SpokEasy

SpokEasy

May 2025

Quiet in the Tropics

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Quiet in the Tropics 🌀 It’s quiet in the tropics for now; and I hope it stays that way! Official hurricane season begins at midnight tonight; and that means six months of constantly being on guard. I have to set aside some canned goods especially for “hurricane rations”; and I wonder how well refried beans would do. Even a minimal hurricane is likely to knock out the power; and I don’t want to open a can of any food that I can’t use up within the day. I’m not sure I’m able to finish up a whole can/package of “refritos” that quickly. Quiet in the tropics can change very quickly; and so can a storm’s path. Hurricanes are quite erratic, really. Years ago, there was one hurricane that swung in and out from the western coast of Florida, striking land in three or four places! Naturally one of my biggest worries is having hurricane derail my RAGBRAI plans. I hope the weather cooperates with my riding over the next weeks. I need to keep training! Keep Training 🏋🏻 I need to keep training; and I think I need more intensity work. RAGBRAI does have hills! And, while RAGBRAI isn’t a race, I’m rather frustrated that my pace seems stuck around 10 mph. Are one or two pace-work sessions per week (when I try to push for 14-15 mph for 5 minutes at a time) enough to do me any good? I do feel somewhat stronger now, so maybe I’m doing something right. Let’s hope it stays quiet in the tropics, though. I’m not the only one in this region who is preparing for RAGBRAI; and we want to keep training! 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 Quiet in the Tropics May 30, 2025 Coming in Waves May 29, 2025 Unsettled Weather May 28, 2025 On a Full Stomach May 27, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Coming in Waves

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Coming in Waves 🌊 The bad weather today is coming in waves; and it’s driving me crazy. Every time I think things are settling down enough for me to go out for a ride, along comes more rain! There’s even a flash flood warning for the next three hours. As there’s also some lightning, it’s probably wise to stay under cover. I’d “ride” in the trainer for a while if I could; but the hybrid’s tires are the wrong size to fit. Every time I’ve tried to hitch the hybrid into the trainer, the wheel has gotten knocked off; and the road bike is still in the shop. I might have to miss riding for the day. 😒 Better luck next time, I guess. Better Luck 🍀 I hope I have better luck with the weather tomorrow; and for the weekend, too. I’m considering switching things around; and visiting the salvage store tomorrow. Then I can try Saturday-Sunday back-to-back long rides.  Consecutive days of 20-mile rides are no longer a real challenge; so I think I’ll try for 30 miles or so. Or maybe I’ll shoot for 50 miles on Saturday; and do 30 or so on Sunday? Although retired for over two years, I still seem stuck in the working person’s “do it all on weekends” mentality. But when bad weather keeps coming in waves, as today, it’s good to know that I can easily rearrange my riding schedule. It makes it easier for me to get better luck. 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 Coming in Waves May 29, 2025 Unsettled Weather May 28, 2025 On a Full Stomach May 27, 2025 Til Next Year May 26, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Unsettled Weather

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Unsettled Weather 🌊 ⛈️ We’ve definitely got some unsettled weather here! We’ve gotten our second Special Weather Statement in a few hours about strong T-storms in the area. Heavy rain is expected; and we’re under a Flash Flood Warning.  This unsettled weather will probably continue well into tomorrow; and it looks like I won’t be able to ride until mid-afternoon. I wish I could have ridden longer this morning, to make up for the expected lack of cycling tomorrow; but I did force work, and was getting tired. Force Work 👊 Force work might be more interesting if I had a power meter. I could know how much power I’m actually generating; but power meters are expensive. Once or twice I’ve been on the verge of buying one for my road bike; when up came the need for costly dental work! I finally gave up on the idea of power meters. Today I did my force work on the hybrid, anyway. The road bike’s rear shifter had been creaking as I shifted to larger cogs; and it also felt stiff. Ergo the bike is in the shop to get checked out. I’m glad this unsettled weather waited for afternoon to move in. Lightning dancing around while I’m riding makes me uneasy; and if it rains hard, it’s difficult to see. Then I don’t want to start force work, because I might get as fast as 18 mph. And then I need to see! 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 Unsettled Weather May 28, 2025 On a Full Stomach May 27, 2025 Til Next Year May 26, 2025 Test Aborted May 25, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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On a Full Stomach

