CAL, Author at SpokEasy

Snap

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Snap? 🐊 I’ve never seen an alligator snap up a duck; although I’m sure it happens. There are both gators and ducks along the river! And no, I’m not meaning to make fun of the food stamps program. I hope it doesn’t vanish; SNAP is the only way some people can get enough to eat. At the salvage store, I keep my eyes peeled for ride food; and when I find something, I snap it up. I’ll stock up even if I already have a good supply at home, because I don’t know when I’ll be able to get more. I’ve been taking an easy week, with shorter rides; and no force exercises. Yesterday I did some pace work; alternating five minutes of pushing for 13-15 mph with five minutes of riding easily. I was a bit tired after almost an hour of that! I’ll try it again in a couple of days; and I hope I can keep cool while I’m at it. Keep Cool 🧊 Keep cool? Easier said than done sometimes. Get a neck gaiter or a cool rag. Wet it; wring it; snap it. Then wear it. Oh, and I still have to try out my cooling vest. It hasn’t seemed quite hot enough for it so far; but that day is coming! It would be great if I could keep cool by riding on a shady path; but there isn’t one here except the park. On Sundays, that path gets quite crowded; and to complicate things, there are families with young children. Little kids can be most unpredictable; and I don’t want to hit them when they suddenly run out in front of me. It can be hard to keep cool, so to speak, when I must constantly dodge people on foot; so I think I’ll stick to the levee bike path. 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 Snap May 24, 2025 Tent? May 23, 2025 Energizer? May 22, 2025 How Ironic! May 20, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Tent?

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Tent? 🏕️ Should I get a tent for RAGBRAI? I’m not quite sure yet. I’m on the waiting list for a Pork Belly tent; and don’t know when I might get one. So I’m in a bit of a quandry. I don’t want to buy a tent that I won’t need, after all; but just as little do I want to wait until too late if I can’t get a Pork Belly tent. A tent will be another item to lug along; and something else to find storage room for post-RAGBRAI. If the tent gets wet during my week in Iowa, I’ll need to be sure it’s absolutely dry before storing it. Not so easy in a humid climate; and I’m not sure it would do to put a tent through an electric dryer. Multiple Choice 😵‍💫 As with so many prospective purchases, multiple choice among tents can be overwhelming. I’ll probably want a one-person tent if I buy one, largely due to the need for compact packing. I hope to find one like the tent in this video. It has no stakes; so I wouldn’t have to worry about whether a hammer in my luggage will be confiscated! Tent stakes will take up room and add weight, too. And there’s multiple choice about what food to bring with me. I’ll want to have some kind of bars on hand, in case I’m hungry before the food vendors are open for business in the morning. I’d rather not start the day’s riding on an empty stomach! Or would a gel hold me over? 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 Tent? May 23, 2025 Energizer? May 22, 2025 How Ironic! May 20, 2025 Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis May 19, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Energizer?

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Energizer? ⚡️ Energizer sounds like these batteries; but can the electronics department of a store serve as an energizer? This morning I rode to Walmart; and naturally I checked my mileage when I got there. I’m certain my Cateye read 5.01; but as I got ready to ride home, it said 6+! This phenomenon has occurred at least once before. Was it because I visited the store’s electronics department? I wanted a second charger block to take along on RAGBRAI; and maybe being in the midst of all that equipment caused the Cateye to fast-forward!⏭️ Today was another low mileage day; but I think I’m ready to start rides of 20-30 miles again; with longer jaunts on Sundays. When you do long rides, be sure your saddle height is correct! Saddle Height 🦵🏼 Saddle height might not matter with low mileage; but as you ride farther, it becomes very important. Incorrect saddle height can cause knee pain; and if you’re rocking back and forth as you pedal, nasty chafing is quite likely. So far I haven’t had problems with saddle height, thank the cycling gods for that. I’ve been getting some tweaks done, though; when you’ve got a 400+ mile week on the horizon, it’s a wise idea to double check these things. I’ve notice little if any difference from those tweaks; and I’d better not make any further changes after the next week or so. I wonder, though, can a big change of saddle height act as an energizer? Say, if that saddle has been too high; and lowering it means you don’t have to extend your knees all the way? 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 Energizer? May 22, 2025 How Ironic! May 20, 2025 Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis May 19, 2025 Snowball? May 18, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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How Ironic!

