My Tangent E‑Bike Journey: 5,300 Kilometers and Counting

How It All Began: My Treeosix Test‑Drive

My first taste of e‑biking was a Treeosix rental at Cypress Hills — one effortless ride up the Mickey Mouse Hills was all it took to know I needed one of my own.

Eager to make it happen, I wandered into our local Canadian Tire in Swift Current and walked out with a Tangent ebike in August 2022. About a month later, we picked up a second e‑bike for my wife—quickly turning solo rides into shared adventures. These days I enjoy the best of both worlds: solo rides where I can set my own pace and explore new routes, and energizing outings where we cruise streets and trails together.

To make it easier to explore beyond our doorstep, I also bought a Raleigh e‑bike carrier that can be attached to our Ford Escape, F‑150, or RV trailer with a reinforced hitch—giving us the freedom to bring the bikes anywhere our travels take us.

Key Features of My Tangent E‑Bike

Hitting the 5,300 km Milestone

I rolled past the 5,300 km mark on my Tangent e‑bike this month — an odometer moment that gives me a real feeling of accomplishment. This would no doubt be more kilometers than all of the other bicycles I have ever had and the first I actually wore the treads off the tire, and a bike that I take a priority in caring for.

Riding Style, Power Use, and Fitness

While some people say e‑bikes are way easier than regular bikes, it really depends on how you ride. If you rely heavily on the motor and do little pedaling, an e‑bike can feel like a leisurely glide. But that’s not why I bought mine.

At 61 years old, I’m not an aggressive athlete, but I’m committed to staying in the best shape I can. I ride regularly, using just enough power to maintain a steady effort so I can keep moving without frequent stops. This approach stretches my battery range to between 100 and 110 km per charge—something my battery simply couldn’t achieve if I leaned too hard on the motor.

Memorable Routes — My Favorites

These are the rides that are my favorites and most frequently travelled:

• Riding the trails at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park—our absolute favorite type of riding—surrounded by rolling hills and forest air.

• Cruising paths in Swift Current and Medicine Hat together for a change of scenery.

• Enjoying the paved portions of the Kiaskus Trail and leisurely spins through the streets of Gull Lake.

• Taking in the open views along the Gull Lake Bypass.

• Solo trips south of Gull Lake to String Butte Road for wide‑open prairie riding.

• Solo longer treks to Swift Current, Antelope Lake Regional Park, Tompkins, and Shaunavon, each with their own unique character and challenges

No matter the distance or destination, trail riding will always be what I enjoy the most on every trip.

Remember Before You Ride

• Consistent tire pressure checks extend tire life and improves your ride and distance you can travel.

• Carrying a mini toolkit and spare tube turns flats into nothing more than a quick pit stop.

Maintenance Routine

1. Clean and lube the chain every 300–400 km.

2. Check tire pressure before every long ride.

3. Inspect brake pads monthly for uneven wear.

Keeping up this routine has keeps my Tangent running smoothly.

Exploring New Trails & Purchasing a New Battery

As I prepare for the next stretch of adventures, I’m looking forward to:

• Discovering new trails both near home and farther afield.

• Purchasing a new battery to extend range and flexibility on longer rides

With every ride, I’m reminded how much cycling adds to my days. The journeys so far have been rewarding, but what excites me most is knowing there are still plenty of roads, trails, and quiet paths waiting to be explored. I look forward to the rides ahead—each one another opportunity to see more, go farther, and enjoy the freedom my Tangent e‑bike offers.

Blake Campbell