SpokEasy

November 2019

Cycle Lappland

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Cycle Lappland Cycle Lappland?? Lappland somehow makes me think of perpetual Winter; reindeer; and the endless glow of the Northern Lights. How easy it is to forget that, even at such high latitudes, there is Summer. Lappland also makes me think of the northernmost reaches of Scandinavia, such as Finland. Thanks to Sibelius, I’d like a route that included Karelia. If not for the composer’s Karelia Suite, though, I might not have heard of the place! I think it would be interesting to actually visit Karelia. Finland isn’t all snowy wastelands. If riding over snow isn’t your thing, Finland has its warm season. June might be OK; but July is the warmest time of year, with temperatures of 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s not my idea of “warm”, but as they say, all things are relative. Winter in Finland brings temperatures at or below freezing much of the time, with February typically the coldest month. If you love to make tracks in the snow, that might be the time for you grab a fat-tire bike and plan your visit. Naturally Finland has its downside; what place doesn’t? But those landscapes! It would be great to Cycle Lappland and really enjoy them — and “Finnish” under the aurora borealis! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Summer in January January 12, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Yoga for Cyclists

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Yoga is said to be helpful for cyclists. It helps improve posture. It helps to stretch out muscles when they\’ve become stiff through many miles in the saddle. Thus yoga improves our flexibility, making those long miles more comfortable. Yoga can even help with injury prevention. Here are seven yoga moves for cyclists. Each one is designed to target specific areas of the body, and either work muscles in a manner that is opposite to the way they\’re used while riding; or, to strengthen those muscles so that they work better while cycling. Yoga is also known for both improving mental focus and calming the mind, like viewing a landscape such as the one at left. I don\’t suppose that many of us have such a view before our doorsteps; and how many of us can afford to travel to such beauty spots on a whim? Yoga, I suppose, might be called a passport to such tranquility. I have yet to try yoga. I don\’t want to go to a yoga studio only to be driven out by others\’ \”fragrances\”. Even if it weren\’t for that, the stress of trying to fit yoga sessions in around everything else would undo any benefits I got from the yoga!  

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Watt to Do?

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\”Watt\” to do with all the wattage generated by the pro peloton, if only it were possible to harness it? Look at the Tour de France. Nearly 200 very strong riders pedaling for up to five hours a day, for three weeks, means a lot of power! I could use it to help heat my apartment during this cold weather. In Summer, I\’d use it to cool the place. I could use some to run my laptop. If I could find a way to hook it up to a gas range, it could cook my supper, I might use some of it to get to out-of-state riding locations, such as the Natchez Trace. Or head for the Seagull Century on coastal Maryland. Best of all would be if I could miraculously put that power into my own legs, for some long, fast rides! I\’d have no trouble cranking out a couple of centuries. I might improve my climbing ability. And watt would you do with all those watts?

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Off the Beaten Path

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Off the Beaten Path It’s fun to get off the beaten path now and then! Let’s get off the beaten path for a change! Sometimes we want a break from the same old roads. Riding the same routes over and over again can get too monotonous. They say it helps to do your accustomed routes in reverse now and then; but unfortunately that isn’t possible for me. And what if you want a big-time break from the norm? Backroads can help you to go exploring by bike or on foot. It seems that their tours are enjoyable. Maybe the California options? Biking in the valleys sounds like fun, but I think I’ll skip the wine-tasting. I’d rather eat the grapes. For something big-time different, how about Africa? If organized tours aren’t your thing, maybe you’d want to tackle the Dirty Kanza. Or Moab. Sometimes I wish I could work my way up to trying, but I 1) don’t have a mountain bike; and 2) don’t have a way to get to either Kansas or Utah. In addition, aren’t both those areas quite arid? That might pose a big problem for me; I’m used to humidity. If you want to have an adventure where there’s no path at all, this account of a water trip around the coast of Ireland might get you started. Talk about going off the beaten path! As for me, the old beaten path is all I have close at hand. I’d better be glad I have it.

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Dementia?

