SpokEasy

SpokEasy

Author name: CAL

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

Brief Fall

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Brief Fall ? We’ve got a brief Fall coming. Down below 60 degrees tonight. It’s incredible! So tomorrow’s ride will involve leg warmers; skull cap; and even long-fingered gloves. As the week progresses, the weather will get warmer again. Then I’ll have to set aside the cool-weather cycling gear until the next cool spell. I’m glad to be able to ride year-round; but these seasons of constantly changing temperatures drive us all crazy. Moonlight ? Even if tomorrow morning is chilly, I’ll get to see some moonlight. The weather should be clear; and the big problem will be dragging myself out of bed in time. Maybe I can have some hot chocolate when I get back home! So far it’s been too warm to indulge in it; and this brief Fall is a chance to enjoy it. Even on the coldest days, though, I don’t want my hot chocolate much over lukewarm. Some “hot” chocolate, huh? How about music for a moonlight ride? The famous Beethoven sonata is an obvious choice; not that I can take along a piano on a bicycle! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Brief Fall November 14, 2024 With New Eyes November 13, 2024 What I’m Made Of November 12, 2024 Your Little Foot November 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Brief Fall Read More »

With New Eyes

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

With New Eyes ? Now I’m seeing the world with new eyes; although not through Celestron Binoculars . I got my new eyeglasses today. This time, I got the transitional lenses; but I can’t say yet how well they respond to bright sunlight. The sky was overcast when I walked over to the optical shop. Those Celestron Binoculars would let me see things with new eyes, I’ll bet. They’re great for astronomy; and also for bird-watching. My Personal Feed Zone ?️ I’m looking at my personal feed zone with new eyes, too: this morning I had my session with the dietician. We discussed my exercise habits and my calorie needs; watching carb intake; and so on. Carb-wise, this dietician says the same thing as the sports nutritionist of several years ago. Limit total carbs to 200 grams per day. That might sound like a lot; but many a day I ride for almost two hours, sometimes more; and the exercising body’s preferred fuel is glycogen. Of course we talked about protein intake; and I’ve got to limit “sat fat”, as I call saturated fat. The dietician gave me some material about smart shopping and meal planning. I told them about some of the recipes I invented. Often I wish my personal feed zone could include more items from Feed Zone Portables. I’ve tried making rice cakes; but I think I did something wrong. Too much cook water for the rice, maybe. My cakes came out sticky and gummy; and too soft for on-bike use.  Repeated appointments this week are cutting into my cycling time; and the weather hasn’t been the most cooperative. But it’s clearing up; and tomorrow night it will start to really feel like Fall. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL With New Eyes November 13, 2024 What I’m Made Of November 12, 2024 Your Little Foot November 11, 2024 Gray and Warm November 10, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

With New Eyes Read More »

What I’m Made Of

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Personal Care /

What I’m Made Of ? ? ? Today I found out what I’m made of! Aside from chocolate and onions and bananas, that is. This morning I saw the exercise physiologist; and it was quite interesting. They did some simple tests: resting blood pressure and pulse; grip strength; and so on.  My body composition is 82.7% fat free mass, which ranked as very good. My waist measurement puts me at low risk of disease. Grip strength — well, my dominant hand scored 59th percentile; but my non-dominant hand was just 25th percentile. Maybe residual weakness from the CMC arthroplasty? And maybe that is why I’m so poor at riding one-handed using that left hand! I’ve got one of those squeeze-ball things around, and I think I’ll dig it out and begin using it. The physiologist tested me on some push-ups (not military-style!); and I was able to complete 16 — score of very good! For curl-ups, I managed 35 — above average! I also got a score of Good for flexibility. Next Up ? OK, so now I know what I’m made of. Next up? The physiologist gave me some exercises to do that should help improve my upper body muscle; and others to give me better leg flexibility. They said to keep riding as usual.  Incidentally, how do I occupy my mind during long rides? Sometimes I’ll let a favorite piece of music play inside my head. It might be amusing to ponder over odd cycling facts. Or, I’ll watch out for birds. Over the years, I’ve seen bald eagles; bluebirds; and even roseate spoonbills! Now and then, when out before daylight, I’ll hear an owl. But what’s next up with the weather? Tomorrow doesn’t look so great. I guess I’ll get wet on the way to see the nutritionist.  This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL What I’m Made Of November 12, 2024 Your Little Foot November 11, 2024 Gray and Warm November 10, 2024 Park Mode November 9, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

What I’m Made Of Read More »

