CAL, Author at SpokEasy - Page 54 of 130

Stormwatch

Stormwatch ? It’s stormwatch again! We’re all groaning about that, for sure; but what can we do? Rafael is out there now; and at present, it looks like we could very well feel the impact of that storm by this weekend. Hence the stormwatch! When the system that became Francine was first developing, I ordered a set of tap lights and a supply of AA batteries for them. As it turned out, I didn’t need to use them; but if Rafael is heading this way, I might need them. Especially as Daylight Savings is over; and overall we have fewer hours of daylight. Cycling around Hurricanes ?? How do you go about cycling around hurricanes? Isn’t it a pity that indulging in Rebel Ice Cream can’t “lick” a storm? First, stay aware of the forecasts; and any watches and warnings. Second, if tropical storm conditions are expected, try to time your ride so that you’ll reach the safety of your home well before conditions are expected to deteriorate. Or, you could ride inside; but I prefer to avoid that. To me, it’s a last-resort method, as I find it tedious to the nth degree; but it’s better than no ride at all. Between a stormwatch and determining the best method of cycling around hurricanes, I’ve got a lot to think about! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration. Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Stormwatch November 4, 2024 Morning Looks Like Morning November 3, 2024 All Is Relative November 2, 2024 Spooky Washout October 30, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Morning Looks Like Morning

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Morning Looks Like Morning! ? Morning looks like morning! It’s wonderful to be off of Daylight Time. But I’d better enjoy this “morning looks like morning” while I can, because soon it won’t get light until at least 7 am. If you need to ride when it’s still dark, a set of Bike Wheel Lights make you more visible; and is especially good for kids who must ride to school before daylight. Bike Wheel Lights come in many different colors; so there’s a set for everyone! Plodding Along ? I’m still podding along on the hybrid. The shop isn’t finished with my road bike; but I hope I’ll have it back very soon. Not that plodding along doesn’t mean I can’t get in the miles; it just takes longer. I don’t have to go to work, so time is much less of an issue than it once was. And remember, the tortoise beat the hare! I was surprised when I went out at about 7:00 am; and it was light! Overnight, I somehow forgot about the time switch. I wanted to get in those miles early, because the wind was expected to get stronger later in the morning. Of course, it was an easterly wind; but I beat the worst of it home. Even if there had been a very strong headwind to fight, at least morning looks like morning. 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration. Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Morning Looks Like Morning November 3, 2024 All Is Relative November 2, 2024 Spooky Washout October 30, 2024 Legs Are Feeling It October 29, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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All Is Relative

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

All Is Relative ? ? We always hear that all is relative. It might mean the length of a ride; or it might mean how bad the rain is. When it hasn’t rained much for weeks, any rain seems like a lot (all is relative!); and such was the case with me this morning. I heard it raining at about 5 am; but by six o’clock there were only a few scattered drops flying around. I set out to ride, wearing my poncho in case it began to rain heavily. It was a wise move, because I did run into heavier rain about three miles out. I had to stop; dismount; and take my hemet off so I cold pull the poncho’s hood over my head. And That Wasn’t All ☔️ My ride got some rain; and that wasn’t all that Mother Nature threw at us. We went to visit some relatives; and on the way home it poured. On top of that, there was a terrible rush-hour traffic jam. It was the kind of stop-and-go crawl that drives you nuts; and I sure felt sorry for my sister, who was doing the driving. Today I decided to skip the salvage store. I don’t need to do any restocking; and I need a few extra hours’ sleep. Then I went for a ride. Since all is relative, an 18-mile jaunt now seems pretty short! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration. Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Spooky Washout October 30, 2024 Legs Are Feeling It October 29, 2024 Not the Chain! October 28, 2024 Have I Derailed? October 27, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Spooky Washout

