Last year I bought myself an electric, pedal assist, bicycle. I pre-empted lockdown and boy, was I glad I had. I could still get out and about, exercise and enjoy the freedom of the great Yorkshire countryside. At the time, I fancied a classic dutch style bike and fell in love with the Volt Kensington bike pictured below.
The battery is supposed to last for 60miles, which i presume is on the low setting. There are five different levels and are pretty good, obviously you still have to pedal, which is why its actually called “pedal assist”. The motor is in the mid section of the bike, as this is more effective than on the rear hub. The motor kicks in at each power mode, when the three sensors measure the rider’s pedal power, cadence and speed over 1,000 times per second. This facilitates an organic interplay between you and your eBike.
I’ve been going out regularly, about every other day, unless the weather is foul. To start with I was doing 10mile each time, then upped it to 15ish then 20. I then managed to do 44 miles, but its averaged out at about 20 to 30 miles. Ive explored loads of areas around Bramhope, the Chevin, Otley,Ilkley, Bolton Abbey, Wetherby, Harrogate and had a great time on a ride in the Dalby Forest.
It wasn’t winter that halted the progress but a broken ankle. The occurred coming down off Ilkley Moor not riding but pushing my bike!! Just when I was getting really into it. So I’m now using the time to relive it all on my blog.
ALMSCLIFFE CRAG CIRCULAR
So this one goes from Adel church , Eccup Lane, past the New Inn, down to Weardly and hit the A659 to Harewood, on meeting the A61 to Harrogate turn left, over the River Wharfe and next left towards Dunkeswick. Lovely quiet country roads to Weeton. Arrive at the junction of Harrogate Road and cross almost straight over onto Gravelly Hill Lane. Again lovely quiet country lanes. Turn right onto the Sleights, at Crag Lane turn left onto Merrybank Lane. Along here you will come across Almscliffe Crag. Here is a good mid way stopping point. Continue along the road to Stainburn and onwards to Leathley. By the church hall turn right along this road until the left turning onto Cinder Lane. Going down this lane you will see the farmhouse, ahead and on right, that was used for many years as Emmerdale farm. Cross over the River Washburn and eventually meet the B6451 at Farnley by All Saints church. Turn left onto Farnley Lane towards Pool in Wharefdale. Turn right after crossing the bridge. At Harrogate road turn right onto the main Harrogate road until the roundabout at Pool. Here take a left through Arthington. Turn right after going under the railway bridge onto Creskeld Lane. There is a big hill here and I have to admit I needed my pedal assist on the highest setting. At the top turn left to Bramhope, which meets the A660 and home.