SpokEasy

December 2023

Quantum Leap

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Quantum Leap 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.” This morning’s ride seemed like a quantum leap: I rode 5.72 miles! My foot isn’t ready for a road bike shoe yet; but I’m pleased that I can ride farther now. I’m not sure I’ll be up to the trek to the salvage store come Saturday; but I have the offer of a ride from some folks I see there regularly. I seem to be recovering from that lapiplasty faster than I expected. Not that I mind; I think it’s great! All the same, it’s a bit frustrating to think that it might take a few months for me to really be back up to snuff. I’m losing a good deal of strength, that’s for sure. It still hurts to push hard on the pedals; and the doctor says, if it hurts, don’t do it. “No pain, no gain” is to be taken with rather more than a grain of salt. Besides, there’s a difference between muscles tired from hard work; and something that hurts. Gosh, Xmas is coming SO FAST! If you’ll be getting the little ones bikes; and your back isn’t equal to the rigors of holding up a child on a bicycle; this video might help you to talk them through the learning process. Honestly, I wish I’d had someone to tell me this when I switched from an adult trike to a hybrid. That was quite a quantum leap! 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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Afternoon Ride?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Afternoon 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.” Shall I go for an afternoon ride? My foot feels better today; and I’m tired of taking it easy. Of course I’ll have to haul out some cold-weather gear. Certainly the helmet liner! Not that the weather is actually so very cold, but 53 degrees is chilly for me; and my head has become very sensitive to cold in recent years. I’ll want vest and jacket, too. The wind isn’t strong; but I won’t be riding hard, so wind will feel colder than when I’m pushing for speed. And of course, gloves. My hands get cold easily. Incidentally, so do my feet. My foot still hasn’t completely recovered from the surgical swelling, so I’ll need to wear sneakers; and that means riding the hybrid. The hybrid is OK; but it’ll be great to be able to get back on the road bike! An afternoon ride always feels sort of weird. I’m very accustomed to morning rides; but today I wanted to go to the supermarket for a few things. After that, I had to do some laundry. But soon I can get outside! I think a casual ride of 1-3 miles is a good way to ease back into my usual cycling; but I’ll have to see how my foot takes it. I still have to be careful how I set that foot down when stopping; and also how I get it into the toe clip when starting! The foot probably isn’t ready yet for hard riding, even though toe clips mean I can use my quads to pedal; and need to push down on the pedals less. I’ll see how it goes; and then I can plan rides for later this week.

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Think Ten Times!

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Think Ten Times! 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 believe now I’d better think ten times before planning to tackle RAGBRAI — whether I think outside of the box or not. Last night I watched this video; and it’s quite enough to tone down anybody’s excitement over the event. Will my road bike’s 50/34 compact crankset enable me to manage the hills on the route; or do I need a triple? Will the road bike I have do; or should I invest in one that weighs less than 22 pounds? Preparing for the mileage of RAGBRAI is not a task to be undertaken lightly; and some people’s bodies respond to training more quickly than others’. If I were to aim for next year’s event, the time to start training is NOW. Unfortunately, I can’t ride hard, or much at all, until my foot is completely recovered. That might not be for at least a month. Rain? I should be accustomed to rain, living as I do in New Orleans; and an Alpha Cycle Gear rain suit shouldn’t flap around like the ancient poncho that I’m still using. My biggest worry about riding in the rain isn’t rain itself as much as lightning. Heat? Pack along at least one cooling neck gaiter! This past July and August we had many days with afternoon heat indices over 100 degrees; and I wasn’t out there riding! It was miserable enough indoors. Headwinds? I’ve dealt with them often enough; but how strong is the wind in Iowa? Hills? That’s another huge sticking point for me. It’s flat, flat, flat where I live; and that makes it hard to learn how to climb.  Lack of sleep? That would be a tough one. I often don’t sleep very well as it is; and trying to get my shut-eye in a crowded (and probably noisy!) campground won’t help. I’m not keen on the idea of paying eight bucks for a shower; much less standing in a long line just to get that shower. But the alternative — well — that’s best left to the imagination. All that, and we still haven’t gotten around to mentioning proper fueling and hydration! So yes; I’d better think ten times!

