SpokEasy

SpokEasy

Author name: CAL

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

In and Out

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

In and Out ↔️ I was in and out the weather window this morning, you might say. When I started out for the salvage store, it was gray and drizzling. After I had gone a mile or so, the drizzle had dwindled to a sprinkle. It’s a good thing I rode to the store when I did! While waiting for the doors to open, I looked towards the West; and thought, Hey, is that rain that I see? It sure was! In a minute or two, it had reached the store; and for a while it rained hard. I was a bit worried about riding back home in a deluge. Fortunately, the worst of the rain was over by the time I left the store; and it didn’t get bad as I was riding home. So you could say that I was in and out the weather window!  What about Tomorrow? ☀️ So, what about tomorrow? I’ll want to get some miles in while I can, especially as today’s mileage wasn’t even 12. I was just toying with the idea of going to ride some laps around the park, when the bike shop called about the Garmin. They close at 3 pm on Saturdays; and aren’t there Sundays and Mondays. From the sound of the weather forecasts, everything might be shut down Tuesday; so I hiked over to the shop. Might as well go while I can! Long story short, the Garmin might need an upgrade. Let’s see whether I can figure out how to do it! Now that I’m back from the shop; and had something to eat; it’s 3:30 pm; and the forecast shows rain in the next hour or so. I think I’ve had enough precipitation for the day. Rain isn’t expected tomorrow; but the wind will be strong enough to make riding tough. I might have to ride indoors; or at least do part of my mileage that way.  Monday and Tuesday will be frigid, with chill factors well below freezing. When you don’t have polar-grade thermal underwear and heated socks for your bicycle rides, that gets downright miserable.  Tuesday could see snow! With rain and snow showers predicted, I’d better not try to ride outside. But before all that, what about tomorrow? I hope I can ride in and out of the weather windows 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 ✍? In and Out January 18, 2025 On the watch January 17, 2025 Getting to Know Winter January 16, 2025 Is Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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On the watch

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

On the Watch ? I’m on the watch now. Not even the most sophisticated fitness watch can substitute for bracing against the weather impact that’s headed our way. I’ve been getting ready: checking to be sure the pipes under all sinks are wrapped; seeing to it that the outdoor faucet is insulated; and being sure that I’ve got a good supply of drinking water. Once the cold weather arrives, I’ll have to be on the watch for possible icy conditions on the streets. I probably won’t want to go anywhere; but if I do need to travel, extra caution is warranted. My major concern is that I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled for next Wednesday; and the entire city might be shut down if there’s any snow. This afternoon it doesn’t seem possible that we’ll soon have sub-freezing temperatures! Beginning Sunday night, it will be at or below the freezing point for several nights in a row. That’s all but unheard of for New Orleans; and makes me think of the notorious Year without a Summer. Pooh Bear ? Pooh Bear sure said it — cold toes are a big problem when outdoors in cold weather, on the bike or off. Of course I notice that poor Pooh Bear was barefooted (or should I say bearfooted?); so naturally his toes were getting colder and colder! I bet Piglet’s feet were no warmer than Pooh’s. Maybe I should try tucking hand warmers into my socks, just above my ankles. Or do they make socks that you can plug in; something similar to Rabbitroom Gloves? If I do go out for a ride in subfreezing weather, I’ll have to be on the watch for frostbite; and that’s just one more thing to plague my mind. Maybe I should simply stay indoors! 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 ✍? On the watch January 17, 2025 Getting to Know Winter January 16, 2025 Is Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Another Onslaught January 14, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Getting to Know Winter

