Toad? I don't need no steenking towed! (vehicle)

[RV_]

For the outdoors types like me who used to ride dresser and sport motorcycles, I found bringing them along in a fifth wheel to be more hassle than they were worth. (for me) YMMV! Most need no licenses or registrations. If you can ride a bike . . . Go electric bike?

But what about shopping? I'm too big! I'm too small! They can't handle a full load of groceries??

Check out what's new - lighter than any MoPed, affordable to classy expensive.

There's a new breed of electric bicycles and scooters with 20 to more than 80 miles range and some models capable of more than 60 mph. They weigh little (compared to a towed car or Jeep) But they are adult vehicles, especially for city touring and shopping use.

They range from $5k retro styles down to nice fat tire comfortable bikes for a 250 pound big guy like me. While I like the retro designs, I'm no millennial. I like the mountain bike style electrics. Some can peddle without strain, and make for more fun than a stationary bike. Here's an article that talks about retro bikes:

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/10/31/retro-is-high-design-in-electric-two-wheelers

http://kosynier.eu/electric-bike-delux/

http://www.ruff-cycles.com/ruffian/

https://www.mondaymotorbikes.com/

Not my budget! But there's plenty for me too Like below:

Here are the more affordable types I'm looking into:

https://www.juicedbikes.com/collections/e-bikes/products/ripcurrent?variant=12853873868823

Foldups: https://swagtron.com/ebike/?msclkid=ab0e8912f07c11d818bbd2ce44258f2b&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=[D] - [NB] - Electric Bikes - Exact&utm_term=electric bikes for adults&utm_content=Bikes - Electric Bikes - Adults

https://www.vanmoof.com/en_us/bikes/electrified-s

The first objection is you can't do all your shopping on a bike, right? Wrong. There are scads of bicycle trailers that can carry 180 pound loads easily, some fold nicely for travel.

https://www.hayneedle.com/product/aosommediumbikecargotraileryellow.cfm

https://www.amazon.com/IKAYAA-Outdoor-Bicycle-Removable-Transportation/dp/B07D9DBT5X/ref=lp_6389518011_1_6?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1541189600&sr=1-6

Next, how do we take them along?

1. Heavy duty bike rack: https://www.amazon.com/IKURAM-Aluminum-Motorcycle-Capacity-Double-Hung-Integrated/dp/B07B4C5BVV/ref=sr_1_21_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1541194677&sr=8-21-spons&keywords=rv+bike+rack+receiver&psc=1

2. Fold up in truck bed below bed sides, or in the rig.

Some new solutions, for those so inclined. Assuming you are in warmer weather in winter.

I like them, might have to buy one after the move.

[RV_]

This bike only weighs 170 pounds and is one of the heaviest, but goes a long way at 40 mph carrying up to 350 pounds of driver and passenger.

https://www.mondaymotorbikes.com/the-motorbike/

 

[RV_]

Bump

[RV_]

I just found out about these on the other thread: https://ridekick.com/

[Ray,IN]

1 hour ago, RV_ said:

I just found out about these on the other thread: https://ridekick.com/

Derek, would this be classified as an electric-pusher?

These electric bikes sound pretty cool, unless it's for an old, bald, paunchy man like me_.

Hey Derek, don't forget to enroll for the new FEDVIP dental and/or vision plan between Nov12-Dec10. Our present plans will not roll-over to 2019.

[OregonJim]

51 minutes ago, Ray,IN said:

Derek, would this be classified as an electric-pusher?

I'm not Derek, but yes - the RideKicks are pushers.  We use them with our tadpole trikes, but they can be used with any bike.

[RV_]

Ray,

Thanks but I never had their dental plans. My wife and kids had cavity proof teeth until the kids left the nest. I stopped wasting my money on crowns and root canals 15 years ago when I got all my teeth yanked at once and got my falsies! I had great dental care for 27 years with the military, and for ten years after and good oral hygiene, but according to my dentists just had bad enamel.