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Going Farther Afield

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Going Farther Afield 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  going farther afield! Today I rode a bit more. The distance still took me only about six-tenths of a mile from home; but it feels good to be getting back in the saddle! Maybe tomorrow I’ll ride about half a mile on the bike path; and make a detour to the drug store before going home. However, I have to be careful about certain things. When I start, I push off using my left foot; and that’s the one that had the surgery. I have to focus on keeping my weight back on the heel. I hope that big toe is back to comfortable flexing before long!  If I coast to go over a rough spot in the road, my usual technique is to roll over it with my feet level. My left foot is forward, which for some reason feels more natural to me. Unfortunately the jolt caused by a bump bothers my foot. The swelling isn’t quite gone yet, so the foot is still a little tender. Obviously it will be a while before I’m ready for any real distance riding; but hey, I’ve made a beginning! I don’t think I’m even ready to ride to the salvage store; and that’s a round trip of under 11 miles. Bit by bit I can work up to it, by going father afield each day. I’ll be glad when I can do my usual riding again! The weather for Sunday isn’t going to be the best for riding; especially as I’m coming back from foot surgery. The forecast says, wind 20 mph; with gusts up to 35 mph! For me that means quite a fight.   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 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 I Still Can’t Ride! December 6, 2023 Unseamed December 5, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Mini-Ride!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Mini-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 did a mini-ride this morning! It was a very short ride; I only went to the drug store about 1/4 mile from home. And I used the hybrid, because strapless toe clips are quick and easy to get out of. I do have to be careful how I put down my foot when stopping — heel down, instead of flat foot. Then I can put the sole down.  Today is the first time since the lapiplasty that a regular sneaker didn’t hurt. It’s still a little too snug to be truly comfortable; but it was great to be able to start pedaling again! I hope it’s not long before I can go for a real ride. But I have to remember to start out short and easy! To celebrate my freedom, I walked to the neighborhood Chinese restaurant and got take-out for lunch. I didn’t ride, because the bike trunk I have now is a little too narrow for a take-out box; but the food is good, and worth the trip. At present, I have some hoisin sauce at home; and it’s great with an egg roll😋 That take-out meal actually gave me two meals; and what I didn’t eat for lunch today can fuel another mini-ride tomorrow morning. I think I’ll try to go a bit farther; maybe to the nearest supermarket (about 0.6 miles each way). It shouldn’t be too cold; and rain isn’t predicted before Saturday afternoon. It looks like I’m getting 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 Elementor #154888 December 7, 2023 I Still Can’t Ride! December 6, 2023 Unseamed December 5, 2023 A Stitch in Time December 4, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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I Still Can’t Ride!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

I Still Can’t 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 still can’t ride!😞 Although I can get my foot into a sneaker now, such a shoe is still too snug; and puts pressure on my scar. Yesterday I hoped I could do a mini-ride on my hybrid today; but I had to give up that hope. Walking with the normal flex-toes gait still is uncomfortable because the swelling isn’t all gone. The podiatrist says it’s OK to walk; but to stop if it hurts. My foot is telling me to take it easy; and I think I’d better listen! But sitting around at home so much is maddening. Oh, to get going on a bicycle again! Start with a short distance that my foot can tolerate. See how things progress from day to day; and if my foot hurts, back off. It will be similar to coming back after an injury; and in effect, that’s exactly what I’m doing. After all, you can call a surgical incision an injury, can’t you? While I’m at home so much, I’m trying to get some cooking done. Nothing like Feed Zone Table, though. Today I made another of my garbage soups; and incorporated leftover chicken from Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, I’m running out of food storage boxes! But I still can’t ride, no matter what I do in the kitchen. Worse, lack of exercise is making it hard for me to control my appetite. Time to pull out Ride Your Way Lean, I guess!  

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Unseamed

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Unseamed!  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 finally got unseamed today! The podiatrist took out the sutures from my lapiplasty. The “pod” says everything looks great; and even told me I may try riding a bicycle this afternoon! Unfortunately a regular sneaker still feels a bit too snug; and rubs on the scar. But maybe I’ll try a mini-ride to the drug store tomorrow. “Unseamed”, by the way, reminds me of Shakespeare. I don’t remember which play it is; but one character turns on another, “and unseamed him nave to chops”. For some reason, we kids got a kick out of that line. Once I see how I do with a very short ride, I’ll try going a bit farther. Depending on how well my foot tolerates pedaling, I might be able to ride to the salvage store Saturday! I can hang the panniers on the rack and go! The weather might not be the most conducive; there’s a slight chance of showers. Around here, “slight chance of showers” might mean a heavy downpour! But after all, what have I got a poncho for?   

