My Old Riding Buddies Won't Ride With me Anymore

[Downhillr]

The way I look at it is this:

• Just because you have an e-mtb doesn't mean you have to ride your friends into the ground. Ride at whatever their pace is
• For me, I've been on mountain bikes since the commercial dawn of the sport in the early 1980's, so as far as I'm concerned: I've been there, done that, paid my dues, don't need to please anyone. Just have fun and ride my bike, so what that it's got assist
• Do I occasionally need more "gas in the tank (think legs/lungs/ heart)? Sure do. I typically ride with people half my age. I need all the help I can get in that scenario. It just is what it is. Do I ride non-assisted also? Sure do, but not with the kids

Finally, if you're being good to everyone (ride at their pace, not a jerk, not riding the strava god into the dust just because you can, overall being a nice guy/gal) and they don't like it? Then they're not the friends you thought they were. Sad but true. Good luck with your group. Hopefully they'll be more open and welcoming. That said, I've found the first point goes a LONG way in gaining acceptance. Again, good luck

Couldn't agree more, been riding since 80's when my son got involved so I've known some of his group for a while now which is a good thing since I find fewer of us in our 70's riding. When I'm with a group I ride at their pace, especially when climbing (lol, on DH I'm not at their pace) and those guys are all accepting and generally cool with me tagging along...
in fact, now that they're in their 40's some, including my son are dual-riders owning an e-bike and regular bike.

 

[Eliadn]

I 100% ride solo (during week, so I don't meet hikers or other riders either), but twice a year when I visit my parents, I go for a group ride with dad and his friends. Us two are the only ones on emtbs so we have to pace ourselves, but I don't mind . One of his friends is a 63y old, absolute beast with unlimited endurance. He does 70+ km rides every few days. He definitely can keep up with our range, however he also thinks riding ebikes is cheating, oh well

 

[Astro66]

I set my EMTB to Eco and don't be the lead rider, unless it's a technical climb. Then I set to Boost and the group knows to let me lead.

Once at the top, I go back to Eco and join in mid pack.

Just don't gloat and show off, and show them you are working hard by keeping your bike turned down.

I have fully integrated into a MTB group. They rarely mention the E-Bike thing. I guess it helps, that 2 others have bought the exact same EMTB as mine, after seeing the benefits.

When it's 35 degrees C and 90% humidity, getting help on climbs makes sense, even to the die-hards.

 

[Binhill1]

I set my EMTB to Eco and don't be the lead rider, unless it's a technical climb. Then I set to Boost and the group knows to let me lead.

Once at the top, I go back to Eco and join in mid pack.

Just don't gloat and show off, and show them you are working hard by keeping your bike turned down.

I have fully integrated into a MTB group. They rarely mention the E-Bike thing. I guess it helps, that 2 others have bought the exact same EMTB as mine, after seeing the benefits.

When it's 35 degrees C and 90% humidity, getting help on climbs makes sense, even to the die-hards.

I've got this paranoia that if I go out with non electric folk my bike will break, they will laugh, then I will start crying and walk home sulking.

 

[Dax]

I've got this paranoia that if I go out with non electric folk my bike will break, they will laugh, then I will start crying and walk home sulking.

Seems rational. At least when that happens with your e-bike friends, they can commiserate about that time the Levo guy had his 4th motor swap

 

[Binhill1]

Seems rational. At least when that happens with your e-bike friends, they can commiserate about that time the Levo guy had his 4th motor swap

Funnily enough you just reminded my 4th motor just turned 3000 miles today. I could probably add another couple hundred at least for all the rides that mission control hasn't worked.

 

[bonescro]

One day my Kenevo SL wouldn't wake up, and my buddy was giving me a hard time. I told him that it wasn't the end of the world, and proceeded to ride ten miles with him, sans assistance. It sucked, but I got a whole new level of respect from him.

 

[Binhill1]

One day my Kenevo SL wouldn't wake up, and my buddy was giving me a hard time. I told him that it wasn't the end of the world, and proceeded to ride ten miles with him, sans assistance. It sucked, but I got a whole new level of respect from him.

Decent buddy would have swapped half way.

 

[Astro66]

Decent buddy would have swapped half way.

I do swap my EMTB out for a MTB when someone looks shagged. I offer regularly but very seldom get an acceptance, as they say that they don't want to experience the benefit too much, as they currently cannot afford an EMTB. They know that riding one too often, will see them visiting the bank manager, or going "Bended Knee" to the wife.

Both blokes in the group who bought an EMTB, succumbed this way. After riding my EMTB, they instantly thought, "Why are we suffering so much on the hills ?"

 

[Binhill1]

I do swap my EMTB out for a MTB when someone looks shagged. I offer regularly but very seldom get an acceptance, as they say that they don't want to experience the benefit too much, as they currently cannot afford an EMTB. They know that riding one too often, will see them visiting the bank manager, or going "Bended Knee" to the wife.

Both blokes in the group who bought an EMTB, succumbed this way. After riding my EMTB, they instantly thought, "Why are we suffering so much on the hills ?"

I was in Finale Ligure in Italy on holiday. I had booked a guide and bike for a half day . But on the day I felt queezy so opted for an Ebike, the rest is history. I did wait another year before getting one which is unusual for me. 2019 I got one.