CAL, Author at SpokEasy - Page 89 of 130

Back at the Ranch

SpokEasy Welcome! My Story Hardware & Software Today’s Featured Product Bicycle Touring SpokEasy Kitchen Spokeasy Store Blogs YouTube 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 Hoppin’ John variation took me back to the ranch, with Ranch Style Beans. Like so many of my Hoppin’ John variations, it uses brown rice. As always, I cooked the rice on the stovetop; but if you have too much to do while the grain cooks, a rice cooker would come in handy. This Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker keeps your cooked rice warm for you, too; and can cook other things as well. I did most of the prep work yesterday afternoon; and today only needed to cook the rice and assemble the final dish. And, of course, wash dishes afterwards! I’m debating whether to ride. It’s overcast; and rain chances are 60%. If I do ride, I’ll use the hybrid, which has fenders. Then, if it does rain, I won’t get all splattered with dirty water; and my bike will stay cleaner. With the hybrid, I can use the trunk; and thus take along the poncho. It’s 74 degrees, which doesn’t feel like November. This might be a good, old-fashioned weather breeder. It’s supposed to cool off slightly over the next few days; but it will still be warm for this time of year. Maybe I’ll head for a short ride in the park. I’m getting tired of sitting around; and I’ll see you back at the ranch. 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 Sunday on Thursday November 9, 2023 What’s the Joke? November 8, 2023 Buoyed Up November 7, 2023 If the Shoe Fits November 6, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

Back at the Ranch Read More »

Sunday on Thursday

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Sunday on Thursday 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.” Today I had Sunday on Thursday; namely, I did a long ride today. The hour-by-hour forecast shows rain tomorrow; and in fact, there’s a chance of rain every day for the next three or four days. Yesterday I rode less than 9 miles, so I wanted to get in some extra distance today. The weather was pretty good, although the wind was pesky. Nothing new there! Since I was aiming for distance, I kept to a pretty casual pace most of the time. A longer ride means fuel, of course; and I thought of Gatorade Whey Protein Bars. One of those did the trick. I like them; especially Chocolate Caramel. Gatorade Whey Protein Bars are sweet; but not too sweet. They’re easy to chew; and when the temperature is in the upper 60s-low 70s, the chocolate coating doesn’t melt. At least, it didn’t today; but the sky was mostly cloudy. If it had been sunny, I might have a different story to tell. Sunday on Thursday is an odd feeling. Maybe I had better get used to it; because I want to start doing longer weekday rides. Or will, after I’m healed from the lapiplasty. At the clinic, they said I may return to normal activities as tolerated within a day or two; but it’s occurred to me that I might not be able to tolerate shoes of any kind for a while. The surgical “shoe”, I expect, won’t be sturdy enough for pedaling. I’ll see how it goes. Maybe by early 2024 I’ll have Sunday on Monday; Sunday on Tuesday; etcetera.

Sunday on Thursday Read More »

What’s the Joke?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

What’s the Joke? 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.” What’s the joke? What’s with the laughing cow? I don’t know. The little dog though it hilarious to see a bovine vault over the moon; and maybe their rôles got reversed. I certainly can’t jump over the moon. I can’t even jump a curb! So far I’ve never felt the need to learn this skill; but sometimes I think it would be a wise idea. Especially if I have any ideas about getting into bicycle touring. Touring by bike might have to wait, as I’m having foot surgery in two weeks. But from what the podiatrist said yesterday, it won’t be that big a deal; and I can return to normal activities pretty quickly. So, what would I need for touring? Would my hybrid bicycle suffice, fitted out with rack and panniers? There are too many variables to go into here, but I know several things I need to work on: extending my daily distances; and developing better strength. Oh, and food! Campfire cooking? My regular long-ride chow? It’s too expensive to buy all meals pre-prepared; especially on a tour of more than one or two days. But if I set out on a bicycle tour this minute, people would be laughing their heads off; and I’d be asking, What’s the joke?

