SpokEasy

SpokEasy

Author name: CAL

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

I Need a Detective!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

I Need a Detective!🕵🏻 I need a detective! Where’s Sherlock Holmes when you need him? What happened to thirteen days worth of blogs? Where do I look for  them? I’ve tried several things, without success. Did I do something wrong during my recent upgrade? I need to get into my hosting website; and the login page simply sits there. What’s going on? Are they down for Spring cleaning? Sometimes I think I need a detective to scout out road closures. Today the bike path was blocked by utility work vehicles; and it would have been nice to know that it was coming. I had to take a detour over some very bumpy streets! I’m not sure my road bike liked it! It probably doesn’t help that I still feel like I have jet lag from the change to Daylight time. It typically takes at least a week for me to get adjusted. Jet Lag ✈️ So here I am with jet lag, even though I haven’t crossed multiple time zones. I feel like I could sleep all day, like this kitty; and if I did, I could try out my sleeping bag. Yes, I got a sleeping bag to use during RAGBRAI! Nights can get cold, so they suggest a bag rated for 40 degrees (Fahrenheit). But I’m still waiting for my sleeping pad to arrive. When it does, I can give my equipment a test run by sleeping on the floor for one night. I hope I won’t feel like jet lag the next morning, though! Tomorrow is an off-bikes day. Yesterday and today, my rides ranged from almost 29 miles to over 33 miles. Day after tomorrow, I’ll work on force, so I can develop better strength for climbing. I need a detective to scout out those Iowa hills! 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 I Need a Detective! March 17, 2025 Inching Forward March 16, 2025 Windy City March 3, 2025 Tropical Storms in March? March 2, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Inching Forward

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Inching Forward 🪱 I’m inching forward with my mileage. Today I rode 33.2 miles; up a mile and a quarter from last week’s Sunday ride. I’m meeting the weekly mileage totals specified in the RAGBRAI training schedule; and I hope to add a few more miles to next Sunday’s ride. I want to keep inching forward by doing long rides two days in a row; as mentioned here at about 6:57 minutes. So far, rides of about 28-30 miles two days on end don’t seem to be a problem; so I’ll keep increasing them. I’m not sure I’ll try to get in a century ride prior to RAGBRAI. It probably isn’t necessary; especially as I don’t think I’ll try to tackle the Karras Loop. Karras Loop ➰ The Karras Loop is an optional loop — a detour, if you will — on one day of RAGBRAI, that lets riders extend the day’s distance to 100 miles. I think I’d be wise to skip it; as a RAGBRAI “virgin”, completing the regular route ought to be enough. It sounds tempting, though! I’m waiting for info to come out about pass-through towns; gradients; and whatever else I need to know. I guess they’ll soon be letting us know what food vendors will be on the route; and I’m making a list of what I want to try. 😋 I’m also starting to do a new exercise: riding up the bicycle access ramp to the top of the levee in a harder gear than I’ve been using. After all,  I need to inch forward in my ability to climb, as well as extending my mileage. I don’t have a Karras Loop handy; but I can work out an alternate. 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 Inching Forward March 16, 2025 Windy City March 3, 2025 Tropical Storms in March? March 2, 2025 All Kinds at RAGBRAI March 1, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Windy City

