October 2025 - SpokEasy

Spooked

Spooked 👻 Don’t get spooked; but today is Hallowe’en! A good day for chocolate; not that I think there’s not a good day for chocolate! This morning I had go to physical therapy; and many of the therapists were wearing onesies costumes. I saw two dalmatians; a dragon; and more. I myself wore my black cat pin. But I didn’t see any ghost costumes. Maybe they thought people would get spooked? My elbow’s extension is better; and the therapist adjusted my splint for greater movement. I hope I can toss it before long. And all of a sudden I’m walking faster, which is great. It makes me feel more normal. Normal 🙄 But what, exactly, is “normal”? We avid cyclists seem perfectly normal to each other; but to non-riders we might seem crazy — going for rides in heat; cold; and even rain. This evening I’m going to stay home and lay low. I don’t feel comfortable opening my door to a stream of strangers; trick-or-treat isn’t what it was when I was a child. Maybe I’ve been spooked? 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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October!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

October! 🎃 I wonder what Minnesota looks like in late October! Today really feels like October — now that October is near its end. It was only 59 degrees this morning; and the wind was strong enough that there was a wind advisory. Sometimes I reflect on those days of RAGBRAI; and the towns along the route. Is Brown Park coated in frost now? Is the photo-op tractor in Fairbank getting snowed on? Come to think of it, I suppose it’s been moved into a barn or garage. Or maybe covered by tarpaulins. Keep Warm ♨️ So now I’ve got to keep warm. It won’t be quite cold enough for hand warmers tomorrow; but 53 degrees is pretty darned chilly as far as I’m concerned. I want to go for a walk in the morning. How do I keep warm when that splint makes sleeves a problem? Maybe wear an arm warmer under the splint; and leave the arm inside the jacket? I’ll definitely need a head cover! The older I get, the more sensitive to cold my noggin becomes. Cooking would help keep my kitchen warm; but this activity is still a problem. I don’t seem quite ready for heavy-duty vegetable chopping; and the splint weighs down my arm. I hope I’m back up to it soon! 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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Cartwheel?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Cartwheel?🤸🏼 Cartwheel? This looks like the remains of a very decrepit wheelbarrow; and it could use some wheel lights to brighten it up. It looks like Hurricane Melissa is going to do a cartwheel. Her direction has changed to WNW; and she’s expected to veer towards the Northeast. Melissa has become a monster; I don’t know how big she is, but any Cat 5 storm is a monster. On top of that, Melissa is a slowpoke, which gives her more time to intensify. I’m glad we’re out of reach of that hurricane! Out of Reach 🤜🏼 Yes, we’re out of reach of Melissa — for now. But over the last few days, her behavior has been erratic; and I, for one, don’t trust her to take the predicted path. Riding is still out of reach for me. It’s getting very tiresome. How long will it be before my arm can extend itself properly; and how quickly will it regain strength? When I can get back on the bike, will the action of holding the handlebars/steering prove good therapy? I’ve got to ask the therapist about that. Would kitchen work, i.e. chopping veggies, be good rherapy? Last time I tried it, it still made my left elbow ache; and strained the incision. But I’m getting weary of microwave meals! 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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Erratic

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Outdoors / CAL

Erratic ⧘ You know what a nail-biter it is when an erratic, wobbly rider is close to you. Sure, everyone can learn to ride a bike; but holding a steady line takes quite a lot of practice! When my elbow is all healed and I can ride again, I’m going to have to relearn that; and hope my line isn’t too erratic. Speaking of erratic, Melissa has reached hurricane strength since morning; and changed direction yet again. Now she’s heading West. Her forward motion is still very slow; and that’s not good news. If she keeps that line, poor Central America will take a hard hit. Wet! 🌧️ It looks like we’ll have wet weather tonight and tomorrow. I should have gone for a walk today; if it’s raining tomorrow, I’ll need to stay in so I don’t get my splint wet. I can’t count on rain gear to keep me dry. It’s rather odd how riding through a drenching rain doesn’t reduce the need for hydration, even in cold weather. I’ve got to have that Camel-Bak, no matter what the conditions. When I can ride again, I’ll have to re-learn having that weight on my back! I hope it won’t make my line erratic. 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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Relief for Now

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors / CAL

Relief for Now 😮‍💨 We’ve got relief — for now. Or so I thought. Early this afternoon, Tropical Storm Melissa had reversed direction; and was pointing ESE. Now, six hours later, she’s turned again; and is heading North! Hurricane forecasters are probably tearing their hair out. So I haven’t ceased to think what to do if we can expect to feel some effects from Melissa. “Relief for now” is becoming wariness! But that’s hurricane season; and I’m used to it. What to Do? 🤔 What to do this weekend, while I still can’t ride? We’ve got relief for now from high temperatures in the 90s; but even so, some electrolyte drink might taste good. I must do my range-of-motion exercises that the therapist gave me; and I’m supposed to have three sessions a day. It’s a bit tiresome, I must say; but it doesn’t take all day. There’s a new bagel shop a few blocks away; and maybe I’ll go try it. Or would it be better to work at using the frozen foods that I have? The forecast looks like our weekend could be rainy; so what to do? I’m still in the arm splint; and I have to keep it dry. But I get so tired of being indoors! 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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Melissa

