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Chill In?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Chill IN? 🧊 Chill in? Whatever happened to chill out? Well, I expect I won’t spend a lot of time outdoors tomorrow; so I’ll chill in. The overnight low temperature will be below 50 degrees; and the wind will be pretty strong. If I eat ice cream, I’ll do so in front of the heater! I won’t be able to get in any pedaling tomorrow or Friday, as the recreation center will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. I have physical therapy on Friday, though; and my elbow is getting close to being able to straighten all the way! Can I ride soon? Can I Ride Soon? 🚲 I guess I’ll have to ask the orthopedic surgeon, can I ride soon. Unfortunately, it’s over two weeks until my next visit with him. Until then, it’s chill out — or maybe chill in. I think I’ll wait until later in the day to go for a walk, when the wind won’t feel so cold. A runny nose is annoying enough when I’m on foot; and can pull out a tissue. When I’m riding a bicycle,  I can’t do that. I’ve got my Thanksgiving feast all planned. There was a cup of cooked, ground turkey in the freezer. I thawed it, and cooked it with tomato sauce; chopped onion; chopped red bell pepper; and some canned mushrooms. It’ll be great over sourdough bread, with a bit of cheese on top. I have whole-berry cranberry sauce; and Halo Top® ice cream. It’s too bad I can’t ride; because after all that indulgence, I’ll need some serious 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Lazy Again

BACK ISSUES /

Lazy Again 😴 I’m lazy again today. 🙄 My head feels stuffy, and that makes me tired; so I skipped going to “ride” an exercise bike. Now, should I fix lunch at home, or go out and get something? I’m lazy again, so I guess I’ll fix lunch at home. That’s cheaper, anyway! Besides, I really don’t need a restaurant meal; but I do need some exercise. This morning I hiked over to the supermarket, and got some bananas and a few other items; but that wasn’t much exercise. Maybe I’ll go for another walk later! The weather wasn’t bad this morning; but some folks have to brace for the polar vortex. I don’t envy them such weather. Polar Vortex 🌪️ The news is talking of a polar vortex.  It looks like Southeast Louisiana isn’t in its path; but even so, the temperature here is expected to drop to 46 tomorrow night. That’s the coldest we’ve had so far this Fall! Compared to a polar vorrtex that’s warm; but for me it’s quite frigid. At least it isn’t supposed to be cold yet tomorrow morning. I can’t afford to be lazy again, because I have physical therapy at 9:00 am. I want to hit the recreation center first, for a short pedaling session. After PT, I’ll just want to go home, polar vortex or not.  Once there, I can chill out. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Like Yet Unlike

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Like Yet Unlike 😕 Using an indoor bike is like, yet  unlike, pedaling a real bicycle. My posture is totally different; and my feet are farther apart than on a real bike. I try not to lean back into the recumbent seat; but that’s rather tricky. In addition, my feet are much farther forward than on a regular bicycle. But at least I can pedal! So it’s like, yet unlike, real riding. Having to walk a mile to reach those “rides”, however, is somewhat tedious. I’m tempted to take tomorrow off; but the recreation center will be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. Thus I’d better get in my pedaling when I can. I’m dreaming of the feast, too. I have some cooked ground turkey in the freezer; and I’ll move it to the fridge Wednesday morning to thaw. I have a can of whole-berry cranberry sauce; and some ice cream, too. Dreaming of the Feast 🍗 Though I’m dreaming of the feast, I’m glad it won’t mean wearing myself out cooking. I feel ready to try some cooking; but I’m not sure how much my elbow will tolerate. I’ll start by using some stuff from the freezer to make a “garbage soup“; and see how it goes. I shouldn’t have to chop much, as I have pre-chopped onion in the freezer. That will be a big help. Dreaming of the feast, I admit, makes me glad I still have paper plates on hand. I’m  drifting away from paper plates and bowls, though — washing dishes is getting easier. Paper plates and bowls are really quite wasteful; and I typically use them only when I can’t wash real dishes. Or when the water is off, as after a hurricane! Oh, and another way riding an indoor bike is like, yet unlike, riding outdoors — although I’m pedaling, I’m not creating any breeze. So I wear my Arctic Air. This morning I stopped my workout early, when the fan kept shutting off; and I started getting too hot. I guess it was out of charge. 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Extra Workouts

