SpokEasy

June 2024

False Alarm

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

False Alarm 😱 I got a false alarm this morning. I checked the weather forecast at about 6:15 am; and it showed that T-storms were possible from 8 am onwards. I decided there was enough of a weather window for me to go for a ride. The sky looked very stormy; and it was making me nervous. I can’t crank a weather radio as I ride, so I couldn’t know what might happen. As a result, I turned back a few miles early. It was a false alarm, even though it briefly got quite dark. It’s annoying to lose those miles; but I didn’t want to take chances with lightning! More Forecasts ⛈️ There are more forecasts comparable to today’s in the coming week. Sometimes I think I should invest in some good rain gear; but I wouldn’t be surprised if the legs of a rain suit were too long for me. If they aren’t too long, they might well not be wide enough. I’ve long had the impression that manufacturers of these items think that short legs mean skinny legs. Not automatically, they don’t! In hot weather, a rain suit might cause me to get overheated; and that does no good. It has the potential to lead to dehydration. That’s a more serious problem than bonking. At least I did get in a ride today; and I included four 5-minute efforts at pushing for 15 mph or over. I don’t know how it will go for the rest of the week, though. I have trigger-finger release surgery scheduled for tomorrow; and my brother is here. We’ll probably be doing some visiting; and as I said, there are more forecasts for stormy weather! If I can fit in rides around all that, I’ll ride. If not, well, we need a bit of downtime now and then! 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 False Alarm June 17, 2024 Thwarted Plans June 16, 2024 My Group June 15, 2024 SAG June 14, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

False Alarm Read More »

Thwarted Plans

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Thwarted Plans 🚧 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.” Thwarted plans are part and parcel of a cyclist’s life. How often have we had to postpone or cancel a ride because of bad weather? Or change a planned route because of some other event in our path? It’s hard to enjoy the ride under such circumstances! Today was one such time. I wanted to take the hybrid to the park; do a few laps; and then go home. This was a case of thwarted plans! As I approached the park entrance that I planned to use, I saw that the street alongside the park was full of parked cars. This is unusual for 8:30 am on a Sunday; and I knew immediately that something was going on. What now? Change of Plans 🤔 I soon realized that some kind of foot-race was about to start; and that meant a change of plans. I knew that, if I continued riding laps, I’d be caught up in that crowd. It’s happened before; and is quite frustrating. Foot traffic on the jogging/cycling path is supposed to stay to the left; but not everyone does it. Especially not during an event that draws a big crowd. I wasn’t a quarter of a way through Lap 1 when I heard the cry of, “On your marks; get set”; and a blast on a trumpet. I decided to get around the park to the entrance I’d used; and then leave the park to the runners. Some of those runners were FAST! About halfway around the park, someone on a bicycle came along calling out that the lead runners were approaching. I was going 9-10 mph; and those guys were passing me! So I stuck to my change of plans; and got out of the park. 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 Thwarted Plans June 16, 2024 My Group June 15, 2024 SAG June 14, 2024 Grease June 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Thwarted Plans Read More »

My Group

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

My Group 🚴‍♀️ 🚴🏿 Have I found my group? Today I did a ride (not on a Tommaso, though) with four other riders, at least two of whom have done RAGBRAI. It was great to chat with some folks who have actually done the ride. One of them says, RAGBRAI is a go-at-your-own-pace event. When we first started pedaling, we had a bit of a tailwind; and I had no trouble hanging with them at 13 mph. After 6-7 miles, we hit a bit of a headwind. Then I wound up lagging behind; but not by too far. Ergo I should do OK on RAGBRAI; at least, when the ground is flat and the wind doesn’t act up!   I have more questions; and I’ll be glad to get “insider information”. Do or don’t I need to bring a bicycle lock? From videos I’ve watched, opinions vary on that point. Are bicycle pumps available; or must I bring one with me? It looks like “bike jams” are most likely at the start of the day’s riding; and when coming in/out/through towns. I get the impression that riders spread out much more after hitting the open road. Is that right? Plenty of Time ⏰ I’m glad I have  plenty of time to work on this; to sleep on it, so to speak. RAGBRAI seems like one of those things that, the more you find out, the more questions you have! I hope my group can help me answer them. When a group of riders does RAGBRAI together, do they stick together on the road; or regroup at stops? Some riders are faster than others; and I don’t want to hold back my group by being a slowpoke. On the other hand, it won’t do me much good to be continually pushing beyond what I can do. And, do charter services provide air mattresses? If I don’t need to bring one, it’ll save space and weight in my luggage! And more and more. Good thing there’s plenty of 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.” 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 My Group June 15, 2024 SAG June 14, 2024 Grease June 13, 2024 How about Some Joplin? June 12, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

My Group Read More »