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors / CAL

Melissa 🌀 Now we’ve got Tropical Storm Melissa to think about; right when we should be thinking of squash and Jack-o’-Lanterns and Hallowe’en. Melissa’s forward speed has slowed to a crawl; she’s barely moving. That’s not good news. The more slowly a storm travels, the more time it has to intensify. And Melissa could reach hurricane strength by the end of this week. I don’t think they’re sure yet where this storm will go ashore; but of course I hope it isn’t here. Waiting ⌚︎ So now it’s a waiting game. Although I wish I were able to ride yet, at least I’m not agonizing about missing out on my miles because of bad weather. All I can do is say: well, if Melissa comes, she comes. I have drinking water; canned food; and a battery-powered can opener and fan. What bothers me is that the stove in this place is electric! It would be tiresome to go several days without anything warm to eat. I’m still waiting to get my arm out of this splint. At least I’ve been freed from the sling. But the splint will remain; I guess for at least a few more weeks. 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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Autumnal?

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors / CAL

Autumnal? 🍁 Are our days becoming autumnal? It was almost cold this morning; and the wind felt like Fall. When it gets cold enough, I can enjoy some hot cocoa! However, by midday the temperature had risen to 80 degrees; and that doesn’t seem very autumnal to me. Our seasons get crazier all the time; but at least I won’t freeze on the way to physical therapy tomorrow. I hope I don’t learn that I’ve been doing my exercises incorrectly — and I hope to get a better idea of what’s coming as far as my recovery goes. What’s Coming 🍁 🌀 I want to know what’s coming with my elbow; and I also wish I knew what’s coming when it comes to tropical weather. Will we have problems; or won’t we? I’ve been ordering quite a lot of frozen microwave meals, since cooking is difficult at best; but I’d better use them up! Tropical weather can easily mean a power outage. Overnight, it will drop to 65 degrees. That’s more autumnal than 80 degrees; but it will get quite warm by afternoon. It looks like cold fronts are going to take their time! 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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Wrong Way

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Wrong Way 🔙 Sometimes things rub me the wrong way — literally. The hinge on my arm brace rubs against the outer side of my elbow; and I’m very tired of it. I’m tired of the brace, too, of course. I remove it to do the physical therapy exercises, and to shower; otherwise, I’m still stuck with the dratted thing. Incidentally, I hope I’m not doing the exercises the wrong way. That would do more harm than good; but I have another PT session soon. Then I can get any concerns addressed. Meanwhile, I have to watch those tropics. I hope it won’t come to an attack by a hurricane. But that system that’s approaching the Caribbean has strengthened somewhat; so we can’t afford to ignore it. Those Tropics! 🌀 Those tropics are a nuisance; and they have us all keeping watch from June through November. By the way, it would be great if Iconic Protein Drink could give me the power of a tropical storm! When I’m finally back on the bike, that is. The thought of a hurricane is another thing that rubs me the wrong way. The preparations are a nuisance even when I don’t have one arm out of action. And every time I think my ribs are better, I find out that maybe they aren’t. So I hope that those tropics simmer down. 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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Eye on the Storm

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors / CAL

Eye on the Storm 🌀 I’ve got my eye on the storm; or, at least, the potential storm. There’s an area of disturbed weather headed for the Caribbean; and it might reach the southeastern USA by next weekend. Like we really need a hurricane! Just in case we do get such a storm, I’d better work on using up what I have in fridge and freezer. I can save the canned stuff in case the severe weather hits, and we get a power outage. We really do need to keep an eye on the storm; who knows what it might do. It would be great if a cold front pushes through in time to repel bad weather from the Gulf; but we can’t count on it. So here we are, holding our collective breath again. Cold Front 🥶 The first cold front of the season seems to arrive later and later every year. Already it’s mid-October; and afternoon temperatures are still 80 degrees or so. I wonder, though: is keeping an eye on the storm worse for hurricanes; or for blizzards? In tropical weather, I wouldn’t worry about hypothermia; but I wouldn’t expect a blizzard to result in flooding. 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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Underway

BACK ISSUES, Food / CAL

Underway 🌌 My physical therapy got underway yesterday. We’re starting with some range of motion exercises; and we’ll see how it goes. You don’t have to tell me that riding is good; and I wish I could get out there and put in some miles. Even on days when I don’t feel like riding, I typically feel better once I’m underway. Our humidity is doing weird things. It dropped considerably during the day yeaterday; yet this morning it’s foggy. Humidity 💦 Humidity is a fact of life here; and as a result, hot weather tends to be sweltering. It’s foggy this morning; so I’m glad I won’t be driving! Chopping food is still difficult; holding the cabbage (or whatever) in place as I chop it strains the sutures around my injured elbow. So I got lazy and placed an online order for frozen, microwaveable meals. That’s much more costly than preparing meals at home; and probably no cheaper than restaurant take-out. It will be good to get kitchen work underway again; but it won’t be for a while yet. 😞 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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