Your Little Foot

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Your Little Foot Your Little Foot ?? “Put your little foot right out”, as then song says. Or maybe, put your best foot forward? This morning was one of those times when I kept having trouble getting my left shoe clipped in. It just happens sometimes; and I don’t know why. Maybe I’m out of practice after a week and more of mostly riding the hybrid? You sure got to put your little foot out when stopping a bike. And don’t wait until you’ve come to  complete stop before getting ready to step down. Unless you’re very good at the track stand stop, stopping before unclipping a foot, is a good way to fall over!  Put Your Foot Down ? Don’t you wish you could put your foot down — or even both of them? — and tell bad weather to keep away? I sure do! Yet another area with tropical-storm potential is brewing in the Caribbean. I’d better keep the tap lights and batteries handy; and be sure I have a good supply of drinking water and canned food. It’s too soon to say where this new system will go; but we all hope it stays away from us! Somebody use your little foot to kick it away! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Your Little Foot November 11, 2024 Gray and Warm November 10, 2024 Park Mode November 9, 2024 Woman Is Fickle? November 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Your Little Foot Read More »

Gray and Warm

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Gray and Warm ? Today was gray and warm, which makes me think of a cuddly-looking koala bear. Not that I want to hug one; I remember hearing that a koala’s hair is very stiff and wiry; and feels like Brillo! At least gray and warm means I can ride without getting chilled, even if it rains. Which it did for the first half-hour or so of my ride. I stuck to my plan and went into park mode. I was glad when the rain stopped; and thankfully, it never rained very hard. Even so, my Ray-Bans got wet; and made visibility a bit of problem. I started out wearing a poncho; and even when the rain stopped, I left it on. Who knew when it might begin to rain again; and if it did, I wanted to be ready. Rain Rain Go Away ? Rain, rain, go away, as the old song goes. I wish it would; or at least, that it would restrict its activity to the overnight hours. Unfortunately, there are further chances of rain over the next two days; and it will continue to be gray and warm. I have appointments on two days this week; and I hope the rain gives me a “breathing space” so I can ride my hybrid, instead of using other modes of transportation. I want to get in my miles! It’s several weeks since I’ve done any work to improve my pace; and I need to get back to it. I’ve been focusing on my mileage goal; and I know from years of reading, that trying to ramp up both distance and intensity at the same time isn’t wise. So rain, rain, go away. Little Johnny wants to play; and I want to get out there and ride!   This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Gray and Warm November 10, 2024 Park Mode November 9, 2024 Woman Is Fickle? November 8, 2024 Twice Soaked November 7, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Gray and Warm Read More »

Park Mode

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Park Mode ?️ I might have to go into park mode tomorrow. The forecast predicts rain (again); and if the “cloudy” window between 8:00 am and noon means that it will rain anyway, maybe I’ll be better off riding my hybrid in the park. Yes, I’m glad to have my road bike back from the shop; and it’s more fun to ride than the hybrid; but the road bike doesn’t have fenders. In wet weather, riding the road bike means a mucky bike; and a dirty, wet stripe up my back!  I’ll see what the weather is up to in the morning; then I’ll decide whether to risk taking the road bike on the levee; or to ride the hybrid around and around the park. Hence the term, “park mode”. The Drawbacks ⚠️ The drawbacks to long rides on the hybrid — whether in park mode or otherwise — are the hybrid’s heaviness; and the fact that I don’t have a handlebar bag for it. I don’t need one often enough to make buying one worthwhile; and I have a rear rack on the hybrid, so I can carry a trunk to hold a poncho; food; and so on.  The catch is, this means that I have to stop and dismount every time want to get a bite of food. I’d rather be able to eat while rolling. Stopping every 15-20 minutes is no way to develop endurance; but if using the hybrid is what I have to do to get in a ride, then I’ll have to put up with the drawbacks. 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 Park Mode November 9, 2024 Woman Is Fickle? November 8, 2024 Twice Soaked November 7, 2024 Eye on the Weekend November 6, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Park Mode Read More »

Woman Is Fickle?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

WOMAN Is Fickle? ??‍? Woman is fickle, so the famous opera aria goes. Sometimes it seems that woman has nothing on our weather! Forecasts change constantly; and I’m glad it’s not my job to determine them. Several days ago, the long-range forecast showed rain for tomorrow. Now, it says mostly cloudy until early afternoon. I’m glad that I’ll probably be able to make a trip to the salvage store without getting drenched; but it looks like the Sunday ride won’t be a dry one. And we all hope that Rafael won’t pull a “woman is fickle” stunt, and turn our way. Still Not Fall ? It’s still not Fall, if the temperatures are to be believed. I guess I won’t need a jacket for a while; but when I finally do, I can just see it going from high 80s one afternoon, to 40 degrees overnight. I’d prefer a more gradual cooling down; and not these crazy, wild fluctuations between heat and cold. Everybody here complains about that. Yesterday afternoon I got my road bike back from the shop; and it’s great to be riding it again. The problem had been a badly snagged shifting cable; and the poor guys at the shop had a hard time getting it out. If they’d been unsuccessful, I might have had to buy a new bicycle! Parts for my road bike have become hard to find; and it looks like planned obsolescence is waiting to spring!  There was a pretty good wind today; and that slowed me down. I didn’t think to get down on the drops; which would have helped. I need to work on that again; especially learning to grab my Camel-Bak’s drinking tube while on the drops. Since it’s “still not Fall”, I can do without leg warmers; and even use sun sleeves. When will I need arm warmers? Who can tell? If woman is fickle, so is the outdoors! 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 Woman Is Fickle? November 8, 2024 Twice Soaked November 7, 2024 Eye on the Weekend November 6, 2024 Test a New Route November 5, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Woman Is Fickle? Read More »

