CAL, Author at SpokEasy - Page 50 of 130

Spring in December?

Spring in December? ? We seem to be getting Spring in December. It got up to the mid-70s today! I bet I’d appreciate it if I were still working; and commuting by bicycle. It’s a big nuisance to have to bundle up for the ride to work; find a way to stow all those layers once you get to work; then re-dress when it’s time to go home. But Spring in December isn’t natural, even for New Orleans. I hope these unusually warm temperatures aren’t a harbinger of severe weather to come. After all, there was a time when unseasonably warm weather was called a “weather breeder“! For all I know, that bit of wisdom was spot on. Enjoy It While I Can ?? Whether this weather is natural or not, I might as well enjoy it while I can. When it’s warmer, my nose doesn’t run nearly as much; and my hands and feet don’t get cold. Riding against the wind is more tiring on cold days; and full-fingered gloves make on-bike eating awkward. Regardless of the temperature, I’d love some Alter Eco SuperDark Chocolate Truffles! They’re 80% cacao; and although I personally don’t care whether they’re gluten free, many people have to avoid gluten. Alter Eco SuperDark Chocolate Truffles have compostable wrappers, too. Tomorrow will be another mild day; and I’d better enjoy it while I can! One of these days we’ll get a frigid blast; and then I’ll be wishing for the heat to return 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 ✍? Spring in December? December 16, 2024 What Fog? December 15, 2024 Doesn’t Look Good December 14, 2024 Christmas Moon December 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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What Fog?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

What Fog? ? This morning I wound up asking, What fog? After the forecast yesterday, I was anticipating pea-soup conditions. I’m glad the mist wasn’t like that, or I would have been wishing for Optix 55. Even so, the humidity was high enough that the screen of my Cateye kept getting a film of moisture on it. There was some mist on the river, too; but the moon was clear enough. But not in a position to be casting its light on the water; I guess it’s because of the tilt of the Earth at this season. All the same, it was nice to be able to say, What fog? I included a trip to the supermarket in today’s ride; and now I don’t need to buy any groceries for a while. Head Start ? I got a head start on Xmas feating today; and enough goodies to last two days in the process. The neighborhood pasty shop had cookies called Chinese Christmas Chocolate Spot, or something like that. I got one; and now I don’t need any more candy for a while! That cookie was big! So I’d better do a good ride tomorrow to help burn it off. Why not now? If I ride right now, I’ll have to re-do this past week’s statistics; and I’m too lazy to want to bother with it. Maybe I can go for a walk later. I’ll see what things are like tomorrow morning before deciding whether ride the hybrid or the road bike. There’s more fog in the forecast; and riding in the fog means my poor bike gets all mucky. On the other hand, my road bike is feeling slighted. This past week I used the hybrid most of the time; and the road bike only twice. 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 Fog? December 15, 2024 Doesn’t Look Good December 14, 2024 Christmas Moon December 13, 2024 What Goes Down December 12, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Doesn’t Look Good

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food / CAL

Doesn’t Look Good ?️ As of the latest forecast, it doesn’t look good for tomorrow’s moon-viewing ride. Now they’re predicting patchy fog! It won’t be great for flying a drone, either, even if I wanted to! I can still ride if it’s foggy; but the hybrid will be the better choice, because it has fenders. In fact, I’m thinking of going out for 5-6 miles; the doubling back and heading for the supermarket. I went to the salvage store this morning; but didn’t find everything I wanted. With Christmas coming, I want to be sure I have certain items — like garlic-stuffed olives! Speaking of Food ? ? ? Speaking of food, it doesn’t look good sometimes when I pore over my food log. I’m working to minimize sweets; and to eat only small portions when I have them. I admit, though, that it’s uphill work. But I’ll keep trying! These things take time. Even harder than minimizing sweets, is minimizing saturated fat. It’s very hard to keep “sat fat” from going over 12 grams in a day, and still get enough to eat! Especially as sat fat seems to be everywhere. It’s sneaky stuff! Protein? I’m doing fairly well in that department; but I think I’d better work more legumes into my menus. I’ve been using up stuff that I had in the freezer; and my squashed sauce doesn’t have legumes in it. Legumes provide protein without the sat fat that cheese has — and I usually don’t eat more than a half-ounce of cheese at one go. Incidentally, my food log is nothing sophisticated. I use a regular spiral notebook; opened so that there’s a blank page on either side of the spiral. The left-hand side is for a breakdown of each meal; and the other side is for the totals (calories; carbs; protein; sat fat). I don’t find it at all helpful to see only X calories; Y grams of carbs, etc. for each meal. I need to know, for instance, whether breakfast was a banana and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter; or rolled oats mixed with yogurt and almonds. This method of record-keeping is admittedly somewhat wasteful of paper; and that doesn’t look good. But I’ve got to do what I need 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 ✍? Doesn’t Look Good December 14, 2024 Christmas Moon December 13, 2024 What Goes Down December 12, 2024 Subsidence December 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Christmas Moon

