first time her

[chris roth]

Hello Chris & Gail here
We have been riding since we got married which will be 54 years next month. Ten years ago this jcoming jan 27 th I was in the hospital for a test and as soon as I got in the room I had a massive heart attack. Doctors couldn't reeve me with the paddles and last resort I had a injection directly into my heart which brought me back. I had the symptoms but ignored them . Triple bypass next morning . I was called a medical marvel by the doctors after surgery, The good Lord is the only reason I made it. Just wanted to put this out their for anyone who ever has something You feel is not right; take it seriouse and get checked out,
A couple years after surgery I ended up buying a E-Bike as I was struggling doing all the hills wear we live. A few years later my wife got hers because of an old knee surgery. In the last four years now I,m up to almost 7000 miles and Gail my wife at almost 8000 miles. We have traveled around to several states with our peddle assist Trek bikes.
This is finally wear my question comes. We are wanting to go to Minnesota next year as it is our only state we haven't traveled to yet and seems to have some really great rail trails. I've been told though that the fly's and bugs can be a problem, Any help on the best time's spring or fall would be to bike ride I would appreciate the info.
Sorry for such a long tread, Thank You all and remember God is great,

[fnfunkin]

It is incredible to see how e-biking has helped you stay active and reach nearly 50 states together after such a major health scare. As a newcomer to rail trails, I would love to know which of your previous trips offered the most scenic paths for pedal-assist bikes.

[Flowrider]

That's an amazing story! The beauty of eBikes. Apparently, 60% of riders wouldn't be riding if it weren't for eBikes.

I'm sorry I can't help you with Minnesota as I live in Queensland, Australia

[enkei]

Welcome to the forums!

Having lived in the Midwest myself decades ago, I do not miss the bugs!!!

[Flowrider]

Gday @fnfunkin Great to have you on here! Have fun checking out the great info on the site.

Be neat to find out a little more about you

[Jesper]

(01-21-2026, 10:17 PM)fnfunkin Wrote:  It is incredible to see how e-biking has helped you stay active and reach nearly 50 states together after such a major health scare. As a newcomer to rail trails, I would love to know which of your previous trips offered the most scenic paths for pedal-assist bikes.

Florida has many hundreds of miles of paved cycling trails if you want smooth riding; both coastal and in interior sections. Some are quite nice regarding condition, others suffer from more bumps due to trees roots emerging/growing. I prefer bumpy trails due to providing a more intense cycling experience and it keeps ebikers from flying along at improper speeds. Most of the trails are limited to 20mph; but ebikers are ruining them for regular cyclists, hikers, skaters, horses, etc. by running around 30mph or more (primarily by ebikers using the trails for commuting). The bumps stop that from happening as often. Plenty of off-road trails with far less ebikes; but the off-road ebikers go a lot slower so a better experience for all comers. You should not dismiss riding on country roads (in any state); low traffic, quite often well shaded, well maintained in general.

[meamoantonio]

wow this is truly inspiring, I pray that I too would be riding with my wife 54 years into our marriage, thank you for sharing this

[GirishH]

@chris roth, what an inspiring story. Keep riding and keep inspiring the younger generation—and those who don’t yet realize what a blessing it is to be alive and healthy.
I lived in the Boston area, and bug season was something we dreaded but rarely avoided. I loved hiking, even when bugs swarmed everywhere. I had one hiking shirt that stayed stained with bug blood for the rest of its life. Bugs were tolerable but not too bad..

Did you end up going to Minnesota? If yes, how was it? I hope you and Gail had a great time.

Take care and stay healthy.

(08-21-2025, 09:38 PM)chris roth Wrote:  Hello Chris & Gail here
We have been riding since we got married which will be 54 years next month. Ten years ago this jcoming jan 27 th I was in the hospital for a test and as soon as I got in the room I had a massive heart attack. Doctors couldn't reeve me with the paddles and last resort I had a injection directly into my heart which brought me back. I had the symptoms but ignored them . Triple bypass next morning . I was called a medical marvel by the doctors after surgery, The good Lord is the only reason I made it. Just wanted to put this out their for anyone who ever has something You feel is not right; take it seriouse and get checked out,
A couple years after surgery I ended up buying a E-Bike as I was struggling doing all the hills wear we live. A few years later my wife got hers because of an old knee surgery. In the last four years now I,m up to almost 7000 miles and Gail my wife at almost 8000 miles. We have traveled around to several states with our peddle assist Trek bikes.
This is finally wear my question comes. We are wanting to go to Minnesota next year as it is our only state we haven't traveled to yet and seems to have some really great rail trails. I've been told though that the fly's and bugs can be a problem, Any help on the best time's spring or fall would be to bike ride I would appreciate the info.
Sorry for such a long tread, Thank You all and remember God is great,