Ray I am an old Overweight guy but with a full head of natural hair. (but no natural teeth.) You burn more calories at altitude, and then even more in cold weather keeping warm! I believe I can get back in some semblance of shape. At the worst I will have lots of fun. See my son bikes often and long. So we'll have fun, he was tickled that we could! (I think he was relieved I wouldn't be slowing him down!)

I'm awed by how fast each area of our lives progresses technologically. I'm 66 And still have my sense of wonder stimulated by big boy toys!

[noteven]

I test rode a light police model (think 400 enduro size)  from Zero motorcycles. Those blue and red lights work a treat in city traffic when you need the lane.

And then later at another place and time I tested an electric assist bicycle. I liked it. 

[RV_]

Jim,

Our posts crossed last night. Really thanks. The new electric bike tech is just amazing. That pusher looks great for minimal expense for non bike builders. And it can carry a six pack and a feew items from the grocery. Back in the 80s my oldest son became a BMX racer and we had a great track locally. I was active duty and could not afford the expensive frames, lightweight seats, posts, handle bar and aluminum crank sets, new. So we bought used at the track when the kids whose folks had more income than military decided it was their bike that was causing them to lose. So we spent about 8 years building his "race" bike and two "thrash bikes" (daily riders) for him and my youngest son. I had looked at electric bike kits ten years ago, they've come a loooong way.

Here's a freebie. Name the new GM folding eBike and win $10k!:

https://www.talenthouse.com/i/submit-naming-concepts-for-General-Motors-new-ebike-brand

[RV_]

noteven,

Yeah I would think they would be. I'll report back in a year or so after I have moved and have one with some miles on it. I'm thinking they would be great for touring in cities and national parks. There are some less expensive foldups with full size tires.

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=electric+folding+bicycles+for+adults&tag=mh0b-20&index=aps&hvadid=78546437063970&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_8i11r2vbjf_e

[OregonJim]

15 minutes ago, RV_ said:

That pusher looks great for minimal expense for non bike builders. And it can carry a six pack and a feew items from the grocery.

There are a few other advantages:

You don't have the weight of the motor/batteries permanently on the bike when you just want to pedal.

 Like any trailer, only a small percentage of the weight is on the "tow vehicle" (bike).  In this case, it's like 4 or 5 pounds!

It can be used with multiple bikes - want a new bike?  It can be electric in a few minutes - no need to "build" your next ride.

Handling is consistent.  On an e-bike, the motor is usually on the front hub.  So, the bike "pulls" under electric power, but "pushes" when you use the pedals.  That can cause some interesting handling issues, especially in turns.

 

Anyway, it's just one of the many options out there these days...

[sandsys]

29 minutes ago, RV_ said:

Here's a freebie. Name the new GM folding eBike and win $10k!:

https://www.talenthouse.com/i/submit-naming-concepts-for-General-Motors-new-ebike-brand

Ha! I looked at that bike and my first response was Over the Hill. The shape of the frame reflects the potential age of the rider.

Linda

[jcussen]

This one has rear wheel drive and will fold up to fit in a bay, or the trunk of a car. 

https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radmini-electric-folding-fat-bike?variant=5032656863263&ads_cmpid=1594102466&ads_adid=59229918414&ads_matchtype=&a

 

[RV_]

Thanks Jcussen!

That Mini appeared to not have fenders available which are a must have for me. In the customer reviews one said they wanted them and gave up waiting. Well I checked their accessories and the fenders are there for $89! I'm glad they make them strong with a 275# max load. It can carry me and a grandchild until I work my way back down to 190, my ideal weight. I am going to call Rad Bikes and make a final decision after we move. My son takes his road bike front wheel off and then drives to particular trails. I like the two wheels free rolling when folded. I can lift the 63.5 pounds easily, but instead of leaning way over to position it in the back of our truck or Forester/Outback (We haven't decided yet until we are up there) I can roll it in.

When we were full-timing I could have simply put one or two RadMinis in the Living room since there is no fuel or oil to spill, or wet cell acid to leak.  The fat tires and new hydraulic front suspension should make for a smooth ride on all terrain. I bookmarked it.