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A Stitch in Time

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A Stitch in Time 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.” A stitch in time may save nine; but now I’m looking forward to getting rid of stitches. Tomorrow I see the podiatrist to get my sutures out; and will I ever be glad when it’s done! Then the question will be, how soon may I ride? A hybrid, such as the Royce Union RMX, will better starting point than my road bike. My foot might remain swollen for a while — normal surgical insult; but very annoying. It might be a while before I can get that foot into a cycling shoe again! How to start back? Slowly; which is hard for me. I’ve always been in a hurry! In fact, the muscles of my left leg need a bit of time to readjust to normal walking. I’ve been shuffling around for nearly two weeks, unable to flex my big toe. As a result, I’m feeling the strain in my calf. Real walking can’t commence too soon, I say. I’m starting (again!) with food logging; and a prediabetes diet. When I’m back at regular riding, I ought to be good to go with my usual ride food. When I am actually doing a long ride! Some of those bars are good enough that I’m tempted to grab one anytime I want it. But most of them are high in carbs; and it’s better to save them for long rides when I need the energy. While I’m waiting for the green light to ride, I ought to set up my sewing machine to do some mending. After all a stitch in time saves nine! 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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Lapiplasty Limp

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Lapiplasty Limp 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 still doing the lapiplasty limp; but I hope it can be phased out soon. Today I half-walked/half-limped to the drug store; and the main thing now is not to flex the surgical area. That still hurts! But now I’m walking around indoors without the surgical shoe; and that’s another step forward. Last night I tried on a regular sneaker; and I can get my foot into it now. But it still hurts; so I suppose I have more time before I can ride🙁 Day after tomorrow I get the stitches out; and then we’ll see. When I can ride again, I’ll start with the hybrid. My cycling shoes are going to be too snug for a while; that I know, because they’re tighter-fitting than my sneakers. I’ll probably need a few weeks’ riding to get my legs back into condition, too. I hope I can manage longer Sunday rides by New Year’s. Well, at least 10 miles, anyway. It depends on what my foot can tolerate; but my body needs the exercise! At the VERY least, I hope I’m riding to the salvage store very soon. I miss the raids on the grab-bag bins; and I want to hunt for ride food, too. It will be great when the lapiplasty limp, er, limps off into the past; and I’m back to normal activities! 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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We Got It

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

We Got It! 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.” We got it overnight! There was heavy rain; and we had a power outage as well! I woke just before 4 am; heard it raining; and then a loud bang that wasn’t thunder. I flipped the bedroom light switch; and nothing happened. I guess a transformer blew. I’m glad I was’t out there riding! I’m also glad the outage didn’t occur while I was using the blender to whip up a post-ride smoothie! Or trying to cook something on the stove. I grew up with a gas range; and having an electric stove is a distinct disadvantage when the electricity goes out. I couldn’t heat anything for breakfast! I was about to make hot chocolate; and then had to say, no, I can’t; because the stove won’t work. I didn’t know how spoiled I was by having a GAS stove all these years! Even if I could ride, I think I would have skipped the trip to the salvage store this morning. Rain; lightning and thunder; and waiting for the power to come back on. We got it at last; but not until almost 11 am. It’s a good thing the weather wasn’t cold, or I might have been miserable. With electrical power restored, I got to work in the kitchen; although not with the The Feed Zone Cookbook. I’m busy thinking of ways to use up the stash of canned goods that I built up during the pandemic. That’s going to take quite a while! When my foot is restored, I first need to ease into cycling with regular, easy rides; and I hope it isn’t long before I can try some more intense work. But I’m afraid I might not be able to begin for a few more weeks. My foot is still too swollen for a sneaker; so forget cycling shoes! 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 We Got It December 2, 2023 All or Nothing December 1, 2023 Another Step Forward November 30, 2023 The Sound of Music November 29, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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