SpokEasy

SpokEasy

Author name: CAL

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

Cat on the Phone?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Cat on the Phone? 🐱 I think I’ve got a cat on the phone. Or is it the phone on the cat? Several times lately, I’ve laid down my Cateye; and discovered later that the mileage meter had advanced. What was going on? Yesterday I tried deliberately leaving that bicycle computer near the cell phone; and sure enough, after perhaps an hour, the mileage reading had gone from 13.74 to 15.48! But why does the cell phone do that? My laptop doesn’t seem to have that effect; at least, not when it’s on battery power. I suppose it’s a good thing that my phone isn’t near the Cateye while I’m riding. I’d have no idea what my mileage was; not with the Cat on the phone! That’s even without a crazy forecast to stymie my riding plans.  Crazy Forecast ❄️ Have we got a crazy forecast! Things will be about normal tonight and tomorrow night; but Saturday night there might be rain and snow ❄️ showers! If there’s snow, I won’t dare ride for fear of slick roads. Today I rode to the salvage store; and I had to bundle up. The wind was strong; and I’m surprised that my legs weren’t sore from yesterday’s efforts: yesterday I practiced riding hard for one minute, then easy for one minute; a total of three sets of five hard efforts.  This morning I skipped such tactics. It was enough to just  ride when I had a headwind — gusts up to 30 mph. Tomorrow morning I have physical therapy; so I won’t ride until afternoon. I hope the wind will have calmed down by then! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Stay In

1 Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Stay In 🏡 I decided to stay in this morning. It was chilly and overcast; and when I checked the weather report, it said,”light rain”. I simply don’t feel like going out in it; and it would be a good time for a nice book. Unfortunately, I don’t have a cozy fireplace. It’s supposed to clear up a little as the day goes on; and I plan to go for a ride then. I had thought of riding to the store today; but it can wait. There’s nothing that I have to have right away. Maybe today I can do some work on my pace; but I’m still doing quite short distances; about half of what I was doing before the accident. Work on My Pace 🐌 🦌 It will be a good idea to work on my pace. Stepping up the intensity a little should help me to shed the extra pounds that I’ve gained. As long as I stay in, that won’t happen! I’ve still got some lingering thoughts about RAGBRAI; but I guess it won’t happen this year. My left arm doesn’t seem ready for using a road bike; and I gotten a new one yet. From what I saw of the event last July, a hybrid isn’t suitable for RAGBRAI. Not for me, at least; unless I could either 1) get some super-low gears for the hybrid that I have; or 2) develop some SUPER-strong legs.  Even if I got those gears, it might cost more to ship a hybrid than a road bike, as the hybrid is considerably heavier. Enough about that. How do I work on my pace? Easy in theory; short bursts of hard efforts, with easy or moderate pedaling in between. But no always so easy to do!   This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Straighten Up!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Straighten Up! 📏 “Straighten up!” is what I want to tell my left elbow. It still doesn’t extend quite fully; and the therapist says, regaining those last few degrees of extension can take a lot of time.  Even if my elbow won’t straighten up, I can do a lot more than I could a month ago. I’m back on the bike; and I can chop food without my scar aching. It’s possible to lift and carry more. I’m surprised that the return of cooler weather isn’t making the surgical site hurt. Maybe it has to go down to freezing for that effect; but I’d rather not find out. I skipped riding today; and I want to get in some miles over the next few days. Get in Some Miles 🚴‍♀️ If I get in some miles, maybe I’ll come up with some interesting stories! Even if I don’t, I’ll get some much-needed exercise. I’m gradually extending my distance; but I’m not pushing it. In fact, I probably shouldn’t try to build up too fast; especially as I’m rehabbing from an injury/surgery. Some folks seem able to manage such physical stress; but my body apparently doesn’t work that way. But as long as I get in some miles, I’m making a little progress. That’s what matters. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Dumpster Diving?

BACK ISSUES /

Dumpster Diving?🗑️ Should I try dumpster diving? This article makes it sound interesting and doable. But it might not be so easy for me on a bicycle; unless I can manage riding with a large, heavily-loaded duffle bag on my back! I could take my trailer; and then I could haul more. Maybe too much! The fact is, I stopped taking the trailer to the salvage store months ago because I had brought home way too much stuff; and I needed to use up some of it. My pantry is finally getting somewhat cleared out; and now I need to organize what’s still there. And keep possible emergencies in mind. It’s only January; but I need to think about hurricane preparation year ’round. Last year was a “slow” year; but who knows what 2026 might bring! I used to have a book on the subject of dumpster diving. This is an activity that I’d rather not try in broad daylight; and I wouldn’t feel safe doing it at night — unless I could find a “partner in crime”. Partner in Crime 🫆 “Partner in crime” sounds like I’m getting into safe-cracking; but I think I’ll skip that. Today I had enough trouble opening a can of luncheon meat. It had a pull-off-type lid; and I had to resort to pliers to get it off! I imagine that safe-cracking is far more complicated. With all the crazy stuff going on in this country, I think it would be better to avoid activities that might get the attention of the authorities; never mind that dumpster diving is legal in most states. Or it used to be not so long ago; things might have changed. So I guess I’ll stick to salvage store; at least there, I don’t have to worry about a dumpster lid crashing down on my head. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Ordinary Athlete

