SpokEasy

October 2024

Spooky Washout

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Spooky Washout? 👻 It looks like tomorrow might become a spooky washout. The forecast shows a 40% chance of rain from early afternoon onwards. That’s bad news for the trick-or-treat gang! I wonder whether anybody has ever tried a rolling trick or treat. The Avasta Single Speed is one way to do it. The catch is that costumes could get snagged in the bicycle’s mechanism; and that means the possibility of a nasty fall. Falling off your bicycle, on top of a spooky washout, would be a bit too much. Hallowe’en My Style 🎃 What’s Hallowe’en my style? I think I’ll stick close to home tomorrow; and in fact, I’ll probably need to. I have an eye exam in the morning; and those dilating drops take all day to wear off. I’ll be wearing my Ray-Bans indoors! I’ll be quite content to leave the streets to the Hallowe’en revelers; spooky washout or not. It’s been dry for a long time; and we really do need rain. The timing isn’t so good, though! But I was glad of clear weather this morning, which let me see the old-crescent moon. It should still be visible tomorrow, if I can get out there early enough. And it it isn’t overcast already! That’s Hallowe’en my style — a good, long bicycle ride; then kick back for the rest of the 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube Legs Are Feeling It October 29, 2024 Not the Chain! October 28, 2024 Have I Derailed? October 27, 2024 On the Edge October 26, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Legs Are Feeling It

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Legs Are Feeling It🦵🏼 My legs are feeling it today. Maybe some cinnamon would spice them up? Not that I rode more miles than usual; but I used the hybrid instead of the road bike. That made quite a difference. The road bike’s brifters are acting up, especially the right-hand one; so I knew it wouldn’t make sense to use the road bike today. However, the hybrid is considerably heavier; which meant I had to work harder. Of course my legs are feeling it now. Is It Still Summer? 🥵 Is it still Summer? Thank goodness it’s not hot enough for that cool rag; but good grief, afternoons still get up to the 80s! It doesn’t feel like October at all! But I bet when cold weather does arrive, we’ll go from 85 degrees one afternoon, to 45 degrees by the next morning. If my legs are feeling it after the morning’s ride, I’m glad I’m not out there now. I’d be fighting a 21 mph wind on my way home! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube Legs Are Feeling It October 29, 2024 Not the Chain! October 28, 2024 Have I Derailed? October 27, 2024 On the Edge October 26, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Not the Chain!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Not the Chain! ⛓️ My road bike’s shifting problem is not the chain. I oiled it last night; and this morning I pulled out the chain gauge to measure it. It’s not quite to the point where it needs replacing. So I started off; and before I had gone half a block, I knew that the trouble was not the chain. I walked the bike back home; and took off on the hybrid. Tomorrow, it’s off to the bike shop. I’d go today, but they’re closed on Mondays. Even though my shifting problems are not the chain as far as I can tell, I think I’ll get a new one. And a good tune-up, too. I’m glad I have the hybrid as a back-up bike, so I’ll still be able to ride. How Long? ⏱️ So, how long will the road bike be out of commission? If my shifting problems are not the chain (and I don’t think they are), it might take a while. Sometimes it takes two days; sometimes it takes a week or more. That’s a lot of time to lose when I’m working towards a specific mileage goal by a certain date; so it’s a good thing I’ve got a back-up bike. I hope to ride more strongly tomorrow. This morning I needed to ride short and easy; but how long will it take me to ride 19-20 miles on the hybrid? I have to be back home by 11:00 am; so, to be on the safe side, I’d better start at 6:00 am. My lights will need to be in order. Not only will it still be dark; but the forecast predicts patchy fog. I hope it won’t be as dense as this morning’s fog! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube Not the Chain! October 28, 2024 Have I Derailed? October 27, 2024 On the Edge October 26, 2024 Silver Wheels October 25, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Have I Derailed?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Have I Derailed? 🛤️ Have I derailed? Or, to be more precise, has my road bike derailed? My diet would go off the rails mighty quick if I got ahold of Alec’s Salted Dark Chocolate ice cream; but bicycle derailleurs don’t care what you’re eating. And my road bike’s rear derailleur chose this morning to act up. It hesitated a lot to change gears. I’d shift through several smaller cogs; and the response was very delayed. When I tried to shift back to larger cogs, the lever didn’t have any resistance. It made me wonder, have I derailed? So What’s Up? ⬆️ So what’s up? At times like this I regret that I’ve never learned much about bicycle maintenance. Someone once showed me how to adjust the rear derailleur; but that was years ago. On top of that, I don’t have a bicycle repair stand. So, what’s up? I can guess at what’s gone awry. One possibility is that the derailleur mechanism needs adjusting. Another is a problem with the shifting cable.  I lubed the chain within the last week or so; but I oiled it again after I got home from my ride. Tomorrow I’ll go for a ride; and if shifting is still a problem, it’s off to the bike shop. That bicycle is overdue for a tune-up, I think; so I’d better go for it now. I’m riding more than I used to before retirement; and that means more maintenance! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube Have I Derailed? October 27, 2024 On the Edge October 26, 2024 Silver Wheels October 25, 2024 Surging? October 23, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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On the Edge

