July 2025 - SpokEasy

Cleanup Time

Cleanup Time 🧽 Now that I’m settling back in at home, it’s cleanup time. Scott Shop Towels are great; but today I put an clean, old sock over my hand; and used that. At one point during RAGBRAI, I got sunblock on my sleeping pad. It wasn’t possible to clean it well right then; so it had to wait until now. In any case, I wanted to clean the pad before storing it. My sleeping pad is closed-cell foam; and I wasn’t sure how well it might tolerate immersion in water. I figured that damp-rag cleaning was a better option. What a tedious operation, though! All those little dimples needed cleaning. Then I used a damp rag to clean my duffle bags. Not that they were really dirty, but a wipe-down doesn’t hurt; and they need airing. After all, they had sweaty clothes in them for a week! Cleanup time also includes putting away quite a lot of stuff; and I sure haven’t tried to finish it all in one go! And I didn’t want to put my foot to hard use too soon. My Foot 🦶🏻 My foot seems be a lot better; it doesn’t look as swollen as it did. All the same, I’m riding short and easy until it’s back to normal. I hope my foot is normal Saturday, because I want to ride to the salvage store. When pedaling, I still have a tendency to stretch my left heel down; and jab with my foot. That started years ago, when I had pulled a hamstring muscle. Normal pedaling hurt; so I worked around it. Now it’s hard to pedal properly! Maybe one-legged drills in the trainer would help. Proper pedaling form is important if you’re going for long distance cycling. Cleanup time can also refer to how you 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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My B*** Hurts?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

My B*** Hurts? 😬 More than one YouTube I’ve viewed about RAGBRAI has someone saying, “My b*** hurts”. Is there something wrong with me? I didn’t have that problem. When I first began riding a two-wheeler, I did feel stiff/sore “back there” after a ride; but this discomfort wore off after a week or so. Are the people saying, “My b *** hurts” referring to muscle aches; or skin irritation? For the former, gradually longer rides are the solution. Chamois Butt’r helps with the latter. I tend to carry a tube rather than the little packets; even though it weighs more. I tried the packets; and never needed to use up a whole one at once. It was a nuisance to try to fold down the top of the packet once I’d torn it open. The important thing is having that product on hand, so I won’t be complaining that my b*** hurts! Riding Again 🚲 I began riding again today; although it was a short, easy one. I was on the hybrid; and not bothering about heart rate and whatever. Incidentally, my heart rate monitor wouldn’t went on strike all last week. After three days, I quit wearing it. It’s great to be riding again, however short the distance. I don’t want to wait too long, or I might start griping that my b*** hurts when I do get back into the saddle! My road bike is in transit; and should arrive late this week or early next. Since I got home last Sunday evening, we’ve had very hot weather; even some extreme heat warnings! This afternoon we got a T-storm; and I hope that cools things off a little. It will make riding again more comfortable! 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Readjusting

BACK ISSUES, equipment / CAL

Readjusting 🔧 Now that RAGBRAI 2025 is past, I’m readjusting to regular life. I must admit that it’s a relief to not have to cram a lot of stuff into two 40-liter duffle bags each morning. Every day, my things seemed to need more and more space; and when I practice-packed at home before heading to Iowa, I made the major error of forgetting to allow room for my sneakers! I ended up having to squeeze my sleeping pad inside the bag’s carrying straps. I’m quickly readjusting to having room to move when I take a shower. What a luxury that is! The Pork Belly showers were nice and clean; but small. That was a necessity, though. The shower truck had to go from one overnight town to the next; and the truck could be only so big. Naturally RAGBRAI had some downs; but already I’m thinking of next time! Next Time ⏱️ Next time I do RAGBRAI, I’ll be more careful to ask for tent service when I apply for Pork Belly. This year, I somehow missed it; and was put on a waiting list. I had some anxious days before I got a tent; and I was glad I didn’t have to haul one with me. There wasn’t room for a tent in my bags, anyhow. For packing, I’ll get a sixty-liter duffle bag to replace one of the bags I have; the 40-liter size just wasn’t big enough, even with two of them. There are some items that I think I can leave at home next time, too. Since the showers are cleaned regularly, I didn’t actually use flip-flops. I can leave them home and save a bit of space in my bag. Maybe I’ll pack my little battery-operated alarm clock next time. By mid-week, I was having trouble with my cell phone running out of charge. I’m not sure whether the problem was the phone itself; or the charging blocks. The charging trailer cubbies each have two standard household outlets; and I can bring the little item-specific charging blocks I use at home. And I’m very easily readjusting to being able to leave stuff all over the place. I always was a slob! 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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RAGBRAI 2025 Day Zero

