Want to take your e-biking to another level? How about another continent?
MeloYelo customer Andy Hamilton has recently returned home from an incredible trip to Europe where he enjoyed several days of self-guided e-bike tours. While he didn’t have his MeloYelo Tranzit in Europe with him, his e-biking journey all started with us, and continues to this day with regular weekly group rides.
Here’s a bit more of Andy’s story, and some encouragement for those thinking of doing similar!
What made you decide to take up e-biking?
When I retired in June 2022 and with the time to do so, cycling was something I had planned to do in my retirement. And e-biking made it easy/pleasurable.
What made you decide on a MeloYelo e-bike?
My sister had bought a MeloYelo, and recommended MeloYelo to me. And buying through MeloYelo direct with Emma (Hutt Valley agent), rather than through a shop, appealed.
What is your favourite thing about riding an e-bike?
It is so easy to go long distances eg 60-70km on a ride and not feel exhausted after. Plus, cycling up hills and into winds can be coped with.
What has been your favourite ride in New Zealand so far?
My last ride last Wednesday on my weekly group ride down to Petone, along the foreshore and around the bays to Eastbourne, and back to starting point/Avalon Park. While a bit cool, it was a glorious blue sky day with Wellington Harbour a picture. The Harbour rivalled anything I saw overseas.
What made you decide to go on an e-bike tour in Europe?
I have been to Europe a number of times. And now I am e-biking and know how good it is, I decided it would be good to do a couple of self guided e-bike tours.
What was your favourite experience while in Europe?
Bike-wise, day 5 of the Danube ride. Such a lovely ride on a lovely day, and especially after day 4 when it rained the whole ride. Non bike-wise, attending three football games at the London Stadium of my beloved West Ham United. I had not been in the Stadium before/seen them play there.
Any tips for other MeloYelo customers who might be inspired to follow in your footsteps?
Check out cycling tours around Europe (eg UK, France, Germany/Austria). Get out there, take the plunge, and do it. Also pay the extra and hire an e-bike, especially for a ride like the Cotswolds where you are cycling in rolling countryside.
Any further e-biking adventures planned / on your bucket list?
More cycles around NZ. And, if I get back to Europe (hoping so), continue the Danube cycle going from Vienna to Budapest.
