In Defense of E-Mountain Biking: Rediscovering the Joy of the Climb
As an athlete who found their way to mountain biking later in life, I know the thrill of discovering a new passion. At 43, after years of road riding, long-distance running, and soccer, mountain biking brought a unique kind of joy back into my exercise routine.
I’ve always been an athlete in a bigger body, which means adapting and working hard is just part of the game. I progressed from a hardtail to a full-suspension bike, making adjustments along the way to support my body as it changed with age. But then came perimenopause, bringing with it significant body shifts: weight gain, new asthma challenges, and a string of joint injuries.
The shift was undeniable. The joy I once found on the climbs began to morph into dread. I was consistently at the back of the pack on group rides, feeling the weight of everyone waiting for me. My skills progression, which I loved, felt like it was hitting a plateau, simply because I was expending so much energy just to get up the hill.
I knew, deep down, that if I tried an e-bike, I’d want one. But the guilt was real. I had just upgraded to a beautiful new bike, and the thought of moving away from it felt like a betrayal.
But sometimes, you have to prioritize joy over perceived obligation. And that’s exactly what I did. Making the switch to an e-mountain bike has been nothing short of transformative. And for anyone else out there grappling with similar thoughts, here are the top five things I learned:
- It is NOT a free ride up the climb! This is perhaps the biggest misconception. I’m still breathing hard, and I’m still working. The e-bike simply provides a little extra help with each pedal stroke, making those challenging ascents more manageable, not effortless.
- I’m enjoying the climb and have energy to push myself on features. Instead of dreading every uphill, I now look forward to them. I have the power and energy to focus on my technique, try new lines, and truly engage with the trail, even when gravity is working against me.
- I’m riding more and further. The fatigue factor has significantly reduced, which means I can extend my rides, explore new trails, and simply spend more time doing what I love. The increased saddle time has naturally led to better fitness and more skill development.
- More and more trail networks are open to pedal assist e-biking. I was really worried that I’d have to limit the trails I ride because of this switch but every season there are more networks allowing e-bikes!
- I can enjoy the sport again because I’m not using so much mental energy in my head about how slow I am or how hard it is. This is perhaps the most profound change. The mental battle is gone. I’m no longer consumed by negative self-talk about my pace or my struggles. My focus is entirely on the ride, the trail, and the sheer fun of it all.
Just recently, I was on a group ladies’ ride where almost half the group had e-bikes. The shift is happening, and it’s exciting. If we want mountain biking to continue to grow, expand, and be more inclusive for people of all ages, body types, and fitness levels, then embracing technology like e-bikes is a vital part of that evolution.
Don’t let preconceived notions or guilt hold you back from rediscovering the pure, unadulterated joy of mountain biking. Sometimes, a little assistance is all it takes to keep the stoke alive.
