“Why do you ride an eMTB?” It’s a simple question, but one with an infinite number of answers. For many, eMTBs are simply about having fun, but for some, they represent the power to change lives. When we asked you, our readers, we were inspired and amazed by the unique stories you shared with us.
Those who play together, stay together
“Here I am, right back at the start or so it seems. Except this isn’t the start. The start is far behind me in a haze of pacing, pain and days lost to endless nothing. But this is the start of choice. My husband and I met on a hot and hazy day in the remote Scottish mountains, a trip organised by mutual friends to do a big day on bikes. They say that “couples who play together stay together” and our relationship from day one was built on this premise. Before we met we were both wired for adventure, always out in the hills, clearing the cobwebs and feasting on the endorphins that only being outside can bring. With Chris effectively married to his bike, we launched into a romance of eat, sleep, work and adventure. However, 4 years ago this came to an abrupt end after a horrific period of viruses and glandular fever culminated in me being diagnosed with ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In a way, after endless tests had found no explanation for my languishing condition, this diagnosis felt like a relief. But it also lay out a potentially permanent future of crippling fatigue, unexplained symptoms, limited choices and little understanding of the cause. I was now officially chronically ill, inactive and trapped in my own body. I even offered Chris a way out, as this isn’t what either of us had signed up for. Then came an eMTB. This union changed the rules. The illness couldn’t take my technical ability, a prize I got to keep, and now I had the tool to level the playing field. The first ride promised possibilities that had long been put to bed – the power to compensate for my failing body. Over the coming months, I experienced a new type of energy. The type that promotes healthy tiredness that isn’t crippling fatigue. The type that steadies the soul and clears the mind. I had the opportunity to plan adventures and get out into the world with Chris and my friends and the chance to play on even terms. Fast forward three more years and we’ve been on adventures big and small, slowly pushing the limits of my body and the machine. This is a new start, with the help of the eMTB, friends, family and my husband I now have a choice. This is the new starting point, a point where I can choose my own path and loosen the grip of this illness on my life.” [Aileen Herragthy, 33]
The Off-Road Commuter
“Escaping the confines of my stuffy car and the world’s biggest carpark – the infamous M25 motorway – and tackling my 13-mile off-road commute atop a Spectral:ON is the best start or end to any workday. It’s a regular little escape from the petrol fumes and road rage that puts a smile on my face. You can often pedal the whole route without seeing another soul. It feels like a hidden dimension. On the other side are cigarettes hanging out of car windows, wedged along dual carriageways full of potholes and broken glass, overlaid with the near-constant sound of ambulance sirens. The only sound I can hear is the trees gently swaying in the wind, twigs being snapped beneath my tyres and the low buzz of my Shimano motor. The best thing? I don’t even have to shower once I get to the office (unless it’s been a mud-fest). I’ve been pedalling for sure but never pushing enough to lose my breath – even on the 25% gradients up to the edge of Reigate Hill. That’s what Boost mode is for after all! Riding on the road takes about the same amount of time but is far from a pleasant experience. I’ve been threatened and sworn at by drivers multiple times and had a few very close encounters with wing mirrors and car doors. I’m often a bag of nerves by the end of it. The off-road ride, in contrast, is great fun. The Spectral:ON has been a real game-changer and has opened up another far more enjoyable commute.“ [Hollie Weatherstone, 30]
The Life Changer
“Just over five years ago I was involved in a rear-end vehicle collision which left me with severe lower back injuries. To cut a long and very painful story short, even after 5 operations and many years of rehab I was only able to regain 80% of the function I had before the accident. After 6 months of being ‘nearly’ normal and knowing that I needed exercise, I celebrated by buying a hardtail mountain bike. I had so much fun riding my local trails but I couldn’t climb a hill for toffee. Every time it got even a little bit steep my back would tense up and I’d be in pain, spoiling my rides. Fast forward 9 months and I was lucky enough to be able to order an eMTB. I went for the 2019 Vitus E-Sommet VRS and what a game changer. Honestly, I went out for my first ride and headed straight for the hill that had defeated me on my hardtail, put it in Eco and thought let’s see how this goes. I wouldn’t say I breezed up, but I managed to climb the hill and was amazed – I was grinning like a kid with a new toy. I did 20km that day and I enjoyed every meter of it. As the ride went on, I tried Trail and then Boost and it just blew me away. I actually had to stop at the top of a hill I had ridden and laugh, and then when I realised what I was now doing I became emotional. I had just climbed a significant hill when a year previously I couldn’t climb the stairs. I am now riding twice, sometimes three times a week and nothing stops me. I’ve been out with mates who ribbed me saying I am bringing my motorbike, but I let them have a go and they are all smiles. For me my EMTB is not just a game changer, it’s a life changer.” [Mark Wells, 44 ]
The Reformed Technophobe
“I must confess to being a bit of a luddite, a technophobe. I drive an old diesel van, heat my house with a wood burning stove and use my phone to actually call people. So eMTBs did not come easy to me. As a life-long biker who has just turned 40, I have come to the understanding that continuing to struggle up hills without a motor is very good for me, keeping my trousers loose and my fitness up. As such, I’m not ready to hang up my un-motorised bike quite yet. However, that’s not to say that I cannot have some fun every now and again, and after experiencing that eMTB smile, I’m now all in. After taking an amazing jump into the world of fatherhood, a new eMTB inevitably arrived in my bike stable. Now everything has changed. Even though I thought I knew every trail in my area, the addition of an eMTB to my bike shed has opened my eyes to a huge network of discovery. Trails that were previously too far away, trails that needed too much climbing to get to, trails that were hard to link into a normal ride. All these trails are now my frequent ‘stolen hours’ playground, for now, riding on my own means stealing ‘father time’ from my new son. I keep fit and healthy now for him, so one day we can ride together. An eMTB lets me keep young, and gives me more precious time with my boy. I would say that I have discovered more in one year on my eMTB than I discovered in the last 10 years without the extended range and climbing capacity of the motor. Yes, sometimes it’s good for the soul to struggle unaided up the hills, but equally, sometimes it just good to throw on a helmet, turn on the motor and grin all the way to the horizon.” [Kevin Wordly, 40]
Why do you ride your eMTB? Do you have an inspiring journey you would like to share? Reach out to us, we would love to hear your story: hello@ebike-mtb.com
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Words: Trev Worsey Photos: divers
