CAL, Author at SpokEasy - Page 55 of 130

Rainy Day Ideas

Rainy Day Ideas ? We could all do with some rainy day ideas, other than prancing around outdoors in our bare feet. Before long it might be too cold for such antics, even if we want to do it! Rainy weather might be a good time to hook the bike into the trainer; and try some cadence drills. I’ve tried that before; and certainly find one-legged pedaling awkward. It also tires me surprisingly fast; which might indicate that I need more general leg-strengthening exercises. Not today, though. Day before yesterday I rode almost 30 miles; then yesterday I put in nearly 20 miles. I decided I needed to keep it short and easy today; and I can aim for 19 miles or so tomorrow. Dry Day Ideas ☀️ Dry day ideas are easier for me to invent than rainy day ideas. If it’s raining, I have to steel myself for getting wet (and possibly very cold); trying to tolerate more than 15 minutes in the trainer; or simply doing nothing at all. Dry day ideas can include doing long miles; and if the Natchez Trace were within reach, I might head there: one segment here; and another segment there. It probably would take a week for me to ride the full length of the 444-mile trail; and that means bike packing equipment if I don’t want to go inn-to-inn style. I hope I won’t need to come up with rainy day ideas next week, though. My sister and her husband are coming to visit; and we don’t want our dry day ideas washed out. 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 Rainy Day Ideas October 22, 2024 In versus Out October 21, 2024 Almost! October 20, 2024 What Happens? October 19, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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In versus Out

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

In versus Out ↔️ In versus out. How many times we’ve heard that; especially in relation to food and weight control. I wonder, is that easier on a vegan diet? Cycling is touted as terrific for weight loss; and yes, bicycling can burn off plenty of calories. But it’s not always easy to burn off more than you eat! In versus out can get rather complicated, in fact. I had lost a significant amount of weight several years ago; then, about April 2022, I began heavy work to restructure this website. This was before I retired; and meal planning and proper eating fell by the wayside. I regained at least 12 pounds; and my A1c climbed back up to the scary level of 6. Sweet Spot ? It’s a good thing that “sweet spot” training doesn’t have calories. I’m not sure that I’m really riding in my sweet spot; it apparently applies to FTP level rather than heart rate. But maybe such workouts help the in versus out problem! During a ride lasting just under two hours, as with today’s ride, as I might burn off nearly 600 calories. When I ride for much over one hour, I eat on the bike; and I typically aim to end a ride with a calorie deficit of 100-200. It seems to be working for weight loss, if only very slowly. Since June I’ve lost about three pounds. But I’m not sweating it, as long as the scale is moving in the right direction! I’m not sure we need to sweat it where Oscar is concerned. The onset of any bad weather presents anothet in versus out conundrum: stay in; or go out and ride in the rain? 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 In versus Out October 21, 2024 Almost! October 20, 2024 What Happens? October 19, 2024 Persistence October 18, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Almost!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Almost! ? How good a measure is “almost”? I almost made it to 30 miles today! Shall we sound the trumpets? But it’s hard to play an instrument outdoors when it’s cold; and can you use hand warmers then? It actually wasn’t cold here; it was in the mid-60s at 7am. I hesitated a little about omitting a jacket and leg warmers from my outfit. After some thought, I decided that it would probably warm up quickly; and it did. I was fine without leg warmers; and a long-sleeved blouse and vest were sufficient. I first rode to a point nearly 11 miles from home; then doubled back and went to the park to ride laps. During the third lap, my legs started to feel tired; so I decided to head home. That’s how I almost made it to 30 miles; I was four-tenths of of mile short. Maybe next Sunday! Still Eyeing 70K ?️ I’m still eyeing 70K miles by year’s end as my goal; and as long as I can keep riding regularly, I stand a decent chance of making it! ? But I’ve got to be sure I don’t bonk along the way. Maybe the Bonk Breaker Protein Bar will “put a tiger in your tank”, as one gasoline company used to advertise. I don’t remember which one; this was decades ago. I’m still eyeing 70K, but I need to be more regular about my off-bike exercises. I’m trying to reintroduce lunges; but they still bother my left foot. But not as much as they did; and I hope I can do more soon. I’ll just have to be patient. I’m thinking of the upcoming week’s rides. It’s important to have an easy ride (or even a day off) once a week; and I’m thinking of making it Tuesday. I want to go visit the Farmers Market! 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 Almost! October 20, 2024 What Happens? October 19, 2024 Persistence October 18, 2024 Wind Relief October 17, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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What Happens?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