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

RAGBRAI 2025 Day Zero 0️⃣ Let’s Go to Orange City! RAGBRAI 2025 Day Zero saw me on the Pork Belly shuttle from Omaha, Nebraska to Orange City, Iowa. Along the route, I was amused to spot a sign indicating how far it was to Mondamin. A town called “cornstarch”? Well, after all, Nebraska is the Cornhusker State! The shuttle left Omaha at 8:15 am; and when we got to Orange City at around 10:30, I had to visit the Pork Belly information booth to get my packet. This included my tent number; and baggage tags with my tent number. Pork Belly services not only include tent set-up/take down; they also take your luggage from truck to tent and back. The tent number on the bag(s) let the crew know which bag(s) go to which tent. Am I ever grateful that I didn’t have to lug my two duffle bags around every day. They were heavy! But on that first day, I did have to carry my bags to the tent. Fortunately, some kind person helped me. In addition to their weight, my bags hung almost down to the ground; and hit my legs as I walked. After finding my tent, I had to pick up my bicycle. I should have given it more of a test ride! I immediately noticed that the saddle was too high; and had to get that fixed. I let it go at that, which was a major error. As RAGBRAI went on, I kept having various mechanical issues; and my local bike shop suspects that some damage occurred during shipment. I didn’t get around to hitting the Expo until nearly 2 pm. RAGBRAI 2025 Day Zero kind of slipped away from me! And my tent was right on the edge of a slight slope. I’d step outside and fall over because the ground wasn’t flat. Hitting the Expo 🎪 Meeting Ryan Vn Duzer! It was rather frustrating, not hitting the Expo until at almost 2 pm. I would have liked to spend more time there; but I had to find my tent and get my bicycle before I went running off. My tent wasn’t a Night Cat tent; but it was a tent! I also had to get some idea of the layout of the Pork Belly camp. My tent, it turned out, was a good way from the amenities; and I got tired from all that walking back and forth. When I finally did reach the Expo, it seemed quite sprawling. I tried to find the meeting for RAGBRAI newbies; but unfortunately didn’t succeed. RAGBRAI 2025 Day Zero didn’t go quite as planned. As I was walking around, I unexpectedly came across Ryan Van Duzer! I’ve watched a good many of his YouTube videos; and it was a great pleasure meeting him. I even had the honor of getting a pic taken with him! I also met ridewithdanusa at the same time; and my apologies to Dan for not getting a pic taken with him, too. Hitting the Expo did let me try a RAGBRAI food. I think it was a cheddar/bacon sandwich, and wish I had made notes about it when I got back to my tent; but I needed to head for dinner and a shower. After that, I had to head for the sack. It didn’t get really dark until about 9 pm; but even so, there was little time for journaling before it got too dark for writing. And I needed to rest up for the start of the ride the next 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Work to Do

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors / CAL

Work to Do 🛠️🪚 I’ve sure got work to do, now that I’m home from RAGBRAI; enough to keep me as busy as a spider spinning its web. I arrived at home yesterday at about 4:00 pm. Shortly I went to the neighborhood Chinese restaurant for take-out; and then got busy unpacking my two duffle bags. They were both crammed; and I was tossing various items in all directions. I brought out my clothes hamper, and threw in things that needed washing. I made piles of items that I had to put away; and sorted out unused GU-Gels and Propel packets. (I had to have my hydration!) I’ll be busy putting things a away all day; and with all that work to do, it’s just as well I decided I’d take today off from riding! It’s very hot out there, anyway. HOT!! 🔥 Yes, it’s very hot today, with an Extreme Heat Warning until 8 pm. I’m glad my work to do is indoor work! I did a pretty big load of laundry; and of course I want to compose blogs about my RAGBRAI experience. Unfortunately I don’t have many pics; and fewer notes than I hoped to make during the event. By mid-week, I was having trouble with my cell phone running out of charge. Maybe the charging blocks I had weren’t the right kind — but they seemed to be OK at home! I hope my phone isn’t defective or, worse, dying entirely. I’ve had it only a few months! I never got to much journaling because of lack of time. I’m not adept at downloading pics from my phone to my laptop; and that’s more work to do. But there’s no great hurry. Not surprisingly, I’m tired today. Part of it is that I’ve been short on sleep; and traveling by air is pretty hectic. But I’ll plug away at it. At least I’m not out there where it’s hot; the heat index at the moment is 106! I don’t even want to walk over to the store to get bananas. It feels like too much work to do. 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Roll out the Kinks

