SpokEasy

SpokEasy

Author name: CAL

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

It’s a Start

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

It’s a Start ? It’s a start to do a ride of almost 20 miles; and to include six 5-minute efforts at riding faster than I normally do. I’m glad I’m not starting from rock bottom, though. If I had just begun riding today, I probably couldn’t be ready for RAGBRAI by July — no matter how attractive the big ride in Iowa seems. This year’s route is 406 miles long; or an average of 58 miles a day. It’s the second-shortest RAGBRAI route ever, they say. I think I could probably ride 58 miles in one day now, if I took my time and kept fueled and hydrated. Maybe I’ll try it in a month; it’s a start on RAGBRAI! The actual event in Iowa, however, means 58 miles every day for seven consecutive days. That’s very different from a single 50-60 mile day. Far to Go ⇢ But I think I’ve got far to go if I really want to participate in RAGBRAI this year. It’s not so much the mileage; I’m sure I can work up to that. But how about the climbing? I decided to let force work wait until tomorrow. Wednesdays are usually no-off-bike-work days; and I like to have the evening free of other exercises when I’ve done a hard ride in the morning. It’s been a while since I did any force work; so my first efforts need to be short. Even if they’re only 10 seconds long, it’s a start. And since there’s far to go, it’s wise to begin now, while I have five months to work at it. After June — maybe the first week of July — it’s going to be too late. By that point, my main focus will probably need to be fitness maintenance, rather than fitness building. We’ll see how things work out. I might have far to go; but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! 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 ✍? It’s a Start January 28, 2025 Iowa Here I Come? January 27, 2025 Sprung? January 26, 2025 Let Loose January 25, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Iowa Here I Come?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Iowa Here I Come? ? Can I say, Iowa Here I Come? The RAGBRAI 2025 route has been announced! It goes across the northern part of the state; and they say it’s relatively flat. Mind you, that’s relatively flat; and for all I know, this means climbing that would be hard for me. I need to start doing on-bike work to improve both my pace and my force, so those hills in the Hawkeye State don’t kill me. I also need to see whether any of the charters used by RAGBRAI provide shuttle service from whatever near-RAGBRAI city is served by Amtrak. Before I learn that, I don’t quit dare say, Iowa Here I Come. First Steps ? Tomorrow isn’t too soon to take those first steps towards improving my strength. For the time being, I’m not pushing for a mileage-total goal; and I can do a short, intense ride once or twice a week. After New Year’s, my riding decreased for a while because of frequent days with strong winds. Then there was the snow, with ensuing icy/slushy conditions in the streets. I didn’t quite dare try riding in that; and I didn’t get in a 20-miler until yesterday. Today’s ride was very short; just a trip to the supermarket. The forecast says, patchy dense fog tomorrow morning; not the ideal when taking those first steps. At least I can be glad that I don’t have to get up and ride in the dark any more! Poor visibility is not the best kind of condition when I plan to put in force work; and might reach 18 mph! Especially when the fog might turn my glasses into a blindfold. I suppose that RAGBRAI isn’t immune to the chance of fog. Iowa Here I Come? Please, tell the fog to stay 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 ✍? Iowa Here I Come? January 27, 2025 Sprung? January 26, 2025 Let Loose January 25, 2025 Melt-Off January 24, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Sprung?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Sprung? ? . Is Spring sprung? It sure felt like it today. Not one week ago, we had snow; and today the temperature climbed well into the 60s. Now there’s a chance of rain; which I do not like. I want to ride to the supermarket tomorrow! I’d like to get some other errands done, too; and rain will complicate matters. I can only wait and see what will be sprung upon us next. I can wear a poncho and ride to the store if it isn’t raining hard. But if it’s pouring, maybe I’d better not try it.  Fresh! ? Spring sounds like something fresh; so for a fresh, minty taste, there are Feel Vegan Protein Bars. Spring also sounds like getting out into the fresh air, without having to put on multiple layers. This balmy spell won’t last long; and we’ll have some pretty strong wind before the end of the week. I saw a report that some parts of the USA could be in for severe weather. What’s going to be sprung upon us next? Meanwhile, I was glad to get out for a 20-mile ride this morning. The wind speed reached 12 mph by the time I got home; so my ride wasn’t without its challenges. But my legs sure needed it. 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 ✍? Sprung? January 26, 2025 Let Loose January 25, 2025 Melt-Off January 24, 2025 Crusty January 23, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Let Loose