 

Jim,

Yeah I was wondering about handling in turns. But for the city dweller wanting to commute, assuming their commute is in range the RideKick would be great!. However I am the type that likes a grab and go solution so I would get the RadMIni with fenders for just under 1800.00.  I am adding the front rack for $69 and the fenders and the full fenders for $89. $1958 and shipping is free to all the lower 48.

 

Linda!

LOL. I am going to win it with my name for it, The *************

[RV_]

Jim,

The RideKick with 30 miles range costs just 50 bucks less than the whole RadPower folding mini, all of them are out of stock, and when I went to the website there was a notice that the owners are about to retire and anyone interested in their e bike RideKIck biz to contact them.

Jcussen,

I decided to get the RadPower Mini with the added expense of the fenders bringing the total to $1788. Why? Because we have discussed getting a golf cart which costs much more, because we have a very long drive for privacy, we are setback on five acres. But my son in Colorado when we move will enjoy having dad along with no worries of me dropping dead from a heart attack at those altitudes. I can carry it up in the car or truck when we move.

I decided on black because it rarely shows scuffs like white. Paint chip repairs show much less with black as well. All my motorcycles had black frames regardless of the tank and fender colors.

I have received approval from my accountant which is necessary if I don't want to sleep on the couch! I was about to pull the trigger but then thought to wait until tomorrow to ask if there is a military or other discount. (If you don't ask, no one can ever say YES!)

Here is what pushed me over the edge to get this one. Many reviews from big guys like me and motor-homers in the review sections. If anyone is considering an eBike, read all the reviews before you buy on Rad Power or anywhere else.

These reviews for the RadMini decided me:

"Robert Pea  Awesome Bike

I'm 6' 1" and around 265 lbs, this bike has more than enough power. I recently rode the bike to work which is 12 miles round trip and kept it at power assist 3 with an occasional throttle and battery only dropped 1 bar. This is a blast to ride and of course I had to get a 2nd one for my wife. I have some knee issues and this lets me enjoy riding again. Assembly, which really only entails the front tire and attaching the light only took about 10 minutes. The brakes were a little tight but that was easily remedied by loosing the nut on the brake and releasing about a 1/4 inch of the brake cable. I would highly recommend purchasing any of the Rad Power Bikes you won't regret it."

"Jimmy Liu  Battery range

This is my first E bike. I have about 375 miles on it. So far I am quite impressed. All the components seems very solid. But what really impressed me is the range of this battery. I completed 100 miles in one day on this bike. When I reach 50 miles it was only one bar down on the battery. I gave it 35 minutes worth of charge and I was able to returned with three bars of batteries left after finishing the ride. I use pedal-assist one most of the time. And on the way back about 20 miles of pedal-assist 2. I also completed a 26-mile ride in the City of Pittsburgh which is quite hilly and the battery still shows full. I am truly amazed how far this little bike could go"

The Motor- Homer review:  "Lynne & Frank Better than.......

We have owned another brand of ebike, but, by far our rad minis are superior!!!
They are rugged , fast, stylish, dependable, and easy to maneuver. We are totally impressed. We have been using them as our main transportation because we live in our motorhome and have no car. We took them to the Grand Canyon and were asked about them continuously. People were taking photos of them and wanted all the details about the mini. We are so happy that we have them, they are totally awesome!!!!"

There are 35 pages of reviews and I am reading them all. I will make my purchase after I call them tomorrow with some questions.

BTW, eBikes are exempt by federal law from licensing and registering as a vehicle except here in Lousy-ana.

Excerpt:

"Introduction

In the United States electric bikes have seen slow but steady growth since the late 90’s and as a result, in 2001 congress was lobbied and passed the first and only bill to define ebikes in federal law. This law, 107-319, exempts electrified bicycles with operating pedals using motors under 750 watts limited to 20 mph from the legal definition of a motor vehicle.2.

