventurer, and I've been missing taking drives to other areas away from my home. I've been researching vehicles and have even applied for financing got approved, and ordered a new car.

Before I accepted delivery of the car, I had second thoughts and canceled the order. I continued looking at vehicles, watching reviews on YouTube, and contacting local dealers when a car caught my attention. The number of emails and phone calls I've received from the dealerships tells me it must be really tough in the car market right now.
Several articles I read and videos I watched indicated uncertain times ahead for the auto industry and the economy in general.

Further research on the costs of car ownership opened my eyes even more.

• Average Monthly Payment - $726.00 for new and $533.00 for used.  (Source - NerdWallet)
• Average Annual Auto Insurance Premium - $1.982.00 (Source - NerdWallet)

As I mentioned above, I always enjoyed taking trips to areas away from my home which is challenging on a bicycle though not impossible, I rode across the USA in 2017. Still, to take a long trip to visit family or friends would be difficult. I can always rent a car or fly. Plus, I came across a car sharing website called TURO that looks like it may be a great option. If you've used TURO please leave your thoughts in the comments.

During my time being car-free, I've managed through various resources that can deliver anything I've needed.

• Instacart
• Amazon
• Door-Dash
• Uber Eats

I've also utilized ride-share services from Uber and Lyft when needed.

You may have heard on the news that there is a new, totally car-free community in Tempe, Arizona. It looks pretty interesting and they have partnered with bike companies, ride-share businesses and more. The community  includes apartments for rent, with transportation, shopping, restaurants and more all within walking or cycling distance.
Learn more about Culdesac Tempe

If you are a car owner or are just doing research, I recommend checking out the website Caredge.com. The site is run by a 43 year car sales professional and his son. There is a wealth of research resources and they also have an informative and entertaining YouTube channel. The video below I found especially interesting:
IT'S OFFICIALLY THE WORST TIME EVER TO OWN A CAR!

I took my e-bike to the Boise Greenbelt today for the first time. The Greenbelt is a treasure to the "Treasure Valley". You can go to Lucky Peak Reservoir, seldom having to go on city streets. According to Google Maps, the distance from Boise via the Greenbelt is about 11.3 miles, depending on where you get on the path. 
I didn't go to Lucky Peak but enjoyed a nice ride of approximately 14 miles (round trip).

As usual, many bikes, people, and pets were on the path. I maintained a slow pace of 8 MPH in congested areas and never reached 15 MPH.
As cyclists know, it's common practice to announce yourself when approaching pedestrians by ringing your bell or saying "on your left."
Today, I did something different; as I approached people walking their dogs, I announced, "On your left," but as I passed them, I said, "I didn't want to startle your pup." The responses I received were incredible! "Thank you so much," and "That was so kind." and others. I also had the opportunity to meet some people and their PUPS!
​A simple statement of courtesy and marvelous rewards! ​

If you ride your e-bike on shared pathways, please keep your speed down and use common courtesy so we can continue to enjoy these resources in our communities.
#dontstartlethepup

On this beautiful Boise Saturday, I took my new e-bike for a birthday ride!
The total distance of my ride was just over 21 miles, but the most humbling part was when I went to the top of the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery that overlooks Boise. The steep, long hill to the top was easy to navigate on my bike.

I’ve visited several times, and I’m struck by its beauty and peacefulness each time. 
More than anything, I’m moved and humbled as I look at the headstones of these heroes.
While at the top, overlooking Boise, I thought about all the sacrifices Veterans have made to protect our country. I am so grateful for their service.

After a while, I got back on my bike and rode home. I was glad that I had taken the time to visit the Idaho State Veteran Cemetery. It was a beautiful and reflective experience. If you live in the Boise area or are visiting and are looking for a peaceful place to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans, I highly recommend visiting the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.

Here are some tips for riding your bike to the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery:

• The cemetery is open from dawn to dusk at 10100 N Horseshoe Bend Rd, Boise, ID 83714.
• ​When entering, a sign indicates bicycles are not allowed Monday - Friday, so plan your bike visit on weekends.
• Please be respectful of the Veterans and their families.
• Obey the posted speed limits and remain quiet.

This article isn’t about the tech specs of the Level 2 e-bike but about the buying experience and initial thoughts about the bike. You can get those tech specs on the Aventon website or numerous YouTube videos if you are looking for them.

The online buying process from Aventon was easy and quick. I didn’t have any issues whatsoever. 

Communications from Aventon were excellent throughout. From order confirmation to shipping updates, I always had up-to-the-minute information about my bike. They also provided links to download the owner’s manual and quick start guide. There were also physical copies in the box.

I ordered my bike over the Labor Day Holiday weekend, so it didn’t ship until Tuesday, and I received it early Friday morning.

The box was in good condition with no visible damage. The Level 2 comes almost completely assembled, and The Aventon website provides an easy-to-follow video with instructions to complete assembly (See video below). The video shows the bike being packed in foam to protect the components and the bike itself; however, mine came wrapped in brown paper and paper ties (Not plastic Zip Ties), I’m guessing for environmental reasons. Still, my bike had no damage.
Assembly took about  30 minutes, and it took nearly 4.5 hours for the battery to charge for the first time.

Video from Aventon website

Having never ridden an e-bike, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to ride. It wasn’t jerky when changing the pedal assist mode, and it was just plain fun to ride! The controller was simple, and the display was clear and bright.
I took a short ride around my neighborhood to familiarize myself with the bike before I venture out on a longer ride.

There is an available app that helps show your stats from your rides and battery status, plus an online community of Aventon E-bike owners where you can share information and photos and ask questions. There are several other unique features on the app. Cool!

Living a car-free lifestyle, I’m excited to see how owning this e-bike will enhance my life and make traveling in my community more accessible and safer.

If you're a regular cyclist like me, (car-free since July 2021) you know that riding a bike can be a great way to exercise and save money on transportation. But what if you're looking for a way to make cycling more accessible and enjoyable? An e-bike might be the perfect solution.

After I injured my foot, I haven't been able to ride my “traditional” bike as often or as far as I would like. Additionally, being car-free, I rely on my bike for grocery shopping and other errands plus the occasional commute to the office (10 miles each way), so it seems to me that an e-bike is a great alternative. There are many benefits to switching to an e-bike from a traditional bicycle, and while everyone’s reasons may be different, here are some of the things that have made me make the change (though perhaps not permanent) to an e-bike.

• E-bikes are easier to ride. The electric motor can take some of the strain out of pedaling, making riding more accessible for extended periods. This can be especially beneficial for people with limited mobility, like I do with my foot injury.
• With a properly equipped e-bike, I can carry more gear easily.
• I can ride an e-bike with fenders, lights, and other accessories in most types of weather.

If you're considering switching to an e-bike, there are some things you need to keep in mind. First, you must decide what type of e-bike is right for you. Many different types of e-bikes are available, so it's essential to research and find one that meets your needs.

Second, you must ensure that you are familiar with the laws in your area regarding e-bikes. Some locations have restrictions on where e-bikes can be ridden. Having reviewed the laws in my area and considerable research, I’ve decided to purchase an e-bike.

The e-bike I’ve decided on is the Aventon Level.2 commuter bike. I’ve spoken with owners of Aventon e-bikes, and they are very impressed with them, and it will work well in my area and terrain. (Idaho).

I share information about the buying process, shipping, assembly, and initial impressions.