November 2025 - SpokEasy

Lightbulb Moments

Lightbulb Moments 💡 We can all use lightbulb moments; especially when it seems impossible to figure out things. Like the logistics for going on a multi-day ride that takes place in another state; or figuring out how to pack for such a tour. Then, when those lightbulb moments finally occur, we wonder why we didn’t “get it” before; because now it seems so obvious! It Takes Years 📅 But it takes years, sometimes, for those lightbulb moments to strike. It could be the sudden realization that exerting some pull with your arms is a great help for climbing; I had been riding for many years before that dawned on me. This action means that my full weight isn’t on the saddle (although I maintain contact with it); and I can exert more push on the pedals. It’s also helpful when I want to work at pushing the pace. It takes years to develop cycling technique; or anyway, it took me years. I can’t afford a personal trainer; so I gleaned various bits of advice from reading. I’m still waiting to hear when I may ride again. The workouts I’m getting really aren’t sufficient; I’m just trying to keep my body from becoming totally flabby. 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

Lightbulb Moments Read More »

Skip the Mob

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Skip the Mob 😱 On the day after Thanksgiving, I’m always glad to skip the mob. Anybody who wants to deal wlth the Black Friday crowd is welcome to do so; but I’ve heard too many horror stories about this shopping event. People have been injured or even killed in the crush of bargain-hunting shoppers; so I skip the mob. Besides, why stand outdoors for a prolonged time, trying to be the first one through the door at opening time? How monotonous! I’d rather be riding! Rather be Riding 🚲 I’d rather be riding than shopping, or going to physical therapy sessions. I know that therapy is essential to my regaining the use of my elbow; but all the same, it’s a drag. It’s almost three weeks until I see the orthopedic surgeon again; so I won’t know until then when I may ride again. Maybe. It depends on what X-rays show; and I might not get a definite timetable. When I can climb aboard again, I’ll skip the mob. Usually I’m riding solo, anyhow; and my first rides after a long break are going to be better without my having to watch out for other riders! 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

Skip the Mob Read More »

Forget the Coyote

BACK ISSUES, Food, Outdoors / CAL

Forget the Coyote 🦃 Forget the coyote. If you want a “wile-e” critter, look no further than the wild turkey! Supposedly Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey as the United States’ national bird (see video at 8:40). Whether that’s myth or truth, the wild turkey is said to be an intelligent critter; and quite wily. That’s why I say, forget the coyote. On the other hand, domestic turkeys, so I hear, are literally too stupid to come in out of the rain. Maybe it’s a good thing it isn’t raining today! But it’s cold — for me, anyway. This morning the chill factor was 45 degrees! So I had an early feast; and I’ll go for a walk when it’s warmer. Early Feast 🍗 I had an early feast today — Thanksgiving breakfast, rather than Thanksgiving dinner. Yesterday I cooked up ground turkey in tomato sauce; and this morning I put a cupful of it over a slice of sourdough bread. I heated it in the microwave, and put some shredded cheese on top. On the side I had cranberry sauce and garlic-stuffed olives. It made a good feast! I wish I could go for a bicycle ride to burn off some of those calories; but alas, my elbow isn’t ready yet. Physical therapy tomorrow; and now it’s time to consider Christmas gifts! 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

Forget the Coyote Read More »

Chill In?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors / CAL

Chill IN? 🧊 Chill in? Whatever happened to chill out? Well, I expect I won’t spend a lot of time outdoors tomorrow; so I’ll chill in. The overnight low temperature will be below 50 degrees; and the wind will be pretty strong. If I eat ice cream, I’ll do so in front of the heater! I won’t be able to get in any pedaling tomorrow or Friday, as the recreation center will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. I have physical therapy on Friday, though; and my elbow is getting close to being able to straighten all the way! Can I ride soon? Can I Ride Soon? 🚲 I guess I’ll have to ask the orthopedic surgeon, can I ride soon. Unfortunately, it’s over two weeks until my next visit with him. Until then, it’s chill out — or maybe chill in. I think I’ll wait until later in the day to go for a walk, when the wind won’t feel so cold. A runny nose is annoying enough when I’m on foot; and can pull out a tissue. When I’m riding a bicycle, I can’t do that. I’ve got my Thanksgiving feast all planned. There was a cup of cooked, ground turkey in the freezer. I thawed it, and cooked it with tomato sauce; chopped onion; chopped red bell pepper; and some canned mushrooms. It’ll be great over sourdough bread, with a bit of cheese on top. I have whole-berry cranberry sauce; and Halo Top® ice cream. It’s too bad I can’t ride; because after all that indulgence, I’ll need some serious exercise! 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