BACK ISSUES, Food, Personal Care / CAL

Roll out the Kinks 😌 Roll out the kinks with these Massage Balls! You can get a massage in the comfort of your own home! Set of three balls: Orange (long, soft spikes); Yellow (medium-firm spikes); and Red (short, hard spikes). Their tennis-ball size makes them easy to carry; and allows you to target small, specific areas. Great for sore muscles after any ride! While you roll out the kinks, enjoy some Muscle Milk. Its protein content helps to rebuild your muscles; each serving provides 25 grams of protein; and no sugar. Muscle Milk comes in Chocolate (shown); Strawberry; Cookies & Cream; and S’mores. 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Fitbit Kids

BACK ISSUES, equipment / CAL

Fitbit Kids 🧒🏽 👦 Fitbit Kids is an Android-operated smartwatch that allows messaging; tracking; and activity-based games. Its 16+ hours of battery life let you keep in touch all day. Resistant to water; bumps; and scratches. Has 32 GB memory. Available in Mild Strange Arcade (shown); or Spicy – Moovin. Speaking of kids, the Fitbit Kids would be great for the child who loves to go for long rides; especially as they get old enough to go solo. 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Mountain Ride?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Mountain Ride? 🚵🏽 Planning a mountain ride? Beace Cycling Gloves are full-fingered; yet allow you to answer your phone or use a touch screen while wearing them. Non-skid palm pads help absorb vibrations, resulting in less hand numbness. Made of silicone and Spandex. Sizes Small through X-Large; available in Blue (shown); Rose Red; Black; Purple; Red; and Green. While you’re up there at high altitude, don’t forget electrolytes and water. A Camel-Bak MULE MTB Pack holds up t0 three liters of water; and has a secure pocket to hold your phone. Available in Black (shown); and Kelp/Black. 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Lost?

BACK ISSUES, Food / CAL

Lost? 🔄 Lost? Can a Findway Pro Bike Helmet help you get back on track? This helmet, for men and women, is great for cycling; and also for other sports, such as skating. Made for head measurements 54-61.5cm/21.26-24.21inc. Dial in the back allows for size adjustment; there’s also an adjustable chin strap. Durable ABS shell and dense EPS foam interior for protection from impacts. Fourteen vents to help keep your head comfortable in hot weather. Available in Black-Black (shown); Teal-White; and other colors. I’m unlikely to get lost while riding, as long as I’m starting from home; but if you’re worried about that, don’t forget extra snacks. Olyra Organic Breakfast Biscuits are high in fiber; low in sugar; non-GMO; and USDA certified organic. Available in Greek Yogurt & Blueberry (shown); Hazelnut; Dark Chocolate; and Variety Pack. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Flood Watch July 17, 2025 Packing Woes July 16, 2025 Team Up July 15, 2025 Always Electrolytes! July 14, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR Add Your Heading Text Here

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Feeling Tentative?

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Outdoors / CAL

Feeling Tentative? 🏕️ Are you feeling tentative about sleeping out in the open? A Night Cat Pop-Up Tent provides waterproof shelter for one person. The Night Cat weighs less than 3.5 pounds, so it’s great for backpacking. For bicycle touring, too! This tent is easy to set up/take down; and has room enough for you and your stuff. If you’ve feeling adventurous in the culinary way, The New Camp Cookbook presents recipes for various meals and snacks; as well as meal planning advice, and even how to build a fire! 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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