What’s Happens? ? Do you ever wonder what happens to your body as you pedal? Cycling can definitely have good effects, whether it’s the commute to work; enjoying a weekend jaunt; or even knocking out mega-miles. We hear about endorphins all the time; those feel-good hormones that your body produces during physical activity. I guess I get plenty of those! In fact, I think I’m addicted; and it’s great to find an addiction that’s good. I don’t think much about what happens in my body as I’m riding. If something starts to hurt, of course I need to figure out why. But my focus is apt to be on an even pedal stroke; or perhaps watching my heart rate when doing hard efforts. Mostly, though, I ride for the sake of riding! Still Eyeing the Tropics ? I’m still eyeing the tropics; I’ve got to know what’s going on there. I also needed to know what was going on with my Camel-Bak. For some time it seemed to be leaking; and today decided I was going to find out for sure. I made sure the reservoir was dry on the outside; put a half-liter or so of water in it; and added a teaspoon of red food coloring. Then I put the cap on; shook it up; and set the reservoir in the dish drainer. If the mat under the dish drainer had gotten red water on it, I would l have known that there was a leak. But the reservoir passed the test; so it must have been the bite valve. Those things split over time; and then they drip water. I’m glad I had a replacement valve! 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 What Happens? October 19, 2024 Persistence October 18, 2024 Wind Relief October 17, 2024 Take the Cake October 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Persistence

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Persistence ? Persistence can be a good thing. Major Taylor is a fine example; especially given that, in the early 20th century, Jim Crow was very much in effect. I’m not at all sure I have Mr. Taylor’s fortitude. Our hurricane season also seems to have great persistence; there are two systems out there right now! The arrival of cooler weather, however, makes me hope that the season is winding down. Even now, though, I don’t dare let down my guard! Keep at It! ? Persistence can get you places, so keep at it; whether it’s learning to climb better, or riding increasingly long distances. Don’t overdo it, though, lest you become a basket case! I need to keep at it if I want to tackle long, multi-day events. For now, I’m working to increase my daily distances; and each successive week, I try to add a mile or two to most weekday rides. The Sunday long ride is a bit of a problem at present. The bike path I use is closed about 12 miles or so from home; and will remain closed for a year or more. ? It shut down some six months ago; and when I rode out there a few days ago, I saw no sign that work had begun yet! 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 Persistence October 18, 2024 Wind Relief October 17, 2024 Take the Cake October 16, 2024 Easy 100? October 15, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Wind Relief

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors / CAL

Wind Relief ?‍? I actually got some wind relief this morning. Not that I had a wind screen to hide behind; but the wind was less than I expected. It was a little cooler than yesterday, chilly enough for leg warmers; but I needed to get in a full ride. I had to shortchange myself for two days because of various appointments; and besides, I wanted to see the moon! So the wind relief was most welcome; and cooler weather brings its own relief. There were fewer bugs flying around; and of course I didn’t get as hot. Planning for Winter ☃️ Now I’m planning for Winter. Although this is a warm climate, we can get weather cold enough to threaten pipes; and on such days, I need warm clothes to ride. I also need hand warmers; and I must double check to be sure I’ve got a sufficient supply. Hand warmers are a great boon for cycling when the temperature gets down to the mid-40s or lower. My hands and feet get cold easily, which is a big nuisance. But the trouble with using hand warmers is, they tend to work their way out of my gloves. Sometimes I don’t even notice it until too late. For wind relief on cold days, I can head to the park to ride laps. I won’t have to slog against the wind for mile after mile. The trade-off is the monotony! But I’ve to to be planning for Winter. I can’t afford to jet ✈️ off and ride where the pros do; so I’ve got to come up with my own plan. 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 Wind Relief October 17, 2024 Take the Cake October 16, 2024 Easy 100? October 15, 2024 Fitness Freak? October 14, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Take the Cake

