SpokEasy

January 2023

Tedium

BACK ISSUES /

TEDIUM This convalescent stage sure is tedium. I can’t do much because my hand simply isn’t ready yet; but sitting around binge-watching YouTube videos is turning my brain to mush. Or is the problem a short attention span? Today I didn’t even go to pedal a WattBike®. Sometimes I just don’t feel like it; and yesterday I must have put in some three miles’ walking, besides. And for a fact, using road bike pedals like platform pedals isn’t comfortable. I’d better get over there tomorrow, though! This tedium is part of the reason why I splurged on Chinese food for lunch. I ate in rather than get take-out. My hand isn’t ready to assist in carrying a full box of food six tenths of a mile; but the leftovers fit into a small box. That was much easier to carry; and it’s tonight’s supper. Last night I tried to pump up the road bike’s tires one-handed. I managed to get the pump’s nozzle onto the valve; but couldn’t work the pump with one hand. Argh! I can’t wait to get my hand back!! The weather is crazy. It’s almost 70 degrees this afternoon; and it’s still January! Fog again tonight; and Thursday night it’s supposed to fall to the 40s. Which season is it? Should I put the jacket away; or not?  I guess I’ll want the jacket Friday. Meanwhile, I guess I’ll watch some more videos about the Bermuda Triangle.    

Tedium Read More »

Viribus Adult E-Trike

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Viribus Adult E-Trike This Viribus Adult E-Trike is a boon to riders needing a boost. Or, its 36V 10Ah lithium battery can be removed; and you can ride on muscle power alone. The roomy rear basket is great for bringing home a load of groceries; or for taking a picnic lunch to the local park. All three wheels have brakes for safe stopping; and the saddle height can be adjusted for different-sized riders. With battery use, the Viribus Adult E-Trike can attain a speed of 15.5 mph; and it has a range of up to 21.7 miles per battery charge. This item is shipped in two separate packages; these may nor arrive at the same time. Product of the USA. 24″ wheels: $895.99; colors: black or white 26″: wheels: $935.99 (black); $895.99 (white)

Viribus Adult E-Trike Read More »

Fitness Tracker Smart Watch

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Fitness Tracker Smart Watch The Fitness Tracker Smart Watch is great for many activities! Cycling, of course; but also for running; mountain-climbing; and even yoga. Fitness Tracker Smart Watch has a large, easily read touchscreen; and is compatible with many cell phones. You can keep track of your heart rate; oxygen levels; and more! This tracker can be used by people of most ages. Battery charges fully in two hours; and lasts up to 14 days on standby. Assorted colors available. Made in China. $49.99  

Fitness Tracker Smart Watch Read More »

Did I Really

BACK ISSUES /

Did I Really? Did I really need to hunker down at home so soon? According to the forecast, yes.  This morning it was gloomy gray; and in the low- to mid-50s. NOAA showed a wind advisory from noon onwards; and possible heavy rain. Of course I wanted to miss that! I was expecting a laundry service to come by between 7:00 am and 10:00; am so I didn’t want to go anywhere then. They came at about 9:30. Next I needed to make photocopies of some papers. There’s a branch of the public library about a mile away; so I walked there. As I did so, I noticed that the northern sky looked rather ugly; and the wind seemed to be picking up a bit. I didn’t want to get caught in a storm; so after I finished at the library, I went home and stayed. There had already been a brief rain about 10:00; and who knows whether or not that’s a prelude to a heavy downpour? I decided not to go ride a WattBike®; and as it turns out, I could have! Did I really miss my “ride” for nothing? Apparently, I did. Maybe I shouldn’t pay so much attention to forecasts. I need my exercise; and I now don’t have to keep my left hand dry all the time. The problem would be managing the water bottle and umbrella with one hand! That left hand still isn’t up to doing much. I can’t keep track of which day is trash pick-up; I don’t need to put mine out every week. It seems to me that Wednesday is the day; and that’s tomorrow. So I put my trash can out early. One, I didn’t want to forget it; and two, in a few hours it might be pouring!  

Did I Really Read More »

Phase Two

BACK ISSUES /

Phase Two Today began post-surgery Phase Two. This morning I had my follow-up with the surgeon. It was a relief to get rid of that big, bulky dressing; and as an additional relief, there were no stitches to be removed. There are internal sutures; but they’ll dissolve over the next 4-6 weeks. The external incision is held closed by surgical tape that will gradually come off as the incision heals. The next step is occupational therapy.  My appointment with the doctor got moved to morning; and I was able to see the OT this afternoon. The biggest point is: Rest. That. Thumb. If any movement I make with that hand hurts, it’s too much; and I must back off. Naturally there’s post-operative swelling; and for the next two or three weeks I’ve got to be super careful. Even after that, I’m not allowed to lift more than a pound or two with my left hand. Even the little movement I did at OT made my arm tired; and I mentioned putting the arm back in the sling for a bit. The OT says it’s OK to use it briefly; but also says — and I’ve noticed! — that using the sling makes the shoulder go out of line. I may start moving my fingers, and my wrist; but no thumb movement except for the tip joint. I took along the thermoplast splint that the OT made for me some months ago; and they heated it up and refitted it. I can wear it in the shower; and it doesn’t hurt it to get wet. But still no left-hand soaping or shampooing. Cycling is still several months away. I’ll keep pedaling the WattBikes®; at least my legs won’t get totally atrophied. But I hope I can figure out a way to pump up my bicycles’ tires one-handed!  