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Extra Workouts 🏋🏻 Going to pedal on an exercise bike feels like getting extra workouts: I have to walk about a mile to reach the recreation center. I’m not doing bodyweight training, though; my elbow isn’t sufficiently healed for that. How much longer will it take? These extra workouts do serve a purpose, though. A doctor once told me to be sure I get sufficient weight-bearing exercise; and I hope my hikes to and from the receation center are enough. How Much Longer? 🕰️ How much longer will it take for me to be back on a real bike? A few more weeks? Two months? My left arm still can’t fully extend itself; and naturally it’s weak from two months of inactivity. I’m glad I can get in some pedaling; and the exercise bikes I’m using let me choose a course. They’re all in France; and I can see some landscape going by. Effort level changes automatically according to the course on the screen; so I’m even getting in a bit of “climbing“. This is somewhat less tedious than pedaling in a trainer with nothing to look at but the walls! 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Dreams

BACK ISSUES /

Dreams 💭 Dreams are weird, as most of us know. Sometimes I wake up and wonder, What on earth made me dream that? I must be more eager to get back on the bicycle than I know. Last night I dreamed about being on some kind of bike, but the reach to the handlebars was too long! That’s the kind of thing that makes me say, dreams are weird. I hope it’s not too long before I can ride to the salvage store. Several times I’m begged a ride from some friends that I see there regularly; but I’d rather be able to get there under my own power. But today’s visit was worth it. Some freezer cases had a special: any size ice cream for $0.99! I didn’t dare buy a half-gallon; but I found two pint boxes of Halo Top®. I’ve put one pint away for Thanksgiving; and am going through the other pint much too rapidly!🙄 Ice cream, however, is great when the weather continues to be warm; it gives me a chill in the heat. Chill in the Heat 🧊 It also feels like a chill in the heat when our afternoon temperatures reach as high as 81 degrees; and ICE is coming to town. As a born citizen, I shouldn’t have to worry about it; but all the same, it makes me uneasy. The news reports I’ve read about ICE are enough to make anybody nervous. Today I took off from pedaling on an exercise bike; but tomorrow I need to get back to it. The recreation center will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday; so I need to get in what pedaling I can, while I can; even though it might trigger more weird dreams! 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Keep My Cool