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Getting to Know Winter ❄️ It looks like we’ll start getting to know Winter next week; so I’d better keep the hot chocolate mix ready! Sunday night the temperature will drop like a stone, as the saying goes. Wind gusts could be as strong as 30 mph; and that will result in a chill factor far below freezing. There might even be a little snow! For us, that’s a major thrill; but I don’t think I’ll want to ride in it. The danger will be icy-slick spots that are hard to see; and on top of that, can I dress warmly enough? Getting to know Winter involves many factors! How Should I Dress? ? So, how should I dress for a ride in extreme (for me) cold? My hands and feet are always a problem: even with double socks (including one pair of thermal socks), my feet end up feeling like blocks of wood. Hand warmers are helpful; but often my fingers still feel chilled. Of course, I’m familiar with layering; but if snow showers means mostly rain, all of those layers might get wet through. That, plus the wind we’re expecting, could mean I’ll get very cold; perhaps dangerously so. I could wear a poncho; but in a strong wind, a poncho flaps all around; and tugs at me; and makes bike control tricky.  Not to mention the problems of a hyperactive schnozzle. Does everybody have that problem? If so, what do they do about it? Does a balaclava help? Getting to know Winter might mean trying out some new gear! 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 ✍? Getting to Know Winter January 16, 2025 Is Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Another Onslaught January 14, 2025 Overload January 13, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Is Perception Reality?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Is Perception Reality? ? Is perception reality? I’m not sure; but it would be great if perception were reality! Too bad these Ray-Ban Sunglasses don’t let me see what’s real! Today I seemed to be riding more strongly when I went out on the road bike; but without my Garmin, I couldn’t be sure whether that were really the case. Maybe I felt like that only because I rode the much-heavier hybrid yesterday; and I could sense the weight difference. So — is perception reality?  Shivering! ? It looks like we’ll be doing some big-time shivering next week. A text from my sister-in-law mentioned that New Orleans might get snow showers next Tuesday. Such weather is almost unheard-of for us; but if it happens, I don’t think I’ll dare try to ride outdoors. In fact, I might not go outside at all! I haven’t got the right kind of tires for riding in snow/icy conditions. I don’t have cleats for my sneakers; so walking on icy sidewalks is asking for trouble. Even if icy precipitation doesn’t materialize, hand warmers might not keep my paws warm outdoors, unless I use several pairs of them: one set in the palms of my hands; and another to heat up the backs of my hands. And, no matter how much I bundle up, I’m still likely to be shivering. Is perception reality when it comes to just how cold it is? Not always! The forecast predicts strong winds along with next week’s low temperatures; and the chill factor will be something fierce! 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 ✍? Is Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Another Onslaught January 14, 2025 Overload January 13, 2025 Dead? January 12, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Another Onslaught

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Another Onslaught ? Here comes another onslaught of frigid air. I’m glad I have a decent supply of hand warmers! I wasn’t aware of the coming cold snap until I went to the bike shop; and the shop owner mentioned it. Current temperatures are expected to persist for the rest of this week; but Sunday night’s low won’t be much over freezing. Wind gusts could reach 25 mph; and that will put the chill factor in the sub-freezing range. Monday will be very cold, too; and I’m glad I don’t have to go anywhere. I always am, whenever another onslaught of cold approaches! A Quick Fix? ? I hope my Garmin’s problem is a quick fix. It’s rather annoying to have to guesstimate my mileage, etc. I think I’ve been spoiled by years of access to hard data! But this morning I didn’t have to worry about it. I rode the hybrid, so I could take along a pannier and make a little side trip to the farmers market.  As it turned out, all I bought was two red grapefruit. One of the booths at the farmers market makes breakfast burritos; and I’d like to try one. Maybe another time, though; it was too cold for me to stand around in bare hands while eating anything; burrito or otherwise. Food is no quick fix for cold  hands. And the mere thought of another onslaught of cold weather makes me feel cold already!       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 ✍? Another Onslaught January 14, 2025 Overload January 13, 2025 Dead? January 12, 2025 Easing Up? January 11, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Overload