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Windy City ? Chicago isn’t the only Windy City on the map. New Orleans is about to become a very windy city! I wonder, does a Thule Yepp Mini Windscreen actually make riding against a headwind any easier? Or does in merely keep the wind from hitting you directly? At the moment, it’s 72 degrees; and it’s blowing at 15 mph. For me, that’s pretty strong. By nine o’clock tomorrow morning, the wind is going to get stronger and stronger. That’s not what Mardi Gras needs; floats and high winds are a bad mix. I believe some parades have been cancelled as a result. This isn’t the first time that high winds have disrupted Carnival. It’s hard on the krewes; parade-goers; and everyone who has worked so hard to prepare for Mardi Gras; but the authorities can’t risk having floats (or, worse, people) gone with the wind. Gone with the Wind ?️ Shall I try to ride outdoors tomorrow? I don’t want to end up gone with the wind (with all due apologies to Margaret Mitchell); but I also want to get my exercise. That won’t be easy while we’re the windy city. According to Weather Underground, conditions tomorrow won’t start to get rough until late morning. Of course, that’s what it says at the moment; but forecasts can, and sometimes do, change rapidly. If I do go for a ride, laps around the park will at least mean that I’m not battling a headwind for miles on the way home. On the other hand, it might be rather crazy there. Tomorrow is Mardi Gras, after all. I’d better be prepared to set up that trainer! I planned to ride easily tomorrow at any rate; and the trainer is good for that. I’ll also be indoors if the weather does get nasty. If New Orleans is to be the windy city tomorrow, I’d rather be at 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! 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 Windy City March 3, 2025 Tropical Storms in March? March 2, 2025 All Kinds at RAGBRAI March 1, 2025 Gearing Down February 28, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Tropical Storms in March?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Tropical Storms in March? ? Tropical storms in March? What would Lewis Carroll’s lapine character think of that? We aren’t in for a tropical storm in the usual sense of the word; but high winds are in the forecast for day after tomorrow. Gusts could reach 45 mph; so here I am, thinking of tropical storms in March. All too soon, we’ll have to watch for hurricanes! And what bad timing this wind threat is! Day after tomorrow is Mardi Gras; a major event in New Orleans. I won’t be surprised if parades are rescheduled or even cancelled because of high winds. Those floats are high-profile vehicles; and strong wind is bad news for them. It’s not good news for my rides, either. It might be time to set up the trainer! Set up the Trainer ? I might have to set up the trainer if I’m to do any pedaling on Tuesday. Unfortunately “riding” in the trainer is hot and tedious. A wearable fan would be great if I have to do it often! I think I’ll have to play it by ear. Tomorrow shouldn’t be too bad; and maybe I can work on my pace. Tuesday? I think I’ll wait and see whether I need to set up the trainer. I prefer a real ride outdoors; but with tropical storms in March, I might have to alter my plans! 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 Tropical Storms in March? March 2, 2025 All Kinds at RAGBRAI March 1, 2025 Gearing Down February 28, 2025 Potpourri February 27, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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All Kinds at RAGBRAI

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

All Kinds at RAGBRAI ?? ? You’ll see all kinds at RAGBRAI; I’ve viewed enough YouTubes about the event to know that. You’ll see all kinds of people; and all kinds of bikes. RAGBRAI participants are of all ages, from under-ten and upwards; and the “rides” vary from road bikes to ellipticals to roller blades! Somebody tell me, is it harder to bike across Iowa; or to skate all the way? “All kinds at RAGBRAI” describes the wide variety of food, too. You’ll find pork chops; corn on the cob; ice cream; pie, pie, pie; and more! But you’ll need food when you’re riding all day, seven days straight. I hope RAGBRAI won’t be plagued by headwinds this year; that, of course, would make the ride all the harder. Plagued by Headwinds ?  I’m plagued by headwinds often enough; so headwinds during RAGBRAI shouldn’t be a surprise. I guess weather is all kinds at RAGBRAI, too! Nobody knows in advance what to expect. In 2023, the event saw a heatwave widely described as “brutal”; the previous year, the weather was quite mild. Some nights were actually cold; so I intend to pack along some cold-weather riding gear: jacket, leg warmers, etc. I sure didn’t need leg warmers when I went out on the road bike this afternoon; it was 77 degrees! Luckily I wasn’t plagued by headwinds this time. There was some wind, but not the kind that threatens to blow me away; and that makes pedaling a major chore. That will change Monday night, though. The wind will get much stronger; and Tuesday could see gusts up to 40 mph! That’s bad news for the Mardi Gras parades! 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 ✍? All Kinds at RAGBRAI March 1, 2025 Gearing Down February 28, 2025 Potpourri February 27, 2025 Nudging the Brain February 26, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Gearing Down