Federal vs. State

Folks who are considering the purchase of an electric bicycle may have questions about their legal limits and those who already own one, are likely asking if they are relevant. Before one makes a judgment about the fairness or efficacy of the law, let’s dissect what the laws says, and gain a foothold of understanding.

Federal law defines the limits of a low speed electric bike, equating it to a bicycle, and bypassing the definition of a motor vehicle only “For purposes of motor vehicle safety standards…” which means that the manufacturers of these bicycles don’t have to meet federal equipment requirements, and are instead governed by the manufacturing requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Act. There is no mention of exemption from other federal, state, and local traffic laws, or exemption from the definition of a motor vehicle for other purposes.3 This means the law applies to the manufacturer’s product and sale, avoiding federal safety requirements applying to a motor vehicle such as brake lights, turn signals and braking specifications. The goal of the law was to give businesses a legal framework to define and sell low speed electric bikes without the more stringent Federal classification of a motor vehicle. Ebikes that meet the criteria are considered a “bicycle”, do not meet the definition of a motor vehicle, and will be regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The law also grants the commission authority to add safety requirements to this product. The Federal law supersedes all state laws that equate bicycles to ebikes where the state law is more stringent (lower limits) on power and speed.

Here is a link to the law if you’d like to read it yourself: http://www.eco-wheelz.com/docs/fed-regulation.pdf

State laws defining electric bikes, mopeds and motorizied bikes vary across the nation. The Wiki link below summarizes the eye-opening differences.7 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle_laws#United_States

For Colorado:

Colorado	Identity: Electrical assisted bicycle	Type: Bicycle	Top Speed: 20	Max Power: 750 W	Helmet Req.: No	Minimum age: None	License: No

Colorado

"Ebike definition in Colorado follows the HR 727 National Law: 20 mph (30 km/h) e-power and 750 W (1 hp) max, 2 or 3 wheels, pedals that work. Legal low-powered ebikes are allowed on roads and bike lanes, and prohibited from using their motors on bike and pedestrian paths, unless overridden by local ordinance. The city of Boulder is the first to have done so, banning ebikes over 400W from bike lanes. Bicycles and Ebikes are disallowed on certain high speed highways and all Interstates unless signed as "Allowed" in certain rural Interstate stretches where the Interstate is the ONLY means of travel.^[77]"

For Louisiana there were no boxes filled in in the above link so I went to Louisiana:

Louisiana

"Louisiana Revised Statute R.S. 32:1(41) defines a motorized bicycle as a pedal bicycle which may be propelled by human power or helper motor, or by both, with a motor rated no more than one and one-half brake horsepower, a cylinder capacity not exceeding fifty cubic centimeters, an automatic transmission, and which produces a maximum design speed of no more than twenty-five miles per hour on a flat surface. Motorized bicycles falling within this definition must be registered and titled under Louisiana law. Additionally, a motorized bicycle operated upon Louisiana roadways or highways by a person fifteen years of age or older and producing more than five horsepower must possess a valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement and adhere to laws governing the operation of a motorcycle, including the wearing of approved eye protectors or a windshield and the wearing of a helmet. The statute also states that "Motorized bicycles such as pocket bikes and scooters that do not meet the requirements of this policy shall not be registered."

As R.S. 32:1(41) refers to motorized bicycles using "an automatic transmission" with helper motors rated in horsepower and cylinder capacity, not by watts or volts, the statute arguably does not cover bicycles powered by an electric motor(s), whether self-propelled or pedal-assist designs."

So the other reason for waiting until tomorrow is to call the DMV and find out, as usual, that they have no clue but if I can get whatever in writing without the clueless law above, which is not an eBike but a genuine gas moped. In the meantime I can shop and see if anything beats Rad POwer's customer reviews and prices.

It's OK, I can get one after we move to Colorado if the Lousyana DMV is their usual Charlie Foxtrot.

[RV_]

OK,

I did my last research to decide whether I buy here or wait until we are moved and I just got off the phone with the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and here I would need to go in and register it as a motorcycle and have plates, which contradicts the Federal law!!?? Total "Charlie Foxtrot" and another  good example of why I am moving. So I will be waiting until Colorado to get one.

