SpokEasy

Author name: CAL

Cycling enthusiast; classical music lover; experimenter in the kitchen!

Cold Shock

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Cold Shock 🥶 We’ve got cold shock coming: the temperature is going to drop to the low 50s tonight; with winds of 12-13 mph. That might not be “cold” per se; but according to me, it’s cold shock! Maybe I’ll go out early and ride laps around the park; go home for breakfast; and then ride to Walmart. If I wait until about nine o’clock for the Walmart trip, I ought to miss the rush-hour traffic. Cold weather means that I have to dig out  the leg warmers; skull cap; jacket; and full-fingered gloves. Heavy socks might not be amiss, either. Thank goodness it won’t be raining. Rain only makes the cold and wind feel colder. A Day Off 😴 Today I took a day off from cycling; but not from cooking. I borrowed a bit from one recipe in The Feed Zone Cookbook; and added some curry powder to today’s concoction. I named it Brassica Curry, because I put cabbage and cauliflower in it. I must add it to my recipe collection soon, before I forget it. I still have big stash of canned food; and making Brassica Curry let me get rid of four cans. Even so, I have lots of canned stuff left. But I have to back off from cooking big batches for a while (today’s recipe yielded about 8 1/2 cups!) because I’m running out of freezer space. I’m lucky that cold shock doesn’t cause the food to multiply itself! 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 ✍🏻 Cold Shock November 20, 2024 Front? November 19, 2024 Cop-Out? November 18, 2024 Weather Plans November 17, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Cold Shock Read More »

Front?

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Front? 💨   Was this morning’s rain the leading edge of a front? It  wasn’t cold — in the 70s. But tomorrow night, they say it will drop below 50 degrees. That will feel more like November. We’re certainly due for a cold front! Today I had an 8:00 am appointment; and I knew that there might be heavy rain. Possibly lightning, too. I had intended to leave home around seven o’clock; but went out at 6:20 am. It wasn’t raining much where I live; and who could say what things might be like if I waited until 7:00? The light rain didn’t last long! Half a mile or so out, I could see that there was rain ahead. It poured so hard for a while that I could hardly see; especially as it wasn’t yet daylight. Such conditions mean keeping extra alert for other cyclists; and for joggers. If I had been wearing my glasses, visibility would have been even worse. It’s lucky that I’m not terribly nearsighted! And thank goodness there wasn’t any lightning. Bundle Up! 🧥🧣   Before long I’ll need to bundle up to go riding. Yeah, I know what they say: it’s better to be a little underdressed, than to wear too many layers. However, being cold is misery to me. I’d rather be a little too warm while riding than shiver; and on top of that, my Camel-Bak pockets can’t hold many clothes when they’re already stuffed with a cable lock; tube of Chamois Butt’r, and so on.  It helps a little that I don’t have to ride at 5:00 am any more. No matter how cold it is, seeing sunshine eases the frigidity a bit. Such small psychological boosts are a great help when a cold front blows in. 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 ✍🏻 Front? November 19, 2024 Cop-Out? November 18, 2024 Weather Plans November 17, 2024 Storm Weary November 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Front? Read More »

Cop-Out?

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Cop-Out? 🚨 Was today’s ride a cop-out? Instead of riding on the levee, I went to the park to ride laps. I didn’t feel like fighting the wind; but I did need to get some miles in while I could. Goodness knows what conditions might be like tomorrow morning! The forecast predicts “heavy thunderstorms” right about the time I’ll need to be riding to an appointment; and if things are really bad, I won’t want to be up there. It sounds like a cop-out; but who wants to get struck by lightning? Skidding? ⇢ I pulled a cop-out on my diet, too: I met with some friends at a Chinese restaurant for lunch. I got the moo goo gai pan combination lunch plate, which is one of the lighter options on the menu. Even so, that meal likely takes care of my carb allowance for the day! I’m sure skidding, aren’t I? If I went for a ride now, I could burn off some of those calories and carbs; but the sky has become completely overcast. The wind is strengthening, too; and I find myself waiting for the outbreak of bad weather at any minute. I don’t think it’s supposed to rain during the next few hours; but around here, you simply can’t tell. So for tomorrow morning, all I can do is hope for the best. If it’s raining, that might even spur me to ride faster — and get some needed interval 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 ✍🏻 Cop-Out? November 18, 2024 Weather Plans November 17, 2024 Storm Weary November 16, 2024 Brief Fall November 14, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Cop-Out? Read More »