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Spooky Washout? ? It looks like tomorrow might become a spooky washout. The forecast shows a 40% chance of rain from early afternoon onwards. That’s bad news for the trick-or-treat gang! I wonder whether anybody has ever tried a rolling trick or treat. The Avasta Single Speed is one way to do it. The catch is that costumes could get snagged in the bicycle’s mechanism; and that means the possibility of a nasty fall. Falling off your bicycle, on top of a spooky washout, would be a bit too much. Hallowe’en My Style ? What’s Hallowe’en my style? I think I’ll stick close to home tomorrow; and in fact, I’ll probably need to. I have an eye exam in the morning; and those dilating drops take all day to wear off. I’ll be wearing my Ray-Bans indoors! I’ll be quite content to leave the streets to the Hallowe’en revelers; spooky washout or not. It’s been dry for a long time; and we really do need rain. The timing isn’t so good, though! But I was glad of clear weather this morning, which let me see the old-crescent moon. It should still be visible tomorrow, if I can get out there early enough. And it it isn’t overcast already! That’s Hallowe’en my style — a good, long bicycle ride; then kick back for the rest of the day! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration. Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Legs Are Feeling It October 29, 2024 Not the Chain! October 28, 2024 Have I Derailed? October 27, 2024 On the Edge October 26, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Legs Are Feeling It

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Legs Are Feeling It?? My legs are feeling it today. Maybe some cinnamon would spice them up? Not that I rode more miles than usual; but I used the hybrid instead of the road bike. That made quite a difference. The road bike’s brifters are acting up, especially the right-hand one; so I knew it wouldn’t make sense to use the road bike today. However, the hybrid is considerably heavier; which meant I had to work harder. Of course my legs are feeling it now. Is It Still Summer? ? Is it still Summer? Thank goodness it’s not hot enough for that cool rag; but good grief, afternoons still get up to the 80s! It doesn’t feel like October at all! But I bet when cold weather does arrive, we’ll go from 85 degrees one afternoon, to 45 degrees by the next morning. If my legs are feeling it after the morning’s ride, I’m glad I’m not out there now. I’d be fighting a 21 mph wind on my way 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration. Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Legs Are Feeling It October 29, 2024 Not the Chain! October 28, 2024 Have I Derailed? October 27, 2024 On the Edge October 26, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Not the Chain!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Not the Chain! ⛓️ My road bike’s shifting problem is not the chain. I oiled it last night; and this morning I pulled out the chain gauge to measure it. It’s not quite to the point where it needs replacing. So I started off; and before I had gone half a block, I knew that the trouble was not the chain. I walked the bike back home; and took off on the hybrid. Tomorrow, it’s off to the bike shop. I’d go today, but they’re closed on Mondays. Even though my shifting problems are not the chain as far as I can tell, I think I’ll get a new one. And a good tune-up, too. I’m glad I have the hybrid as a back-up bike, so I’ll still be able to ride. How Long? ⏱️ So, how long will the road bike be out of commission? If my shifting problems are not the chain (and I don’t think they are), it might take a while. Sometimes it takes two days; sometimes it takes a week or more. That’s a lot of time to lose when I’m working towards a specific mileage goal by a certain date; so it’s a good thing I’ve got a back-up bike. I hope to ride more strongly tomorrow. This morning I needed to ride short and easy; but how long will it take me to ride 19-20 miles on the hybrid? I have to be back home by 11:00 am; so, to be on the safe side, I’d better start at 6:00 am. My lights will need to be in order. Not only will it still be dark; but the forecast predicts patchy fog. I hope it won’t be as dense as this morning’s fog! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration. Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Not the Chain! October 28, 2024 Have I Derailed? October 27, 2024 On the Edge October 26, 2024 Silver Wheels October 25, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Have I Derailed?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Have I Derailed? ?️ Have I derailed? Or, to be more precise, has my road bike derailed? My diet would go off the rails mighty quick if I got ahold of Alec’s Salted Dark Chocolate ice cream; but bicycle derailleurs don’t care what you’re eating. And my road bike’s rear derailleur chose this morning to act up. It hesitated a lot to change gears. I’d shift through several smaller cogs; and the response was very delayed. When I tried to shift back to larger cogs, the lever didn’t have any resistance. It made me wonder, have I derailed? So What’s Up? ⬆️ So what’s up? At times like this I regret that I’ve never learned much about bicycle maintenance. Someone once showed me how to adjust the rear derailleur; but that was years ago. On top of that, I don’t have a bicycle repair stand. So, what’s up? I can guess at what’s gone awry. One possibility is that the derailleur mechanism needs adjusting. Another is a problem with the shifting cable. I lubed the chain within the last week or so; but I oiled it again after I got home from my ride. Tomorrow I’ll go for a ride; and if shifting is still a problem, it’s off to the bike shop. That bicycle is overdue for a tune-up, I think; so I’d better go for it now. I’m riding more than I used to before retirement; and that means more maintenance! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration. Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Have I Derailed? October 27, 2024 On the Edge October 26, 2024 Silver Wheels October 25, 2024 Surging? October 23, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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On the Edge

