John Moss, an 80-year old Korean War veteran, today starts his 2,500-mile journey from Washington State to Ohio on an Easy Motion NEO Jet electric bike.
The cross-country ride is expected to take John until 1st September, with the 350w bike assisting John in completing around 300 miles each week.
Nearing retirement from a family business, Moss began cycling when he was 62. Initially he rode with the support of a cycling adventure company, but more recently solo. He is now an experienced rider, having cycled across North America several times, including through the Yukon to Alaska.
His dream of one more long distance ride starts today, despite a recent injury, this time with the electric bike assisting him to fulfil his dream.
In an interview Moss says “I just do it because I feel like doing it.” Of his BH bike, he says “It rides pretty well, but it has a sensor. You have to be pedaling or it won’t help you.” He adds that he’ll use the assistance in the hills and mountains.
Easy Motion have partnered with retailer Cynergy E-Bikes to assist Moss with his trip: “John Moss will certainly be our long distance champion for e-bike riding,” said Rich Fein, Owner of Cynergy E-Bikes. “We have customers that use Easy Motion bikes for commuting 10-30 miles round trip per day, and the bikes have a range for even longer commutes and for recreational rides. At 300 miles per week, John will be showing that electric bikes are serious transportation for riders and potential riders of any age.”
Easy Motion USA CEO, Steve Lindenau stated “We are pleased John selected Easy Motion for his recovery and entry back into cycling and that he included us with his journey across America. We encourage other cycling enthusiasts to follow his voyage and progress and interact with John on his inspiring adventure.”
Moss sums up: “This ride is a goal and personal challenge. The Jet has the comfort, the power and range I need to complete my trip. The low top tube makes it easy to mount/dismount which is especially important when carrying panniers. The front shocks will make the ride more comfortable, and the straight handlebars offer compromise between an upright and more aggressive position. Disc brakes are better for long downhills and the wet conditions I’ll travel through. A critical feature is that the NEO Jet has regular Shimano Deore gearing and the bicycle rides well, even when the electric assist is turned off or inactive. After adding a rear rack, a mirror and a seat-mounted water bottle holder, I’m literally set to Jet,” said John Moss.
Information on Moss’s progress can be found here.
