SpokEasy

July 2024

Forget the Split

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Forget the Split ➡️ I decided to forget the split ride today, for two reasons. First, like the bicycle in the joke, I was two-tired to get up at 6:00 am for a trip to the supermarket. Second, the forecast I checked last night predicted rain and T-storms from about 10:00 am. It was already around 8:15 when I finally began my ride; and already there were a number of ominous-looking clouds in the sky. I wasn’t trying to push the pace; but I still wanted to try for more than 20 miles. All I could do was hope. When I stopped to eat a GU-Gel and reapply sunblock, I thought I heard faint thunder. That made me uneasy; and as I rode, I kept an eye on the sky. When I arrived home, I heard thunder just as I was heading in the door; and 15-20 mintues later, we had a full-blown T-storm in progress. I just made it! If I had gone to the supermarket, and then tried to put in 20 miles, I would have been caught in that storm; so it’s a good thing I decided to forget the split. Compensation 🏦 Happily, I got some compensation for the storm. It wasn’t entirely overcast while I was riding; but part of the time the sun was behind the clouds. That kept me from getting so hot. Since I got home, it’s been mostly overcast; and that keeps it cooler indoors. What a relief that is! Compensation isn’t always financial. Today on the bike, I ate a Gatorade Whey Protein Bar; and part of a Zone Perfect Bar (plus the “goo”). Frijoles would be great; but my bike-handling skills are far from the a ability to ride no-hands while spooning frijoles out of a pouch!   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 Split Ride July 20, 2024 Pretend July 19, 2024 Nature’s Fury July 18, 2024 Gearhead? July 17, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Split Ride

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Split Ride ⇉ I was considering doing a split ride tomorrow. First, a trip to the supermarket to get a few things that the salvage store didn’t have; then a longer ride with the road bike. I’ve got to watch the weather, though. The forecast is for showers and T-storms; and of course that is bad news. It’s no fun to be caught in a downpour so heay that you can hardly see; and if strong winds and lightning enter the picture, I don’t want to be out there! A split ride would allow me to get in some miles; and if the weather cooperates, I might make it to 25 or even 30. And wouldn’t a banana split afterwards be good! Meanwhile in the Kitchen 🍳 Meanwhile, in the kitchen there’s always something to be done; and I don’t mean Feed Zone or frying eggs. I’ve got to use up some of the rice and dried beans in my cupboard; and today’s result was Wild Saturday. Another addition to my SpokEasy recipe collection! The pleasure of inventing a new recipe, alas, is always dimmed by the chore of cleaning up the kitchen afterwards! Despite my uncertainties about tomorrow’s weather, I’m thinking about tomorrow’s ride: what to use for on-bike food; which electrolyte drink to take along; what time to ride for the best chance of avoiding storms; and so on. Meanwhile, in the kitchen there’s a pile of pots and dishes to be washed! 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 Split Ride July 20, 2024 Pretend July 19, 2024 Nature’s Fury July 18, 2024 Gearhead? July 17, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Pretend

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Pretend 🚵‍♀️ Since I don’t have any real hills, I have to pretend; and simulate them as best I can. One way to practice climbing is to ride in a hard gear; and that’s what I did today. I was on the road bike, which made this exercise somewhat trickier. Many a time I’ve ridden to the top of the levee via a vehicular access ramp; that’s my route home from the salvage store. I know how that climb feels on the hybrid; but on the road bike, I’m not sure that my memory isn’t tricking me. The’s the catch when you’ve got to pretend! Quasi-hills 🗻 Today I had to be content with some quasi-hills. Recently I began using a new pair of cycling shoes; and it helped that my left foot didn’t keep coming unclipped. How do you do quasi-hills? Keep shifting into harder and harder gears. When it feels really tough, stay there for a while. This morning I worked to do it one minute at a time for a total of six efforts. I didn’t worry about speed; just effort level. That’s all very well; but how long are the climbs on RAGBRAI; and how steep are they? Recently I met some people who are going to this year’s RAGBRAI; and when they return, I mean to ask them about this. As with so many things, though there’s a catch. The RAGBRAI route changes every year! 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 Pretend July 19, 2024 Nature’s Fury July 18, 2024 Gearhead? July 17, 2024 Sweet Spot Training July 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Nature’s Fury

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Nature’s Fury ⛈️ I’m glad I dodged Nature’s fury today! A helmet cover would have been of no use at all against lightning and a torrential downpour. Rain gear wouldn’t have been much help, either; that’s how hard it rained! When I went out this morning, at about 7:30, there were already clouds building up. The sight of them always makes me rather nervous; you never know how fast bad weather might develop; and Nature’s fury is not to be trifled with. Once again, I was lucky. I got home around 9:30; and it wasn’t until around 1:00 pm that a T-storm moved in. It was a doozy, too: lots of close lightning; and after it had been pouring for an hour or so, a flash flood warning was issued. I hope we don’t get any more rain for a few days; we need to dry out after today’s deluge. Caught Out 😱 What do you do when you’re caught out by nasty weather? I wish I were better at reading Nature; then I’d likely be better able to judge whether to go riding or not. Farmers of past times, who worked outside much of the time, were probably whizzes at this! But as I’m not that sophisticated about weather prediction, I have to rely on online forecasts; and they change all the time. Naturally there are times when I take chances; and sometimes I lose the gamble and get caught out in the rain. What’s the best thing to do if you’re out riding and the lightning starts to fire up? That’s a huge concern when I’m up there on the levee; and totally unprotected. Maybe I need to learn how to ride on a slanting surface; then I could pedal along on the side of the levee, if there’s no place along the way for me to take shelter. Riding in the park when lightning breaks out isn’t much better. There are many huge oak trees there; and I figure that lightning is more likely to hit a tree, than strike me directly. Even so, that could be bad news if I were just riding under that tree! So what am I to do? Just keep an eye on the forecasts; and hope for the best.

