SpokEasy

November 2019

Another Kind of Training?

Another Kind of Training is what I call it when my route is blocked by, well, a train. It has me grumbling about \”I-hate-trains\”. On the way home from the salvage store, my usual crossing was blocked by a train that was simply sitting there. If only it had moved forward by the length of six cars, the crossing would have been clear. There was no telling when the train might start moving again, and I had some things that needed to be gotten into the fridge. On top of that, the breeze was chilly, and I didn\’t want to stand around in it. I was forced to take a detour to get home. At least I can be glad it wasn\’t raining. But I did get to the salvage store. I didn\’t use the trailer this time; my legs aren\’t ready for it quite yet. I still got a decent haul using the trunk and panniers. Of course I hit the store\’s make-your-own-grab-bag bins. I managed to fit 38 items into a large bag. All those snacks for five bucks! That boils down to a little over 13 cents per item, and some of them normally cost $1.29 or more. The store\’s lack of produce didn\’t matter this time; I still have bananas and carrots and apples from last week\’s trip to a regular supermarket. I found some things that I hope will make good ride food. I\’m so glad I found that store. But it sure wasn\’t fun riding home against the wind! I ought to think of it as another kind of training.

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Setbacks

Setbacks are something we normally see as negative. After months of working so hard to improve, our progress suddenly stalls. At that point, training even harder might be instinctive; but counterproductive. We even seem to regress, and it\’s very frustrating. Maybe we have to learn to accept setbacks? Sometimes we have to back off for a while; even take some time off. I, for one, don\’t like to lose ride time. My legs love to move! But at least I\’m not in training for important competitive events, so losing a little conditioning wouldn\’t be a disaster. Turning the clocks back an hour when Daylight Saving ends is one setback that I welcome. Yes, it means that it gets dark earlier, but I prefer that to the start of Daylight Saving time in the Spring. It stays light too late for me! It looks earlier than it is, making it difficult for me to start getting ready for bed on time. Losing that hour makes me feel jet-lagged for at least a few days, and who needs that? In addition, Daylight Time begins just when it\’s starting to look like morning at 6 am. Then it goes back to being still dark when I get back from my jaunt on the road bike. So I\’m looking forward to setting those clocks back tomorrow night.  

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Bike the Florida Keys

Bike the Florida Keys 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.” Bike the Florida Keys! Combine your love for cycling with your love for the water and the outdoors!   Senior Cycling offers a number of bicycle tours. They sound like fun; but there’s one big precaution. Be sure there isn’t a hurricane prowling around! That could wreck your ride in a hurry. Distance-wise, the tours seem easy; and the terrain is mostly flat. I think I’d like to bike the Florida Keys!  I suppose these tours are held in January to minimize the chances that a hurricane will interfere with them. In addition, holding such a tour in Summer would very likely present a serious chance that riders will suffer from heat-related illnesses. These tours are aimed at older riders, after all, who may be suffering from chronic conditions as diabetes. SAG support is included, which might mean that bottles of water will be available. Even so, I would be sure to bring my Camel-Bak. Then I could be more sure that I wouldn’t run out of water. The description of Bike the Florida Keys doesn’t seem to say anything about wind conditions. I checked Google, and it says that the wind in the Keys is usually “calm”; maybe a bit over 9 mph. That’s not exactly my idea of calm, but all the same it’s not bad. This is yet another “maybe someday” ride. If I ever get to bike the Florida Keys, let’s hope I don’t get so keyed up with excitement that I crash. 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 about Some Joplin? June 12, 2024 Blast Furnace Time June 11, 2024 RAGBRAI for Seniors June 10, 2024 RAGBRAI and Heat June 9, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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