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

On the Edge ? This the annoying time of year when I’m kept on the edge: is 65 degrees really cool enough for me to wear leg warmers? Even if it is cool enough at the start of a ride, will leg warmers be too hot before I finish? Do I wear them, or not? It partly depends on wind conditions. If it’s in the 60s, and blowing pretty strongly, it’s 90% certain that bare legs will be too cold. If I’ll be riding before dawn, I’m probably going to need cold-weather gear. This morning I was on the edge about how to dress for the trip to the salvage store. Was 65 degrees too cool to leave the leg warmers at home? I finally decided that it wasn’t; and took off for the store. It worked out fine; but I’ve got four or five months of how-should-I-dress coming up! A Balancing Act ??‍♀️ Cycling is a balancing act, anyway; both physically and metaphorically. Pedaling means keeping your balance, especially if you’re riding a single wheel! It’s also a balancing act trying to fit in our riding around other things in life: family; jobs; and whatever else we’ve got to take care of. It can make anyone feel like they’re on the edge! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration. Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube On the Edge October 26, 2024 Silver Wheels October 25, 2024 Surging? October 23, 2024 Rainy Day Ideas October 22, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Silver Wheels

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Silver Wheels ? I thought there might be an organization for older cyclists called Silver Wheels; something similar to Silver Sneakers, but for cycling. I did find a club called Silver Wheels; but it’s way up North in Cleveland, Ohio. That’s not exactly local. This ICAN Time Trial Wheelset won’t give me silver wheels; but if you’re chasing after aerodynamics, it can help. ICAN is great for time trialing; triathlons; and long, flat rides. Miles in the Bank ? My long rides are still quite short compared to the distances put in by riders in serious training — say, for triathlon aspirants. But I’m pushing for longer and longer weekday rides. This week I’m trying to put some miles in the bank, because my sister and her husband are coming to visit next week. I might not get to ride much while they’re here; so I want ride now. It’s great to be able to push for 20-mile rides most weekdays; something that was impossible before I retired. I aim for a longer ride on Sundays; and I must remember to do one short, easy ride (or a day off) once a week. Taking time off can be hard, though, when you’re shooting for a specific mileage goal by a certain date. That makes miles in the bank even more important when you know you’ll have less riding time for a while! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration. Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Silver Wheels October 25, 2024 Surging? October 23, 2024 Rainy Day Ideas October 22, 2024 In versus Out October 21, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Surging?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training / CAL

Surging? ? Were my efforts this morning really “surging”? And no, socks don’t make a difference! I’m not training for racing; but this morning I tried a number of 30-second efforts at pushing for 15 mph or so. There was almost no wind, which helped a lot. But I’m not sure that really counted as surging. It looks like wind conditions will be calm for a few more days — hooray! What cyclist doesn’t like windless days? I’d better enjoy it while I can, though. At some point, the constant winds of Winter will set in; and then I’ll be battling headwinds much of the time! Comet? ☄️ Is another comet coming to visit? We heard about the one that last appeared when the Neanderthals were still around. A day or two ago, I saw something in the news about an October 24 comet. It’s supposed to be visible in the eastern sky around sunrise; and possibly even in the daytime! Binoculars would be great to have right now; but I don’t need them nearly often enough to justify my buying .a pair. Celestron Binoculars have a large aperture; great for long-distance viewing. Tripod adapter and carry case included. If I can spot that comet without spyglasses, great! If I can’t, it’s no big deal. It wouldn’t surprise me if more such “dirty snowballs” were discovered in the future; and I might get to see those. Meanwhile, I’ll keep working at surging. 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration. Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Surging? October 23, 2024 Rainy Day Ideas October 22, 2024 In versus Out October 21, 2024 Almost! October 20, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Author name: CAL