SpokEasy

November 2023

Another Step Forward

BACK ISSUES, Food /

Another Step Forward! 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.” I’m another step forward! Today I had my first post-lapiplasty follow-up; and am finally rid of that bulky surgical dressing. That’s a major relief; and next Tuesday I get the stitches out! I’m not yet ready to get my foot into a Fizik, though. The podiatrist says I may try wearing a regular shoe; but I couldn’t get my foot into my sneaker. I think I needed to unlace the shoe more; and I think the foot is still a little swollen, too. But I may walk as tolerated; and I didn’t really need to be limping around on my heel for the past eight days. I did it because I thought I needed to keep stress off of the sutures as much as possible; and better be safe than sorry. In fact, it’s still uncomfortable to walk normally. I suppose it will be until those stitches are gone. I still have to keep the surgical site clean and dry; and I may be stuck indoors for a day or two. The forecast is full of rain; and in fact we got a light sprinkle already today. The sun came out for a while; and I celebrated my new freedom by getting Mediterranean take-out for lunch. Vegetarian-stuffed grape leaves! YUMMY! When it’s more comfortable for me to be on my feet, I think I’ll haul out The Feed Zone Coobook and try some recipes. Or at least choose some to try later, when I use up what’s already in my fridge and freezer. Some new, healthful recipes would be another step forward in getting my diet back on track!   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 Lapiplasty Limp December 3, 2023 We Got It December 2, 2023 All or Nothing December 1, 2023 Another Step Forward November 30, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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The Sound of Music

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

The Sound of Music 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.” Do you love the sound of music? With these Bone Conduction Headphones it’s possible to enjoy listening while cycling; running; or even swimming! If I want music while out on a ride, I think the music in my head. Classical music can be very soft one moment; and very loud the next. Just listen to what happens at about 40 seconds into this! So I would have to constantly adjust the volume; and that’s a bother.  It also is something of a safety hazard, especially if I must ride near traffic. I know that some cyclists ride along with a boom box (or radio, or whatever it is) blaring. I don’t want to be that type; and so far, long rides without such accompaniment don’t bore me. But if I don’t ride to the sound of music, what do I ride with? If I’m doing any kind of work for improving strength or speed, I have to concentrate on the timing. My Garmin lets me time these intervals accurately; but I still have to focus on when to start the next hard effort. I don’t keep my eyes glued to the screen, of course — that would be asking for trouble! If I want the sound of music during indoor activities, e.g. cooking, these Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II could come in handy. They need to be used within 30 feet of the connected device; so they wouldn’t suffice for a long ride. Speaking of music, my ears are getting up an appetite for some Saint-Saëns! 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 Like a Gnat November 28, 2023 Cycle Morocco November 27, 2023 Boa? November 26, 2023 Food Coma November 25, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Like a Gnat

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Like a Gnat! 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.” Thoughts of RAGBRAI keep buzzing in my head like a gnat. Or swarming about like ants whose hill has been kicked over.  Could I ever get ready for this week-long, long-distance event? It sounds like a lot of fun; but let’s face it, at present I’m not in condition to ride an average of 60 miles a day, every day, for a week. I won’t be able to start cycling again for at least two weeks; and after several weeks’ hiatus, it isn’t wise for an amateur like me to plunge into 60-mile jaunts. If I do get the chance to tackle RAGBRAI, do I need a touring bicycle, such as the Windsor Tourist FB? Or will my trusty old road bike do? If any portions of the route are over gravel, can narrow road-bike tires manage the surface? I have zero experience riding gravel; and on a long tour far from home is no time to discover that I can’t do it! As to far from home, how will I get from New Orleans to Iowa? I’m a non-driver; and would need to find another RAGBRAI participant to share transportation. Or go by air; and those travel cases for bikes are not cheap! The more I think about this, the more things I think of; so it’s no wonder the entire idea is like a gnat. It won’t stop buzzing!   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 Like a Gnat November 28, 2023 Cycle Morocco November 27, 2023 Boa? November 26, 2023 Food Coma November 25, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Cycle Morocco

