CAL, Author at SpokEasy - Page 82 of 130

IS This Winter?

IS This Winter? IS this Winter; or not? We had two consecutive days with temperatures that didn’t get much above freezing all day. I was tempted to use hand warmers all day! Then this morning it was a relatively balmy 49 degrees! The downside is that it’s overcast; there’s a 30% chance of rain this afternoon; and there’ll be patchy fog tonight. And another hard freeze is in the forecast for tomorrow night! It’ll be a cold ride to the salvage store Saturday morning. It makes me wonder whether to take the trailer; or stick to panniers. On the one hand, the trailer will slow me down; and when it’s very cold I like to have a bit more speed. On the other hand, the work involved in hauling that trailer will warm me up. By Monday morning it will be in the low 60s. IS this Winter? Everybody complains about the constant switch from cold to warm; and to cold again. My major peeve about that is, I have all sorts of riding clothes all over the place. As people say, you never know how to dress. I know they say that, for exercising, it’s better to start out a little underdressed. According to that theory, you’ll soon be at just about the right temperature soon after you begin your workout. But I’d rather be a bit too warm. Besides, what if something interrupts your ride; and you can’t get indoors? I, for one, would be miserably cold! 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 Elementor #159350 January 18, 2024 Bad Vibes? January 17, 2024 Pedals not Petticoats January 17, 2024 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bad Vibes?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Bad Vibes? Do I give off bad vibes? Would compression socks help stop them? This morning I saw by my home-made barometer that the air pressure was up from last night. A check of the local NOAA site confirmed that reading; but as I fixed breakfast, I saw that the fluid level was dropping! After I finished eating, I checked NOAA once more; and it showed that the barometric pressure had risen a bit over the previous hour. So I guess I’ve got bad vibes; or else that little barometer is extremely sensitive to any kind of activity going on near it. All I was doing was setting things down on the kitchen counter as I needed them; but even those minor vibrations had an effect on the barometer’s reading. Luckily it was only temporary. It’s still very cold by our standards; and the wind has risen over the past three hours. I set up the road bike in the trainer; and soon I’ll climb aboard and pedal for a while. Pedaling in the trainer is so boring that I don’t get much of a workout that way. Usually I can’t take it for more than 15 minutes; and I really need more. I especially need a good workout today because I didn’t ride yesterday. It was below freezing then, too; and there was a strong wind besides. At least here I don’t have to worry about my trainer workouts shaking the whole place. I’d call that some bad vibes — wouldn’t you? 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 Bad Vibes? January 17, 2024 Pedals not Petticoats January 17, 2024 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Pedals not Petticoats

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Pedals not Petticoats! Cycling around Portugal is about pedals; not petticoats! This small country offers a lot for the touring cyclist. How about the Rota Vicentina? It’s great if you enjoy ocean views; and includes segments that are suited to all fitness levels. The 40-mile long Guadiana Grande Randonnée lets you zigzag along Portugal’s southern border; and the Escopista do Dão is one of the nation’s easiest cycling routes. Its 31 miles of beauty make it a great ride for the whole family! What season is best for a bicycle tour of Portugal? It sounds as though almost any time of year is good; although Summers can be hot. And naturally, the climate can vary according to which part of the country you visit. Depending on your tolerance for cooler temperatures, you might want to keep jackets and leg warmers on hand; or maybe some embrocation cream. But whatever you wear, it’s about pedals, not petticoats! 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 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Too Cold to Ride

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Too Cold to Ride? Is it ever too cold to ride? My inclination is to say, YES!! Here it is, nearly half-past noon; and the temperature is still below freezing. The chill factor is below 20 degrees; and the wind especially is enough to discourage me from riding outdoors. I sure don’t need cold packs right now! At least the threat of freezing rain seems to be past; and the barometric pressure is up. By the way, my little homemade barometer works! But back to the issue of riding in cold weather. According to one social media platform, kids in Finland ride to school in sub-freezing weather; and think nothing of it. I wonder, though, is Finland as humid as New Orleans? One reason that cold weather here seems so miserably cold is the humid climate! So OK, it’s too cold to ride; and that means it’s time to set up the trainer. Tomorrow will be even colder than today; so I need to make a way to get some exercise! 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 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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How’s the Pressure?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

