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July 2026

Listen to the Storm

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Listen to the Storm ⛈️ Today’s Featured Product! 🎇 Cueclip New!! Aeac Smart Watch For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I’m glad I got to listen to the storm from indoors. That’s better than having to hear it while cycling through it; and early this afternoon a Special Weather Statement warned of strong T-storms. I hope RAGBRAI has better weather than this! Riding past fields of corn and soybeans has cyclists just as exposed as riding on top of the levee;  and even if ditches are available, are they long enough for tens of thousands of people get into them? Listen to the storm means staying alert for any weather warnings. About 1:30 pm, there was a Flash Flood Warning. I was gladder than ever to be indoors! Is It Over?🔚 When a storm seems to calm down, I always wonder, is it over? It’s a good thing I rode this morning! As of 2:30 pm, the rain had slacked or even stopped; but the Flash Flood Warning was still in effect. If I still needed to get out for some miles, I would have been most nervous about riding! When I ride now, I watch my cycle computer; and imagine where on my normal riding route I’d be. It gives me some diversion, and helps alleviate the monotony. Oh, and speaking of rain, the hybrid I used to have, had rim brakes. My current hybrid has disc brakes, which do much better in wet conditions. 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

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Stormy Days

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Stormy Days ⛈️ Today’s Featured Product! 🎊 Bodyweight Training for Cycling New!! Junkless Chewy Granola Bar For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! We’ve still got stormy days ahead. When we get rain after a dry spell, it seems to keep on raining. But it’s too warm for a rain suit! Wariness about the weather made me head for the salvage store today. I took public transit there; and called a cab to get home. I think next time I’ll pull along my trailer by hand; most buses can “kneel”, so I should be able to get a loaded trailer onto the bus. I hope stormy days don’t continue to threaten my shopping excursions; but I got extra stuff today, just in case. And what about riding just to ride? Ride Today? 🚲 About 11:30 am, I began to hear the grumbling of thunder. When I looked outside, there was light rain. So, can I ride today? I miss the exercise; but it’s hard to time a ride. The forecast keeps pushing back the time when T-storms are expected; and I’d rather not get caught out in one.  It looks like tomorrow morning will be all right; and I want to get in some miles. Maybe I’ll throw in some hard efforts; I really need that. Intense work is useful if you want to work off a few pounds! 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

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Heat Relief

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Heat Relief 😮‍💨 Today’s Featured Product! 🚀 Rip Van Wafels New!! Skout Almond Cookie Bars For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! We’re getting a bit of heat relief this week; but I can assure you, I’m not getting it by imbibing hot chocolate! It’s great to have a break from heat advisories; but I still try to avoid riding when the day is hottest. And it’s already quite hot before 9:00 am. Today I rode back and forth over a short stretch of the levee; then went to the park and rode around three times. Over 17 miles total! I need to work back to my regular mileage; and 17 miles is pretty close. Now if only we could get better heat relief! Reminiscing 🤔 I’m watching RAGBRAI videos again; and that has me reminiscing about my ride last July. I wish I’d been able to take notes from day to day; but there was no room in my bags for a journal. I’m even considering what I’ll do if I can make it to the 2027 event. One thing will be, try to get going earlier in the morning; even if that means I can’t buy a meal before I start. Another thing: get at least one larger duffle bag! A pair of 40-liter bags aren’t enough. And, of course, think about training up right now. It would help if we got better heat relief! 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

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Doggie in the Window?

