Performance Cycles has an outrageous sale going on right now on the Schwinn Tailwind electric assist bikes, which are normally around $2,500, and they have them on sale for $995. On Sunday, five days ago, I went to Performance to see the bike and I fell in love with it on sight. It is elegant in styling, has fenders, a battery that recharges in 40 minutes rather than four hours, 8 gears with an easy shifter, head and rear tail lights, front suspension forks, and great build quality. I asked why it was so cheap, the sales guy said, "We bought too many of them, they aren't selling that well, so we're moving them." They moved one right to me.

I came very, very close to buying a $2,200 Trek Valencia+ a few days before I found the tailwind. Wow, am I glad I waited.

I've started riding the bike and the electric assist makes it possible to climb the hills near my house. I had twin knee surgery two years ago, not replacement but cartilage, so it is vital that I not re-injure my knees. I'm 53 too, so time is telling on my knees anyway.

I'm just thrilled I found the bike. For the power to come on, you must pedal - it is not a moped, it assists your pedaling only - and I'm working up to commuting 10 miles each way.

Today I rode into work - halfway, the flat part, but still it was five miles. My wife dropped me off. That's 250 calories burned and it felt like it.

Then I rode back from work the same distance, another 250 calories. But it was also such a beautiful day to be on a bike to be riding along a river. My.

My knees are quite sore today which is disappointing, if not surprising. It will take a month or more - seems to me - to build up my riding strength.