SpokEasy

September 2020

On the Equator

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

On the Equator 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.” Want to stand on the equator? Maybe a bicycle ride in Kenya would suit you. But before I began such a trip, I’d like to know this: if I stood on that imaginary dividing line; and looked up at the night sky; would I be able to see both the Little Dipper and the Southern Cross? In theory, at least. I asked my brother-in-law, who is an astronomy buff. He says, yes! Where in Kenya would I like to ride? Coastal Kenya has a tropical climate. For me, the very word “tropical” elicits inward groans. It sounds too much like Summer at home: hot; humid; and oppressive. As you move inland from Kenya’s coast, the climate becomes more arid. I think I’d want an extra-large Camel-Bak if I were to ride there! And there are many routes to ride in Kenya. The Limuru route sounds attractive to me in at least one way: few cars! Not so attractive: in some months it can be foggy. If you wear glasses, take along some anti-fog spray. Visit during the drier months if fog would be too much of a problem.  The Diani route lets you visit Kenya’s southern coast. Enjoy riding the village roads and meeting the people there. For Muringato to Nyeri Hill, you’ll probably want a mountain bike. Not all the road is paved; and this short trail includes a steep climb! If mention of Kenya evokes thoughts of Christopher Froome (aka Froomey), you’re not alone. I wonder whether he ever took a ride on the equator. 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 Getting Wild December 14, 2023 Sooner or Later December 13, 2023 Quantum Leap December 12, 2023 Afternoon Ride? December 11, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Twisted Tongue

BACK ISSUES /

A twisted tongue? Sometimes I think I have one. I don\’t mean the tongue twisters that were popular when I was a kid; for example, \”Still the sinking steamer sank.\” That one often morphed into: \”Still the stinking seamer stank.\” Over the years, however, I\’ve seen that studying a foreign language will eventually impact one\’s mother tongue. I got the chance to start learning German as a college sophomore. In between what formal courses I could fit into my schedule, I kept it up on my own. So here I am, many years later. I\’m always thinking \”neun\” (rhymes roughly with \”coin\”) for the numeral between 8 and 10; and \”Dezember\” (think DETS-ember) for the final month of the calendar year. Then there are those bars called Kind. I look at that word and out it pops with a short \”I\”; the German word for \”child\”. Most people say it with long \”I\”, to rhyme with \”mind\”. I\’m not the only one whose tongue does strange things. There\’s Mrs. Malaprop; and the Reverend Spooner. I wonder what those two might come up with when discussing bicycles! For that matter, I should be glad that I have a twisted tongue, and not twisted legs. Twisted legs would make cycling hard, indeed. But for some fun on the next long ride, how about practicing those tongue twisters to help the miles fly past? Still the sinking … How did that go, again?

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