Hi Margaret, tell us about your Gazelle? Which model do you have and how long have you had it?
I have a Medeo T9 that I’ve owned for 2 years now.
How has owning a Gazelle changed the way you live?
After living in Santa Cruz for more than 40 years, I am now fully appreciating the beauty of this remarkable place. I prefer biking to driving, getting me outside, feeling the air on my face, smelling the scents of each season, hearing the chatter of birds…My decision-making has changed (car versus bike), my preferred exercise has changed (gym versus biking) and more importantly, I’ve learned to let go of my need to have my hair in place….bring on the helmet :). Errands are more fun on a bike, visiting friends is more fun on a bike, going to the beach is more fun on a bike…and I don’t have to pay for parking! My Gazelle has been a game-changer… something I didn’t expect to happen in my 60s. I am so hooked on ebikes that I now own an e-mtb as well and am riding all over the Santa Cruz Mountains. I’m able to accompany my husband and mountain bike-riding friends, tackling single track trails, challenging my body and brain…all the while being filled with complete joy at the towering trees, the green, flower-filled meadows, the endless views of our shimmering, deep blue Pacific that each ride gifts me. This huge shift in my life started with my Gazelle.
Check out our page on California eBike Laws to learn more about riding in California.
How long have you been riding and is this your first ebike?
This is my first ebike. Although I used to ride bikes for many years, I stopped due to neck issues. I’ve had my Gazelle for two years now and my neck is fine.
How do you use your Gazelle–for commuting, errands, fitness, fun–or all of the above? Tell us how you enjoy the ride.
I use my Gazelle for all of the above. As I mentioned in earlier questions, riding my Gazelle is a completely joyful experience.
Have you ever met up to ride with other Gazelle owners?
I haven’t met up with other Gazelle owners but I get a lot of compliments about my bike. I always let people know how my Gazelle has been a game-changer.
What has been your greatest or most memorable adventure with your Gazelle ebike?
When I’d had my Gazelle for a couple of months, I was so excited about riding it, I took it up to the fire trails behind UCSC and Wilder Ranch. I rode it all over, including on some single-track trails. Now that I have an e-mountain bike, I can’t believe I was able to handle the Gazelle on those trails. I spent the spring of 2021 riding with dear friends on Wilder trails, frequently having picnics as we marveled at the wild blue iris, the rivers of purple lupine, the wind-making waves of grass, our experiences deepening our friendships…