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Doggie in the Window? 🪟 Today’s Featured Product! Zinn Mountain Bike Maintenance New!! Why Bars For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! With the dog days approaching, I’m thinking about the Doggie in the Window. It’s a cute song; but a dog would be too much for me. I’ll have to leave the doggie in the window. We all know the importance of riding early in the day when the weather is very hot; and I try to do that. But what to do when I can’t get out until later in the day? Bring on the cool rag! And I’ve been experimenting with a cooling beanie. I think I might not have gotten it wet enough, because it seemed to dry out rather quickly. I’ll try it again soon. Don’t forget to take lots of water; and remember the electrolyte drink. How did cyclists manage before we had Propel and Gatorade? Like Attracts Like? ⚡️ Sometimes it seems that like attract like!  Yesterday afternoon I began to hear thunder while I was watching a YouTube about tornadoes. Today, I began to notice distant grumbling while watching a video about the notorious 1938 hurricane that slammed New England. Than, just after 2:00 pm, a special weather statement about strong T-storms came through. I’m always glad to be home when that happens! I hope RAGBRAI doesn’t get weather like this. What do they do when lightning gets close? Maybe cower down in a cornfield?   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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

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Sweet Sixteen?

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Sweet Sixteen? 🍭 Today’s Featured Product! 🎇 Flip-Flop Socks New!! ProBar Coffee Crunch For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! This morning felt like sweet sixteen. — I finally rode more than 10-11 miles! Thanks to the barrier across the bike path,  I had to do repeated short segments; but I wanted to do some real distance. After a week of short rides, I figured it wasn’t the best idea to shoot for 20 miles; and in fact my legs were getting tired by the 13-mile mark. So I left it at 16 miles; but that’s better than the mileage I’ve been getting! Hence the comment about Sweet Sixteen. Planning the Weekend 🗓️ I’m already planning the weekend, although it’s only Tuesday. I hope I can ride; but the forecast for Sunday doesn’t look so good. That can change, though; weather is SO fickle! Any ride means electrolyte drink, even in cold weather. Now that it hardly gets below 80 degrees  overnight, it’s even more important. And take plenty of water! I’m also trying to plan a trip to the salvage store on Saturday. There’s a public bus with a stop right by the store; but I’ll need another way to get home with all my loot. How far ahead do I need to schedule with Uber?      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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

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Uber Alles?

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Uber Alles? 🇩🇪 Today’s Featured Product! 🪩 Long-Distance Cycling New!! Pure Protein Chocolate Deluxe  For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Hearing about Uber ride service makes me think of “Deutschland über alles”. I’ve never used the service; but I might have to soon. With my usual route to the salvage store closed for who knows how long, I need alternatives. Maybe take public transit to the store; and an Uber ride back home? Of course I’d rather be able to ride my bicycle to the store; but I know of no safe alternate route. Not to speak of the exercise I’m missing! Is my motto, “Exercise über alles?” Weather Wary 👀 And of course I’ weather wary. Saturday there’s a chance of T-storms; and I don’t like waiting for a bus during a T-storm. I’m not a rolling lightning rod the way I am when on a bike; but I’m still stuck outdoors.  I hope to get in more than 10 miles tomorrow; and according to the forecast, the greatest rain chances are after 1:00 pm. So I should be OK if I ride early. It’s not only riding itself that I need; I have to get back to regular intense work. For some weeks, I’ve been much too lazy about that!   I think I’ve got some allergy trouble, because my head feels stuffy; and I’m persistently tired. I took today off from the bike; and I hope that helps. Now let’s see whether I’ll be able to prod myself into riding back and forth over one short stretch of levee tomorrow! 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

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Practice Packing

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Practice Packing 🧳 Today’s Featured Product! 🎆 Magicshine New!! Clif Bar Minis For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Why am I talking about practice packing? I’m not going to RAGBRAI this year; and next year’s event is rather far off for planning. However, I got to thinking about last year’s RAGBRAI; and if I’m to do it again, I need to plan my luggage better! Last year’s practice packing came up short. Two 40-liter duffle bags were barely big enough when I tried packing them before the trip; and after I got to Iowa, I discovered that I hadn’t allowed space in my bags for my sneakers! My cycling shoes had fit; but the sneakers are a lot bulkier. It looks like Pork Belly is less concerned about the size of your bags than their weight; so a 60-liter duffle bag should be OK. I’ll think about it next year! Double-Duty Day 2️⃣ It’s a double-duty day today: Fourth of July; and the Tour de France begins! Rebel Ice Cream would be quite suitable for today — remember the Rebels of 1775-1783. But I had already bought a pint of Cherry Garcia®; my favorite ice cream! I did a short ride today; I’m having a hard time getting myself to ride back and forth over a stretch of less than two miles (danged road closure!) So I came home; and had a bologna sandwich and some ice cream. HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!    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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