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Gearhead?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Gearhead? ⚙️👤 Am I a gearhead; or merely a pretender? I love to ride; but I certainly don’t strike up conversations about bicycles and the sometimes odd gears with everyone I see. I’m not a bicycle mechanic; and I have only rudimentary knowledge about how a bicycle works. So how can I be a gearhead? Maybe I Am! 🙃 On the other hand, maybe I am a gearhead, after all. Folks who ride at least 26 times per year are considered “avid” cyclists. If 26 rides per year make you avid, I must be downright rabid! Or do those 26 rides per annum mean only big rides, such as races; long tours; and centuries? I do at least some riding five or six days per week; and am working to extend my daily distances. I want to improve my pace, too; because no matter how much you love to ride, there are always other things that must be done. Ergo I need to ride faster if I don’t want to be on the saddle all day, every day. Maybe I am a gearhead; but even gearheads must guard against burnout!   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 Gearhead? July 17, 2024 Sweet Spot Training July 16, 2024 In Similar Vein? July 15, 2024 Too Hot to Ride? July 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Sweet Spot Training

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

Sweet Spot Training 🍧 🍭 🍬 Sweet spot training certainly ought to appeal to me! My sweet tooth always has been all out of proportion to my size; and for all I know, the parallel to that is legs that want to go and go. What is this sweet spot? It’s not found in the candy shop; so where is it? I have to look to my bicycle computer for that. About seven years ago, I did a VO2 Max test; and worked out my heart-rate zones from the results. These zones are entered in my bike computer’s program; and I can see after a ride how much time I spent in each heart-rate zone. I spend a lot of my pedaling time in Zones 3 and 4; often mostly in Zone 4. That puts me in the sweet spot training zone! 😊 Too Much? 😟 But do I spend too much time there? On the one hand, if I want to extend my daily mileage, I need to increase my pace if I don’t want to spend hours a day on the bike. On the other hand, there is such a thing as diminishing returns; or even burnout. Nobody needs that! It might be helpful if I could consult an exercise physiologist: what’s the best training schedule for me if I want to work up to RAGBRAI 2025? Am I doing the right things to increase my force (aka strength)?  In addition, how can I determine whether I’m burning more of fat or carbs on the bike? I know that, the greater the intensity, the more the body turns to carbs (aka glycogen) for fuel. But how do I avoid getting too much of carbs, and still get enough calories and protein? On-Bike Carbs 🍞 I need on-bike carbs; that’s certain. The Athlete’s Guide to Diabetes goes into sports nutrition for diabetics in quite a lot of detail; and I admit that it’s a bit over my head. What I do get out of it is: people who have diabetes, and who practice sports, have to watch that their activities don’t cause their blood sugar to drop too low (yes, that’s LOW). It all sounds quite complicated; particularly for those who need to take insulin. So far, I don’t have diabetes; but I’m certainly flirting with it. I hope soon to find a doctor who can point me in the right direction for my on-bike fueling! 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 Sweet Spot Training July 16, 2024 In Similar Vein? July 15, 2024 Too Hot to Ride? July 13, 2024 Another Heat Wave July 12, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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In Similar Vein?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