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Keep My Cool 🆒 I need a way to keep my cool while pedaling an indoor bike; and the Arctic Air fan does a good job. This wearable fan has three speeds; and is lightweight and portable. One charge provides up to six hours’ operation. Yesterday I forgot to take the Arctic Air with me; and I got hot while exercising, sitting down and not moving forward. Between that, and problems with the left pedal, I stopped the ride early; but today I did 35 minutes. It’s hard to keep my cool when the temperatures outdoors still don’t feel like Fall! It’s 80 degrees as I type this; and it’s going to stay warm for at least a few more days. Rain chances are increasing, though; and even in hot weather, that can mean not-so-warm showers. That’s one way to cool off! Not-so-warm Showers?🌧️ Not meaning to make fun of Warm Showers; but we can get not-so-warm showers on the hottest days. In fact, the rain in a T-storm can feel very cold. That’s one way to keep my cool; but I don’t enjoy getting caught in a T-storm on my bike. I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow while I’m between home and physical therapy. Oh, well. Even if I get caught in some not-so-warm showers, I won’t be wet at work all 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Footloose?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Footloose 🦶🏻 Footloose doesn’t always mean fancy free. Today, in fact, it was quite annoying. I was using a recumbent exercise bike; and couldn’t get the toe strap for the left foot properly adjusted. My foot kept coming out; and I couldn’t figure out why. I tried to pay attention to ankle angle; but that didn’t solve the problem. It was such a nuisance that I gave up after only 23 minutes. I hope I have better success tomorrow. And if this was such a pain in the neck, just think what an “ouch” a footloose skate would be! I remember using roller skates as a kid, back when nobody though of helmets or other protective gear. If you fell, you got skinned knees and elbows; and it was part of the game. I wonder how many kids back then sustained head injuries into the bargain. Bargain 📦 Speaking of bargain, it’s time for me to look for a few. Thanksgiving is almost here; and Christmas will arrive before I know it. I’ve ordered my holiday candy; and I keep an eye peeled for gift possibilities all year round. It’s easier than frantic, last-minute shopping. And don’t forget, I have to allow time for shipping, too! I hope I can be back on the bike by Christmas. The hybrid has toe clips — those cup-like pedal attachments that keep your feet in place and let you pedal witb your quads. When I’m upright on a saddle once more, I don’t think I’ll be footloose any more. 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Bent?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Bent? ↪️ I’m not bent out of shape, am I? At the recreation center, I’m using a recumbent style exercise bike. There are only two upright exercise bikes; and I saw no instructions as to how to adjust them. One had recently been used by someone whose legs are far longer than mine. The other one’s saddle was barely low enough; and whoever had last used the bike left the pedals on high tension.  Six minutes were enough; it’s  possible to develop knee problems if you pedal too much in too hard a gear. So I moved to a bent-style bike. Another reason to keep using the “bent” is, on an upright bike, I automatically reach for the handlebars. My left elbow quickly began to ache; and I still need to avoid straining it. Therapy 🫱🏼 When I went to physical therapy this morning, I asked about the exercise bikes. They agree that the bent is better until my elbow is fully healed. My usual therapist was out today; but I was able to work with someone else. Now that I have access to the recreation center, I can get in an early “ride” on days when I have physical therapy. Other days I can go a little later; but I’d better use sunblock for the walk 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Pedaling Again

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Pedaling Again! 😊 I’m pedaling again! To be sure, it’s an indoor exercise bike; but my legs really need to get going again. Especially if I have ideas of participating in a cross-state ride next July! As planned, I began with a 30-minute session. I intend to do it again tomorrow, or maybe 35 minutes. I can easily fit it in before my physical therapy appointment. Sure, it’s boring — I’d far rather be outdoors on a real bicycle — but getting pedaling again is great! But not too much, too soon! Bit by bit is the way. Bit by Bit 🧩 I have to do this bit by bit. Sort of like playing Bananagrams; lay down one tile at a time. I read something somewhere about how long you need to get back up to scratch when you begin pedaling again after time off the bike. I don’t remember the source (maybe The Cyclist’s Training Bible); but you need to be especially careful if you had to miss riding due to illness or injury. The longer you were away from riding, of course, the more time you need to allow for regaining fitness. Your muscles will be weak; and your stamina will be diminished. You’ll also need to readjust to riding outdoors in the weather. Summer here hasn’t released its grip yet; but someday it will get 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Fermata

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Fermata 𝄐   Eager though I am to plunge into RAGBRAI 2026, I’m calling a fermata. Things can wait a bit. Early registration lasts through December 31; and Pork Belly registration doesn’t open until January 1, 2026. I’d better see how things go with my recovery over the next month. By Christmas, I should have a better idea of whether I can build up to RAGBRAI; and maybe I’ll even have my new road bike by then. I plan to start working out on an exercise bike tomorrow. At first, I think I’ll “just ride” for 30 minutes. After two months off the bike, it won’t be wise to ride long; or to include hard efforts. If that goes well, I’ll start adding 10 more minutes every few days.  After a few weeks, I can step up the intensity. Maybe getting to an exercise bike means that tomorrow is my lucky day? Lucky Day? But maybe today should be my lucky day. In my experience, four-leaf clovers aren’t rare; but all the same, this is the first one I’ve found in quite a while. I was out for a walk; looked down at a patch of clover; and there it was! So, how am I lucky today? My arm seems better. The weather was nice this morning, albeit the afternoon is warm for November. That’s become quite the norm, though; and as long as the tropics stay quiet, I guess we’ll just ride it out. We might get some rain by Thursday; so if I were doing real rides, that might put a fermata on my pedaling. It will take a while to readjust to riding outdoors in real weather; especially when it gets cold. We’ll see how it goes! 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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