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How Ironic! 😵‍💫 How ironic life gets sometimes! One day last week, I got Chinese take-out; and my fortune cookie read: “Your love for sports will lead to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.” How ironic that is! As a kid I loathed sports. To be more specific, I hated physical education class in school. Always being picked last for a team; never knowing what to do for volleyball or whatever; knowing that my teammates resented being stuck with me. I had no opportunity to practice the skills needed; so I never improved. And here I am, decades later, an avid cyclist, with RAGBRAI in my sights. I’ve been working towards the event for some months; but this week I’m backing off. I think I need it; and besides, the weather forecast for tomorrow doesn’t look so great. Weather Forecast ⛈️ The weather forecast is always on my mind: what are the chances of rain? Are T-storms possible? Now that it’s already about 80 degrees at 7:00 am, I’ll have to start watching the heat index; and start using cooling devices. This morning I got my cool rag ready; and forgot to use it! I was thinking of riding to Walmart tomorrow; but I’d better wait and see what the weather is doing. A weather forecast isn’t always accurate; and “40% chance of showers” might mean a torrential downpour; or not a drop of rain. Sometimes a forecast for ninety-percent chance of showers doesn’t see a single raindrop. How ironic that 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 How Ironic! May 20, 2025 Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis May 19, 2025 Snowball? May 18, 2025 Bailout Plan May 17, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis 😓 Cycling with rheumatoid arthritis is definitely possible; I’ve been doing it for four years or so. Exercise, in fact, is recommended for people who have RA. I’m glad my case is mild; and that I don’t need to bother with stuff like Voltaren Gel. My own experience of cycling with rheumatoid arthritis has been generally positive. I do remember one ride on a cold day when it started to rain; and I had one finger joint that began to hurt from the chill and wet. Raindrops hitting it didn’t feel any too good, either. About two weeks ago, my elbows began to act up. Not that they’re hugely swollen, but they are a bit swollen; and are a little tender and warm to the touch. As long as they don’t bother me when I’m on the bike, I’ll keep on riding. Elbows 💪 How often were we, as children, admonished to keep our elbows off the table? Enough, I suppose, that some kids wished they didn’t have to eat at the table; and longed instead to grab something to eat in the Feed Zone. My RA elbows aren’t causing much trouble; and I hope it stays that way! I’ve contacted the exercise physiologist; and they say I may keep riding and training for RAGBRAI. Just back off a little if something starts to hurt. I’m backing off from the high mileage this week; I think I need the break. Maybe I can do some shorter rides in the heat; I need that kind of conditioning for RAGBRAI. fI can test my cooling vest, too; but I hope it’s not too long! 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 Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis May 19, 2025 Snowball? May 18, 2025 Bailout Plan May 17, 2025 Chameleon May 16, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Snowball?

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Snowball? 🍧 Is watching the miles pile up like making a snowball? Those miles accumulate; and the total grows and grows. My RAGBRAI equipment is like a snowball, too. It just keeps piling up! They say it’s good to have at least 500 miles of training as you go into RAGBRAI; and that 1000 miles is even better. Between the road bike and the hybrid, I’ve put in 2000+ this year. Today I rode 51.5 miles; and am aiming for a 70-mile ride by late June. That’s not so far off! I must add 5 miles to the week’s longest ride, every week. I’d rather add in the miles every two weeks; but it looks like time is getting short for that. In addition, a cyclist must guard aginst burnout. For some weeks now, I’ve totaled 100+ miles every week; and towards the end of last week I noticed that I was feeling tired. I think I’d better take that as a warning signal. Burnout?🔥 Burnout isn’t something to play around with. You wouldn’t play with fire, right? And burnout can badly disrupt the snowball process, forcing you to take time off the bike. Who wants that? We also want to avoid overuse injuries. That’s why I began working towards RAGBRAI months ago; I don’t seem to have the body type that responds favorably to sudden and large workloads. I guess I’m what Joe Friel calls a “slow responder”. So I suppose you’d better not call me in case of 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 Snowball? May 18, 2025 Bailout Plan May 17, 2025 Chameleon May 16, 2025 IdentoGO May 15, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bailout Plan

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Bailout Plan 🪣 I’m developing a bale-out plan — I mean, a bailout plan. My biggest concern about RAGBRAI has been reaching Guttenberg, the end town, in time to catch the PBV 3:00 pm shuttle to Omaha. If I miss that bus, I’ll be in a very tight corner! Now PBV has announced a shuttle bus from the Day 7 halfway point to Guttenberg; and I’m seriously considering using it. It’s a relief to know that such a bailout plan is available. Yes, I want to ride all the miles; and if I had transportation other than the PBV shuttle, I’d be much more relaxed about Day 7. I intend to register for that halfway-point shuttle as soon as possible I’m also waiting now for the notice that I’ve been assigned a PBV tent. I applied early, so I suppose I ought to be OK. Then I’ll be a Porker! Porker 🐷 A RAGBRAI participant who uses the PBV charter service is called a “porker”. I wanted the full service (which includes tent set-up/tear down) because I’ll have enough stuff to lug along without adding a tent to the pile! I’m flying up to the event; and need to avoid excess weight. In addition, I won’t want to have to find a vacant spot and set up a tent when I’m one tired porker from riding all day; and am hot and hungry to boot. I hope I won’t have to come up with a bailout plan as far as getting a tent is concerned. Maybe, as a first-timer, I’m worrying more than necessary! I just want to be sure that everything is in place. I’m afraid that won’t mean my hair, though. It’s thin and fine; and tends to fly all over the place! 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 Bailout Plan May 17, 2025 Chameleon May 16, 2025 IdentoGO May 15, 2025 Medical Prep May 14, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Chameleon