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Laps

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Laps 🔁 Today’s Featured Product! 🎆 Voltaren  Gel New!! Atlas Real-Food Protein Bars For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I’ve got to be ready to do laps — lots of laps! Yes, that blockade across the levee bike path is still there; and if I’m to get in my miles, I’ll  have to 1) ride back and forth along a short stretch of trail; or 2) circle the park a mind-numbing number of times. I’ve observed riders bypassing that barricade; but I’m reluctant to do it. For all I know, the patrol might be on the lookout for such “crashers”; and if they’re handing out tickets, I don’t want to waste my money on them. How About the Fourth? 🎆 And how about the Fourth? A holiday isn’t quite a special day if I don’t ride; and I’ve already had two days of shortchanged distance this week. I think I’ll ride, but early; and I think I’ll avoid the park. Parks can get very crowded and busy on the Fourth of July. It looks like the weather will be OK for a morning ride; but we might have some atmospheric fireworks later in the day. Maybe that will cool us off a little! 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

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Barriers

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Barriers 🚧 Today’s Featured Product! 👏🏻 Thinvik Look Keo New!! Alani Nu Rocky Road For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Aren’t barriers frustrating? 😤 Few things can sour a ride as quickly as a “Road Closed” sign! I ran into one this morning on the way to the salvage store; and I have no idea how long this closure will be in effect.  I’m trying to find out; but it’s like the proverbial needle in the haystack. Where’s an electromagnet when I need one? Such barriers are a major obstacle to riding, because I don’t quite dare take to the main road. There’s little or no shoulder; and I can’t ride at 20-25 mph! So I turned and headed for the park. Meds 💊 But I mustn’t forget to take my meds! Another obstacle I met this morning was fatigue and lightheadedness beyond my exertion level. I didn’t know what was up. When I reached the park, I tried eating a One bar; and I ate a GU-Gel. It helped only a little; so I went home early. I grabbed a cola, thinking that some caffeine might help. Then my eye fell on my pill box; and I saw that I’d forgotten to take my meds this morning. One of them is for low blood pressure; so no wonder I felt weird.  Incidentally, one of the frustrating aspects of RAGBRAI was hauling along several prescription meds. Those bottles were a big space hog! 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as CAL. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

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Treasure Hunt?

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Treasure Hunt? 🪎  Today’s Featured Product! 🎺 Lonely Planet Bike France New!! TRUBAR Vegan Key Lime For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I feel sort of like I’ve been on a treasure hunt for the last six months or so. 🤑 Since last December, I’ve been on the lookout for a 2025 penny. The U.S. Mint is stopping production of pennies; and I wanted one, just as a curiosity. Today, I finally got one! Finding a good cycling route — whether for commuting, errands, or fun — might seem like a treasure hunt, too. It depends partly on your location; some cities are much more bikeable than others; and every city has streets that are more heavily traveled than others. We have to scout out such routes! Bargain Hunting 🛍️ Maybe I’ll go bargain hunting tomorrow, depending on the weather. I’m considering hitching up my trailer for a trip to the salvage store. My usual day is Saturday; but this coming Saturday is the Fourth of July; and if the salvage store is open, I’m sure the place will be packed. Besides, when I’m out and about on the Fourth, I’m always concerned about firecrackers. 🧨 Can I be sure the people who set them off will watch where they throw the things?   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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as CAL. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

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