Weather Plans

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Weather Plans ☔️ How can I make weather plans? Who can control the weather? Often enough, I’ve wished that I could control the weather. If that were possible, it wouldn’t rain during the day; and the wind would always be calm. There would never be heat advisories by 10 am, either.  I’ve got to make some weather plans for this week! The long-term forecast predicts heavy rain and even T-storms for the day after tomorrow — wouldn’t you know, the day that I plan to ride my bicycle to a doctor’s appointment. Alternatives ↔️ I’d better have some alternatives lined up, in case I can’t ride Tuesday morning. Not that I need to make a huge deal about it. If the weather is really bad — namely, if there’s a lot of lightning — I’ll just call a cab to go to my appointment. The distance is less than three miles by my bicycle route; so a cab shouldn’t cost too much. If it comes to taking a cab to get there, I can take public transit back home. Life Behind Bars means weather plans and alternatives. For example, if it’s pouring, do you go out anyway; or ride indoors? If the former, what’s the best rain gear for you? In cold weather, how do you dress? There are other times when alternatives must be considered. What other route can you take if your usual path is closed? What to take along as ride food? It’s hard to get out and ride when it’s pouring; so I always hope that I’ll get clear weather! That’s especially true of rides long enough that I’ll be eating on the bike. I don’t want my ride food to get wet!   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 Weather Plans November 17, 2024 Storm Weary November 16, 2024 Brief Fall November 14, 2024 With New Eyes November 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Weather Plans Read More »

Storm Weary

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Storm Weary 🌀 I sure am storm weary; and I’m sure I’m not alone. One hurricane after another is wearing us out; and poor Florida in particular has taken a beating this season. The remnants of Tropical Storm Sara could bring us heavy rain by Monday night. It doesn’t sound like fun. Tomorrow’s weather should be pretty good; so at least I can enjoy that. Tuesday morning I might get wet riding to an appointment. I just hope there isn’t any lightning! But just thinking about it makes me storm weary. Next Week 🗓️ Next week I think I’d better get back to including some intensity work in my rides. I’ve been focusing solely on mileage; and maybe I’ve been at it for too long.  The Cyclist’s Training Bible is full of advice on how to train, including how to practice intervals to help develop better speed; but here’s the caveat for a rider like me: this book is oriented towards cyclists who are training for racing. That’s not me; I don’t think I’ve got the competitive streak required for racing.  Improving my pace is a good idea, though, if I want to do longer and longer weekday rides. Otherwise I’ll spend more and more time riding; and let’s face it, there are other things I want and need to do besides ride a bike! I’ll try a little intensity work next week; and see how it goes. I hope the weather doesn’t give me too much trouble; I’m storm weary enough as it 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 Storm Weary November 16, 2024 Brief Fall November 14, 2024 With New Eyes November 13, 2024 What I’m Made Of November 12, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Storm Weary Read More »

Brief Fall

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Brief Fall 🍁 We’ve got a brief Fall coming. Down below 60 degrees tonight. It’s incredible! So tomorrow’s ride will involve leg warmers; skull cap; and even long-fingered gloves. As the week progresses, the weather will get warmer again. Then I’ll have to set aside the cool-weather cycling gear until the next cool spell. I’m glad to be able to ride year-round; but these seasons of constantly changing temperatures drive us all crazy. Moonlight 🌕 Even if tomorrow morning is chilly, I’ll get to see some moonlight. The weather should be clear; and the big problem will be dragging myself out of bed in time. Maybe I can have some hot chocolate when I get back home! So far it’s been too warm to indulge in it; and this brief Fall is a chance to enjoy it. Even on the coldest days, though, I don’t want my hot chocolate much over lukewarm. Some “hot” chocolate, huh? How about music for a moonlight ride? The famous Beethoven sonata is an obvious choice; not that I can take along a piano on a bicycle! 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 Brief Fall November 14, 2024 With New Eyes November 13, 2024 What I’m Made Of November 12, 2024 Your Little Foot November 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Brief Fall Read More »

With New Eyes

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

With New Eyes 👀 Now I’m seeing the world with new eyes; although not through Celestron Binoculars . I got my new eyeglasses today. This time, I got the transitional lenses; but I can’t say yet how well they respond to bright sunlight. The sky was overcast when I walked over to the optical shop. Those Celestron Binoculars would let me see things with new eyes, I’ll bet. They’re great for astronomy; and also for bird-watching. My Personal Feed Zone 🍽️ I’m looking at my personal feed zone with new eyes, too: this morning I had my session with the dietician. We discussed my exercise habits and my calorie needs; watching carb intake; and so on. Carb-wise, this dietician says the same thing as the sports nutritionist of several years ago. Limit total carbs to 200 grams per day. That might sound like a lot; but many a day I ride for almost two hours, sometimes more; and the exercising body’s preferred fuel is glycogen. Of course we talked about protein intake; and I’ve got to limit “sat fat”, as I call saturated fat. The dietician gave me some material about smart shopping and meal planning. I told them about some of the recipes I invented. Often I wish my personal feed zone could include more items from Feed Zone Portables. I’ve tried making rice cakes; but I think I did something wrong. Too much cook water for the rice, maybe. My cakes came out sticky and gummy; and too soft for on-bike use.  Repeated appointments this week are cutting into my cycling time; and the weather hasn’t been the most cooperative. But it’s clearing up; and tomorrow night it will start to really feel like Fall. 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 With New Eyes November 13, 2024 What I’m Made Of November 12, 2024 Your Little Foot November 11, 2024 Gray and Warm November 10, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