Chill In? Read More »

Lazy Again

BACK ISSUES / CAL

Lazy Again 😴 I’m lazy again today. 🙄 My head feels stuffy, and that makes me tired; so I skipped going to “ride” an exercise bike. Now, should I fix lunch at home, or go out and get something? I’m lazy again, so I guess I’ll fix lunch at home. That’s cheaper, anyway! Besides, I really don’t need a restaurant meal; but I do need some exercise. This morning I hiked over to the supermarket, and got some bananas and a few other items; but that wasn’t much exercise. Maybe I’ll go for another walk later! The weather wasn’t bad this morning; but some folks have to brace for the polar vortex. I don’t envy them such weather. Polar Vortex 🌪️ The news is talking of a polar vortex. It looks like Southeast Louisiana isn’t in its path; but even so, the temperature here is expected to drop to 46 tomorrow night. That’s the coldest we’ve had so far this Fall! Compared to a polar vorrtex that’s warm; but for me it’s quite frigid. At least it isn’t supposed to be cold yet tomorrow morning. I can’t afford to be lazy again, because I have physical therapy at 9:00 am. I want to hit the recreation center first, for a short pedaling session. After PT, I’ll just want to go home, polar vortex or not. Once there, I can chill 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

Lazy Again Read More »

Like Yet Unlike

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training / CAL

Like Yet Unlike 😕 Using an indoor bike is like, yet unlike, pedaling a real bicycle. My posture is totally different; and my feet are farther apart than on a real bike. I try not to lean back into the recumbent seat; but that’s rather tricky. In addition, my feet are much farther forward than on a regular bicycle. But at least I can pedal! So it’s like, yet unlike, real riding. Having to walk a mile to reach those “rides”, however, is somewhat tedious. I’m tempted to take tomorrow off; but the recreation center will be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. Thus I’d better get in my pedaling when I can. I’m dreaming of the feast, too. I have some cooked ground turkey in the freezer; and I’ll move it to the fridge Wednesday morning to thaw. I have a can of whole-berry cranberry sauce; and some ice cream, too. Dreaming of the Feast 🍗 Though I’m dreaming of the feast, I’m glad it won’t mean wearing myself out cooking. I feel ready to try some cooking; but I’m not sure how much my elbow will tolerate. I’ll start by using some stuff from the freezer to make a “garbage soup“; and see how it goes. I shouldn’t have to chop much, as I have pre-chopped onion in the freezer. That will be a big help. Dreaming of the feast, I admit, makes me glad I still have paper plates on hand. I’m drifting away from paper plates and bowls, though — washing dishes is getting easier. Paper plates and bowls are really quite wasteful; and I typically use them only when I can’t wash real dishes. Or when the water is off, as after a hurricane! Oh, and another way riding an indoor bike is like, yet unlike, riding outdoors — although I’m pedaling, I’m not creating any breeze. So I wear my Arctic Air. This morning I stopped my workout early, when the fan kept shutting off; and I started getting too hot. I guess it was out of charge. 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

Like Yet Unlike Read More »

Extra Workouts

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Extra Workouts 🏋🏻 Going to pedal on an exercise bike feels like getting extra workouts: I have to walk about a mile to reach the recreation center. I’m not doing bodyweight training, though; my elbow isn’t sufficiently healed for that. How much longer will it take? These extra workouts do serve a purpose, though. A doctor once told me to be sure I get sufficient weight-bearing exercise; and I hope my hikes to and from the receation center are enough. How Much Longer? 🕰️ How much longer will it take for me to be back on a real bike? A few more weeks? Two months? My left arm still can’t fully extend itself; and naturally it’s weak from two months of inactivity. I’m glad I can get in some pedaling; and the exercise bikes I’m using let me choose a course. They’re all in France; and I can see some landscape going by. Effort level changes automatically according to the course on the screen; so I’m even getting in a bit of “climbing“. This is somewhat less tedious than pedaling in a trainer with nothing to look at but the walls! 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

