CAL, Author at SpokEasy - Page 17 of 130

Straighten Up!

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 / CAL

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 / CAL

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 / CAL

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 / CAL

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 / CAL

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 / CAL

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 / CAL

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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Planning around the Weather

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Planning around the Weather 💦 ⚡️🥶 I get tired of planning around the weather; especially when it’s unseasonably warm, and who know what will happen next. It’s hard to know what the weather will do, anyway. From Thursday, there’s a chance of rain; and that includes Saturday morning. Maybe I’ll go to the salvage store on Wednesday! Or should I wait for Saturday, anyhow? What, exactly, does “chance of showers” mean? Planning around the weather is tricky when you don’t have a crystal ball. And sometimes, getting good weather is a matter of plain old luck. Crystal Ball 🔮 Sometimes I think a crystal ball would do just as well as modern meteorological forecasts. Even with all the advances made in the science, it seems to me that there’s still a pretty big element of guesswork in weather prediction. I, for one, wouldn’t want the job. It’s hard to learn how to “read” the weather when you’re indoors much of the time; and it probably takes years of experience (and errors!) to become proficient at it. I don’t have a crystal ball; so I’ll have to keep relying on weather forecasts — and keep on planning around the weather. 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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Testing the Waters

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training / CAL

Testing the Waters? ♨️ I’m testing the waters, you could say. My rides are still very short; but today I made the expedition to Walmart. It’s the next step in getting back to real riding! I had received a gift certificate to the store as a Christmas present; and Sunday morning was a good time for the ride, as there wasn’t much road traffic. The weather was a bit chilly; but at least the wind wasn’t very strong. The sky was overcast; and that actually is a good thing this time of year! At this season, the sun stays rather low in the sky all day; and on clear days, I have constant trouble with Old Sol shining right into my eyes. I’m also testing the waters when it comes to off-bike exercises. I had to avoid core work while my ribs healed; and now I need to keep doing the core exercises regularly. But after having to skip them for about two months, it’s easy to forget about them! Easy to Forget 😒 It’s easy to forget lots of things. Like social media. While recuperating from my accident, I took to endless watching of YouTubes; and it’s a habit that’s rather hard to break. I can get so absorbed in viewing that I lose track of time; and, to complicate matters, I keep finding more videos that pique my interest. It’s easy to forget blogging, because it’s been harder to come up with blog topics. Sometimes I’ll watch YouTube after YouTube, hoping one of them will provide a spark of inspiration! It looks like it will be very foggy again tomorrow morning; so maybe I won’t ride early. But I do want to ride; and maybe the next day I’ll skip it. Physical therapy is still ongoing! 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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Author name: CAL