Phase Two Read More »

Dead Slow

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Dead Slow? Am I going dead slow? I’m not equipped with a Chadburn, so I can’t be quite certain. but I’m not getting anywhere at the moment. I found that I can adjust the seat post on a WattBike® if I clamp said post in the crook of my left elbow. Yesterday that seemed too much of a strain; so I decided I’d better leave the WattBikes alone today. The “reach” on the WattBike seems excessive, too; even after I move the saddle forward. I admit that it can be hard to get myself to where I can use a WattBike. It means walking a mile; and that seems like a lot when I’m constantly concerned about the possibility of rain. I’ve got to keep that splint dry for two more days. The wind just picked up; and it’s blowing at 20 mph. There’s also a 20% chance of rain; and I hope it’s either over by 2 pm, or waits until night. I have to go to the dentist this afternoon! It’s 75 degrees! Can you believe it? Even for New Orleans, that’s too warm for January. It’s what folks used to call a “weather breeder”.  There’s a high chance of rain tonight: and T-storms Friday night. On top of weather concerns, my head feels persistently stuffy; and it makes me feel tired. Looks like I might be dead slow for a few days.

Dead Slow Read More »

elite arion folding rollers

3 Comments / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Elite Arion Folding Rollers Elite Arion Folding Rollers let you ride indoors; and take up less space than a trainer. They also offer a different “riding” experience. Rollers demand attention to balance; smooth pedaling; and holding to a narrow line. I tried rollers; but never got really confident on them. Thus I prefer a trainer, despite the nuisance of getting the bicycle hooked into it. In retrospect, I think my problem with rollers was that I was too tentative. Rollers seemed very slick to me, especially with the road bike; and that was hard to deal with. Eventually I sold the rollers; and kept the trainer. At present I can’t use rollers anyway, because my hand is laid up. I wasn’t even sure that my splinted hand would let me climb aboard my road bike while it was set up in the trainer. Fortunately I’m able to use some WattBikes for the time being.  Elite Arion Folding Rollers, for me, would mean setting up in a doorway. I don’t have a sturdy table to help me get my balance before I begin pedaling; but being in that  doorway is rather a tight  fit. I think I’ll skip rollers for now; but I’ll leave the option open. $222.36

elite arion folding rollers Read More »

Convalescent

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Convalescent I’m in the convalescent stage now. Day before yesterday I had CMC arthroplasty; and ever since have been learning how to manage with one hand. Luckily my left hand is the one affected; and I’m right-handed. That makes things a little easier; but it’s still tricky. I quickly learned how to get lids off of jars — at least, jars that have been previously opened. Clasp the jar, as near upright as possible, between  my thighs, right above the knees. Then I need only my right hand to twist the lid. I figured out how to shower without getting that splint wet: pull a plastic bag over it; and secure the open end with 3-inch wide painter’s tape. Even so, I hold that hand above my head, and as far out from the shower as possible.  Keeping the surgical site elevated is very hard. I couldn’t tolerate lying on my back all day, just to hold my hand high. It’s also a problem keeping the hand iced; and it needs it. My fingers are still swollen.  Of course I can’t ride in my current state. Being a convalescent is a drag! I’m working to gain access to indoor bikes; and I hope to try one tomorrow. I did consider setting up one of my bicycles in the trainer prior to surgery; but decided that it might well be impossible to climb aboard with my splinted hand. There are also sutures to think about. I hope there’s a way to pump up the tires one-handed! They’ll need it even if I’m not riding. On the other hand, my tires were OK after several weeks of  enforced neglect following Ida. Tonight it’s going to get much cooler; so if I simply didn’t want to ride in the cold, I’ve got a reasonable excuse to stay in!  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 Your Little Foot November 11, 2024 Gray and Warm November 10, 2024 Park Mode November 9, 2024 Woman Is Fickle? November 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Convalescent Read More »

Time-Crunched Cyclist

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Time-Crunched Cyclist Time-Crunched Cyclist describes so many of us! What with a full-time job; for some, a second job; a family; and so on, time to ride can easily fall by the wayside. I myself never worried too much about it. If time to ride meant letting housework slide, I just let it slide! I don’t care about everything being spotlessly clean, anyhow. There are more important things in life! But if you happen to be a time-crunched cyclist; and are frustrated by your limited opportunities to train;  this publication helps you get the most out of what riding time that you do have. Elite coach Chris Carmichael shows the way. Am I time-crunched? Not really; not now that I’m a retiree. When I was still working, I went riding at 5:15 or even 5:00 in the morning; because it was the best way to be sure I got to ride.  I’m not into racing; but if I were, I think I would want a copy of this title. Also available in kindle.

Time-Crunched Cyclist Read More »

Red Letter Day

BACK ISSUES /

RED LETTER DAY! Today is a red letter day: I’m retired! Zero more days to have to go to work! Goodness knows, I’ve wanted this for a long, long time; and I finally decided to make the jump. No small part of my desire to hit this red letter day, is the various health issues that keep cropping up. It was a beautiful day, too. When I went out on the road bike this morning, there was little wind. The weather was clear; and I got a great view of the full moon (even the moon was celebrating!) Today stayed a little cooler than I like; but by afternoon it wasn’t really cold. On the way home, once I hit the bike path, I had a good tailwind to help me get home faster. There was a very long freight train sitting on the tracks; but it had been split so that the crossing I use was clear. That was a major relief! So, what shall I do with my time now? It actually feels sort of funny to not be going back to work; but I’m sure that will pass. After all, I was in my job for 39 years; and this new normal might take a little getting used to. I’m looking forward to more riding, once my hand recovers from the surgery. I’ll have more time for my website; and I very much need to get my diet back on track! I want to ride to the salvage store tomorrow; and I hope the grab-bag bins are well stocked. After tomorrow I might not be able to get there for a month or so; and I want to lay in some good supplies.  Things look iffy for Sunday’s ride; rain or even T-storms are possible from 10:00 am.  Oh, yeah — if I can’t ride Sunday, there’s Monday. See how used I am to thinking of Monday as back-to-work day? 

Red Letter Day Read More »