SpokEasy

January 2024

Pedal or Walk?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Pedal or Walk? Shall I pedal; or walk? My recovery from bunion surgery is going well; but I still find riding a bicycle more comfortable than going by foot. If I have only a few blocks to go, I’m fine; but a mile is another story. This morning I had to cut my ride very short. I had a doctor’s appointment at 8:30 am; and simply couldn’t get going in time for a full ride. It was chilly, which makes me feel sluggish; and I’ve gotten spoiled by not having to get up at 4:30 am if I’m to ride. It would have been possible to ride to my appointment, and get in a couple of miles; but I didn’t feel like lugging my helmet around the clinic. And now the wind is kicking up! It’s going to be blowing even harder tomorrow; and possibly raining as well. I have some errands to run tomorrow; so shall I pedal, or walk? My Hoka shoes are awkwardly large for use with my hybrid’s toe clips; and that’s a good argument for walking. On the other hand, I want to put in some more miles; and that says, pedal. When I ride, keep watching that left leg’s behavior! I think I developed that habit years ago, when I strained a muscle in my thigh; and had to use different muscles if I were to ride. See what comes of being a mileage hog?   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 Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Swiss Cheese? January 10, 2024 Bucking the Wind January 9, 2024 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Swiss Cheese?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Swiss Cheese? Sometimes I think my head is like Swiss cheese: full of holes. For instance, this morning I forgot to wear my heart-rate monitor chest strap again. Several month ago, the Garmin’s screen began to show a message that the monitor’s battery was low. I didn’t have the tool I needed to remove the battery compartment’s cover; so I stopped using the chest strap. Then came the foot surgery; and that kept me off bikes for two weeks or so. During the recovery phase, I located a jeweler’s store just a block from home; and they were able to replace the battery for me. But during the hiatus from using the chest strap, I got out of the habit of putting it on before a ride. Now it’s too easy to forget about it! And I like to see what my heart rate is doing as I climb the access ramp to the top of the levee. Lip balm is another item that’s easy to forget. I need it, now that we’re getting cold weather; but I usually focus on applying sunblock to my face. Lip balm easily slips to the back of my mind. I hope I don’t start forgetting to ride! For the time being, my focus is on just riding. It won’t do to attempt force development exercises yet. My foot feels much better; but it’s not ready for force work; and my legs need a little more readjustment to cycling. I do try to extend my distance a bit each day. But start training for RAGBRAI? Not yet! Speaking of riding, what shall I take along for on-bike food when I’m ready for long rides again? Swiss cheese?     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 Bucking the Wind January 9, 2024 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Bolivia January 7, 2024 Beating the Weather January 7, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bucking the Wind

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Bucking the Wind Bucking the wind isn’t fun — even when you don’t bite the dust. It was still blowing pretty hard this morning; so I rode a couple of laps around the park before heading for the grocery store. But what do you do when bucking the wind is a regular thing? Aero bars can help you to stay in a more aerodynamic position, thus reducing drag. I’ll have to take the word of aero bar users for granted; I’ve never tried them. With aero bars, your hands are away from the handlebars; and that might be a major problem if you must do some fast emergency steering. For that reason, I’m wary of trying them; and I remember reading that that is why aero bars are prohibited in the peloton. If you want to get aero without special bars, there’s always riding in the drops. It doesn’t seem to make me faster; but I notice a reduction in wind resistance when I do it. When you’re in the drops, an additional way to reduce drag a bit is to lift your shoulders towards your ears. Just be sure to keep them relaxed; additional tension doesn’t help matters. Tomorrow the wind is expected to be much less than it was today; but oh, the chill!  Down to 36 degrees tonight; and even at 8:00 am it will still be only 40 degrees. A pair of Rabbitroom Gloves would be wonderful; but I’ll have to settle for hand warmers. They at least keep the palms of my hands warm; but my fingers can still get cold.  Luckily I don’t have to go out and ride at 5:00 am any more. Bucking the wind seems even harder when it’s still dark! 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 Bucking the Wind January 9, 2024 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Bolivia January 7, 2024 Beating the Weather January 7, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Holding My Breath Again!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Holding My Breath Again! I’m holding my breath again, thanks to yesterday’s forecast. Where’s that downpour; that lightning; that powerful wind? I could easily have ridden to the closest grocery store — using just one pannier. I wanted only three or four things. But, I’m trying to get back on my regular riding schedule; and for many  years, Monday has been my usual day off. Maybe it’s early for the big bad storm; but a check of the local NOAA forecast does show a T-storm at the airport, about 12 miles West of here. But is it moving this way? The wind is from the East; but is that updraft? If so, it might not be pushing the storm farther away from us. I almost want to go for a spin on the hybrid; but the weather isn’t so good now. It’s raining on and off; and the wind is 22 mph. From the East, too; so if I went on the levee, I’d have a very unpleasant headwind on the way home. If there’s one good thing about headwinds, it’s that they’re an opportunity to practice riding on the drops; or even aero. Pushing hard into a wind also helps to develop your strength. But with winds of 25 to 35 mph predicted; and gusts up to 50 mph — I’m not ready for it. But I’m tired of holding my breath again over the weather forecast. 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 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Bolivia January 7, 2024 Beating the Weather January 7, 2024 Real Saturday January 6, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bolivia