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Cycle Morocco 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.” To cycle Morocco sure would be something different! If you like great diversity within a bicycle tour, this tour of the  African nation includes sea coast; snowy mountain peaks; and more! You’ll start and finish in the capital city of Marrakech; and during the 14-day trek you’ll pass through several cities, including Tangier and Fes. Cool off in the Atlas Mountains; and feel the heat in the Sahara Desert. As of this writing, Morocco carries a Level 2 travel advisory. I take it that means it’s OK to go there; but be extra careful. Oh, and if you undertake this tour, you’ll be supporting Education for All. Which bike is best for this cycle Morocco tour? That depends on your fitness level; and there are some long climbs. You can opt for an e-bike; and a support vehicle is available.  How to dress? Summers can get very hot; and Winters can be quite chilly. Depending on the season, you might need a jacket and leg warmers; or sun sleeves and leg sleeves. And, of course, lots of sunblock! 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 Holiday Food December 16, 2023 Glad I’m Home December 15, 2023 Getting Wild December 14, 2023 Sooner or Later December 13, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Boa?

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Boa 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.” Boa? Why am I thinking about snakes, let alone blogging about them? The very thought of those critters gives some people the big-time creeps! I’m not fond of them, myself; but as long as I can see that a snake is non-venomous; and not a huge python; I can tolerate its presence.   Maybe it’s because I was thinking about these Giro Gauge Boa MTB shoes. I don’t know why they’re named for a snake, unless the closure has something to do with it. Maybe it squeezes your foot, like a boa constrictor! And why am I musing about shoes of any kind? Wishful thinking, I suppose. I’m not ready to try cycling yet; and I didn’t get a KneeRover. Come to think of it, those things might be difficult to maneuver indoors, anyway. I sure miss pedaling along, munching on bites of FitCrunch Bar as I go. The temperature is in the upper 60s; and it’s overcast, but not raining. Wind under 10 mph, too. That’s just about perfect for a good, long ride! I don’t have the sun in my eyes; and it isn’t either too hot, or too cold. I don’t get my stitches out for almost two weeks; and until then, I should avoid putting stress on that foot. Time for a hurt-foot video! 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 Boa? November 26, 2023 Food Coma November 25, 2023 Happy Turkey Day! November 23, 2023 Limperator? November 22, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Food Coma

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Food Coma 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.” I think I was in a food coma yesterday; and maybe still am today. I feel brain-dead; and the gloomy skies are no help. My sister-in-law and nephew arrived Monday; and we visited a local farmers’ market the next day. There is still plenty of produce left from that trip. My brother came Wednesday evening, and there was a lot of kitchen activity going on — and there’s still a LOT of stuff for me to use up.  We had a plan to make a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. My brother even shipped a pumpkin here; but it didn’t arrive until yesterday. We tried to bake the pumpkin in the oven so we could mash it for pie filling; and it wasn’t working well. The squash had gotten too dried up in transit; and we finally gave up on it. By then it was about 8 pm, too late to try making a pie using canned pumpkin. Just now I’m not physially equal to buzzing around the kitchen doing a lot of cooking, thanks to my foot. Maybe a KneeRover would help with standing and walking; but I have a hunch that a KneeRover isn’t suited to sudden, quick turns. When you’re cooking, such movements are inevitable. My brother and his family departed today. Now that I have my space back (things were rather crowded with four people in here), I need to do some non-weight bearing exercises to try to keep my  leg muscles toned. But not at the moment. This food coma needs to wear off first.

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Happy Turkey Day!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Happy Turkey Day! 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.” Happy Turkey Day! I’d probably be out there now enjoying a bicycle ride if not for yesterday’s procedure. It’s chilly and gray; but with leg warmers and other cold-weather gear I think I’d be comfortable on the bike — except, of course, for my nose! I have family here for a few days; and we’re going to roast some Cornish game hens for our dinner. Not that I can help much; it’s OK for me to walk around indoors, but I need to avoid being on that foot for prolonged periods. And needless to say, I don’t need to have anyone accidentally step on that foot! Prior to surgery, I looked for videos about non-weight bearing exercises, and found this one that I think I can use. I tried a few of those moves today. They’ll be OK, I think. But no substitute for actually being on the bike! I’m already thinking of my first ride when my foot is healed. Probably to the park for a gentle lap or two. I won’t be up to any hard riding for a while. Meanwhile, Happy Turkey Day everybody! 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 Happy Turkey Day! November 23, 2023 Limperator? November 22, 2023 Uncertainty November 21, 2023 Last Ride? November 20, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Limperator?