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Chameleon? 🦎 I feel like a chameleon. Today I bought a new helmet; and it meant a change in helmet color. My old headpiece was blue; the new one is a sort of cranberry-red/black. But somehow I didn’t notice in the store that the new helmet lacks a visor! What was I thinking?? So tomorrow I can go back and see if I can trade for a helmet that does have that eyeshade. Sometimes I feel like a chameleon when it comes to my day-to-day rides. I might have a long ride planned; but my legs just say, Nothing doing! So I might “change color”, so to speak, on a moment’s notice. But the main thing now is to get in the weekly miles recommended by the RAGBRAI training plan. Weekly Miles 🚲 The weekly miles are really no problem as far as mileage total goes; but as I extend my weekly longest ride, I’m going to have to make pit stops at home! It’s great to have that bike path on top of the levee; but it has a big drawback: having to leave the path and go out of my way to find restrooms! The path is closed about 13 miles from home for work; and if only I could go two miles farther, I could reach the mini-park where I can make a pit stop. If only that work would get finished! It’s supposed to be done this Summer; but even if it’s on schedule, when does “Summer” mean? Next month? Early September? Getting my weekly miles now means doubling back and riding the same path segments over and over. That’s a bit aggravating; and now that it’s getting hotter, the lack of restroom access is a bigger problem. We all know what adequate hydration does to a body! So I’ll have to be a chameleon and start breaking up those lengthy rides with stops at home. The catch is, it can be hard to get myself going again! 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 Chameleon May 16, 2025 IdentoGO May 15, 2025 Medical Prep May 14, 2025 Outer Zones? May 13, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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IdentoGO

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IdentoGO 🆔 I finally decided to spring for IdentoGO. At first I thought that IdentoGO didn’t make sense for someone who isn’t a frequent flyer; but all the online news articles about TSA security lines made me decide to get it, after all. It’s valid for five years; and the cost boils down to about $1.35 per month, or less. Speaking of getting through airport security, I must double-check the size of my MIER Backpack Duffle. It’s advertised as carry-on size; but I don’t want to find out at the last minute that it’s to big for a carry-on! IdentoGO would come in handy if I must leave town in a hurry — say, if a hurricane is threatening, and I’m not in the mood to stay here for a hurricane party. Or, who knows, I might end up flying to more long-distance bicycle rides! Hot Days 🌞 The hot days have come; quite suddenly, as usual. I had to walk about a mile from the streetcar stop to the Identogo office; and that was one hot hike! I had a 1:00 pm appointment; so I was out in the hottest part of the day. Some pickle ice would have been wonderful! It makes hot days more bearable. The arrival of hot days means I’ve had to get out my cool rag; and I’ll soon be putting more water in my Camel-Bak. But I hope the reservoir doesn’t need replacing! There seems to be a slow leak near the hookup for the drinking hose; maybe from the pressure of the cable lock. But I probably won’t take the lock on RAGBRAI. I’m practicing loaded up now, so that the lesser load in Iowa will make RAGBRAI easier! 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 IdentoGO May 15, 2025 Medical Prep May 14, 2025 Outer Zones? May 13, 2025 Just As Well May 12, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Medical Prep

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Medical Prep 🩺 RAGBRAI prep includes some medical prep. My prescription medications are high on my packing list; and today I got a COVID booster. I was due for one in a few months’ time; and the pharmacy said I was eligible to get it now because of my age. Since I’ll be traveling in July, I figured getting the booster right now was a wise precaution. I don’t need to get sick just as I arrive in Iowa! There’s been a lot in the news about the recent outbreak of measles; but I had the disease as a child. Just to be double sure, though, I checked with my doctor; and I’m immune. My RAGBRAI medical prep also includes some OTC anti-diarrheal medication; an idea that I got from a YouTube. The person who filmed it mentioned having eaten “questionable potato salad”; and I decided it wouldn’t hurt to be ready for such a contingency. “Medical prep” includes being ready when the heat is on! I’m starting to get ready for that with some rides later in the day. The Heat Is On! ♨️ The heat is on, now that we’re into mid-May. It reached 88 degrees today; and when I went riding early in the afternoon, I wished I’d used my cool rag. I did only a short ride; and tried to keep myself from working hard against the wind. Yesterday I did work hard; and my legs needed the break. The heat is on for the next few days, to be sure — highs well into the 80s. Summer has an annoying way of arriving abruptly; and if always feels like there’s too little time to adapt to rising temperatures! This morning I had to go downtown for some blood work (glucose down to 89!😊); but I hope to get going really early tomorrow. Medical prep for a big ride includes working to adapt to riding in the heat; but I don’t want to do it every day, right away. I’m a morning lark type, anyhow! 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 Medical Prep May 14, 2025 Outer Zones? May 13, 2025 Just As Well May 12, 2025 Looks Are Deceptive May 11, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Author name: CAL

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.

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