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Overload ? Some days feel like overload, even when you don’t have a set of heavy panniers attached to your bicycle. Such was today. I bicycled to a doctor’s appointment; and it wasn’t a pleasant ride. It was 50 degrees at most; and I had a nasty, stiff headwind for most of the way. It was misting as well; and my nose didn’t enjoy it at all. To make it even worse, I forgot to take along a handkerchief! Things actually got quite disgusting. Better Tomorrow ?️ Things will be better tomorrow, I hope! Today got a bit hectic. It wasn’t only the consultation with the doctor, as it turned out. I didn’t anticipate being sent to the lab for blood work; nor for X-rays. This was my first visit with this particular rheumatologist; and they wanted to get a baseline on me. Adding all that to the office visit seemed like a lot of overload! Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic condition; and we need to be able to gauge whether there’s any progression. So far, the only symptom I’ve had is one swollen knuckle. RA had better not mess up my knees; or I might not be able to ride any longer. It was already late morning when I got home; and I had to run an errand. I haven’t done any more riding today; and I hope I can get in some good miles tomorrow! It looks like the weather will be better tomorrow, too. Maybe I can hit 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! 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 ✍? Overload January 13, 2025 Dead? January 12, 2025 Easing Up? January 11, 2025 Trashed? January 10, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Dead?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Dead? ?  Oh, dear — is my Garmin dead? This morning, it wouldn’t turn on. I thought I might have let it run down; after all, I hadn’t used it for several days. If I forgot to turn it off after my last ride, of course it wouldn’t have any charge left. I tried plugging it in so it could get recharged; and when I do that, the Garmin normally beeps. This time, it didn’t. I experimented with various cable/plug combinations, to no avail. After a few minutes, I gave it up for the time being; and rode without my usual screen. It was a weird feeling; but there was no point in taking along a dead bicycle computer. It’s good thing I’ve done today’s route a number of times before; and I knew how many miles it was. I could only estimate my ride time; but I knew it was roughly two hours. What Next? ⏭️ What next? And I don’t mean the latest addition to my ride-food menu. What’s going to break down next? My chest freezer conked out about six weeks ago; and it’s not even two years old. It would cost less to buy a new one than to repair the “old” one. Now my Garmin isn’t working; and I hope my road bike doesn’t bite the dust next! If it did, should I get another road bike; or a touring bicycle? A touring bike might not make too much sense unless I know I’m going to do a lot of bicycle touring; and I don’t think that’s likely to happen. On the other hand, you never know what’s next! 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 ✍? Easing Up? January 11, 2025 Trashed? January 10, 2025 Here Comes the Freeze January 7, 2025 Hibernation January 6, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Easing Up?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Easing Up ?‍? The wind finally seems to be easing up. It’s about time! But I’m glad that I don’t have boils that need easing. That would be quite a problem. This morning it was just 39 degrees; but I was able to make a trip to the salvage store. Despite the overcast skies, it didn’t rain. I found some new bars to try; but as they’re actually rather low in protein, I’d better save them as snacks rather than ride food. As to my riding, the easing up has gone on long enough. I needed a bit of a break after the final months of 2024, when I was striving to hit 70K; but taking too long a break isn’t the best thing. Back to Mileage ?️ It’s time to get back to mileage! I’m glad I’ve got my Garmin to help me keep track of things. For a while I was doing short rides. The wind was enough to discourage me, with chill factors below freezing some days. There was also the the frequent threat of rain; and cold plus rain plus wind is a miserable combination! Tomorrow morning the temperature should be in the mid-40s by the time I’m ready to ride; and they don’t expect any rain before early afternoon. Ergo I should be OK out there! 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 ✍? Easing Up? January 11, 2025 Trashed? January 10, 2025 Here Comes the Freeze January 7, 2025 Hibernation January 6, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Trashed?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Trashed? ?️ For several days, I was afraid I had inadvertently trashed a week’s worth of blogs. Their titles vanished from the list of blog posts; and I didn’t quite dare compose further blogs until I knew what was going on. Apparently my web site needs some house cleaning; and I’m working with a web support service to be sure I don’t make things even worse. Speaking of cleaning, I ought to be working to get more of it done around here, while the weather isn’t conducive to outdoor riding. This place can easily start to look trashed, because I’ve never been a stellar housekeeper! Waiting Is Tiresome! ? Waiting is tiresome; and I don’t mean “tire” as in GatorSkins. Thanks to the forecast, I was (figuratively) holding my breath all day, waiting for the predicted strong winds to begin. By 1:00 pm I wondered what had  happened to the wind advisory; and was fed up with staying indoors. I decided to go for a ride on the hybrid; I needed some exercise! I went to the park again, just in case things did start to get bad; and did five laps. That’s better than yesterday, when I rode around four times. During the final lap, the wind did begin to strengthen; and I was glad that I was about to head home, anyway.  There was a light drizzle during the entire ride; but thank goodness it didn’t pour. Even if it had rained hard, learning to manage a bicycle in bad weather is part of being a cyclist. Your ride doesn’t have to be trashed because it’s not sunny and calm!  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 ✍? Trashed? January 10, 2025 Here Comes the Freeze January 7, 2025 Hibernation January 6, 2025 How to Time It? January 5, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Here Comes the Freeze

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Here Comes the Freeze! ? Oh, boy — here comes the freeze. I won’t want Pickle Ice tomorrow, that’s for sure! The forecast for tonight shows a low temperature of 33 degrees. That’s barely above freezing; and the chill factor will be below freezing! Even though I feel like a sissy when I don’t layer up and go for a ride, I think I’ll “ride” in the trainer tomorrow. This morning my fingers felt cold despite the hand warmers; and my ears kept feeling the breeze despite the helmet liner. Tomorrow will be colder yet; and in fact there’s a freeze warning in effect. That’s why I say, here comes the freeze! Let It Run ? So tonight I must turn on the faucet, and let it run. I wish I could catch that water for my bidons, rather than let it go to waste; but one can’t risk broken pipes.  Oh, wait — I have an idea. Put the 5-quart pot under the faucet; but position it so it’s not covering the sink’s drain. In fact, that will let me get an idea of how much water it costs to keep the pipes from freezing. It looks like tomorrow will be a case of too cold to ride! We didn’t even have a gradual cooling down to these frigid temperatures; as usual, they arrived all of a sudden. When that happens, I don’t get the chance to adjust gradually to the changing weather. At least the threat of rain is over for a day or two; so we don’t have to worry about sleet. In cold weather, my nose is an enormous nuisance; and drives me crazy. I can’t properly blow my nose while pedaling; so — please pardon the disgusting phrase — all I can do is let it run. I’m lucky I don’t have to go to work any more. When we’re all saying, here comes the freeze, it’s VERY hard to get up at 4:30 am to go for a ride in the cold and wind!  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.”  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 ✍? Here Comes the Freeze January 7, 2025 Hibernation January 6, 2025 How to Time It? January 5, 2025 The Wolf Returns January 4, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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