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Ordinary Athlete 🧑🏼‍🍳   For the ordinary athlete, The Everyday Athlete Cookbook is great. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to enjoy good food! The Everyday Athlete Cookbook includes recipes for pre- and post-ride meals; plus nutritious snacks. These recipes are easy to prepare; and you’ll find information on preparing plant-based and dairy-free foods. Your kitchen can become a lab! Now that I’m cooking again, I’m experimenting with foods — such as different combinations of legumes. Cooking Again 🥘 It’s a relief to be cooking again, rather than buying microwave meals. Some of them are actually quite tasty; but they’re rather expensive. Cooking again means washing pots again; but I’m not throwing away the packaging that comes with pre-prepared foods. It’s also good to be riding again. Today, though, I waited until afternoon. The wind was pretty strong today; and that makes it feel colder. It was also from a direction that made me feel like I had a headwind most of the time. That gets pretty frustrating; but on the other hand, riding against the wind is useful for building strength! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Clear Up!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Clear Up! 🌞 I wish it would either clear up, or pour. It isn’t going to snow; so a persistently gray sky makes for a gloomy day. If snow were on the way, the overcast would mean some snow-fun is coming. Despite the flood watch, we haven’t had much rain here; although who knows what things might  be like ten miles away. As of 11:00 am, there’s a T-storm right about there; and if it’s headed in our direction, I’s better not to be out on a bicycle. It looks like it might clear up in a few hours; or at least the rain risk will be past. Maybe I can go for a ride then. But it’s supposed to start getting cooler; and tonight the forecast is for a low below 50 degrees. Below 50 🥶 Below 50 degrees  is cold, as far as I’m concerned. Add winds of 10-15 mph; and gusts up to 30 mph; and I’ll need to bundle up. Right now it’s overcast; and 70 degrees. A T-storm is still likely; and I don’t want to get caught in one. At the same time, I’m tired of sitting around indoors. What a dilemma! It will be late afternoon by the time the rain threat is over; and by then the temperature might be dropping. Maybe I’ll just poncho up and go for a 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Bungled?

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Bungled? 🫤 Have we had a bungled forecast? So far the flood watch isn’t necessary; or am I getting ahead of things? The forecast still says there will be showers and/or T-storms tonight; and I won’t want to be out there in a Night Cat Tent! Thinking of tents reminds me of the fourth night of RAGBRAI 2025. That was some night! Torrential downpour; and my tent had been pitched in a low spot. I can’t sleep when it feels like I’m lying in a river. But that wasn’t a bungled forecast; as I remember, rain was expected. In a River 🛶 If it pours tonight and tomorrow the way I’m expecting, getting around will seem like wading in a river; and I won’t want to go out. And I’m glad I won’t be flying an airplane! I don’t envy pilots who must take off/land in such conditions. I’m glad I went to the salvage store day before yesterday; or I’d be worrying about the weather. This morning I had physical therapy; and I was half-expecting to walk home in a deluge.  The weather site I checked says, 70% chance of rain. So far it doesn’t seem like it! But weather is capricious; and can change quickly. I’m thankful that I’m not the one in charge of forecasts. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Washout Tomorrow?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Washout Tomorrow? ⛆ Will we get a washout tomorrow? Our forecast indicates a flood watch from midnight tonight until mid-morning Saturday. It makes me think that a pair of boots would be welcome. Along with other rain gear, of course. If we do get a washout tomorrow, I shan’t be pleased. I have physical therapy tomorrow; and means a hike of at least one mile. If it’s pouring, I might have to do some wading! Wading 🫠  Wading might be fun if you’re at the beach, and barefoot; but I’m not a fan of wading when I’m trying to walk somewhere. Here, a good rain can result in ankle-deep pools at curbs; and often these pools are too wide for me to hop over. The only way is to walk right through them. Then I get soaked socks and shoes. Given the forecast, I’m not sure I’ll get to ride tomorrow. I got my hybrid back today; but if there’s a washout tomorrow, I might not want to 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Saturday on Wednesday

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Saturday on Wednesday 📅 I’m having Saturday on Wednesday: I rode to the salvage store this morning. That activity usually takes place on Saturdays; but the forecast for Thursday night through Saturday night doesn’t look so good for riding. Today I found Probars, for the first time in months; and I discovered a new protein bar to try: GoMacro. I’m always pleased to find a new potential ride food! But doing Saturday on Wednesday has rather upset my sense of time. I keep trying to think that it’s Saturday! And my legs are saying, Listen up! Listen Up! 👂🏻 This afternoon my legs seemed to say, Listen up! We want to ride some more! Listening to to your body doesn’t have to mean only paying attention to signs of possible overuse. Sometimes, as now, my body seems to be telling me that it’s ready for more activity. So I went to the park to ride some laps. Towards the end of Lap 2, I noticed that my bike’s right-hand brake lever didn’t seem right. It didn’t always release itself after use; and that’s a Listen Up. Did the brake lever need a bit of lube? Was something wrong with the brake itself? I’m a bicycle rider; not a bicycle mechanic ; so I went home; changed out of my cycling shorts; and rolled the bike over to the shop. I had to leave it there; so it’s a good thing I have my membership at the recreation center. That means I won’t have to miss pedaling 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 I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Is This London?

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Is This London? 🚊 Is this London? The capital city of England is notorious for fog; and we’ve been getting a lot of fog. Is it because the river is chilled; and the air is warm? But is there upstream snow-melt at this time of year? The weather is still crazy. Today it got up to 80 degrees; and the warmth will persist through Friday. Then, down into the 40s again. Will it get colder as time goes on? Are we going to have another freak snowfall like last January? There’s likely to be rain by the weekend; and I’m considering riding to the salvage store tomorrow. I hope the fog won’t be too dense! If it is, I’ll be wondering whether this is London. Dense 🌫️ With dense fog out there, I’ll sure need ARCHXX Anti-Fog Lens Wipes. They work quite well. My lenses still get wet; but at least I can see through them. How do I dress for a ride in the fog? The forecast says it will be about 64 degrees; so I’ll need some warm clothes. Fog can feel miserably chilly; and I’ll want leg warmers for sure!  This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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