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Am I suffering from dementia? Last Thursday I forgot to light the candles to celebrate ten years of cycling. Then this morning, I forgot to put on my sunglasses until I got outside. I had to go back in and get them. Today I did just 19 miles. I need to work my way back up to 35-40 mile rides on Sundays, but that will probably take at least a couple of months. It\’s amazing how much fitness I\’ve lost! It took three weeks for that pulled hamstring to get back to normal. While riding short and easy during that period, I realized that it was the perfect time to work at correcting my left ankle\’s hyperflexion habit. I\’m not even sure how I got into it. Maybe at one point, years ago, I strained a quad muscle, and pedaling with that ankle stretched down and forward was what let me keep riding. Luckily there was little wind today. The sun was out. When I started my ride, the temperature would have been close to 50. I didn\’t get overheated, so I guess I wasn\’t wearing too many layers. For practice in riding \”loaded\”, I wore the Camel-Bak. It looks like the weather will be favorable for riding during the coming week. Cold mornings, yes, but low chances of rain. I\’m glad of that. Cold + rain makes my brain feel too sluggish. Cyclist\’s dementia?    

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Cycling and Back Pain

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Cycling and back pain? It seems like aching quads and overworked hamstrings are more likely, doesn\’t it? Yet cycling can have its share of back problems. A number of things might cause it. If there is no intrinsic biological problem that would cause back pain on the bike, improper bike fit might easily be the cause. It’s well worth the time and cost to get a good bike fit, such as Specialized Body Geometry. As the saying goes, adjust the bike to fit your body; don\’t force your body to fit the bike. Posture is another factor, whether on the bicycle or not. Many of our daily activities are not conducive to good posture. Another possible culprit is poor flexibility. Lack of core strength can also lead to back pain. A misaligned spine, too, can be behind an aching back. Check out your riding style. Trying to push gears too hard for your strength level can adversely affect the back, especially trying to climb in too hard a gear. Pushing too hard a gear is also putting yourself at risk for knee problems. Prevention, of course, is the best cure. And what about riding with a loaded Camel-Bak on your, well, back? It\’s not only the reservoir full of water; to that weight you can add anything else you choose to take along, such as food or an extra jacket. Work up to it, as with so many other things. Don\’t wait to use said loaded Camel-Bak on the day of a major event. The unaccustomed load could lead to cycling and back pain. And now, I\’d like to get back on the bike!  

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Shame on Us?

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Shame on us? Why? Are we cyclists included in the \”naughty pups\” column on this list of Santa\’s? Granfondoguide.com (not secure) gives ten reasons why cyclists are bad for the economy: We drive less than other folks, and don\’t buy cars as often. Ha! Who\’s got the money to pay for a car sitting around? We also buy less gasoline. That stuff\’\’s expensive, and it doesn\’t smell good. When it\’s burned in internal-combustion engines, it gives off nasty fumes. We make less use of garages and car washes. Of course I don\’t use garages and car washes. I don\’t have a car! Car washes are a waste of water, too. We make fewer payments for parking the car. See number 3. We don\’t get obese. I bet I\’d weigh more than I do if I didn\’t ride a bicycle. We shell out less for healthcare. Maybe some of us cyclists do. I\’ve got a genetic nervous system disorder that has to be monitored. We spend less on prescriptions. See number 6. We do rides to raise funds for good causes. Tour de Cure! Bike MS, to name only two. We\’re more apt to shop locally. I think that\’s a natural outcome of relying on a bicycle for transportation. Admittedly it does limit our range, and the amount of stuff we can haul home. Panniers carry only so  much. We consume less, and thus don\’t put as much into the GDP.  Hey, don\’t expect me to spend more than I can afford! OK, shame on us for being bad for the economy. Maybe that will get us all a stocking full of coal for Xmas. But that would be bad for the environment!