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Take the Cake ? Does layering take the cake? Dressing for a ride on a cold day can certainly make me feel like a layer cake! Layers are important for keeping warm during a cold-day ride; and it’s also important to be able to remove layers as you heat up. This morning it felt pretty cold: 62 degrees, which was quite a change; and a stiff wind. I stayed off of the levee, mostly because of that wind; but tomorrow I’ll want to be up there. It’s full moon time! There I go, being a lunatic again. ? I really do take the cake, don’t I? But tomorrow morning’s temperature is expected to be about 55 degrees; and with a NE wind of 10-15 mph. Time to start bundling up! Building the Cake ? A base layer is a good place to begin building the cake; especially once the temperature starts to fall below 50 degrees. I have a base layer; but it’s buried in a cedar chest. I’ll have to dig it out soon. I have a vest that’s actually an ancient cycling jacket without the sleeves; and I have two jackets of differing weights. If the vest and both jackets are still not enough, I have an ancient (older than the vest!) windbreaker to pull on over all the rest. Then there are gloves and skull caps, and so on. Building the cake can be rather time-consuming. I’ll think I’m finished, and ready to ride; then I’ll have to pull off one or more layers because I put my keys into a pocket; and said pocket has gotten covered up. Winter can be a real drag! 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 Take the Cake October 16, 2024 Easy 100? October 15, 2024 Fitness Freak? October 14, 2024 Smog? October 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Easy 100?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Easy 100? ? It would be nice if an easy 100 were possible, wouldn’t it? Although M&Ms aren’t a very good choice of fuel for such long miles! Maybe an easy 100 is quite possible for a super-fit pro tour rider; but for most of us cyclists, a century is quite an undertaking. It requires serious preparation; and I’m asking myself whether I’ll ever do one again. It’s a long time since I last time I did one: July 2013, to be exact. Maybe it’s time to consider doing another century. It could be a good “dress rehearsal” for RAGBRAI. The catch is, a self-supported 100-mile ride means carrying enough food for the entire day; or knowing where I can stop to buy snacks. I also need to be sure that there are stops where I can top up the Camel-Bak. Bonking is serious; but dehydration is much worse. But When? ?️ But when would I do that century ride? I’ve seen training plans that span 8 weeks; and if I started tomorrow, I should be ready by mid-December. Getting in the miles is the thing; I don’t have to get super fast. Although I’d like to be able to cruise at 15-16 mph; not 12. By mid-December, though, we could be getting cold weather; and who wants to fight a nasty, cold wind all day? Even if I don’t mind it, my nose does! Full-finger gloves are necessary on cold rides; and they make on-bike eating harder, because they rob me of fingertip sensitivity. Camel-Bak pockets crammed with cable lock, tube of Chamois Butt’r, etc. leave little or no room for stashing extra layers if I get too warm. So should I wait until next May to try a century? One thing’s for sure: it won’t be an easy 100! 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 Easy 100? October 15, 2024 Fitness Freak? October 14, 2024 Smog? October 13, 2024 Fall? October 12, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Fitness Freak?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Fitness Freak? ?? Are the tropics a fitness freak? It sure seems like it, with the way they’re staying active. Remind me not to give them a Nordictrack Commercial Studio Cycle — or any other fitness equipment, either! I don’t suppose I count as a fitness freak. If I did, I’d never stop working out. When not riding a bicycle, I’d be doing weight workouts; or bodyweight exercises; and who knows what all else. On top of the physical exertion, I’m sure that, as a fitness freak, I’d be anxiously — even painfully! — watching calories in vs calories out. And freaking out if I eat even 10 more calories than I burn! That’s not for me, thank you very much. No Comet in Sight ☄️ I rode early today. I rather hoped to spot the comet that’s been in the news; but there was no comet in sight. Not even a Joystar kids’ bike! Quite possibly I wasn’t looking in the right place; or was out at the wrong time. Even if my timing was right, the light pollution is terrible. It makes ordinary star-gazing almost impossible; never mind finding a faint “dirty snowball”. Although I didn’t find the comet, I had a good ride. This morning I took it slow and easy, to recover from yesterday’s ride. I heard a katydid; and even an owl ?! I love that stuff; so maybe I should ride before sunup more often? Or would that make me a fitness freak? 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 Fitness Freak? October 14, 2024 Smog? October 13, 2024 Fall? October 12, 2024 Hydration Ideas October 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Smog?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Smog? ?️ Have we got a smog problem here? We don’t have (yet!) the kind of smog that means bad visibility, and the need for lights at midday; but we apparently have the kind that gives the sky a ugly grayish tinge. The sight cast rather a blight on my ride today. It was great weather for cycling: temperature in the mid-60s; no rain; and almost no wind at all. Seeing that dirty-looking sky was rather depressing. Otherwise, it was a good ride! Not So Fast ? I felt stronger today; but fast? Well, not so fast. My average overall speed was only 11.69 mph. A racer I am not! There was, however, a stretch of just over 7 miles when I averaged over 13 mph; and that’s better than usual. The Sunday ride isn’t supposed to be about speed, though. It’s about endurance; and once again, I cut the ride a bit short. I was aiming for 30 miles, and stopped at 25.6. The primary reason was, I would have needed to reapply sunblock in about 10 minutes; and didn’t feel like bothering with it. Like I’ve said before now, I’m lazy! I intended to ride tomorrow after my 9:00 am doctor’s appointment; but I see that there’s an Air Quality Alert in effect for tomorrow, starting at 6:00 am. I don’t have respiratory problems; but maybe I should get up super early, and ride at 5:00 am? And, could ozone be why the sky looked discolored this 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 Smog? October 13, 2024 Fall? October 12, 2024 Hydration Ideas October 11, 2024 Not Another One? October 10, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Author name: CAL