How’s the Pressure? “How’s the pressure?” isn’t only about the psi in your bicycle tires. It’s also about the barometer reading. If that reading is falling, better pack along the rain gear! I got the idea for the “barometer” pictured above from a YouTube, How to Harvest Oats Like an Edwardian. They discuss how important it is to have cooperative weather in order to have a good harvest; and about 14 minutes into the video, they start talking about barometers. They even show how to make a cheap barometer, as most Edwardian-era farmers — especially small-scale ones — likely couldn’t afford a fancy instrument. So I decided to try making one. Luckily I had just finished both a jar of kalamata olives, and a bottle of soy sauce. So I had the materials; and all I needed to buy was red food coloring. I made my barometer about two days ago, and have been watching it. I’m trying to see whether the fluid level in the bottle neck is going up or down; and today it looks it might be lower than it was yesterday. I checked NOAA; and sure enough, right now the barometric pressure is 29-something. Yesterday it was 30-something. Of course I still have to pay attention to how’s the pressure in my bikes’ tires; not that I’m likely to get to ride outdoors tomorrow morning. The forecast has changed from a low of 34 to a low of 27 degrees; and on top of that, freezing rain is likely! Even in the afternoon, it will still be below 40 degrees; and wind gusts might reach 35 mph. So how’s the pressure to get out there and ride, anyway? Fortunately, it’s very low! 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 How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Summer in January January 12, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Icicle on Wheels?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Icicle on Wheels? Does “icicle on wheels” refer to the bicycle; or to the rider? It could be either; or both. We’ve got a deep freeze on the way. Tuesday night it’s going to drop to the low 20s; and for New Orleans, that’s freakishly cold! I’m not sure I’ll be able to get up the courage to ride Wednesday morning; but if I do, I’ll be an icicle on wheels. It’s not only the low temperature I’ll have to deal with; the wind will be 10-15 mph. That means a chill factor of 12 degrees or lower! I don’t own any super-thermal cycling clothing for riding in super-cold weather; and that means plenty of layers. I’ve got some kind of undershirt around here; and I must dig it out. I’ll want the sleeves from a cycling jacket that I kept when the jacket’s zipper went kaput. My arms get cold easily; and those sleeves are a big help. Hand warmers on such a cold day are a no-brainer; as are heavy gloves. By the time I’m bundled up enough to go out, I might not be able to move! In addition to the low temperatures, rain is likely Monday night. The forecast doesn’t mention sleet; but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. A little sleet shuts down this entire city! It’s so rare that people don’t know how to drive in it; and the overpasses don’t do anything to help in such weather. Low tonight, 47 degrees. I’d better ride tomorrow; and Tuesday, too, if I can. Then come Wednesday, I can stay in if necessary. I don’t want to turn into an icicle on wheels. 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 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Summer in January January 12, 2024 Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Turning the Tables

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Turning the Tables That crazy wind went turning the tables on me today; and I don’t mean the Feed Zone. As usual for a Saturday, I headed for the salvage store. The wind was from a westerly direction when I left home; and that meant a headwind on the way to the store. Great! I thought; I’ll have a tailwind on the way home. A wind at my back is welcome any time; but especially when I’ve got a load of stuff. I wish. It was about 7:30 am when I started out for the store; and about 9:00 am when I headed back. Within those 90 minutes, the breeze shifted to an easterly direction. Talk about dirty tricks! Fortunately the breeze was only about 6 mph; but that’s enough for me to notice it. It had me riding in a low gear. Much of the time I was using the smallest chainring and the second largest cog. It makes me feel like a weakling; but sometimes you’ve just got to go “granny“, or close to it. The weather is going to be turning the tables again Monday night. Temperatures will be rather mild through Monday; but come Monday night, we’re in for a drastic drop — down to barely above freezing. I’d want thermal socks; two or three thermal jackets; an extra-heavy helmet liner; double leg warmers; and heated gloves. That’s a bit much; so I thought of turning the tables, and taking Tuesday off from riding instead of Monday. But I checked the forecast again; and Tuesday night it’s down to well below freezing! 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 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Summer in January January 12, 2024 Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Swiss Cheese? January 10, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Summer in January

