SpokEasy

January 2025

Deep End

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Deep End 🌊 Starting to work up to any event often feels like you’ve been thrown in at the deep end. That’s true even if you aren’t aiming to do a triathlon. I’m certainly not — I haven’t been in a swimming pool in decades; and running probably isn’t wise for me. I’ve got osteoarthritis in both knees; and they don’t need the pounding that running would cause. But yesterday I felt sort of like I was in at the deep end. I hadn’t done “force” work for some months; so beginning it again was hard. I need it, though! Even if I’m unable to make it to RAGBRAI and those Iowa hills, such intense efforts can increase my calorie burn a little! Spring Training? 🌷 Riding is starting to feel like Spring training; never mind what the calendar says. It’s hard to believe that, one week ago, we were freezing. Today it got well into the 70s; and that’s getting close to feeling like Summer! Of course I must be considering RAGBRAI training. It isn’t race preparation; the focus, I’d say, is on endurance. After all, we’re talking about almost 50 miles per day, for seven days straight. Of course, if you want to ride fast, that’s fine; but I’m aware that getting faster won’t necessarily make me better at climbing. That’s what the “force” work is for! So I’m into Spring training. Time flies; and if I do the big ride in Iowa, July will be here in no time. I can’t procrastinate; because if I do, RAGBRAI will have me landing in the deep end! 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 ✍🏻 Deep End January 30, 2025 Out of Shape January 29, 2025 It’s a Start January 28, 2025 Iowa Here I Come? January 27, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Out of Shape

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Out of Shape 🫠 I sure feel out of shape today! Not quite as bad as a melting ice cream cone; but still pretty weak.  To be more precise, this morning I began doing “force” work again; less to develop better speed than to get stronger for climbing. I’m not sure yet whether I’ll be able to make it to RAGBRAI; but if I do, I want to be ready for the hills. Since I hadn’t done any such work for some months, I felt very out of shape. I sure felt my legs when I walked over to a FedEx store later in the morning. The distance is probably about 0.75 miles, which is really not very far. But my legs were complaining. No Aero Bars! ⇢   Sure, maybe I can get faster, if I work at it; but no aero bars! I read somewhere that they were banned from some event or other, because aero bars are too hazardous when used in a large group of riders. They put the rider’s hands too far from the brakes; and when you’ve got a huge number of riders on all sides, that can be a major problem. Especially in a recreational event, when there are apt to be cyclists of many different skill levels! Some riders, like me, might be far from beginners; but have minimal experience in group riding. So far I haven’t had any luck in finding a local group that might help me get group riding experience. Even if I can find a group, riding with a small number of  riders won’t be much prep for RAGBRAI, where the number of participants is in the thousands. So it won’t matter much whether I’m out of shape; or in tip-top condition. No aero bars; keep clear of riders on each side; and look through the rider in front of me. As for riders behind me, don’t worry. I figured out long ago that they have to watch out for me! 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 ✍🏻 Out of Shape January 29, 2025 It’s a Start January 28, 2025 Iowa Here I Come? January 27, 2025 Sprung? January 26, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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It’s a Start

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It’s a Start 🎬 It’s a start to do a ride of almost 20 miles; and to include six 5-minute efforts at riding faster than I normally do. I’m glad I’m not starting from rock bottom, though. If I had just begun riding today, I probably couldn’t be ready for RAGBRAI by July — no matter how attractive the big ride in Iowa seems. This year’s route is 406 miles long; or an average of 58 miles a day. It’s the second-shortest RAGBRAI route ever, they say. I think I could probably ride 58 miles in one day now, if I took my time and kept fueled and hydrated. Maybe I’ll try it in a month; it’s a start on RAGBRAI! The actual event in Iowa, however, means 58 miles every day for seven consecutive days. That’s very different from a single 50-60 mile day. Far to Go ⇢ But I think I’ve got far to go if I really want to participate in RAGBRAI this year. It’s not so much the mileage; I’m sure I can work up to that. But how about the climbing? I decided to let force work wait until tomorrow. Wednesdays are usually no-off-bike-work days; and I like to have the evening free of other exercises when I’ve done a hard ride in the morning. It’s been a while since I did any force work; so my first efforts need to be short. Even if they’re only 10 seconds long, it’s a start. And since there’s far to go, it’s wise to begin now, while I have five months to work at it. After June — maybe the first week of July — it’s going to be too late. By that point, my main focus will probably need to be fitness maintenance, rather than fitness building. We’ll see how things work out. I might have far to go; but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! 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 ✍🏻 It’s a Start January 28, 2025 Iowa Here I Come? January 27, 2025 Sprung? January 26, 2025 Let Loose January 25, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Iowa Here I Come?