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

On the Edge 😬 This the annoying time of year when I’m kept on the edge: is 65 degrees really cool enough for me to wear leg warmers? Even if it is cool enough at the start of a ride, will leg warmers be too hot before I finish? Do I wear them, or not? It partly depends on wind conditions. If it’s in the 60s, and blowing pretty strongly, it’s 90% certain that bare legs will be too cold. If I’ll be riding before dawn, I’m probably going to need cold-weather gear. This morning I was on the edge about how to dress for the trip to the salvage store. Was 65 degrees too cool to leave the leg warmers at home? I finally decided that it wasn’t; and took off for the store. It worked out fine; but I’ve got four or five months of how-should-I-dress coming up! A Balancing Act 🤸🏼‍♀️ Cycling is a balancing act, anyway; both physically and metaphorically. Pedaling means keeping your balance, especially if you’re riding a single wheel! It’s also a balancing act trying to fit in our riding around other things in life: family; jobs; and whatever else we’ve got to take care of. It can make anyone feel like they’re on the edge!   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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube On the Edge October 26, 2024 Silver Wheels October 25, 2024 Surging? October 23, 2024 Rainy Day Ideas October 22, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Silver Wheels

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Silver Wheels 🥈 I thought there might be an organization for older cyclists called Silver Wheels; something similar to Silver Sneakers, but for cycling. I did find a club called Silver Wheels; but it’s way up North in Cleveland, Ohio. That’s not exactly local. This ICAN Time Trial Wheelset won’t give me silver wheels; but if you’re chasing after aerodynamics, it can help. ICAN is great for time trialing; triathlons; and long, flat rides. Miles in the Bank 🏦 My long rides are still quite short compared to the distances put in by riders in serious training — say, for triathlon aspirants. But I’m pushing for longer and longer weekday rides. This week I’m trying to put some miles in the bank, because my sister and her husband are coming to visit next week. I might not get to ride much while they’re here; so I want ride now. It’s great to be able to push for 20-mile rides most weekdays; something that was impossible before I retired. I aim for a longer ride on Sundays; and I must remember to do one short, easy ride (or a day off) once a week. Taking time off can be hard, though, when you’re shooting for a specific mileage goal by a certain date. That makes miles in the bank even more important when you know you’ll have less riding time for a while! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube Silver Wheels October 25, 2024 Surging? October 23, 2024 Rainy Day Ideas October 22, 2024 In versus Out October 21, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Surging?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Surging? 🌊 Were my efforts this morning really “surging”? And no, socks don’t make a difference! I’m not training for racing; but this morning I tried a number of 30-second efforts at pushing for 15 mph or so. There was almost no wind, which helped a lot. But I’m not sure that really counted as surging. It looks like wind conditions will be calm for a few more days — hooray! What cyclist doesn’t like windless days? I’d better enjoy it while I can, though. At some point, the constant winds of Winter will set in; and then I’ll be battling headwinds much of the time! Comet? ☄️ Is another comet coming to visit? We heard about the one that last appeared when the Neanderthals were still around. A day or two ago, I saw something in the news about an October 24 comet. It’s supposed to be visible in the eastern sky around sunrise; and possibly even in the daytime! Binoculars would be great to have right now; but I don’t need them nearly often enough to justify my buying .a pair. Celestron Binoculars have a large aperture; great for long-distance viewing. Tripod adapter and carry case included. If I can spot that comet without spyglasses, great! If I can’t, it’s no big deal. It wouldn’t surprise me if more such “dirty snowballs” were discovered in the future; and I might get to see those. Meanwhile, I’ll keep working at surging.   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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube Surging? October 23, 2024 Rainy Day Ideas October 22, 2024 In versus Out October 21, 2024 Almost! October 20, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Rainy Day Ideas

