Electric Bike Riders Make History on the Great Allegheny Passage
Seal Beach Pedego store takes 18 electric cyclists, mostly in their 60’s and 70’s, on the adventure of a lifetime
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 7, 2018 — On June 18, 18 electric cyclists will embark on a 350-mile ride over 10 days on the Great Allegheny Passage. Known by cyclists as the “GAP” Trail, this bike path runs between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., covering historic sites, including Harper’s Ferry. The riders, most of whom are 60 to 75 years old, are confident about riding long hours for 10 days because they have the support of their electric bikes from Pedego® Electric Bikes, the Number 1 electric bike brand in the United States. Pedego bikes go up to 60 miles in distance on a single charge at speeds up to 20 miles per hour and enable riders to zoom up hills and through headwinds. The ride is hosted by the Pedego Greater Long Beach (GLB) store, based in Seal Beach, Calif.
In response to the requests of their local Pedego Owners Group (POG) members for a long-distance group ride, Beth Black, 61, and Brian Ballard, 55, the co-owners of Pedego GLB, contacted Dennis Bueker, 73, to organize the ride. A retired teacher and co-founder of the Ride Across California (RAC), Bueker is a Pedego owner himself and has biked most of the nation’s famous Rail Trails, including the GAP Trail, with his team, including his wife, Gwen, 72. They will lead the ride on Pedego electric bikes.
“Our store’s community of Pedego riders is passionate about having fun on their electric bikes,” said Black. “They’ve enjoyed riding around Southern California together and are seeking even greater adventures. Once we announced the GAP trip, it was immediately sold out!”
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Members of the “Wild POGs” congregate at Pedego Greater Long Beach before a 50-mile practice ride.[/caption]
The GAP ride will be the first recorded long-distance Pedego group ride for the national Pedego Owners Group, which has chapters based out of Pedego’s nearly 100 branded stores across the country. Jean Nolan, one of the riders, dubbed their group the “Wild POGs” in a nod to the “Wild Hogs” movie in which a group of friends rode across country on their motorcycles.
In preparation for the long days of riding, the Wild POGs have gone on several 20- to 50-mile practice rides, forming a strong bond of friendship and camaraderie. “We have a wonderful time whenever we ride together,” Nolan said. “We’re very excited to have the adventure of a lifetime riding the GAP Trail.”
Led by Bueker, the GAP Trail riders include Black and Ballard, the Pedego GLB store co-owners, as well as the Wild POGs group:
Members of the “Wild POGs” congregate at Pedego Greater Long Beach before a 50-mile practice ride.[/caption]
The GAP ride will be the first recorded long-distance Pedego group ride for the national Pedego Owners Group, which has chapters based out of Pedego’s nearly 100 branded stores across the country. Jean Nolan, one of the riders, dubbed their group the “Wild POGs” in a nod to the “Wild Hogs” movie in which a group of friends rode across country on their motorcycles.
In preparation for the long days of riding, the Wild POGs have gone on several 20- to 50-mile practice rides, forming a strong bond of friendship and camaraderie. “We have a wonderful time whenever we ride together,” Nolan said. “We’re very excited to have the adventure of a lifetime riding the GAP Trail.”
Led by Bueker, the GAP Trail riders include Black and Ballard, the Pedego GLB store co-owners, as well as the Wild POGs group:
- Joan Kinnon of Cypress is celebrating her 75th birthday on the trip. “We’re proving that age doesn't matter,” she said. Kinnon has no plans to slow down, saying, “Not when I can twist a throttle and zoom!”
- Paula Yonke, 66, of Huntington Beach, is riding with her daughter, Noelle Yonke, 38, of Huntington Beach, who initially introduced her mom to electric bikes with the goal of spending time together.
- Robert and Janet Bill, 61 and 58, respectively, of Lomita, are going for the experience of a lifetime. “We've never done anything like this before,” said Janet. “It’s very exciting.”
- Bob and Jean Nolan, 63 and 61, respectively, of Fountain Valley, purchased their Pedego bikes this year upon moving to Southern California. “Through riding Pedego bikes, we’ve developed a group of devoted friends,” Jean said.
- John and Jo Ann Bramble, 72 and 69, respectively, of Downey, are athletes who recently began riding electric bikes so they can ride longer, farther and faster.
- Chris and Dana Glidden, 67 and 59, respectively, of Buena Park, enjoy taking long-distance rides around Southern California yet yearned for adventure with new scenery. “The GAP ride is our first long-distance ride in a new location,” Chris said.
- Doug and Freda Otto, 69 and 70, respectively, of Long Beach, are a busy couple who enjoy the time they spend together on the bikes. “With electric bikes, we can ride together, even if one of us is a stronger cyclist,” Freda said.
- Laura Maydahl and Alice Kuchinskas, both 62, of San Juan Capistrano, are eager to head for Pittsburgh. “You can go places and see more sites by electric bike than you can from a car, by foot or regular pedal bike,” Laura said.