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

On a Full Stomach 🥡   Today I got a little practice riding on a full stomach. I got Chinese take-out for lunch; and contrary to my usual practice, I didn’t put half of it away for another meal. I demolished the whole thing! Naturally I felt stuffed afterwards; but in a short while I headed out for a short, easy ride. I need more practice riding in the heat, for one thing. It’s part of my RAGBRAI preparation! Riding on a full stomach is rather uncomfortable; and during RAGBRAI I want to space out my food intake. Especially if I’m climbing! Vigorous effort on a full stomach is even less fun than riding easily on a full stomach! In addition to considering food during RAGBRAI, I’m planning how to get my bicycle there; and one alternative is Bikeflights. Maybe I can even send a supply of gels with the bike! Bikeflights ✈️ Part of RAGBRAI preparation has been, of course, figuring out how to get my bike up to Iowa; and I’m planning on using Bikeflights. I don’t like the idea having to lug a bicycle in a case to luggage check-in at the airport. There’s a service called Bikeflights; and my bike shop uses it all the time. Bikeflights works with RAGBRAI; and other events as well.  So I’ve registered for Bikeflights. I’ve got to review what all I may put in the case with the bicycle; I think they say there’s also room for two pairs of shoes and a helmet. I plan to pack two water bottles and one pair of shoes. If I can fit a full duffle bag in there as well, I can ship one in the bike box. Then I’ll only have one bag to worry about during the trip up to Iowa. At the moment, I’m more concerned about tomorrow’s weather. There’s a chance of T-storms; but they might not crop up until noon. So my ride might be OK; but as I plan to do some force work, I don’t think I’ll ride on a full stomach! 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 On a Full Stomach May 27, 2025 Til Next Year May 26, 2025 Test Aborted May 25, 2025 Snap May 24, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Til Next Year

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors, Personal Care /

Til Next Year 📅 Good grief, I’ve got enough sunblock to last me til next year! In my zeal to have enough for RAGBRAI, I’ve been buying it often; and it would seem that I’m overstocked. I have a variety of brands; with SPFs ranging from 50 to 70. I’ve been looking for tubes of the right size to fit into my under-saddle pack; and I’ll concentrate on using the awkwardly-large tubes before I head for Iowa. I don’t think I need to worry about running out any time soon; as I said, I’ve got enough to last til next year! But all the sunblock in the world isn’t much use if I consistently forget to apply it to certain areas. I tend to forget my neck, especially in the back; and one YouTube I watched about RAGBRAI mentioned, don’t forget to put sunblock on the backs of your fingers. Otherwise they could become badly blistered. In the Back 👈 Back to Basics sounds like things to do in the back yard: gardening; hanging out the laundry; and so on. Will I be in the back of the pack during RAGBRAI? I won’t know until I’m in the thick of it; and even if I am in the back, what of it? They say Iowa has 15 hour of daylight during July; and just so I get to the overnight town by 6 pm, I’m good. I hope to get to the end towns earlier than that, though; especially if I have to set up my own tent. Today I tried to do some pace work; and had problems because of the headwind. I also noticed my right-hand brifter creaking as I shifted to larger gears; and that makes me uneasy. Is a cable getting caught? I’d better ride the hybrid until I can get that checked out. For sure, I won’t wait til next 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 ✍🏻 Til Next Year May 26, 2025 Test Aborted May 25, 2025 Snap May 24, 2025 Tent? May 23, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Test Aborted

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Test Aborted 🧪 This morning was a case of test aborted; and the test had hardly begun! I finally got around to trying out my cooling vest. I soaked it for several minutes, according to instructions. Then I put in on; and noticed immediately how heavy it felt. Somehow I never thought about the fact that wet things are heavy; and I thought this sodden vest would weigh me down too much. I don’t think I need that extra weight; especially not on a week-long ride. Ergo test aborted! But there are more tests that I can do in coming weeks. More Tests 🥞 “More tests” includes eating more before I set out on a ride. My go-to pre-ride snack has long been a banana and peanut butter; but I think I need to experiment with eating more than that. I won’t be scarfing down stacks of pancakes; I can’t make them because I don’t have flour. But I can have oatmeal and yogurt, with some nuts. Maybe with frozen blueberries, too! If this proves to be too big a load in my stomach, I’ll call it test aborted for that day; and have a smaller meal before the next ride. “More tests” also includes eating a little more during rides than I always have; and if that works, I’ll keep at it. After all, I’m extending my weekly long ride to as much as 50 miles; and soon I want to push for a 60-miler. That means I need fuel. It’s not good to bonk! 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 ✍🏻 Test Aborted May 25, 2025 Snap May 24, 2025 Tent? May 23, 2025 Energizer? May 22, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Snap