So since I am now waiting I called RadPower and had a nice chat on the phone with Keenan, found that they (RadPower) do indeed offer a  military discount when I send them a copy of my ID card. I called them to find that out and how the electric assist works. So it is meant to be pedaled and unlike some brands, since it freewheels with the gearing, if the battery dies before you are where you are going it pedals with the same resistance as a normal bicycle's rolling tires. Rad Power phone support is great!

The Rad mini folding bike for $1699.99 has:

A 48 volt 14 Ah (672 Wh) battery and a 750 Watt brushless motor. It has a one year warranty, Spare Batteries are $550 and only weigh 7.7 pounds.

https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radmini-electric-folding-fat-bike?variant=5032656863263&ads_cmpid=1594102466&ads_adid=59229918414&ads_matchtype=&a

Every bike is covered under our manufacturer's one-year all-inclusive warranty for the original owner against all manufacturing defects. Rad Power Bikes warrants this product, including all individual components, against defects in material or workmanship. Damage that occurs during shipping is also covered under warranty.

Sondor has a similar bike that looks more like the GM eBike.

https://sondors.com/products/sondors-fold-x?variant=12489774432322

"$1,129.00

The folding bike everyone’s been waiting for has been taken to the eXtreme. SONDORS Fold X has a 48V 14 Ah battery, that nearly doubles your range, and paired with a 500W motor it offers eXtreme torque,..."

Spare batteries are $375.

However they only have a 90 day warranty, no phone number, and only chat and online purchasing. My chat (long) is all the way at the bottom of this post if anyone wants the answers.

 

Juiced Scrambler

I am also impressed with the Juiced Scrambler. Similar specs to the RadPower but 52 volts instead of 48. The $1699 one comes with a 13AH battery. They also make the Scrambler with a 19.2 AH battery for $2699 called the 1100 watt HyperScrambler.

Spare Batteries are $699.99 for the 52V 13.0 Ah - $1299.99 for the 52V 19.2 Ah battery pack.

https://www.juicedbikes.com/products/scrambler

The 52 volt Juiced custom engineered battery packs have a distinct range advantage. Check out the range estimator below showing what to expect in range with the different battery packs at different speeds:

Click For Full-Size Image.

Warranty Period:

1.Battery packs are covered under warranty up to 70% capacity for a period of 1 year, or until the cumulative total lifetime

battery charging exceeds 1000 times the battery’s initial nominal charge capacity

2.Other electronic components are covered under warranty for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase

3.Bicycle frames are covered by a lifetime warranty.

4.For all other PRODUCTS, this warranty expires 1 years from the date the PRODUCTS were delivered to the BUYER,

unless excluded from warranty or otherwise voided from coverage under warran

I just talked to them and they are great customer service too.

So for fulltime RVrs looking to a folding eBike for transport to avoid breaking camp, the RadPower .

https://www.juicedbikes.com/products/scrambler?variant=7416296865815

For the most range and speed, the Juiced wins hands down but they don't sell a folder. Some folks may want the full size bikes too. I realized I don't need a folder necessarily so the Juiced bikes, for the extended range and 52V engineered controllers and systems are the #1 pick for non folders.

For a great folder almost equal to the Juiced the RadPower Rad Mini can't be beat IMHO.

https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radmini-electric-folding-fat-bike?variant=5032656863263&ads_cmpid=1594102466&ads_adid=59229918414&ads_matchtype=&a

So since I have a few months before we will be in Colorado, I will be deciding between the two.

My wife will get the GM eBike I will win in the contest Linda!!

OK that is my research. If anyone has anything to add I am open to all like priced comparisons.

I have let myself go and the idea of pedaling some of the time, thus gradually building muscle tone and losing fat appeals to me. Also having a spare battery just in caser, the smaller one, will likely be an option we get.

 

 

 

 

 

[sandsys]

2 hours ago, RV_ said:

My wife will get the GM eBike I will win in the contest Linda!!