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Let Loose ? Today I feel like I’ve been let loose; and it seems that I’m far from the only one. Last night the temperature fell below freezing again; and I didn’t quite dare try riding the streets early in the day. I figured that melted snow would freeze again, making for hazardous going. By 10:00 or so, the weather had warmed up enough that I figured I could go for a real ride.  I took my hybrid, so I could ride without being clipped in. If I did go into a skid, I wanted to be sure I could get a foot on the ground pronto. First I headed to the park; and it was evident that I’m not alone in feeling let loose. There was an unusual number of people out there, enjoying the balmy weather. It was at least 50 degrees! Memory ❄️  Riding Is Good, especially after I’ve had to resort to pedaling in the trainer for a few days. I’m glad I don’t have to do it all Winter long! Now that our snow is fast melting into memory, I can get out there for some real riding. It’s a good thing that muscle memory lasts more than a few days. The walking/biking path in the park still had patches of snow/slush/ice on it; and I decided to finish my circuit of the park and head for the levee. I figured the sun would have melted any snow off of the bike path. Not so fast. As I approached the park’s exit, I heard a train’s horn; and knew I’d have to wait for the train to get past. So I did a second lap; and by then the railroad crossing was clear. The debris of Tuesday’s snow adventures were evident — big pieces of cardboard and other items that people had used as sleds. I’m glad they had fun; but I can’t help thinking, Why couldn’t they have taken the stuff home, instead of littering the levee with it? Tomorrow will be warmer than today; and I hope to get in a good 20 miles. It feels great to be let loose again! 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 ✍? Let Loose January 25, 2025 Melt-Off January 24, 2025 Crusty January 23, 2025 Sunshine January 22, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Melt-Off

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Melt-Off ? The melt-off is in progress; and a boot dryer would come in handy. If I had boots, that is! A lot of the snow has melted; but there are still patches of ice and slush. I’m not sure I dare to try riding outdoors yet; especially as it will go down go 32 degrees tonight. That’s barely freezing; but it could re-freeze melted snow and create dangerous slick patches. I think it would be wise to wait until the melt-off is more complete; and that means skipping the salvage store tomorrow. ?    But I NEED Exercise! ? But I NEED exercise! A half-hour or so in the trainer simply doesn’t cut the mustard! So, exciting though the snow was, I’m ready for it to be off the ground. I want and need to get back to my normal mileage; so this melt-off is actually quite welcome. Indoor pedaling would be more interesting if I could do virtual touring; but I don’t have the equipment for it. But I need exercise; and how nice it would be to “see” someplace different as I ride! Maybe I can go for a jaunt tomorrow afternoon. They say it will get up to the mid-50s; so by noon or so I guess I’ll be able to manage the roads. And day after tomorrow, up to the mid-60s! That’s a bit closer to normal for the season; and it ought to complete the melt-off. 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 ✍? Melt-Off January 24, 2025 Crusty January 23, 2025 Sunshine January 22, 2025 It’s Snowing!! January 21, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Crusty

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Crusty ? I love crusty bread; and gingerbread, too. Today we’ve got crusty snow! After a day of sunshine yesterday — and another sunny day today — the top surface of the snow has become harder. It’s still dry and powdery below the surface; and, as I expected, the sidewalks are more of a mess today than they were yesterday. That makes it hard to walk around. Maybe that crusty surface is great for skiing and sledding; but it gets packed down from people walking on it. Then it re-freezes; and that spells trouble! Cabin Fever ? I’m getting cabin fever from staying indoors so much; so I try to get out for a few minutes here and there. Around 9:00 am I went on the prowl for some kind of cake or pastry, tramping over crusty snow. Most shops and restaurants in the neighborhood are still shut down; but PJ’s was open.  I got a cake ball; and that’s really a better option than a big slice of carrot cake. The cake ball was about golf-ball size. The carrot cake would have made four or more cake balls; and I really do not need that. After a few hours, cabin fever is setting in again. It would be great to get out and ride; but I don’t dare try pedaling over icy, rutted surfaces. It would be easy to catch a wheel and go down; or to go into a skid. I suppose you need to steer into a skid when cycling; just as you would if driving a car. But that takes practice; and why try it on the streets when cars are 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! 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 ✍? Crusty January 23, 2025 Sunshine January 22, 2025 It’s Snowing!! January 21, 2025 We All Scream? January 20, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Sunshine