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors / CAL

Christmas Moon ? Strictly speaking, the upcoming full moon isn’t a Christmas moon — it’s ten days early. But it looks like the weather might be on my side. The forecast says, partly cloudy; and that could mean that I’ll have good viewing. The temperature will probably be around 60 degrees; and that’s quite comfortable for riding. Yes, I’ll want leg warmers; and a jacket; and a helmet liner. But that’s a lot better than riding when it’s 40 degrees! Even if the moon isn’t visible, I’ll want to ride. Winter Wheelers is on, after all! I’m trying to get in 100 miles or so per week; and after tomorrow’s trip to the salvage store, I should easily reach that goal with Sunday’s ride. The catch with riding so early is that, once I’m heading back home, I’ll have the sun shining directly into my face! But getting to see the Christmas moon will make it worth the nuisance. Real Christmas Ride ?? Who know what the real Christmas ride will be like. Temperature down to the low 30s? Or 70 degrees? Clear, or rainy? If the latter, I’ll ride the hybrid, and avoid getting my bike all spattered with mud. Windy? I hope not. A strong wind will make riding in the park more sensible; but a real Christmas ride in the park means this: even at 6:00 am, the path in the park will be full of kids trying out their new bicycles. I understand that they’re excited and want to learn to ride; but let’s face it, youngsters wobbling all over the place on bikes can be hazardous! I don’t want to hit them; and I don’t need for them to run into me. That means riding at a snail’s pace! 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 ✍? Christmas Moon December 13, 2024 What Goes Down December 12, 2024 Subsidence December 11, 2024 Gamble Paid Off December 10, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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What Goes Down

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

What Goes Down ⬇️ What goes down must come back up, right? Like our crazy, roller-coaster temperatures. Day before yesterday, it was barely above 40 degrees; today it was more like 47; and tomorrow, they say, it will be 50 degrees! Still cool enough for leg warmers, though. Today I tried some one-minute efforts at 16 mph. It was fairly easy when I had the wind behind me! Coming back home, I tried some shorter into-the-wind efforts at a high cadence; and those efforts didn’t go quite so well. It was better than nothing; but I probably need more if I’m serious about getting stronger and faster. However, it’s quite well known that, if you work too hard with no letup, you’re apt to get slower! Then it’s work back up to an improved speed. Well, what goes down comes back up. Besides, I want to get the distance in; then I can start to work at intensity. Melting the Miles ? I’m still working to melt the miles away; and I think my mileage goal is within sight. A Garmin is good for keeping track. Not only for miles, but for such things as heart rate and calorie burn. The last few days have seen me cheat on my distance. Day before yesterday, there was the threat of rain; and yesterday, the wind was so strong that I did a shorter ride. But today I rode 20.5; and I want to push for about the same tomorrow. It’s quite a satisfaction to see that I’m melting the miles! 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 Goes Down December 12, 2024 Subsidence December 11, 2024 Gamble Paid Off December 10, 2024 Drag Chute December 9, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Subsidence

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Subsidece ⬇️ Subsidence as in a sinkhole opening under your house, no thank you! Subsidence as in the wind dying down — oh, please, yes! This morning the wind was quite strong. The sky was clear, so I wasn’t betting on beating the rain back home. But I paid for that by having a hard time controlling the bicycle one-handed; and I was on the more stable hybrid! Even in the park, the wind gusts made riding hard; and as a result, I don’t think I was reaching for that water bottle as much as I needed to. Plan of Attack ? The wind shouldn’t be nearly as strong tomorrow morning as it was today. So, what’s my plan of attack? I don’t think I’ll sound the trumpets and go charging out like I were mad; but I want to do a longer ride than I’ve managed the last two days. I think I’ll work on my pace; and doing a few very hard efforts won’t be a bad idea. That means on-bike food; maybe some Alani Bars. Even though it will be cold (low 40s; that’s cold for me), I’ll want electrolyte drink; and it’s chilling in the fridge right now. I’m divided as to whether I’ll use hand warmers. If I don’t use them, my hands will get cold even if I wear heavy-ish gloves. On the other hand (no pun intended), I don’t want to use up all the hand warmers; and then have us get a freak cold snap, when the temperature drops low enough to threaten plumbing. Not even my heaviest gloves (which are starting to fall apart, anyway) can keep my hands warm then; and I’ll need the hand warmers! Maybe my plan of attack should include double socks, too; my feet get cold easily. Riding in cold weather has its pitfalls; but I’m glad I don’t need to worry about ground subsidence on the 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 ✍? Subsidence December 11, 2024 Gamble Paid Off December 10, 2024 Drag Chute December 9, 2024 One or the Other December 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Gamble Paid Off