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Bolivia Did you ever think of pedaling around Bolivia? This landlocked South American nation is not without its cycling routes! For the beginning bicycle tourist, the El Paso Loop from Recoleta is graded as Easy. Most of the surfaces on this 19.5-mile route are paved; but I see from the Details that the lowest point on the tour is over 8500 feet in altitude! While the riding might be easy as far as distance and gradient go, the altitude would be tough for me! I see than a number of rides on the list are graded “Intermediate”; but they also specify, “Good fitness required”. The Los Quesos tour is one such route. It’s 33.3 miles long; and mostly on paved surfaces. The course profile doesn’t look too drastic; but what’s the elevation? Apparently it’s much lower in altitude than the El Paso Loop; so I might not need a Sparthos mask to train up for it! Looking for an expert-level trip? Consider the Puente sobre G. Villarroel loop. This route is almost 24 miles long; and incudes one climb so steep that many riders will have to dismount and push their bikes! In all, there is 3675 feet of climbing; and very good fitness is needed. But if you love uphill riding, this one might be for you. The climate of Bolivia is humid and tropical in many areas. Don’t forget the rain gear! Learn a bit about the country’s culture. Unfortunately Bolivia is, as of January 2024, under “exercise a high degree of caution” alert. I’m not sure whether such warnings pertain mainly to urban areas; or anywhere in the country. It’s such a pity; must we be paranoid to go bicycle touring? 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 Bolivia January 7, 2024 Beating the Weather January 7, 2024 Real Saturday January 6, 2024 Roadie Again! January 5, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Beating the Weather

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Beating the Weather Beating the weather was the name of the game today. Actually, it’s not bad right now; but the forecast for tomorrow looks quite ominous! The forecast predicts heavy rain, with a flood watch from 9 am onwards; and there’s a high wind warning beginning at noon tomorrow. I’m not going to want to try to ride in such conditions; and today’s ride was about beating the weather. Ride while I can; and if I’m going to take a rest day, why not do it when the weather is rotten? This morning I didn’t get going until about 9:15; and the wind had changed from calm to around 8 mph. And from the North, wouldn’t you know; so I had a headwind most of the way home. Riding on the drops helps lessen the feeling of wind pushing against me; but today I didn’t bother with it.   My average speed was a plodding 9.59 mph; and normally it’s more like 12 mph. It’s amazing how much conditioning you can lose in a short time! But I kept working at not tensing up my left calf and ankle. I’m sure to regain my usual pace in time; and my usual distance. This morning I rode about 12.4 miles; and I hope it’s not long before I can ride 15 miles per day. But let’s also hope it won’t always be about beating the weather. 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 Beating the Weather January 7, 2024 Real Saturday January 6, 2024 Roadie Again! January 5, 2024 Pomp and Circumstance January 4, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Real Saturday