SAG

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

SAG 🥀 No rider wants to sag; or, to be more exact, need the SAG wagon. RAGBRAI provides SAG wagons for registered riders who need them; and yes, some riders do require this service. Last year’s RAGBRAI coincided with a heat wave; and riders who came from cooler regions must have had a terrible time with it. A  heat index of 100+ is tough even if you live where heat and humidity are the norm. Ways to keep cool are essential; but even with them, hours in blazing sunshine and heat can really wear you down. Other riders, unfortunately, are physically unprepared for all the miles. Yes, it does happen. Add hills, and the difficulty intensifies.  Beat the SAG 🏋🏻 How do you beat the SAG? Train up, of course. You don’t have to resort to body-building; but a little bit of work with weights helps firm up your arm muscles. This is surprisingly important for riding a bicycle. And naturally, train your legs! You can follow this training plan; or create your own. My weekend long ride is short of what this plan indicates for June; so it’s a good thing I’m starting to work towards RAGBRAI 2025 right now! RAGBRAI, after all, is physically very demanding! Another way to beat the SAG: train your gut. I’ve read it often. Don’t do training rides on only a little food; then expect to manage long rides — when you’ll need to eat more — without stomach distress. And of course, look for ways to beat that heat! 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 SAG June 14, 2024 Grease June 13, 2024 How about Some Joplin? June 12, 2024 Blast Furnace Time June 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

SAG Read More »

Grease

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Grease 🛢️ Grease doesn’t have to mean the presence of an oil pump in your backyard; but it’s sure easy to get a grease mark on your leg while cycling. Or, to get lube all over your hands if you have to put the chain back on the gears. Maybe I put too much lube on that chain! That’s why I keep Scott Shop Towels handy; both at home and on the bike. I pre-cut some of them, in case I don’t need a whole towel. But I never know when I might need to get rid of some oily marks. Anti-Grease 🧼 What’s your anti-grease routine? You can use paper towels; old rags; and some soaps work pretty well. But one day, some years ago, I made a fortuitous discovery. I was out on a Sunday long ride; and stopped to reapply sunblock. There was a greasy mark on my leg; and I saw that the sunblock was doing a good job of removing that mark! I’d had no idea that sunblock makes a good anti-grease formula; but I’m glad I know it now. Then there’s anti-grease in the kitchen. I’m not vegan; but I do have vegetarian leanings. That’s because I hate cleaning up oily, greasy pots; pans; and dishes! Meatless cooking/eating minimizes this distasteful chore. Plus, I don’t have to try to get the smell of raw meat/poultry off my hands. Maybe sunblock would work for that, too? 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 Elementor #173368 June 13, 2024 How about Some Joplin? June 12, 2024 Blast Furnace Time June 11, 2024 RAGBRAI for Seniors June 10, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Grease Read More »

How about Some Joplin?

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

How about Some Joplin? 🎶 Cooling rag made me think of ragtime; and so, how about some Joplin? I’m not sure I’d want to dance to ragtime in this weather, though —  the hectic pace of, say, Maple Leaf Rag would make me me overheat. That’s another time this cooling rag would come in handy! It’s getting really hot now; and before the end of June. Today it was already 82 degrees before 6:30 am; and it looks like day after tomorrow will be hotter yet. Riding in such heat can leave me feeling pretty ragged – so how about some Joplin? Un-Oh! 🌀 Uh-oh! There’s a system over the Florida peninsula that they’re watching. Development  looks unlikely, and it’s not heading our way; so I guess we don’t have to start chewing our fingernails just yet. It might be too far away to affect us at all; but we could use a cooling breeze here! It looks more like Sunday will be an uh-oh. T-storms are likely; especially in the afternoon. And another swelteringly hot day. Where’s my cooling rag? 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 How about Some Joplin? June 12, 2024 Blast Furnace Time June 11, 2024 RAGBRAI for Seniors June 10, 2024 RAGBRAI and Heat June 9, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

How about Some Joplin? Read More »

Blast Furnace Time

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Blast Furnace Time 🔥 It’s blast furnace time again; and I, for one, intend to forgo hot chocolate for about four or five months. Maybe longer! Of course, cycling during blast furnace time calls for some precautions. It’s so humid here that smothering heat persists well after sundown; and I try to ride early in the day. It’s already hot even then! How I Do It 🚴‍♀️ OK, so the weather is hot; but I want to ride! Here’s how I do it. In addition to riding early in the day, I keep in mind that hydration is very important. It’s important even when the weather is cold; and once the heat sets in, it matters much more. I use a large Camel-Bak; and I also need electrolyte drink, such as Propel. I’ve noticed that, at some point during any long ride, water alone simply won’t suffice. Especially when it’s hot, and I don’t have a shady path to ride. Sometimes you can’t avoid riding in the heat. Before I retired, I sometimes rode home in heat indices of 100+ degrees; and just look at last year’s RAGBRAI.  Many a rider stated that the temperatures were “brutal”. So, how do you keep yourself (a little bit!) cooler? Today I tried out the cooling towel I got a month or two ago. It does help, which is a relief. Mostly it’s the back of my neck that benefits. However, if the nape is cool, you feel a little cooler all over; instead of like you’re melting. 🫠 Or, in our style of humidity, like you’re dissolving! 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 Blast Furnace Time June 11, 2024 RAGBRAI for Seniors June 10, 2024 RAGBRAI and Heat June 9, 2024 Hold Your Line June 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Blast Furnace Time Read More »