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Iowa Here I Come? 🌽 Can I say, Iowa Here I Come? The RAGBRAI 2025 route has been announced! It goes across the northern part of the state; and they say it’s relatively flat. Mind you, that’s relatively flat; and for all I know, this means climbing that would be hard for me. I need to start doing on-bike work to improve both my pace and my force, so those hills in the Hawkeye State don’t kill me. I also need to see whether any of the charters used by RAGBRAI provide shuttle service from whatever near-RAGBRAI city is served by Amtrak. Before I learn that, I don’t quit dare say, Iowa Here I Come. First Steps 👟 Tomorrow isn’t too soon to take those first steps towards improving my strength. For the time being, I’m not pushing for a mileage-total goal; and I can do a short, intense ride once or twice a week. After New Year’s, my riding decreased for a while because of frequent days with strong winds. Then there was the snow, with ensuing icy/slushy conditions in the streets. I didn’t quite dare try riding in that; and I didn’t get in a 20-miler until yesterday. Today’s ride was very short; just a trip to the supermarket. The forecast says, patchy dense fog tomorrow morning; not the ideal when taking those first steps. At least I can be glad that I don’t have to get up and ride in the dark any more! Poor visibility is not the best kind of condition when I plan to put in force work; and might reach 18 mph! Especially when the fog might turn my glasses into a blindfold. I suppose that RAGBRAI isn’t immune to the chance of fog. Iowa Here I Come? Please, tell the fog to stay away! 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 ✍🏻 Iowa Here I Come? January 27, 2025 Sprung? January 26, 2025 Let Loose January 25, 2025 Melt-Off January 24, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Sprung?

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Sprung? 🌀 . Is Spring sprung? It sure felt like it today. Not one week ago, we had snow; and today the temperature climbed well into the 60s. Now there’s a chance of rain; which I do not like. I want to ride to the supermarket tomorrow! I’d like to get some other errands done, too; and rain will complicate matters. I can only wait and see what will be sprung upon us next. I can wear a poncho and ride to the store if it isn’t raining hard. But if it’s pouring, maybe I’d better not try it.  Fresh! 🥬 Spring sounds like something fresh; so for a fresh, minty taste, there are Feel Vegan Protein Bars. Spring also sounds like getting out into the fresh air, without having to put on multiple layers. This balmy spell won’t last long; and we’ll have some pretty strong wind before the end of the week. I saw a report that some parts of the USA could be in for severe weather. What’s going to be sprung upon us next? Meanwhile, I was glad to get out for a 20-mile ride this morning. The wind speed reached 12 mph by the time I got home; so my ride wasn’t without its challenges. But my legs sure needed it. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” 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 ✍🏻 Sprung? January 26, 2025 Let Loose January 25, 2025 Melt-Off January 24, 2025 Crusty January 23, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Let Loose

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Let Loose 𝌚 Today I feel like I’ve been let loose; and it seems that I’m far from the only one. Last night the temperature fell below freezing again; and I didn’t quite dare try riding the streets early in the day. I figured that melted snow would freeze again, making for hazardous going. By 10:00 or so, the weather had warmed up enough that I figured I could go for a real ride.  I took my hybrid, so I could ride without being clipped in. If I did go into a skid, I wanted to be sure I could get a foot on the ground pronto. First I headed to the park; and it was evident that I’m not alone in feeling let loose. There was an unusual number of people out there, enjoying the balmy weather. It was at least 50 degrees! Memory ❄️  Riding Is Good, especially after I’ve had to resort to pedaling in the trainer for a few days. I’m glad I don’t have to do it all Winter long! Now that our snow is fast melting into memory, I can get out there for some real riding. It’s a good thing that muscle memory lasts more than a few days. The walking/biking path in the park still had patches of snow/slush/ice on it; and I decided to finish my circuit of the park and head for the levee. I figured the sun would have melted any snow off of the bike path. Not so fast. As I approached the park’s exit, I heard a train’s horn; and knew I’d have to wait for the train to get past. So I did a second lap; and by then the railroad crossing was clear. The debris of Tuesday’s snow adventures were evident — big pieces of cardboard and other items that people had used as sleds. I’m glad they had fun; but I can’t help thinking, Why couldn’t they have taken the stuff home, instead of littering the levee with it? Tomorrow will be warmer than today; and I hope to get in a good 20 miles. It feels great to be let loose 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.” 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 ✍🏻 Let Loose January 25, 2025 Melt-Off January 24, 2025 Crusty January 23, 2025 Sunshine January 22, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Melt-Off