In Similar Vein? ⇉ In similar vein to a river run dry, my brain won’t come up with fresh blog topics! Maybe it’s the constant heat; or perhaps I need to ride more vigorously to wake up my brain. Gotta ram through that writer’s block somehow! And is writer’s block analogous to saphenous insufficiency? Hold on a second — probably not. The vein isn’t blocked; but the blood isn’t flowing in the right direction. Well, in similar vein, my idea factory isn’t pushing things in the right direction! In fact, it seems to be taking a vacation. Another Procedure 🩺 So I’ve got yet another procedure coming up. I’ll have to wear compression stockings (full-length!) for seven days afterward this mini-surgery; and I sure hate compression hosiery! In fact, I hate stockings of any kind. Luckily it will mean minimal time off from riding; and indeed, the doctor says I can ride the same day as the procedure. I hope I know very soon when it’s scheduled, so I can arrange transportation if needed. And after that, I hope I won’t need another procedure of any kind for a LONG time! I want to ride; not take on the rôle of permanent patient! For now, I want to continue working on extending my distances; but that’s a bit tricky when I want to get home before the day’s heat advisory kicks in; and lately, that’s almost every 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.” 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 In Similar Vein? July 15, 2024 Too Hot to Ride? July 13, 2024 Another Heat Wave July 12, 2024 Heat Drill July 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Too Hot to Ride?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Too Hot to Ride? 🥵 At what point is it too hot to ride? Are there days so warm, you’d rather be soaking in a tub; perhaps in an epsom salt bath to soothe sore muscles? It’s hard for me to say. I’ve lived all my life in a hot, humid climate; and I should be used to it. At present, I try to get going by 7:00 am, if not earlier, because we’ve been getting many heat advisories. Another one is lined up for tomorrow; and it goes into effect at 11:00 am. I’m thinking of aiming for 30 miles tomorrow; and that will have me out there for several hours. As long as I go early, it shouldn’t be too hot to ride; but my ride food quickly becomes a sticky mess in this weather! Heat and Ride Food 🍫 Heat and ride food do not mix well. A favorite on-bike food of mine is the Gatorade Whey Protein Bar; but the chocolate coating is a half-melted sludge in a short time. I cut the bars into pieces prior to starting a ride; and as the heat’s effects become more pronounced, those pieces are apt to fall apart when I pick them up. RXBars are sturdier; but still get messy on hot rides. They’re somewhat tougher than I like for ride food, too. A big nuisance with heat and ride food is that the food sticks to the snack bag; and as I get to the last piece or two of Gatorade Bar (or whatever), it’s hard to get the food out.  What about alternatives to protein bars, such as Epic Bites? I tried that; and they’re even tougher to chew than RXBars. On top of that, they make me too thirsty — even when it’s not too hot to 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.” 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 Another Heat Wave July 12, 2024 Heat Drill July 11, 2024 Respite July 10, 2024 Dodge the Bullet July 9, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Another Heat Wave

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Another Heat Wave 🌊 Another heat wave is upon us. We’ve gotten two days of somewhat cooler weather; but tomorrow the blast furnace will be back. We’ve got to watch our internal gauges at these times; and be mindful of  signs that we need water or electrolyte drink. Ride early in the day if possible; and if you’ve got a cooling towel, use it. No, that isn’t being a sissy! I’m glad tomorrow’s heat advisory doesn’t go into effect until 11:00 am. That gives me time for a trip to the salvage store! Even so, I’ll need to take two bottles of water along. Even better, one bottle of water; one of Propel or some such drink; and refill the water bottle at the store. In fact, with another heat wave moving in, maybe I should use the Camel-Bak! False Alarm? 😱 I think we had a false alarm today; at least, right here in my neighborhood. Several hours ago, the weather site posted a flash flood warning; and I don’t believe it’s rained a drop! I guess somebody else got the downpour. If you start to feel weird while bicycling, how do you know whether it’s a false alarm; or something more serious? Ease up your efforts; have a bite to eat; and take a drink of water and/or your Propel. If you don’t feel better in a minute or two, you might better stop a while. In the shade, if possible. When you feel better, carry on. I guess that’s why RAGBRAI pass-through  towns are fairly close together; and by all accounts, there are plenty of folks along the route, ready to spray water on the riders! Riders can stop in pass-through towns and find some shade; refill their hydration systems; and have a snack. RAGBRAI 2024 begins a week from tomorrow; and I sure hope Iowa doesn’t get a heat wave like they did for last year’s RAGBRAI. Especially as this year’s route is said to be the hilliest ever! 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 Another Heat Wave July 12, 2024 Heat Drill July 11, 2024 Respite July 10, 2024 Dodge the Bullet July 9, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Heat Drill

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Uncategorized /

Heat Drill? 🥵 I got a bit of a heat drill today. The only way I’ll develop any conditioning is if I look hot rides in the eye! But more than anything, I wanted to get outdoors and get moving. This morning I had a doctor’s appointment, and I didn’t want to arrive there hot; sweaty; and stinking. So I didn’t ride beforehand; and by the time I got back home afterwards, the sky was starting to look threatening. And in fact, it did rain. By mid-afternoon the rain seemed to be over for the time being; and I was getting antsy from sitting around indoors. The heat index was only 94 degrees, far lower than it was a few days ago. There was still a good bit of cloud cover to help keep things cooler; so I kitted up; grabbed my cooling rag; and took off for a short heat drill. Stay Hydrated! 💦 Naturally I need to stay hydrated; even on a very short ride. It’s cooler today than it was two or three days ago; but still hot. Thus I had my Camel-Bak along for the ride. (Query: why isn’t that thing called a PIGGY-Bak? That’s what it does, after all; it rides piggy-back!) I decided I could skip the electrolyte drink for this jaunt; but I must be sure to take some along tomorrow. I’m thinking of shooting for 18-20 miles; and I’ve got to stay hydrated. Depending on what the weather does, I might get my hydration direct from the sky! I kept the ride short this afternoon, because it looked like it might storm again; and I also wanted to detour to the store. 🍌🥬 And with the hottest part of the year still to come, I’m sure I’ll have more opportunities for the heat drill! 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 Heat Drill July 11, 2024 Respite July 10, 2024 Dodge the Bullet July 9, 2024 Shoo In July 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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