BACK ISSUES, equipment / CAL

Summer in Janurary We’ve got Summer in January. It’s 75 degrees this afternoon! Have we swapped places with Australia? I’ll want one of these Mission Cooling Neck Gaiters if this keeps up; but it looks like we don’t have to worry about that. By 3 pm or so, the temperature is supposed to start falling; and then it’s down to 37 degrees tonight. Apparently our weather can’t decide which season this is. I wish it would; and then we wouldn’t have to keep clothes for both hot weather and cold weather lying all over the place. Summer in January is a nuisance! With temperatures in the 30s, I’m going to want hand warmers for the ride to the salvage store tomorrow. Thank goodness the wind is expected to die down; or I’d have a tough time of it. Right now we’re getting gusts up to 28 mph! Tomorrow, cold-weather gear will definitely be my clothing of choice: leg warmers; helmet liner; heavy gloves; probably two jackets; and thermal socks. And the aforementioned hand warmers! It will be a little warmer Sunday, although still cold. Maybe it’s time to push my distance up 15 miles now? The effort would warm me up; except for — perhaps you can guess — my nose. But at least that tells me that Summer in January is over. 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 Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Swiss Cheese? January 10, 2024 Bucking the Wind January 9, 2024 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Pedal or Walk?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Pedal or Walk? Shall I pedal; or walk? My recovery from bunion surgery is going well; but I still find riding a bicycle more comfortable than going by foot. If I have only a few blocks to go, I’m fine; but a mile is another story. This morning I had to cut my ride very short. I had a doctor’s appointment at 8:30 am; and simply couldn’t get going in time for a full ride. It was chilly, which makes me feel sluggish; and I’ve gotten spoiled by not having to get up at 4:30 am if I’m to ride. It would have been possible to ride to my appointment, and get in a couple of miles; but I didn’t feel like lugging my helmet around the clinic. And now the wind is kicking up! It’s going to be blowing even harder tomorrow; and possibly raining as well. I have some errands to run tomorrow; so shall I pedal, or walk? My Hoka shoes are awkwardly large for use with my hybrid’s toe clips; and that’s a good argument for walking. On the other hand, I want to put in some more miles; and that says, pedal. When I ride, keep watching that left leg’s behavior! I think I developed that habit years ago, when I strained a muscle in my thigh; and had to use different muscles if I were to ride. See what comes of being a mileage hog? 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 Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Swiss Cheese? January 10, 2024 Bucking the Wind January 9, 2024 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Swiss Cheese?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Swiss Cheese? Sometimes I think my head is like Swiss cheese: full of holes. For instance, this morning I forgot to wear my heart-rate monitor chest strap again. Several month ago, the Garmin’s screen began to show a message that the monitor’s battery was low. I didn’t have the tool I needed to remove the battery compartment’s cover; so I stopped using the chest strap. Then came the foot surgery; and that kept me off bikes for two weeks or so. During the recovery phase, I located a jeweler’s store just a block from home; and they were able to replace the battery for me. But during the hiatus from using the chest strap, I got out of the habit of putting it on before a ride. Now it’s too easy to forget about it! And I like to see what my heart rate is doing as I climb the access ramp to the top of the levee. Lip balm is another item that’s easy to forget. I need it, now that we’re getting cold weather; but I usually focus on applying sunblock to my face. Lip balm easily slips to the back of my mind. I hope I don’t start forgetting to ride! For the time being, my focus is on just riding. It won’t do to attempt force development exercises yet. My foot feels much better; but it’s not ready for force work; and my legs need a little more readjustment to cycling. I do try to extend my distance a bit each day. But start training for RAGBRAI? Not yet! Speaking of riding, what shall I take along for on-bike food when I’m ready for long rides again? Swiss cheese? 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 Bucking the Wind January 9, 2024 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Bolivia January 7, 2024 Beating the Weather January 7, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Author name: CAL