Twice Soaked

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Twice Soaked ☔️ I got twice soaked today. First, while I was out riding the hybrid; and then again as I was walking my road bike home from the shop. An Alpha Cycle Gear rain suit would have helped a lot; or, at least, the jacket part of it. It’s too warm today for the full outfit! Incidentally, if I ever got a rain jacket, I’d want one big enough to go over my stuffed Camel-Bak. Then I can keep my things dry. So now I have two sopping pairs of socks; and two very wet pairs of sneakers. It’s no fun getting twice soaked; and now I don’t want to go anywhere else today. If getting caught in the rain two times in one day isn’t fun, it’s even less fun to pull on wet footgear! More Coming ? As if today’s rain hasn’t been enough, there’s more coming. What a pity it is that a bright-colored jersey, such as the YOUALSO Women’s Cycling Jersey, doesn’t guarantee fair weather. I’ve still got to keep my eye on the weekend — there’s plenty of precipitation in the forecast, even though it looks like Rafael isn’t likely to come knocking at our door. We’ve had a prolonged spell of little rain; and I guess we’re making up for it now, because there’s still more coming! How do you ride in the rain? Slow down; if you aren’t racing, or late to work, there’s probably no need to hurry. If the weather is chilly, a poncho helps keep you warm. A major nuisance is that glasses can get so wet that visibility is a problem; which brings me back to the first point — slow down! 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 Twice Soaked November 7, 2024 Eye on the Weekend November 6, 2024 Test a New Route November 5, 2024 Stormwatch November 4, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Twice Soaked Read More »

Eye on the Weekend

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Eye on the Weekend ?️ Like so many, I’ve got my eye on the weekend; and for many people, it’s no laughing matter. Quite the contrary, in fact. Things might become scary for them in a couple of days; and much more alarming than Spider Spoke Lights. Hurricane Rafael isn’t pointing straight towards us at present; but the Tex/Mex border seems to be in the storm’s crosshairs. And that could change at any time; hurricanes can be quite erratic. So here we go again. Be sure to stock up on non-perishable foods; drinking water; and toiletries. Have flashlights and batteries in stock, too. After Francine, I was without electricity for about 36 hours; and lost a considerable amount of food from fridge and freezer. Naturally I’m not anxious for a repeat of that so soon! Watch the Storm, Too! ? My plan to test a new route fell apart. Was my eye on the weekend more than I though?  In addition, I’ve got to watch the storm, too!  I intended to ride out to a point 9-10 miles from home; and make a detour to the salvage store on the way back. Yesterday the forecast predicted a rainy Saturday; and I wanted to dodge it. So I set out, with my hybrid outfitted with panniers. All of two or three miles out, it dawned on me that I hadn’t brought along my cash! I usually don’t use my FreeToo Waist Pack Bag while cycling; and when I leave it at home, I can easily forget to bring along whatever might be in it.  Although I keep a small amount of money with my cell phone in case of an emergency, it isn’t enough to buy very much; and I didn’t feel like going back home. Try again tomorrow! But don’t forget to watch the storm. 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 Eye on the Weekend November 6, 2024 Test a New Route November 5, 2024 Stormwatch November 4, 2024 Morning Looks Like Morning November 3, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Eye on the Weekend Read More »

Test a New Route

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Test a New Route ? It’s fun sometimes to test a new route. You don’t have to be going out into the middle of nowhere; it can be as simple as adding an errand to your usual ride. That’s what I’m thinking of doing tomorrow. The forecast for the weekend looks like we’ll have a lot of rain on Saturday; and I’d rather not be hauling home a lot of stuff from the salvage store when it’s pouring.  I can hang the panniers on the hybrid, and go for a regular ride; and make a detour to the store on the way home. Beat the Hurricane ? I also want to beat the hurricane. Rafael has reached hurricane status; and it still looks like we’ll feel some effects from the storm. I can test a new route and get my shopping done well in advance of any tropical weather conditions. I’m glad that my sister and her husband will beat the hurricane home. They were visiting this past week; and they fly home tomorrow. But today we did a Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour; and it was a lot of fun. If you’re ever down that way, check it out! Between voting and doing the swamp tour, I didn’t ride until mid-afternoon today. Good thing we aren’t suffering heat indices of 100+! That would have been too much! 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 Test a New Route November 5, 2024 Stormwatch November 4, 2024 Morning Looks Like Morning November 3, 2024 All Is Relative November 2, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Test a New Route Read More »