Good to know you are going to win. I think you should keep the prize, though, and buy your wife a step through.

Linda

[jcussen]

13 hours ago, RV_ said:

OK,

I did my last research to decide whether I buy here or wait until we are moved and I just got off the phone with the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and here I would need to go in and register it as a motorcycle and have plates, which contradicts the Federal law!!?? Total "Charlie Foxtrot" and another  good example of why I am moving. So I will be waiting until Colorado to get one.

So since I am now waiting I called RadPower and had a nice chat on the phone with Keenan, found that they (RadPower) do indeed offer a  military discount when I send them a copy of my ID card. I called them to find that out and how the electric assist works. So it is meant to be pedaled and unlike some brands, since it freewheels with the gearing, if the battery dies before you are where you are going it pedals with the same resistance as a normal bicycle's rolling tires. Rad Power phone support is great!

The Rad mini folding bike for $1699.99 has:

A 48 volt 14 Ah (672 Wh) battery and a 750 Watt brushless motor. It has a one year warranty, Spare Batteries are $550 and only weigh 7.7 pounds.

https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radmini-electric-folding-fat-bike?variant=5032656863263&ads_cmpid=1594102466&ads_adid=59229918414&ads_matchtype=&a

Every bike is covered under our manufacturer's one-year all-inclusive warranty for the original owner against all manufacturing defects. Rad Power Bikes warrants this product, including all individual components, against defects in material or workmanship. Damage that occurs during shipping is also covered under warranty.

Sondor has a similar bike that looks more like the GM eBike.

https://sondors.com/products/sondors-fold-x?variant=12489774432322

"$1,129.00

The folding bike everyone’s been waiting for has been taken to the eXtreme. SONDORS Fold X has a 48V 14 Ah battery, that nearly doubles your range, and paired with a 500W motor it offers eXtreme torque,..."

Spare batteries are $375.

However they only have a 90 day warranty, no phone number, and only chat and online purchasing. My chat (long) is all the way at the bottom of this post if anyone wants the answers.

 

Juiced Scrambler

I am also impressed with the Juiced Scrambler. Similar specs to the RadPower but 52 volts instead of 48. The $1699 one comes with a 13AH battery. They also make the Scrambler with a 19.2 AH battery for $2699 called the 1100 watt HyperScrambler.

Spare Batteries are $699.99 for the 52V 13.0 Ah - $1299.99 for the 52V 19.2 Ah battery pack.

https://www.juicedbikes.com/products/scrambler

The 52 volt Juiced custom engineered battery packs have a distinct range advantage. Check out the range estimator below showing what to expect in range with the different battery packs at different speeds:

Click For Full-Size Image.

Warranty Period:

1.Battery packs are covered under warranty up to 70% capacity for a period of 1 year, or until the cumulative total lifetime

battery charging exceeds 1000 times the battery’s initial nominal charge capacity

2.Other electronic components are covered under warranty for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase

3.Bicycle frames are covered by a lifetime warranty.

4.For all other PRODUCTS, this warranty expires 1 years from the date the PRODUCTS were delivered to the BUYER,

unless excluded from warranty or otherwise voided from coverage under warran

I just talked to them and they are great customer service too.

So for fulltime RVrs looking to a folding eBike for transport to avoid breaking camp, the RadPower .

https://www.juicedbikes.com/products/scrambler?variant=7416296865815

For the most range and speed, the Juiced wins hands down but they don't sell a folder. Some folks may want the full size bikes too. I realized I don't need a folder necessarily so the Juiced bikes, for the extended range and 52V engineered controllers and systems are the #1 pick for non folders.

For a great folder almost equal to the Juiced the RadPower Rad Mini can't be beat IMHO.

https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radmini-electric-folding-fat-bike?variant=5032656863263&ads_cmpid=1594102466&ads_adid=59229918414&ads_matchtype=&a

So since I have a few months before we will be in Colorado, I will be deciding between the two.

My wife will get the GM eBike I will win in the contest Linda!!