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Gearing Down ⚙️ Today I practiced gearing down. Sort of. I used the hybrid for a run to Walmart; and stayed on the biggest cog most of the time. It isn’t the same as spinning in low gear on the road bike; but it was better than nothing. A slow cadence in a hard gear feels very different from low-gear, high-cadence spinning. They say it uses a different type of muscle fiber. I’ll be gearing down for the hills on RAGBRAI; that’s for sure. I even contacted RAGBRAI to ask what gradients I can expect; but they won’t know that until about April. The overnight towns have been announced; but not the pass-through towns. Until that’s been determined, things are still up in the air. So is the weather. I hope we’re spared the rough weather that they say could hit the South next week! Rough Weather ⛈️ ⚡️ ?️ I hope RAGBRAI doesn’t encounter rough weather this year. One night during RAGBRAI L, in 2023, rough weather struck on the sixth night (see here at ~12:31); and some tents were blown over. Thank goodness there wasn’t a tornado! Gearing down to ride into a headwind isn’t my idea of fun; but I’ll have to be prepared for it. I get headwinds often enough up there on the levee; and I don’t suppose the open stretches of Iowa roads will be any different. Even if I don’t like it, it’s good training! 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 ✍? Gearing Down February 28, 2025 Potpourri February 27, 2025 Nudging the Brain February 26, 2025 Climbing Legs February 25, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Potpourri

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Potpourri ? A training plan can seem like potpourri — it’s quite a mix of things. From what I’ve always read about it, training needs to incorporate several elements; and if you’re working towards an event, this is even more important. Got a long event (e.g. RAGBRAI) on your calendar? You’ll need to train for endurance by doing progressively longer rides; but you’ve also got to prepare for Iowa’s hills! For me, that means working to push hard against a hard gear; there aren’t hills here. And don’t forget to practice spinning in a low gear. I’ve got to start doing that, too! And when climbing, I’m apt to be in a very low gear; but the gradient makes pedaling feel hard! Hard on my legs and also hard on my cardiovascular system. So I also need, at some point, to work to increase my tolerance for riding at or near my maximum heart rate! See why I say that training is like potpourri? But be careful to avoid burnout; some days you need to just ride. Just Ride ?‍♂️   A good day for “just ride” is when I visit the salvage store on Saturday. I don’t need to  hurry; so if I have a headwind, I don’t have to work hard. It can be hard to remember to “just ride”, though. I think I’ve gotten too used to working to push the pace! But easy rides are part of the potpourri that is cyclist training. No matter how serious you are about riding and training, don’t forget to just ride for fun sometimes! 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 ✍? Potpourri February 27, 2025 Nudging the Brain February 26, 2025 Climbing Legs February 25, 2025 Dry for Now February 24, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Nudging the Brain

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Nudging the Brain ? Is cycling a way of nudging the brain? Or does the Mind Diet Cookbook work better? I was thinking of taking a day off from riding today; but by mid-afternoon, I decided to do a short, easy spin on the hybrid. My legs were feeling restless; and I couldn’t think of a blog topic. My brain was a blank slate! I thought a ride might be a way of nudging the brain. Maybe I would see or hear something that would give me a good blog idea! Unfortunately I didn’t notice anything of particular interest; and it was hard to ride easily. I kept wanting to push the pace! So I didn’t dare ride long; and I came home with my mind still a blank slate. Blank Slate ? A blank slate of a mind is quite annoying. How can one get anything done? Especially if you can’t come up with a way of nudging the brain! My plan for tomorrow’s ride is another session of working to push the pace. That means riding against a harder gear than usual. Incidentally, I’m glad I have a compact crankset. That should make RAGBRAI‘s hills a bit easier. I even asked my bike shop whether it would be possible to get a triple crankset. They say, yes; but it wouldn’t be a quick and easy fix. So I’ve got to develop a good set of climbing legs with what I’ve got. Day before yesterday, I did 5-minute pace efforts; and next week I’ll push for 6 minutes. I’ll hold it at 6 minutes the week after that, before adding a little more time to these efforts. I also need to add a few miles to my distance. It isn’t too soon to put that on the schedule … looks like I’m filling up that blank slate after all! 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 ✍? Nudging the Brain February 26, 2025 Climbing Legs February 25, 2025 Dry for Now February 24, 2025 Rain Daze February 23, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Climbing Legs