RAGBRAI for Seniors

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

RAGBRAI for Seniors 👵 👴🏼 RAGBRAI for seniors? You bet! Although some of us might have to pack along some Voltaren Gel! I’ve watched enough YouTubes about this event to know that RAGBRAI for seniors is very much doable. Some riders are in their 70s and beyond! Older riders might have to make adjustments to their training; but as the article says, getting older doesn’t have to mean slowing down.  How Am I Doing? 🐣 So how am I doing with my cycling? I’m no spring chicken; and there’s no point in my trying to train like a collegiate bicycle racer. I do see from my day-to-day journal that I’m not getting faster yet. I’m working to improve my pace, though; and to develop better strength. Being able to cruise on flat ground at 16-18 mph (instead of 11-12 mph) doesn’t automatically translate to better climbing ability.  I know from riding Tour de Cure that hills are my nemesis; and RAGBRAI means hills. 😬 Maybe ask me, how am I doing, about Christmas! Incidentally, I don’t have to ride across Iowa at 16 mph. But I think it’s better to be able to ride at that pace, and choose to ride more slowly; than to find myself unable to cope because I can’t get beyond 10 mph. 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 RAGBRAI for Seniors June 10, 2024 RAGBRAI and Heat June 9, 2024 Hold Your Line June 8, 2024 Carbs or Fat? June 7, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

RAGBRAI for Seniors Read More »

RAGBRAI and Heat

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

RAGBRAI and Heat 🥵 When you’re hot, you’re hot! RAGBRAI and heat seem to go together; or at least they did last year! So, how do you prepare for it? Here are some helpful hints. Riding in hot weather is the default here, sometimes starting as early as March. I usually try to begin a ride by 7:00 am; earlier if I plan to ride more than 20 miles. Prepping for RAGBRAI by riding in the heat of the day might be better left until next Spring. Whatever conditioning I develop over this Summer will fade during Winter. I just must remember, RAGBRAI and heat go together! I wish I had a shady path to ride; but I don’t. I use a hydration pack so I can carry lots of water; plus I carry a bottle of electrolyte drink, such as Propel. What else can I do to beat the heat? Heat Begone! 🧊 Yes, PLEASE, heat begone! It was well into the 80s by the time I finished today’s ride; and it wasn’t even 10:00 am! A Mission Cooling Neck Gaiter sounds great. Just get it wet to activate it! You can wear it a dozen different ways; and it provides SPF 50 protection. The cooling towel that I have ought to work in similar fashion; and I must try it soon. I don’t have one of those neck gaiters; but I do have sun sleeves. And more on order! Sun sleeves keep your arms cooler once they get damp; and when you wear them, you needn’t apply sunblock! Sunblock is expensive; and I’m tired of going through it like crazy! In similar vein, I’ve ordered full-length leg sleeves. I’ve got an idea that the black ones will get too hot; but the only way to find out is to try them. Worried about looking crazy with all those sun-protection items on? I don’t care if it looks crazy; I want to find ways to keep cooler. Heat, begone, I say! And, I want to find out what works for me long before I try heading for Iowa. 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 RAGBRAI and Heat June 9, 2024 Hold Your Line June 8, 2024 Carbs or Fat? June 7, 2024 It’s Not the Distance June 6, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

RAGBRAI and Heat Read More »

Hold Your Line

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Hold Your Line 🛣️ It’s important to hold your line when riding around other cyclists. The faster the pace; and/or the larger the group, the more vital this is. Take RAGBRAI. There are tens of thousands of riders on the road at one time. I’d be surrounded by other people on bikes; and on top of that, I can’t always hold my line all that well. The slower the pace, the harder it is! I think that’s because a lighter (aka easier) gear has me spinning my legs faster; it seems to be instinctive. A slower pace also means less gyroscopic effect. Then, when I ride one-handed while I reach for my water bottle, I start swerving all over the place! I’m looking around for a cycling group, so I can get some practice riding with others. Even that probably won’t properly prepare me for rolling amongst thousands of other riders; but it will be better than nothing. Bring out the Camel-Bak! 🐪 I bring out the Camel-Bak for long rides; and I’d use it for RAGBRAI, too. Mine has a 3-liter reservoir; but with frequent opportunities for replenishing water bottles and the like, I might not need to fill it all the way. That’s less of load on my back, and some room for other stuff; e.g. tubes of Chamois Butt’r and sunblock! Having that drinking tube to grab is easier than having to reach downwards for a bottle; so let’s bring out the Camel-Bak. But let’s not forget, I’ll still need electrolyte drink. I sip at my BioSteel (or whatever I’m using that ride) less often than I do water; but I still need a gulp of the stuff quite frequently. Oh, well. If I need to, I can holler, “Rider off!”; pull to the side; and get my drink. Then I’ll have to watch for an opening before I call, “Rider on!” and ease my way back into the pack. 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 Elementor #172445 June 8, 2024 Carbs or Fat? June 7, 2024 It’s Not the Distance June 6, 2024 Ready for the Range June 5, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Hold Your Line Read More »