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Limperator? 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.” Limperator, as the story goes, was the nickname that harbor pilots in New York gave to the German ocean liner SS Imperator. This ship was top-heavy and prone to listing; and that’s what I’m doing now — listing. This morning I had the lapiplasty; and as a result, I’m limping around. I’ve got a kind of special shoe on the foot; and I’m trying to keep from putting too much weight on it. Just call me Limperator! I’m also trying to ice it for 15-20 minutes once an hour. The clinic gave me a cold pack; so at least I don’t have to go buy any. At the moment it’s in the freezer, getting “recharged”. Now comes the frustrating wait until I can go cycling again. It might be a few weeks.🙁; and I suspect that cycling shoes will be too painful for some time. It can take a long time to get back to normal after any surgery; and if this had been only a bunion, I think I would  have let it go. But the bone spurs were causing problems; and I knew they had to go. I’m glad I’ve gotten the procedure over with; and I hope I’m done with surgeries for a while. Like any cycling enthusiast, I don’t enjoy being off the bike; but to ride, I need both hands and both feet to be in proper working order. I had hand surgery this past January; and now I’ve had a foot worked on. That’s enough to last me for years! And when I can ride again? Start slow and steady; and keep it short. Avoid climbing for a while; so I’ll have to stay off the levee. I can’t be sure at this point; but I should be able to ride again by Christmas. I’m looking forward to that! 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 Food Coma November 25, 2023 Happy Turkey Day! November 23, 2023 Limperator? November 22, 2023 Uncertainty November 21, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Uncertainty

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Uncertainty 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.” Uncertainty, alas, is part of life — such as uncertainty about the weather. Will I need a rain suit? An Alpha Cycle  Gear outfit should keep the rain off; but will I be too hot? In very hot weather, I might as well not bother with rain gear. I’d sweat like crazy if I wore it; and I’d be wet, anyway. Then I probably would need extra electrolyte drink — like BioSteel. There’s always uncertainty about what the weather will do; especially as forecasts aren’t necessarily accurate. NOAA might predict T-storms; and they might not happen. Or a “10% chance of showers” might mean a heavy downpour. After a lifetime here, I still can’t tell. At the moment, I’ve got the uncertainty as to how soon I may get back on the bike. Tomorrow is the bunion surgery; and it seems like no two sources I read say the same thing as to recovery time. But now I’m just ready to get it over with; and I hope I’m riding again soon!   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 Happy Turkey Day! November 23, 2023 Limperator? November 22, 2023 Uncertainty November 21, 2023 Last Ride? November 20, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Last Ride?

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Last Ride? 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.” I guess today was my last ride for a while. My sister-in-law and nephew are arriving today; and T-storms are in the forecast for the rest of today. And for tomorrow, too. Day after tomorrow is the bunion surgery. My foot will be too sore for riding right after that. This morning I rode the hybrid, so I could use the trunk for carrying my poncho. By 8 am it was already quite cloudy; and I kept a wary eye on the sky. The sun has been dodging in and out all day; and if it’s going to rain, I wish it would rain and get it over with. For a last ride (for at least the next few weeks, anyway) I made today’s jaunt rather short and lackadaisical. Yesterday I put in 23+ miles; and thought maybe I shouldn’t push too hard today. My fitness level isn’t equal to riding hard every day; and in fact, from all I’ve read, no cyclist needs all hard, all the time training. I didn’t want to make this ride too long, because of the expected guests; I need to be here when they arrive. For once, I took along a snack on a weekday ride. I found four of these A.M. RXBar Chocolate bars in the grab-bag bins at the salvage store day before yesterday; and was eager to try one. Pretty good, although rather dry; and not very sweet. But we don’t need sweets while out on a ride. For tomorrow, I’ll play it by ear. If  I get to ride, I’ll ride; and if I can’t, well, I can’t. Gotta be philosophical sometimes! 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 Last Ride? November 20, 2023 Holes in My Head? November 19, 2023 Not the Dessert November 18, 2023 I’m Trying November 17, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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