What’s the Joke? Read More »

Buoyed Up

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Buoyed Up 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.” I’m feeling quite buoyed up today. This morning I had my pre-surgical consultation with the podiatrist; and it’s good news! The procedure will take under 45 minutes; and I won’t be in a boot afterwards. I’ll be given a special shoe; and I may return to normal activities as tolerated — even riding a bicycle! I’d better make it the hybrid, though. I can expect post-surgical swelling; and my MTB shoes will be too tight for some time. The incision will be under 3 inches long; and in fact the only restriction will be, Don’t get it wet! Thus no riding outdoors if it’s raining. The doctor said he actually wants me to be up and walking; so that means minimal sitting around?! I don’t need any special equipment; and that’s terrific news. No need for me to spend hundreds of bucks on stuff I’ll use for a week; and then have to store or get rid of. Another thing to feel buoyed up about — with a nice tailwind, I hit a top speed of 20.5 mph during my ride! I did some one-minute intervals into the wind, trying to maintain 15 mph. That’s what you need to do to get fast. No, it’s not the most fun thing in the world; and after the foot surgery I expect I’ll have to skip that kind of riding for a while. The weather has turned warm again; and there’s a chance of rain later in the week. Well, we very much need rain; but I hope it doesn’t decide to rain while I’m going to and from the salvage store. Or during my Sunday long ride! I especially hope it doesn’t rain on surgery day. Gotta keep that foot dry!

Buoyed Up Read More »

If the Shoe Fits

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

If the Shoe Fits 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.” If the shoe fits, especially if it’s these Shimano SH-MT502W shoes, how about a good off-road ride? This footwear is great for off-road cycling. The midsole, of reinforced fiberglass, transfers more of your power to the pedals. The Shimano SH-MT502W is lightweight; and the mesh uppers help keep your feet cool in hot weather. Outer sole is of grippy rubber, for more secure footing both on the bike and off. If the shoe fits, it might also bring the happy news that you don’t have a bunion. I’ve got one at the base of my left big toe; and it has bone spurs as well. So I have surgery scheduled for two weeks from tomorrow. If it were only the bunion, I think I’d let it go; but those bone spurs mean I have little flex left in the joint. Sometimes it hurts — both for walking longer distances; and for cycling. I just bought a new pair of cycling shoes, because my old pair was getting soft around the heels. When I tried them on in the bike shop, they seemed OK; but when I wore them for a ride — OUCH! So they’re on the shelf until my foot recovers from the surgery. Today I did only a short, easy ride; and I had to take a detour because of a train! Tomorrow I might have to let riding wait until late morning. (Pre-op visit with the podiatrist at 8:30). I’m glad we’re past the 80-degrees-at-5:00 am season! I need to get out there and do some short, very hard efforts; I’ve been too lax about them. And my (old) shoe still fits!

If the Shoe Fits Read More »

Train Trains

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Train Trains 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.” I wish I could train trains. Then there wouldn’t be one sitting across the place where I need to cross the tracks to get home! At the start of my ride, I just barely beat a ftrain. In fact, it was cutting things almost too close; 10 seconds later, and I wouldn’t have dared to try crossing those tracks. But I got across safely; then headed out to do some miles. Today there wasn’t much wind; and I enjoyed an RXBar Blueberry along the way. I didn’t try to push the pace; although maybe I should do more of that during these Sunday long rides. I’ve never really shaken off the fear that I might overdo things, and find myself totally exhausted when I’m a long way from home. As always, the Sunday long ride means an electrolyte drink in addition to a Camel-Bak full of water. I sure wish that BioSteel could give me muscles of steel! So I rode at a pretty steady pace; and at 11.5 miles decided to turn for home. And now we’re coming to the train trains part of it: a stopped train blocking the crossing; and of course I couldn’t know how long it might stay there. So I rode on to the next crossing, maybe .7 miles away. I was almost there when I heard the locomotives rev up, and start ringing the bell; and I decided I probably couldn’t beat the train. That meant turning around and heading back to my usual crossing. And that train was slow. All that detouring and waiting delayed my getting home by some 10 minutes. I’m glad it wasn’t cold or raining!