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Sunshine ? Yesterday it was snowing; today we’ve got sunshine. If you’re going to be outdoors for more than a short time, don’t forget sunblock and sunglasses. No sense in letting yourself go snow-blind. The temperature is still freezing; and for the next three nights the lows will go below freezing. Afternoons will be int the 40s for the next two days; and I suppose we can expect considerable melting and refreezing of our snow. It’s still cold enough that the sunshine probably won’t melt off the snow right away. The streets and sidewalks will be hazardous; and how can anyone ride a bicycle in that slush? How do you steer? I think I’d find it hard to make any headway at all! In some areas, where weather like this is par for the course during Winter, I’m sure plenty of cyclists can manage. I don’t feel ready to tackle it, unless I could find a fat-tire bicycle to rent.  Eye on the Weekend ?️ I’ve got my eye on the weekend; but not with any notions of doing an epic ride. I want to visit the salvage store; but a lot depends on whether the snow and ice have melted off by then.  I’m especially concerned about the possibility of “black ice”. That stuff is super-treacherous; it can send you it skid before you even see it. Or, if you’re on foot, you can find yourself flat on your back before you know what’s happening! Friday night’s low temperature will be just below freezing, which makes riding to the store Saturday look doubtful, even in sunshine. But I’m keeping an eye on the weekend, and I hope I can go for a real ride on Sunday! Pedaling in the trainer is driving me crazy. 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 ✍? Sunshine January 22, 2025 It’s Snowing!! January 21, 2025 We All Scream? January 20, 2025 Last Chance? January 19, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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It’s Snowing!!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

IT’S SNOWING!! ❄️ Omigosh, it’s snowing! Can you believe it? Of course snow makes me think of Troika; but I wonder how a drone would fly in this weather. The wind is 17 mph, with gusts up to 36 mph. If I did have a drone, I’d be worried that such wind would tear the thing to pieces. But wouldn’t it be fun to get a film of myself riding in the snow? So far there’s not enough snow accumulation on the grass for me to try making a snow angel; but it’s early yet. It’s snowing; and, according to the forecast, it will keep going for a few hours. No Ice Bike ?? I have no ice bike; so what to do when it’s snowing, and I don’t even have snow tires for the bike that I do have? I can blog, of course. Or munch on M&Ms. I can hook my road bike into the trainer, and “ride” that way. In fact, I did just that yesterday; and left the bike hooked up in anticipation of another indoor ride today. There are YouTubes galore for information and entertainment … let me go listen to Troika again! 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 ✍? We All Scream? January 20, 2025 Last Chance? January 19, 2025 In and Out January 18, 2025 On the watch January 17, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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We All Scream?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

We All Scream? ❄️ ? We all scream for ice cream? Maybe; but I sure would not want to be eating ice cream at an outdoor café today! Nor within the next few days, either. We’ve got snow predicted for tomorrow; and it will continue to be very cold for several days afterwards. We all scream for hand warmers! Chilly Day Plans ✍? What are your chilly day plans? In a while, I think I’ll hook my bicycle into the trainer, so I can do some pedaling. I’d like to go out for a real ride; but the wind is still 15 mph, with gusts up to 23 mph. The chill factor is below freezing! If we had cold weather like this all Winter every year, I’d need to learn how to deal with riding in it; but we usually don’t have temperatures this low for more than one day at a time. Even low temperatures would be bearable for short rides if it weren’t for the wind. Yesterday it was blowing so hard that I could hardly control my bike! My chilly day plans are to stay indoors if I can. It gets very tedious, though; I’m used to more action than that! I guess we all scream to go for a ride? This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL ✍? We All Scream? January 20, 2025 Last Chance? January 19, 2025 In and Out January 18, 2025 On the watch January 17, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Last Chance?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Last Chance? ? I wasn’t sure I really wanted to go out this morning; but I decided that it might be my last chance for a few days. The temperature was in the low 40s; with a chill factor in the mid-30s! Not favorable conditions for riding! Tomorrow morning, things will be even less nice. The forecast predicts a low of 28 degrees overnight; and the wind isn’t going to die down for a few more days. The chill factor could be as low as 17 degrees! ?  Tuesday is going to be quite unpleasant — very cold, with possible snow; and the wind still strong. Maybe a Mongoose Aztec Fat Tire bike has good traction in snow; but ice is another matter, I’m sure. And I doubt that the Aztec makes dealing with strong wind any easier. Restless ? I hope I made good use of my last chance to ride outdoors for a few days. As already indicated, I had to prod myself a bit. And I had to bundle up! With the wind at least 13 mph; and gusts up to 28 mph, I knew it would be H-E-double-L to ride on the levee; so I pedaled over to the park. After three laps, I’d had enough. The wind seemed to be strengthening, so I headed home; and had such a strong headwind that it felt like I was barely able to pedal! I’ve mostly stayed indoors since I got home; and it’s making me feel restless. I need to get back to regular rides of 19-22 miles. With so little riding just lately, it’s harder to control my appetite. And why do I want ice cream? 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 ✍? Last Chance? January 19, 2025 In and Out January 18, 2025 On the watch January 17, 2025 Getting to Know Winter January 16, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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