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Rainy Day Ideas 💡 We could all do with some rainy day ideas, other than prancing around outdoors in our bare feet. Before long it might be too cold for such antics, even if we want to do it! Rainy weather might be a good time to hook the bike into the trainer; and try some cadence drills. I’ve tried that before; and certainly find one-legged pedaling awkward. It also tires me surprisingly fast; which might indicate that I need more general leg-strengthening exercises. Not today, though. Day before yesterday I rode almost 30 miles; then yesterday I put in nearly 20 miles. I decided I needed to keep it short and easy today; and I can aim for 19 miles or so tomorrow. Dry Day Ideas ☀️ Dry day ideas are easier for me to invent than rainy day ideas. If it’s raining, I have to steel myself for getting wet (and possibly very cold); trying to tolerate more than 15 minutes in the trainer; or simply doing nothing at all. Dry day ideas can include doing long miles; and if the Natchez Trace were within reach, I might head there: one segment here; and another segment there. It probably would take a week for me to ride the full length of the 444-mile trail; and that means bike packing equipment if I don’t want to go inn-to-inn style. I hope I won’t need to come up with rainy day ideas next week, though. My sister and her husband are coming to visit; and we don’t want our dry day ideas washed out. 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube Rainy Day Ideas October 22, 2024 In versus Out October 21, 2024 Almost! October 20, 2024 What Happens? October 19, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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In versus Out

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

In versus Out ↔️ In versus out. How many times we’ve heard that; especially in relation to food and weight control. I wonder, is that easier on a vegan diet? Cycling is touted as terrific for weight loss; and yes, bicycling can burn off plenty of calories. But it’s not always easy to burn off more than you eat! In versus out can get rather complicated, in fact. I had lost a significant amount of weight several years ago; then, about April 2022, I began heavy work to restructure this website. This was before I retired; and meal planning and proper eating fell by the wayside. I regained at least 12 pounds; and my A1c climbed back up to the scary level of 6. Sweet Spot 🍭 It’s a good thing that “sweet spot” training doesn’t have calories. I’m not sure that I’m really riding in my sweet spot; it apparently applies to FTP level rather than heart rate. But maybe such workouts help the in versus out problem! During a ride lasting just under two hours, as with today’s ride, as I might burn off nearly 600 calories. When I ride for much over one hour, I eat on the bike; and I typically aim to end a ride with a calorie deficit of 100-200. It seems to be working for weight loss, if only very slowly. Since June I’ve lost about three pounds. But I’m not sweating it, as long as the scale is moving in the right direction! I’m not sure we need to sweat it where Oscar is concerned. The onset of any bad weather presents anothet in versus out conundrum: stay in; or go out and ride in the rain? 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube In versus Out October 21, 2024 Almost! October 20, 2024 What Happens? October 19, 2024 Persistence October 18, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Almost!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Almost! 📏 How good a measure is “almost”? I almost made it to 30 miles today! Shall we sound the trumpets? But it’s hard to play an instrument outdoors when it’s cold; and can you use hand warmers then? It actually wasn’t cold here; it was in the mid-60s at 7am. I hesitated a little about omitting a jacket and leg warmers from my outfit. After some thought, I decided that it would probably warm up quickly; and it did. I was fine without leg warmers; and a long-sleeved blouse and vest were sufficient. I first rode to a point nearly 11 miles from home; then doubled back and went to the park to ride laps. During the third lap, my legs started to feel tired; so I decided to head home. That’s how I almost made it to 30 miles; I was four-tenths of of mile short. Maybe next Sunday! Still Eyeing 70K 👁️ I’m still eyeing 70K miles by year’s end as my goal; and as long as I can keep riding regularly, I stand a decent chance of  making it! 😁 But I’ve got to be sure I don’t bonk along the way. Maybe the Bonk Breaker Protein Bar will “put a tiger in your tank”, as one gasoline company used to advertise. I don’t remember which one; this was decades ago. I’m still eyeing 70K, but I need to be more regular about my off-bike exercises. I’m trying to reintroduce lunges; but they still bother my left foot. But not as much as they did; and I hope I can do more soon. I’ll just have to be patient. I’m thinking of the upcoming week’s rides. It’s important to have an easy ride (or even a day off) once a week; and I’m thinking of making it Tuesday. I want to go visit the Farmers Market! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube Almost! October 20, 2024 What Happens? October 19, 2024 Persistence October 18, 2024 Wind Relief October 17, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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