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Real Saturday Today felt like a real Saturday. For the first time post-lapiplasty, I rode to the salvage store! I didn’t get a big load; but it was great to go there by bicycle again. This morning the temperature was in the upper 40s. That’s chilly enough for me to get really cold hands, even when I wear heavy gloves.  Out came the hand warmers! For once, I had my headwind on the way to the store; not on the way home. I’m glad it wasn’t a really strong wind, because panniers stick out and create extra drag. I had to watch that I used my quads more than I pressed down with my feet. For years, I’ve had a bad habit of stretching my left heel down; and using a stiff, jerky motion to push the pedal. Not good; and this should be a great time to work at correcting my pedaling mechanics. Another thing that makes today feel like real Saturday is, I’m thinking about the Sunday long ride. Not that I can do a really long ride quite yet; but I’m thinking of shooting for 15 miles tomorrow. Or at least 12! That really isn’t enough of a ride that I’ll need to carry ride food; but I suppose it won’t be too many weeks before ride food is necessary again. I’m actually looking forward to that!   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 Real Saturday January 6, 2024 Roadie Again! January 5, 2024 Pomp and Circumstance January 4, 2024 I Bee’d Lucky January 3, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Roadie Again!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Roadie Again! 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 feel like a roadie again!😄 After the podiatrist’s statement yesterday, I began to think a lot more about climbing aboard the road bike.🚴‍♀️ This morning I tried on my road biking shoes (which, rather ironically, are actually MTB shoes); and felt only very minor discomfort. So I put them on; and out I went! I figured it would be better not to push too hard; but all the same I spent a couple of miles on the big ring. It felt good to do that, and feel like a roadie again! On the way back home, I had a headwind; and spent a few short stints on the drops. I wasn’t going much (if any) faster that way; but I did get some temporary relief from the wind in my face. To my aggravation, I forgot to wear my hear-rate monitor strap. Months ago, my bicycle computer’s readout screen began to give me a message that the monitor’s battery was low. I don’t have the tool needed to get the cover off the monitor’s batter compartment; and neither  did the bike shop. For a while, I considered getting some kind of Smart Watch; but decided to postpone such action. Since my bunion surgery, I’ve located a jeweler’s very close to home; and they were able to take care of it for me. Unfortunately it’s so long since I’ve worn that chest strap that I forgot all about it today. Note: in cold weather, put on this strap well before starting your ride. Especially if it’s been in the cold overnight. It takes a good 15-20 minutes for that thing to warm up and start working. Being able to keep tabs on my heart rate is another aspect of feeling like a roadie again. I wanted to ride before the weather began to turn; and it was already about nine o’clock by the time I started rolling. The forecast showed rain beginning around 2 pm; possibly even T-storms!⛈️ There was a wind advisory beginning at noon, too. Sure enough, by 2 pm or so, it was blowing at 23 mph. I’m glad I’m not out there now! 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 Roadie Again! January 5, 2024 Pomp and Circumstance January 4, 2024 I Bee’d Lucky January 3, 2024 Sunblock Day January 2, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Pomp and Circumstance

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Pomp and Circumstance? 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.” Today I “graduated“; and that makes me think of Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1! Nobody handed me a diploma, though. This morning I went for a post-lapiplasty follow-up. The podiatrist says everything looks great; and I don’t need an additional follow-up. I still have some swelling, but the doctor says it’s minor; that it will subside in time; and that many post-lapiplasty patients he’s seen have much more swelling six weeks after surgery than I do at the same time-mark.  The X-rays show that everything is going well; and the implant will continue to heal into the bone. The podiatrist was pleased that I’ve been able to remain active, even if I had to keep it to a low level; and he says I may do whatever I want now. So I can ride my bicycle more! In fact, I got home from my appointment and immediately went for a ride. I’m still using my hybrid, because the shoes I wear for riding the road bike are still a bit too snug for comfort. I don’t need any special exercises for the toe, so that’s a good thing. Naturally I have more sense than to try plyometrics yet. If something jolts my foot, it doesn’t feel very comfortable; probably because there’s still a bit of swelling. When my foot is up to such impacts, I ought to try “plyo”. Get Fast! includes a plyo workout, beginning on page 83. Where I used to live, I was reluctant to do the exercises because that old building was raised; and any kind of jumping made the whole place shake and rattle. I celebrated Pomp and Circumstance by getting Chinese take-out for lunch. It was enough for two meals, so I’ve saved half for supper. But do I need another ride to burn off lunch!

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I Bee’d Lucky

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

I Bee’d Lucky 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 bee’d lucky yesterday! I had gone outdoors briefly; and wasn’t wearing any kind of head covering. Suddenly something landed on top of my head. I picked it off, expecting it to be a small twig; but it was a honeybee! I’m fortunate it didn’t sting me. Maybe the weather was chilly enough that the bee was sluggish; and slow to react. Between taking my damaged sunglasses to an optical shop; and waiting for my landlady to come by and pick up the rent; I didn’t get out to ride until 3 pm. I guess I bee’d lucky there, too. Chances for rain are increasing; but while I was riding, all the clouds were of the high, thin, white variety. By 10 pm it was raining; and this morning it was still drizzling. So I bee’d less fortunate as far as today’s ride goes! About noon the sun started to come out. I wanted a few groceries🍌🥕; but didn’t want to ride to the store during the lunch-hour craziness. I waited until about 2 pm. I wore my Hoka shoes; and they’re somewhat of a problem. They’re bigger than my old sneakers; and getting them into my toe clips is awkward. I feel like I’m wearing huge clodhoppers! But my left foot needed the extra toe space prior to surgery.  I hope I’ll soon be riding 10-12 miles a day; still focusing on not pressing down too much with my feet. Maybe even riding to the salvage store Saturday!

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