Don't feel guilty or depreciated; You are just getting older.

I am writing this to benefit me and think things through. It may help others in this same situation.

I am using the "granny gear" more to help me when I pedal into the wind or head up the hills.  This is a term that some may not know.  In the photo below, the smallest gear is given this name.  Just by the name, granny gear, it is meant to depict a negative.  I am a  grandparent and I know great grannies that do a lot.  I think you know what I mean. 

Do you see the granny gear in the center? It is small and you use it to spin easily.

 The 3 front gears were on many bikes sold in the last four decades.  I feel embarrassed that I have to use the easier gears now after many years of only using them minimally.  I know that I should not feel this way, but I do; at least until now.  The fact is that as you get older you slow down. The fact that I am still riding is a point to be proud of and celebrate. If there is any competition for me it is against myself.  Yesterday I jumped on my bike and I set a new personal record for one of my regular sections to ride.

This does not look like a fast bike but you never know. Each ride is an adventure.

This is my ebike during a beautiful spring ride.

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I ride for my enjoyment.  I enjoy my rides. I will do what I am capable of doing. I now enjoy the ebike rides a couple of days a week.