Train Trains Read More »

Which Bike for Me

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Which Bike for Me? 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.” * “Which bike for me?” is a very sensible question for anyone who wants to take up cycling. How to choose? I admit I’m no expert; but I do know several things that must be considered: where and how much you plan to ride; whether you’ll need to carry loads; and, of course, your budget. Will your riding be primarily on paved surfaces? For the person who is brand new to cycling, I’d suggest a hybrid, because it’s more stable than a road bike. This Schwinn Discover hybrid bicycle for men and women has an easy-to-mount, step-through design; front and rear fenders; and a built-in cargo rack. Its 21 speeds let you adapt to a wide variety of road conditions. Just hang on a set of panniers, and you can bring home a load of groceries; or carry lunch and a change of clothes to work. Some folks will opt for a mountain bike, such as the Schwinn Traxion. The Traxion has 24 speeds, with trigger shifters; full suspension; and disc brakes. The catch with riding an MTB over pavement is, those knobby tires offer more rolling resistance than the smoother tires of a road bike or a hybrid. What about people who have balance issues? There are adult tricycles, such as the Tricycle Adult Folding Bicycle! No worries about balance; and you can even bring along a passenger! Front basket holds your cell phone and other needs. I know from experience that a trike is fun to ride. For the sheer enjoyment of putting in the miles, a road bike like the Tommaso Imola Endurance is great. It has 24 speeds; and delivers high performance at an affordable price. Built to last, too; an important aspect of anything you buy, I would say. The above are only a tiny percentage of the available bicycles out there; but I hope they can get you started on making your choice!

Which Bike for Me Read More »

Feels Like October

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Feels Like October 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.” * It feels like October at last; now that October is over! Our temperature yesterday morning was about 72; today it was some 20 degrees cooler. I went for a ride, but the wind was rather strong; so I was a sissy and went to ride laps around the park. Before I had ridden one mile, my hands and feet were starting to feel the chill. Maybe I need some Rabbitroom Gloves! My feet were getting cold, too. My intended five laps got reduced to a measly two laps. The sky was overcast; and it began to mist. The wind seemed to be strengthening; and I decided it might be better to go home before it began to pour. Then, of course, it didn’t!? I forget sometimes that learning to deal with adverse weather is part of being a cyclist. Pushing your pace against the wind helps to develop strength and endurance; and it you’re to commute to work or school by bicycle, you must know how to ride in the rain. Tonight is supposed to be even cooler; with a wind advisory in effect until mid-morning tomorrow. I might have to postpone my ride! Yes, it feels like October — now that November is here!

Feels Like October Read More »

Coming at Last

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Outdoors / CAL

Coming at Last? 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.” * Is Fall coming at last? At midday today, it was only 72 degrees! Compared to what we’ve been getting, that’s cool. It’s rather windy as well. Tonight, down to the low 50s; and Tuesday night, it’s supposed to drop to the mid-40s! Time now to be eyeing cycling jackets, and other cold-weather clothing as well. Riding through the Winter drives me crazy, though. We can get crazy fluctuations in temperature; and it’s annoying to have all kinds of stuff floating around: gloves in several weights; thermal socks; leg warmers; and so on. In a way, dressing to ride in Summer is far easier. I know it will be hot; and I don’t have to worry that I’ll embark on a ride with too few layers. If Fall is coming at last, we ought to get some relief from the heat. We had a prolonged spell of extreme hot weather, when the heat index got over 100 degrees every day. I was glad to see that end; but it’s still very dry. We’re turning into a desert at the rate we’ve been going; and I hope we get the rain that’s predicted for tonight and tomorrow morning. Just not while I’m out cycling!

Coming at Last Read More »

Pushmi-Pullyu

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Pushmi-Pullyu? 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.” * I thought of Dr. Dolittle’s pushmi-pullyu about two days ago, thanks to a couple of trains. Rounding the turn before the last mile on the bike path, I heard the compressed-air sound that idling locomotives frequently make. Then I saw the train sitting there; and I hoped it wasn’t so long that it was blocking the crossing. As I rode further, I could see that the crossing was clear. Then I saw more locomitives! At first, it seemed that there were “locos” on both ends of the train; but then I noticed that there were two trains on idle. One was headed one direction; and the other one was pointing the opposite way. The pushmi-pullyu is one of the few things I remember from reading the book, Dr. Dolittle. (Not surprising, as that was decades ago.) It might be interesting if some enterprising inventor created a tandem bicycle to resemble the critter. The two saddles would have to face in opposite directions, each with its own set of handlebars. One pair of pedals would have to be operated in reverse; and that — captain or stoker? — pedaling backwards sure would make people look twice!

Pushmi-Pullyu Read More »

Author name: CAL