Extra Workouts Read More »

Dreams

BACK ISSUES / CAL

Dreams 💭 Dreams are weird, as most of us know. Sometimes I wake up and wonder, What on earth made me dream that? I must be more eager to get back on the bicycle than I know. Last night I dreamed about being on some kind of bike, but the reach to the handlebars was too long! That’s the kind of thing that makes me say, dreams are weird. I hope it’s not too long before I can ride to the salvage store. Several times I’m begged a ride from some friends that I see there regularly; but I’d rather be able to get there under my own power. But today’s visit was worth it. Some freezer cases had a special: any size ice cream for $0.99! I didn’t dare buy a half-gallon; but I found two pint boxes of Halo Top®. I’ve put one pint away for Thanksgiving; and am going through the other pint much too rapidly!🙄 Ice cream, however, is great when the weather continues to be warm; it gives me a chill in the heat. Chill in the Heat 🧊 It also feels like a chill in the heat when our afternoon temperatures reach as high as 81 degrees; and ICE is coming to town. As a born citizen, I shouldn’t have to worry about it; but all the same, it makes me uneasy. The news reports I’ve read about ICE are enough to make anybody nervous. Today I took off from pedaling on an exercise bike; but tomorrow I need to get back to it. The recreation center will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday; so I need to get in what pedaling I can, while I can; even though it might trigger more weird dreams! 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

Dreams Read More »

Keep My Cool

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Keep My Cool 🆒 I need a way to keep my cool while pedaling an indoor bike; and the Arctic Air fan does a good job. This wearable fan has three speeds; and is lightweight and portable. One charge provides up to six hours’ operation. Yesterday I forgot to take the Arctic Air with me; and I got hot while exercising, sitting down and not moving forward. Between that, and problems with the left pedal, I stopped the ride early; but today I did 35 minutes. It’s hard to keep my cool when the temperatures outdoors still don’t feel like Fall! It’s 80 degrees as I type this; and it’s going to stay warm for at least a few more days. Rain chances are increasing, though; and even in hot weather, that can mean not-so-warm showers. That’s one way to cool off! Not-so-warm Showers?🌧️ Not meaning to make fun of Warm Showers; but we can get not-so-warm showers on the hottest days. In fact, the rain in a T-storm can feel very cold. That’s one way to keep my cool; but I don’t enjoy getting caught in a T-storm on my bike. I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow while I’m between home and physical therapy. Oh, well. Even if I get caught in some not-so-warm showers, I won’t be wet at work all 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

Keep My Cool Read More »

Footloose?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Footloose 🦶🏻 Footloose doesn’t always mean fancy free. Today, in fact, it was quite annoying. I was using a recumbent exercise bike; and couldn’t get the toe strap for the left foot properly adjusted. My foot kept coming out; and I couldn’t figure out why. I tried to pay attention to ankle angle; but that didn’t solve the problem. It was such a nuisance that I gave up after only 23 minutes. I hope I have better success tomorrow. And if this was such a pain in the neck, just think what an “ouch” a footloose skate would be! I remember using roller skates as a kid, back when nobody though of helmets or other protective gear. If you fell, you got skinned knees and elbows; and it was part of the game. I wonder how many kids back then sustained head injuries into the bargain. Bargain 📦 Speaking of bargain, it’s time for me to look for a few. Thanksgiving is almost here; and Christmas will arrive before I know it. I’ve ordered my holiday candy; and I keep an eye peeled for gift possibilities all year round. It’s easier than frantic, last-minute shopping. And don’t forget, I have to allow time for shipping, too! I hope I can be back on the bike by Christmas. The hybrid has toe clips — those cup-like pedal attachments that keep your feet in place and let you pedal witb your quads. When I’m upright on a saddle once more, I don’t think I’ll be footloose any more. 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

Footloose? Read More »