OK that is my research. If anyone has anything to add I am open to all like priced comparisons.

I have let myself go and the idea of pedaling some of the time, thus gradually building muscle tone and losing fat appeals to me. Also having a spare battery just in caser, the smaller one, will likely be an option we get.

 

Have had the radmini for about a year, real happy with it. Did 15 miles under power at Quartzite last year, and had 30% battery left. Have the optional seat, which really helps on the big bumps ..I do carry one of these locks 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Street-Cuff-22-In-Link-MASTER-LOCK-8290DPS/45823802?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1122&adid=22222222227033118619&wl0=&amp

 

 

 

 

[RV_]

Linda,

Good thought. She'll be fine either way. We had matched Norton 1975 850 Commandos, and she could kick start hers if needed. The battery could help while you kicked it over. So we all called it electric "assist" instead of electric start.  They were two cylinder high compression just like the Harleys. That was when we were living in Colorado Springs '78-'81 riding in the mountains doing the swoop de doos. She couldn't touch the ground on both sides at once, just had to lean it a bit on stops. Harley seats were much lower, but she decided she preferred riding with me. I had a Triumph 500 Daytona when we met and dated for 18 months before she gave up and married me. in '72. We always had Goldwings, Silverwings, an Electra Glide Classic, and many more including Felix the Helix (scooter). She loved driving the big diesel dually and women would comment that they couldn't drive a big truck like that. Some men would be surprised when she stepped out of the driver seat.

She'll  be fine with whichever she chooses. She didn't ride horses sidesaddle either.  

[sandsys]

Our daughter rode motorcycles for a number of years. She's now an OTR driver who lives in her semi tractor. People are not as amazed to see a woman driving the big rigs as they used to be but it's still not a common sight.

Linda

[RV_]

Linda!

Yep, she sounds like Lynn. But Lynn is/was a military wife. A gay friend had a word for her. He said she was a fluff, and that's perfect as she is a petite 5'2", very sweet and feminine. She worked to master interior trim carpenter, Bossier Police, Deputy City Marshall, banker, Investment advisor assistant, Commissary (military supermarket) management, drug dealer (pharmacy tech), dental assistant, secretary, accountant, and more. I hold one end up for her she is on the ladder with her nail and brad guns and her pancake compressor. 40 years ago she was a threat to the good ol boy house builders and cops. <grin>

She is a certified scuba diver (PADI), expert downhill skier, and sweet as she can be. She's been my perfect life mate. We have each other's backs. We get a kick out of folks who just can't believe her. We love meeting fellow travelers on spaceship Earth who have gone out and did everything too, and can each speak freely without exceeding their capacity to believe.

RVrs have that in common too.

[sandsys]

RV,

Our daughter went the other way to self-sufficiency--learning to shear sheep, card wool, spin it, then knit it into something wearable. She learned blacksmithing. She learned to shoot, skin, and cook animals. She learned farming and animal husbandry. She learned energy independence--selling solar power back to the grid. She learned how to tell if laundry hung outside in the winter was dry yet. And more. She's someone we want around if we ever face the end times. I guess that's no longer going to be at your place down south, though.

Linda

[RV_]

Hey!

Your daughter sounds like quite the talented can do young lady. We won't be down South for long. We're selling our little rig and setting up for the rest of our lives in Colorado. You can send her up there too! We were only here for family and then settling the succession, and then divesting the properties and lastly this one. Then it's back in Colorado again.

[sandsys]

1 minute ago, RV_ said:

Then it's back in Colorado again.

But will you have enough acreage in Colorado for self-sufficiency?

Linda

[RV_]

Nope,

They have legal assisted suicide, and legal marijuana for pain. No more acreage to mow. I just need to walk and ride the mountain roads and trails, and fish the alpine lakes, enjoying the vistas until it's my time. We are looking for a house with solar and central A/C. It's much warmer up there summers now than when we lived in the Springs from '78 - '81. Many homes there have no central A/C. As long as we have power, we will have A/C. Then ride our eBikes off in the sunset.