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The Maple Leaf

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The Maple Leaf This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Say, “maple leaf”, and I’m likely to think of  the Joplin rag before anything else. And I think of maple syrup! It also conjures up images of our neighbor to the North; namely, Canada. Here are ten possibilities in what I might call “The Land of the Maple Leaf”. The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail covers more than 3600 kilometers (about 2237 miles). Numerous communities, including First Nations, are on this route. You’ll pass many parks and other natural areas. This trail is fully signed. Perhaps you would enjoy Quebec’s Route Verte, which includes the Whale Trail. As you pedal along the Saint Lawrence River, you just might catch a glimpse of humpback whales! The Cabot Trail of Nova Scotia apparently has some pretty stiff climbing, but some great scenery; woodland and marine alike. The Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island sounds like it would be right up my alley. It was build on abandoned railway beds. Sounds like Rails to Trails! How about Newfoundland’s Viking Trail? This one is not for the faint-hearted; it’s rugged, but the scenery looks great! The Yukon is a place I associate with dogsleds and prospecting for gold; not bicycling. You could put in some lo-o-o-ng days if you go there in Summer! If downhill is your cup of tea, try British Columbia’s Kootenay Rockies. Grab that MTB and head North! You could head to Alberta and ride the Parkway for glacier-watching. Or you might pedal through the prairies of Saskatchewan. Or how about Manitoba’s Duck Mountain Provincial Park? Cycling trails there are marked at the head according to level of difficulty. Wow, that’s quite a list. Would this be an “inn-to-inn” style trips? Self-supported, with panniers and all? It’s a lot to consider; but Canada is a big country! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Quantum Leap December 12, 2023 Afternoon Ride? December 11, 2023 Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Cherry Blossom Land

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Cherry Blossom Land Cherry Blossom Land would be a beautiful place for bicycling when the cherry trees are in bloom, don’t you think? Japan, like any country, has quite a variety of cycling trips to choose from.  I’m sure I would have a difficult time deciding which one to take. There are trips for families, with activities that can be enjoyed by ages 5 through 80. They combine cycling with swimming, birding, and more! For a really young one, consider a Copilot Child Carrier. If you want to escape cities, there’s the Eastern Hokkaido Lakes & Coast tour. See virgin taiga; calderas; and a beautiful coastline during this loop. June through September is the best time for this tour; but you’ll need to get your climbing legs ready! Are e-bikes are your preferred mode of cycling? How about a tour especially for e-bikes? Ride through the Setouchi region of diverse landscapes; hot springs; and delicious food. For cyclists who prefer to go it on their own, there’s the Kyoto to the Coast self-guided tour. Ride through areas rich in heritage; and enjoy wonderful cuisine! Cherry Blossom Land has a lot to offer cyclists. Just be sure to read up on any restrictions before you go. ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL ¡Feliz Navidad! December 22, 2023 Joyeux Noël! December 21, 2023 Fröhliche Weihnachten! December 20, 2023 Christmas Past December 20, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Neapolitan

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\”Neapolitan\” reminds me of ice cream. But how about revisiting Italy for a bicycle tour of that city on the Bay? Naples by bicycle can mean several things, as is true of so many cycling destinations. Want a flat path? Head for the waterfront in the city\’s center.  If you like the sea, perhaps the Riviera di Chiaia would be more to your liking. There are uphill rides for the climber; \”green\” rides for the nature lover. The usual cautions apply: if riding near traffic isn\’t your thing, seek routes with less traffic, or plan your outings for hours when there will be fewer cars. Of course there\’s staying safe; in addition other possible risks there\’s the chance, however small, that Vesuvius will decide to let loose! For the lover of ancient history, plan a side trip to Pompeii or Herculaneum.  Hop on the Circumvesuviana Train and head to the famous ruins. If your interests lean toward volcanology/geology, visit Mount Vesuvius itself. I\’m not sure I\’d want to try to ride a bicycle up the side of Vesuvius; and it sounds as if the funicular railway no longer exists. Evidently such a ride is possible, but it apparently takes terrific legs and lungs! Well, one never knows. I can daydream about cycling up Vesuvius while I\’m chowing down on Neapolitan ice cream.

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