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Climbing Legs ?? I’m working to develop a pair of climbing legs. I’ll sure need them five months from now; and those months will fly by. Yes, I’ll need climbing legs for RAGBRAI; but for me, the most worrisome aspect of RAGBRAI’s hills is gradient. That’s why I’m working to develop better force (aka strength) on the bike. Not so easy when you live where it’s flat. So, one day a week, I do a force development workout.  I ride comfortably for 10 minutes or so, to get warmed up; then put in short efforts at pushing hard against a hard gear. Today I did 45-second interevals; and next week I’ll try for 50-60 seconds. Every third week, I take a break from this intense work; that’s recommended for riders over 40 years of age. However, I seem to have a way of changing my workout plans. Looks like I’m velut luna! Velut Luna ? Weather forecasts are also velut luna, as it says in Carmina Burana. After a lifetime here, I still can’t tell what the weather will do. Aren’t I illiterate? Yesterday the forecast predicted more rain tomorrow afternoon; now it says mostly sunny, after patchy fog in the morning. Well, I’ll be glad if it does not rain! I’m still not completely dried out from two days of wet rides! The ride plan for tomorrow is short and easy. Going hard every day is not the way to develop climbing legs, because you’re likely to burn out. Unfortunately it’s easy to get carried away; especially if you happen to be velut luna. 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 ✍? Climbing Legs February 25, 2025 Dry for Now February 24, 2025 Rain Daze February 23, 2025 Ride While You Can February 22, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Rain Daze

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Rain Daze ? Do rides in inclement weather leave you feeling like this?   I think I have rain daze today. The forecast showed rain all day; but by early afternoon, I was tired of hanging around at home, waiting for it to start pouring. By about 2 pm, I had had enough, and decided to go for a short ride; with a detour to the neighborhood supermarket on the way home.  It was raining, but not particularly hard. I pulled on leg warmers; shorts; vest; jacket; and poncho. I wore a skull cap, too; after all, it’s in the 50s. Then I went out for a ride. I guess rain daze isn’t only about the effects of a wet ride; it’s also about the rather depressing effects of a gray day. It can have odd effects on the brain.? When I started my ride, I didn’t feel hungry; so I didn’t think to have a snack. After about half a mile, I realized that I was getting hungry; and I hadn’t brought anything to eat with me. That brought The Bonk to mind; so I decided to make my ride short. I figured I was flirting with the bonk. Flirting with the Bonk ?‍? Flirting with the bonk is risky business; and I rode only one lap around the park. The planned trip to the grocery store meant more time for The Bonk to catch up with me. Rain daze was also catching up with me. Something about gray skies and falling rain is soporific; and I was also getting wet. My poncho’s sleeves don’t go all the way down to the wrist; and my jacket sleeves got soaked. So, of course did the blouse sleeves under it. My leg warmers got wet at least as far up as the knees; my feet got soaked; and my gloves were wet through. There I was, walking into the store, and dripping all over! I got a few groceries; including a Quest Chocolate Caramel Pecan bar. Once clear of the checkout, I made short work of that bar! Then I rode home. Perhaps the most tiresome aspect of rain daze, is the amount of time I spend wringing out and  hanging up wet cycling gear once I’m home. I’m glad this doesn’t happen every 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! 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 ✍? Rain Daze February 23, 2025 Ride While You Can February 22, 2025 On the Fence February 21, 2025 Lab Rat February 20, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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