Two Riders, One Ride, and So Much Gratitude

Thanks to all you amazing, glorious supporters for helping us build a little quality of life while navigating the wild ride that is Lewy.

This next part? It wouldn’t have been possible without you.

Our uncertain housing situation still hangs over us, but lately… we’ve been joyfully distracted:

Today, for the first time in a long time, we were back on the road—together.

Last Wednesday, I went for a sunrise hike and told James I’d need to jump on my bike and ride to work when I got back. Meanwhile, James had been patiently waiting for the rain to stop, eyeing his new recumbent e-bike like a dog at the door. When the skies finally cleared, I still didn’t have time for a relaxed, first spin with him.

So when I walked in and saw him all geared up, ready to roll with me on my 8-mile commute to San Rafael… I panicked. I was already late. I wanted to say, “This isn’t the time. Let’s wait for Friday when we can ride west, not straight into rush hour.”

I wanted his first ride to feel good. Safe. Encouraging. But it’s a tricky balance—supporting James’ independence while also living with my very real fears about what could go wrong. Especially on a totally new and unfamiliar bike.

I had to talk myself through it: Let him try. Let go a little.
I even asked myself: What would Coby do?
The answer: He’d hand him the key.

So I did.

Of course, my nerves came roaring back when I called and got no answer. But then I checked his phone location… and saw he was chillin’ at the brewery in Fairfax—after picking up his meds in San Anselmo.

He did it.

Later that day, during our “ride debrief,” James admitted it got sketchy—especially descending Whites Hill—but he made it. A little rattled, but proud. He faced the unknown and did the thing.

And then came today.
We finally did our first real ride together—out west, to Point Reyes Station—and it was absolutely dreamy.

The bike got muddy. We wore matching grins. The sun showed up just for us.

Ride stats (for the data nerds among us):

  • Battery usage: 47%

  • Ride time: 2 hours 16 minutes

  • Distance: 21.6 miles

  • Elevation gain: about 900 feet

We’re realizing we’ll need a second battery if we want to go longer and farther (Mt. Tam, here we come!). And a few comfort tweaks will help James ride with even more confidence and joy.

But again—we’re here because of you.
Your support made this freedom, this joy, this moment possible.

Check out and ride with us with this little youtub I created: https://youtu.be/LFRIYYJzUH8?si=4JqD8eGcI4Q7ICRq



Keep pouring in the love. It’s working.

With full hearts and muddy tires,
James and Margit

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