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Melt-Off 🫠 The melt-off is in progress; and a boot dryer would come in handy. If I had boots, that is! A lot of the snow has melted; but there are still patches of ice and slush. I’m not sure I dare to try riding outdoors yet; especially as it will go down go 32 degrees tonight. That’s barely freezing; but it could re-freeze melted snow and create dangerous slick patches. I think it would be wise to wait until the melt-off is more complete; and that means skipping the salvage store tomorrow. 😞    But I NEED Exercise! 🚲 But I NEED exercise! A half-hour or so in the trainer simply doesn’t cut the mustard! So, exciting though the snow was, I’m ready for it to be off the ground. I want and need to get back to my normal mileage; so this melt-off is actually quite welcome. Indoor pedaling would be more interesting if I could do virtual touring; but I don’t have the equipment for it. But I need exercise; and how nice it would be to “see” someplace different as I ride! Maybe I can go for a jaunt tomorrow afternoon. They say it will get up to the mid-50s; so by noon or so I guess I’ll be able to manage the roads. And day after tomorrow, up to the mid-60s! That’s a bit closer to normal for the season; and it ought to complete the melt-off. 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 ✍🏻 Melt-Off January 24, 2025 Crusty January 23, 2025 Sunshine January 22, 2025 It’s Snowing!! January 21, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Crusty

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Crusty 🥖 I love crusty bread; and gingerbread, too. Today we’ve got crusty snow! After a day of sunshine yesterday — and another sunny day today — the top surface of the snow has become harder. It’s still dry and powdery below the surface; and, as I expected, the sidewalks are more of a mess today than they were yesterday. That makes it hard to walk around. Maybe that crusty surface is great for skiing and sledding; but it gets packed down from people walking on it. Then it re-freezes; and that spells trouble! Cabin Fever 🛖 I’m getting cabin fever from staying indoors so much; so I try to get out for a few minutes here and there. Around 9:00 am I went on the prowl for some kind of cake or pastry, tramping over crusty snow. Most shops and restaurants in the neighborhood are still shut down; but PJ’s was open.  I got a cake ball; and that’s really a better option than a big slice of carrot cake. The cake ball was about golf-ball size. The carrot cake would have made four or more cake balls; and I really do not need that. After a few hours, cabin fever is setting in again. It would be great to get out and ride; but I don’t dare try pedaling over icy, rutted surfaces. It would be easy to catch a wheel and go down; or to go into a skid. I suppose you need to steer into a skid when cycling; just as you would if driving a car. But that takes practice; and why try it on the streets when cars are 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! 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 ✍🏻 Crusty January 23, 2025 Sunshine January 22, 2025 It’s Snowing!! January 21, 2025 We All Scream? January 20, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Sunshine

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Sunshine 🌞 Yesterday it was snowing; today we’ve got sunshine. If you’re going to be outdoors for more than a short time, don’t forget sunblock and sunglasses. No sense in letting yourself go snow-blind. The temperature is still freezing; and for the next three nights the lows will go below freezing. Afternoons will be int the 40s for the next two days; and I suppose we can expect considerable melting and refreezing of our snow. It’s still cold enough that the sunshine probably won’t melt off the snow right away. The streets and sidewalks will be hazardous; and how can anyone ride a bicycle in that slush? How do you steer? I think I’d find it hard to make any headway at all! In some areas, where weather like this is par for the course during Winter, I’m sure plenty of cyclists can manage. I don’t feel ready to tackle it, unless I could find a fat-tire bicycle to rent.  Eye on the Weekend 👁️ I’ve got my eye on the weekend; but not with any notions of doing an epic ride. I want to visit the salvage store; but a lot depends on whether the snow and ice have melted off by then.  I’m especially concerned about the possibility of “black ice”. That stuff is super-treacherous; it can send you it skid before you even see it. Or, if you’re on foot, you can find yourself flat on your back before you know what’s happening! Friday night’s low temperature will be just below freezing, which makes riding to the store Saturday look doubtful, even in sunshine. But I’m keeping an eye on the weekend, and I hope I can go for a real ride on Sunday! Pedaling in the trainer is driving me crazy. 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 ✍🏻 Sunshine January 22, 2025 It’s Snowing!! January 21, 2025 We All Scream? January 20, 2025 Last Chance? January 19, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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It’s Snowing!!

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IT’S SNOWING!! ❄️ Omigosh, it’s snowing! Can you believe it? Of course snow makes me think of Troika; but I wonder how a drone would fly in this weather. The wind is 17 mph, with gusts up to 36 mph. If I did have a drone, I’d be worried that such wind would tear the thing to pieces. But wouldn’t it be fun to get a film of myself riding in the snow? So far there’s not enough snow accumulation on the grass for me to try making a snow angel; but it’s early yet. It’s snowing; and, according to the forecast, it will keep going for a few hours. No Ice Bike 🚴🏿 I have no ice bike; so what to do when it’s snowing, and I don’t even have snow tires for the bike that I do have? I can blog, of course. Or munch on M&Ms. I can hook my road bike into the trainer, and “ride” that way. In fact, I did just that yesterday; and left the bike hooked up in anticipation of another indoor ride today. There are YouTubes galore for information and entertainment … let me go listen to Troika 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.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL ✍🏻 We All Scream? January 20, 2025 Last Chance? January 19, 2025 In and Out January 18, 2025 On the watch January 17, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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