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Snap? 🐊 I’ve never seen an alligator snap up a duck; although I’m sure it happens. There are both gators and ducks along the river! And no, I’m not meaning to make fun of the food stamps program. I hope it doesn’t vanish; SNAP is the only way some people can get enough to eat. At the salvage store, I keep my eyes peeled for ride food; and when I find something, I snap it up. I’ll stock up even if I already have a good supply at home, because I don’t know when I’ll be able to get more. I’ve been taking an easy week, with shorter rides; and no force exercises. Yesterday I did some pace work; alternating five minutes of pushing for 13-15 mph with five minutes of riding easily. I was a bit tired after almost an hour of that! I’ll try it again in a couple of days; and I hope I can keep cool while I’m at it. Keep Cool 🧊 Keep cool? Easier said than done sometimes. Get a neck gaiter or a cool rag. Wet it; wring it; snap it. Then wear it. Oh, and I still have to try out my cooling vest. It hasn’t seemed quite hot enough for it so far; but that day is coming! It would be great if I could keep cool by riding on a shady path; but there isn’t one here except the park. On Sundays, that path gets quite crowded; and to complicate things, there are families with young children. Little kids can be most unpredictable; and I don’t want to hit them when they suddenly run out in front of me. It can be hard to keep cool, so to speak, when I must constantly dodge people on foot; so I think I’ll stick to the levee bike path. 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 Snap May 24, 2025 Tent? May 23, 2025 Energizer? May 22, 2025 How Ironic! May 20, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Tent?

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Tent? 🏕️ Should I get a tent for RAGBRAI? I’m not quite sure yet. I’m on the waiting list for a Pork Belly tent; and don’t know when I might get one. So I’m in a bit of a quandry. I don’t want to buy a tent that I won’t need, after all; but just as little do I want to wait until too late if I can’t get a Pork Belly tent. A tent will be another item to lug along; and something else to find storage room for post-RAGBRAI. If the tent gets wet during my week in Iowa, I’ll need to be sure it’s absolutely dry before storing it. Not so easy in a humid climate; and I’m not sure it would do to put a tent through an electric dryer. Multiple Choice 😵‍💫 As with so many prospective purchases, multiple choice among tents can be overwhelming. I’ll probably want a one-person tent if I buy one, largely due to the need for compact packing. I hope to find one like the tent in this video. It has no stakes; so I wouldn’t have to worry about whether a hammer in my luggage will be confiscated! Tent stakes will take up room and add weight, too. And there’s multiple choice about what food to bring with me. I’ll want to have some kind of bars on hand, in case I’m hungry before the food vendors are open for business in the morning.  I’d rather not start the day’s riding on an empty stomach! Or would a gel hold me over? 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 Tent? May 23, 2025 Energizer? May 22, 2025 How Ironic! May 20, 2025 Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis May 19, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Energizer?

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Energizer? ⚡️ Energizer sounds like these batteries; but can the electronics department of a store serve as an energizer? This morning I rode to Walmart; and naturally I checked my mileage when I got there. I’m certain my Cateye read 5.01; but as I got ready to ride home, it said 6+! This phenomenon has occurred at least once before. Was it because I visited the store’s electronics department? I wanted a second charger block to take along on RAGBRAI; and maybe being in the midst of all that equipment caused the Cateye to fast-forward!⏭️ Today was another low mileage day; but I think I’m ready to start rides of 20-30 miles again; with longer jaunts on Sundays. When you do long rides, be sure your saddle height is correct! Saddle Height 🦵🏼   Saddle height might not matter with low mileage; but as you ride farther, it becomes very important. Incorrect saddle height can cause knee pain; and if you’re rocking back and forth as you pedal, nasty chafing is quite likely. So far I haven’t had problems with saddle height, thank the cycling gods for that. I’ve been getting some tweaks done, though; when you’ve got a 400+ mile week on the horizon, it’s a wise idea to double check these things. I’ve notice little if any difference from those tweaks; and I’d better not make any further changes after the next week or so. I wonder, though, can a big change of saddle height act as an energizer? Say, if that saddle has been too high; and lowering it means you don’t have to extend your knees all the way? 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 Energizer? May 22, 2025 How Ironic! May 20, 2025 Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis May 19, 2025 Snowball? May 18, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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How Ironic!

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How Ironic! 😵‍💫 How ironic life gets sometimes! One day last week, I got Chinese take-out; and my fortune cookie read: “Your love for sports will lead to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.” How ironic that is! As a kid I loathed sports. To be more specific, I hated physical education class in school. Always being picked last for a team; never knowing what to do for volleyball or whatever; knowing that my teammates resented being stuck with me. I had no opportunity to practice the skills needed; so I never improved. And here I am, decades later, an avid cyclist, with RAGBRAI in my sights. I’ve been working towards the event for some months; but this week I’m backing off. I think I need it; and besides, the weather forecast for tomorrow doesn’t look so great. Weather Forecast ⛈️ The weather forecast is always on my mind: what are the chances of rain? Are T-storms possible? Now that it’s already about 80 degrees at 7:00 am, I’ll have to start watching the heat index; and start using cooling devices. This morning I got my cool rag ready; and forgot to use it! I was thinking of riding to Walmart tomorrow; but I’d better wait and see what the weather is doing. A weather forecast isn’t always accurate; and  “40% chance of showers” might mean a torrential downpour; or not a drop of rain. Sometimes a forecast for ninety-percent chance of showers doesn’t see a single raindrop. How ironic that is! 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 Ironic! May 20, 2025 Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis May 19, 2025 Snowball? May 18, 2025 Bailout Plan May 17, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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