I Ride the Cycle Electric is a light-hearted but detailed diary chronicling the cycling experiences of the author - a self-described "middle-aged, out-of-shape, overweight software technologist" - as he re-acquaints himself with the sport on the back on an electric bicycle. Stephens begins with discussing what drew him to considering e-bikes over conventional bicycles, and the pros and cons he weighed prior to moving forward with a purchase. He then "shifts gears" and reviews his riding experiences over the course of two years and 1,300 miles on New Jersey's bike paths and public roads - including rides that become longer and longer with confidence, his first fall, and a near-collision with a "four-legged bicycle seeking missile" (that is, a neighborhood dog).
In his preface to the book, Stephens notes that he does not intend that readers use it as a reference to "the one, true way" for an older, and/or less toned, rider to rediscover cycling. "My hope," he says, "is that my story will give readers their own ideas on how to approach your own specific situations, and inspire you to get those in motion. I hope you enjoy the ride, and that you find the book useful."
In his preface to the book, Stephens notes that he does not intend that readers use it as a reference to "the one, true way" for an older, and/or less toned, rider to rediscover cycling. "My hope," he says, "is that my story will give readers their own ideas on how to approach your own specific situations, and inspire you to get those in motion. I hope you enjoy the ride, and that you find the book useful."