With New Eyes Read More »

What I’m Made Of

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

What I’m Made Of 🍫 🧅 🍌 Today I found out what I’m made of! Aside from chocolate and onions and bananas, that is. This morning I saw the exercise physiologist; and it was quite interesting. They did some simple tests: resting blood pressure and pulse; grip strength; and so on.  My body composition is 82.7% fat free mass, which ranked as very good. My waist measurement puts me at low risk of disease. Grip strength — well, my dominant hand scored 59th percentile; but my non-dominant hand was just 25th percentile. Maybe residual weakness from the CMC arthroplasty? And maybe that is why I’m so poor at riding one-handed using that left hand! I’ve got one of those squeeze-ball things around, and I think I’ll dig it out and begin using it. The physiologist tested me on some push-ups (not military-style!); and I was able to complete 16 — score of very good! For curl-ups, I managed 35 — above average! I also got a score of Good for flexibility. Next Up 🔢 OK, so now I know what I’m made of. Next up? The physiologist gave me some exercises to do that should help improve my upper body muscle; and others to give me better leg flexibility. They said to keep riding as usual.  Incidentally, how do I occupy my mind during long rides? Sometimes I’ll let a favorite piece of music play inside my head. It might be amusing to ponder over odd cycling facts. Or, I’ll watch out for birds. Over the years, I’ve seen bald eagles; bluebirds; and even roseate spoonbills! Now and then, when out before daylight, I’ll hear an owl. But what’s next up with the weather? Tomorrow doesn’t look so great. I guess I’ll get wet on the way to see the nutritionist.  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 What I’m Made Of November 12, 2024 Your Little Foot November 11, 2024 Gray and Warm November 10, 2024 Park Mode November 9, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

What I’m Made Of Read More »

Your Little Foot

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Your Little Foot Your Little Foot 🦶🏻 “Put your little foot right out”, as then song says. Or maybe, put your best foot forward? This morning was one of those times when I kept having trouble getting my left shoe clipped in. It just happens sometimes; and I don’t know why. Maybe I’m out of practice after a week and more of mostly riding the hybrid? You sure got to put your little foot out when stopping a bike. And don’t wait until you’ve come to  complete stop before getting ready to step down. Unless you’re very good at the track stand stop, stopping before unclipping a foot, is a good way to fall over!  Put Your Foot Down 👣 Don’t you wish you could put your foot down — or even both of them? — and tell bad weather to keep away? I sure do! Yet another area with tropical-storm potential is brewing in the Caribbean. I’d better keep the tap lights and batteries handy; and be sure I have a good supply of drinking water and canned food. It’s too soon to say where this new system will go; but we all hope it stays away from us! Somebody use your little foot to kick it away! 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 Your Little Foot November 11, 2024 Gray and Warm November 10, 2024 Park Mode November 9, 2024 Woman Is Fickle? November 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Your Little Foot Read More »

Gray and Warm

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Gray and Warm 🐨 Today was gray and warm, which makes me think of a cuddly-looking koala bear. Not that I want to hug one; I remember hearing that a koala’s hair is very stiff and wiry; and feels like Brillo! At least gray and warm means I can ride without getting chilled, even if it rains. Which it did for the first half-hour or so of my ride. I stuck to my plan and went into park mode. I was glad when the rain stopped; and thankfully, it never rained very hard. Even so, my Ray-Bans got wet; and made visibility a bit of problem. I started out wearing a poncho; and even when the rain stopped, I left it on. Who knew when it might begin to rain again; and if it did, I wanted to be ready. Rain Rain Go Away 💦 Rain, rain, go away, as the old song goes. I wish it would; or at least, that it would restrict its activity to the overnight hours. Unfortunately, there are further chances of rain over the next two days; and it will continue to be gray and warm. I have appointments on two days this week; and I hope the rain gives me a “breathing space” so I can ride my hybrid, instead of using other modes of transportation. I want to get in my miles! It’s several weeks since I’ve done any work to improve my pace; and I need to get back to it. I’ve been focusing on my mileage goal; and I know from years of reading, that trying to ramp up both distance and intensity at the same time isn’t wise. So rain, rain, go away. Little Johnny wants to play; and I want to get out there and 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 Gray and Warm November 10, 2024 Park Mode November 9, 2024 Woman Is Fickle? November 8, 2024 Twice Soaked November 7, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Gray and Warm Read More »