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Gamble Paid Off ? My gamble paid off today; and I don’t care whether it’s on Strava! As long as I know I did it, that’s enough for me. I didn’t get to ride until mid-morning. Mindful of the forecast, I decided to ride laps around the park again. It was overcast when I set out; and after about half an hour, the sun began to come out. I had to remind myself that it was probably the calm before the storm; and in fact the wind was gradually getting stronger. During lap four, I decided that it might be better to head home. I was getting hungry; and although I had a few GU-Gels with me, I wasn’t in the mood for them. So I went home; and beat the rain by a couple of hours. It’s nice when the gamble pays off! Effrontery? ? Oh, the effrontery of the weather! It’s most annoying when we go from high 70s one afternoon, to mid-40s the ensuing night. Life might be a beautiful ride; but it’s easier when temperature changes are more gradual! On top of the drastic temperature drop, we’ll have strong wind. I’m already chickening out on a ride on top of the levee. Gusts could be as strong as 30 mph, and that makes bike handling something of a problem; especially when I need to ride one-handed. Gusts seem to have a way of choosing to attack right at such moments. Such effrontery! I was hoping for a ride of 20 miles or so tomorrow; but I won’t want to circle the park for two solid hours. I’ll see how things are in the morning; then plan my attack, so to speak. The gamble paid off today; but will it do so 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 ✍? Gamble Paid Off December 10, 2024 Drag Chute December 9, 2024 One or the Other December 8, 2024 Change of Pace December 7, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Drag Chute

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Drag Chute ? No cyclist wants a drag chute; be it flapping jacket sleeves or a loose poncho. Flapping clothing is a nuisance; and if you’re interested in speed, it can slow you down. I had a drag chute this morning, in the form of a loose poncho. As a matter of fact, that poncho delayed my ride by at least ten minutes. I bought it some years ago, in case I needed it; and in the meantime, the poncho sat around it its store packaging. It’s made of thin plastic; and I guess the long storage period wasn’t very good for it. The plastic was stuck to itself; and while I was struggling to unstick it, I also had to be extremely careful not to tear it. Saturation ? The humidity is at saturation level; and I’m sure to need rain gear when I head out for tomorrow’s appointment. We’re under flood watch until noon tomorrow; and I think I’ll arrange for a taxi ride to the appointment. I can take public transit back home; but I don’t like to arrive at a medical facility soaking wet. That’s a bit too much saturation! I hope I can get in a ride; but it really depends on how hard it’s raining. A poncho can keep some of the rain off; but unless the weather is really cold, you can get very hot under a poncho. And as already stated, poncho = drag chute. T-storms are also possible; and that’s not my favorite riding 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 ✍? Drag Chute December 9, 2024 One or the Other December 8, 2024 Change of Pace December 7, 2024 Remember the Sunblock December 6, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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One or the Other

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

One or the Other! ? ? I wish our weather would settle on one or the other: is it Fall (almost Winter); or is it still Summer? The temperature is see-sawing back and forth. Yesterday morning it was 40 degrees; and this morning it was close to 60! That’s very annoying when you’re trying to plan your rides. It doesn’t have to be epic rides, either — even if you’re only riding to the store, you want to be dressed for the weather. I’ve often heard people complain about these crazy switches between heat and cold; they say, with justification, that “you never know how to dress”. No wonder we all want one or the other! Keep the Layers Handy! ? The only thing we can do is to keep the layers handy. Unfortunately, that means having all sorts of items scattered all over the place. One day I’ll need leg warmers; the next day, I won’t. I’m not about to shove sweaty items of clothing back into storage; so I end up with leg warmers, helmet liners, etc. draped over furniture; the bicycles; and so on, so they can air out. That’s another reason I wish the weather would be one or the other. And what of longer rides, when the forecast indicates a sudden change during the day (aka your ride)? Keep the layers handy, if at all possible. It can get quite miserable if cold rain and wind suddenly begin, and you’re still miles from home. The action of pedaling does only so much to keep you warm, or such is my experience. And I’d rather be a tad too warm, than a bit too cool. If it’s the latter, what happens if you have to stop before you get home? 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 ✍? One or the Other December 8, 2024 Change of Pace December 7, 2024 Remember the Sunblock December 6, 2024 Lost Gamble December 5, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Change of Pace

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Change of Pace ⏩ It’s quite a change of pace to go somewhere and not use a bicycle; but at least I didn’t need to carry along ride food. Running errands by bike is rather nerve-wracking if I do it later than, say, nine o’clock in the morning; especially if it means riding along streets with no marked bike lane. Such streets are often parked solid with cars along the curb; and I don’t enjoy pedaling past them. I always feel like I’m too close to the cars to avoid bumping them; and there’s alway the danger of getting “doored”. Feet It Is ???? I had to get to a FedEx store to ship off a modem that I won’t be able to use much longer. The FedEx nearest to me doesn’t handle such returns; and I had to go to one much farther away. So, should I ride there on my bike; or opt for a combination of public transit and walking? I decided, feet it is; and the change of pace (and route) let me see things that I usually can’t. It’s unwise to sightsee while cycling; especially if you’ve got to stay hyper-alert for traffic! But walking from the streetcar stop to the FedEx store (a good mile or so, I’d guess) made it possible for me to view the homes along the way. Now I’ve got that modem off my mind; and the FedEx is located in the same strip mall as a large Winn Dixie. So I picked up a few groceries while I was there. It’s great to be able to combine errands! 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 ✍? Change of Pace December 7, 2024 Remember the Sunblock December 6, 2024 Lost Gamble December 5, 2024 Growing Gray December 4, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Author name: CAL