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Party Animal?

BACK ISSUES /

Party Animal? 🥳 Am I becoming a party animal? Well, it’s the season for it! I went to a party straight from physical therapy today. But a party at 10:00 am? The head of the division where I used to work is retiring; and I was invited to the retirement party. It was good to see people that I’d known at work; but there were a lot of faces that I didn’t recognize. A lot happens in almost three years! My elbow is getting closer and closer to being able to fully straighten; but it’s not ready for weight bearing yet. I’m looking for an “arm bike” at the recreation center, so I can start working to strengthen my arm without lifting weights. Lifting Weights 🏋️‍♀️ Lifting weights really isn’t my thing, anyway, although I know that off-bike fitness is an important part of cycling. Even if I did enjoy weight lifting, I couldn’t heave dumbbells around while being a party animal. The weather is still gray; and it looks like tomorrow will be rainy, too. I guess I’ll skip the salvage store; I don’t like to ask anyone to come get me in bad weather. I never enjoyed driving in the rain; and I suppose nobody else does, either. 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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Dreary Days

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Dreary Days ☁︎ We’re getting some dreary days now. The weather has turned gray and rainy. After a long dry spell, dreary days tend to hang around once the rain finally begins. We’ve got several wet days ahead; and for a fact, riding wouldn’t be much fun. But I don’t think I’ll try to have fun by running around outdoors in bare feet; it’s too chilly for that. It isn’t cold enough for snow; and when I have to go places, I don’t want it to be that cold! Physical therapy continues; and I have a session scheduled for tomorrow morning. It might be raining then; and the forecast predicts an overnight low of 52 degrees. That’s cold enough for me! Physical Therapy Continues 😣 Physical therapy continues; and I don’t know how much longer it will go on. I’m still being followed by the orthopedic surgeon, too. I get tired of so many things medical! I have a follow-up with the surgeon a week before Christmas; and the biggest question on my mind, of course, is when I may ride again. I brought that up with the physical therapist yesterday; and he says, the orthopedic surgeon would be the best person to tell me that. Despite my dislike for getting wet while riding, though, being able to ride would make these dreary days a bit livelier! 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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Teeth into It

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Teeth into It 🦷 We say, put your teeth into it, when faced with a difficult task. “Teeth” sounds like bicycle gears; and when I can ride again, I’ll have to put my teeth into it; both in terms of gears, and effort on my part. I’ve put my teeth into it in another way, too. After the accident, it was difficult to clean between my teeth for a month or more. The swelling in my left arm wouldn’t let me get my hand up to my face to use dental floss; and I wasn’t sure those gum-pick things alone were doing an adequate job. I was concerned about developing cavities as a result; not what I need with a tooth extraction coming up. So I scheduled an extra cleaning at the dentist’s. If my insurance won’t cover it, I figure it still costs less than expensive work farther down the road — and fortunately there were no cavities! 😀 This week I decided to send off Christmas gifts. I’m not about to wait until a week before the big day! It’s too hectic by then. Send Off 📦 I like to do the send off early; then I can be sure the Christmas gifts will reach their destinations well before December 25. Besides, as the holiday gets closer, FedEx; post offices; and other such businesses, will get more and more crowded. I can easily imagine folks who waited until the eleventh hour to ship things, getting all riled up because their packages won’t arrive in time for Christmas. I won’t be able to get my teeth into it this holiday — I’ve got oral surgery scheduled for December 23. But I got some cranberry sauce, which doesn’t require much chewing; and I’ll have my own “Christmas dinner” before surgery day. The hard part will be deciding what to get! 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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Want for Christmas?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Want for Christmas? 🎄 It’s already time to think of what we want for Christmas. In fact, by today’s standards, it’s getting late for that. 🙄 I suppose that’s especially true if you’re shopping for kids. I don’t need to worry about my two front teeth; but what I want for Christmas is to be able to ride again. Using an exercise bike is better than nothing; but it’s not real riding! I have most or all of my shopping done; and in fact, I keep an eye peeled for gift ideas year round. Now I’ve got to get things shipped; and it’s irritating to see that the cost of shipping usually exceeds the cost of the gifts! But if I want Christmas presents get from here to there, that’s my only option. Here to There 🛣️ Shipping is how I get things from here to there. Even if I were going visiting for Christmas, I’d ship the gifts ahead. Frankly, I’m glad that I’m not trying to get myself from here to there for December 25. Both of my siblings live out of state. And not only out of state; they both live where it snows. If the weather three weeks from now will be  the same as it was recently, travel will be a nail-biter, to put it mildly. Not to mention all the tumult going on with airlines.  So I guess I’ll stay here; and how nice if I’ll be able to go for a ride! 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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Lightbulb Moments

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Lightbulb Moments 💡 We can all use lightbulb moments; especially when it seems impossible to figure out things. Like the logistics for going on a multi-day ride that takes place in another state; or figuring out how to pack for such a tour. Then, when those lightbulb moments finally occur, we wonder why we didn’t “get it” before; because now it seems so obvious! It Takes Years 📅 But it takes years, sometimes, for those lightbulb moments to strike. It could be the sudden realization that exerting some pull with your arms is a great help for climbing; I had been riding for many years before that dawned on me. This action means that my full weight isn’t on the saddle (although I maintain contact with it); and I can exert more push on the pedals. It’s also helpful when I want to work at pushing the pace. It takes years to develop cycling technique; or anyway, it took me years. I can’t afford a personal trainer; so I gleaned various bits of advice from reading. I’m still waiting to hear when I may ride again. The workouts I’m getting really aren’t sufficient; I’m just trying to keep my body from becoming totally flabby. 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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Skip the Mob

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Skip the Mob 😱 On the day after Thanksgiving, I’m always glad to skip the mob. Anybody who wants to deal wlth the Black Friday crowd is welcome to do so; but I’ve heard too many horror stories about this shopping event. People have been injured or even killed in the crush of bargain-hunting shoppers; so I skip the mob. Besides, why stand outdoors for a prolonged time, trying to be the first one through the door at opening time? How monotonous! I’d rather be riding! Rather be Riding 🚲 I’d rather be riding than shopping, or going to physical therapy sessions. I know that therapy is essential to my regaining the use of my elbow; but all the same, it’s a drag.  It’s almost three weeks until I see the orthopedic surgeon again; so I won’t know until then when I may ride again. Maybe. It depends on what X-rays show; and I might not get a definite timetable. When I can climb aboard again, I’ll skip the mob. Usually I’m riding solo, anyhow; and my first rides after a long break are going to be better without my having to watch out for other riders! 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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Forget the Coyote

BACK ISSUES, Food, Outdoors /

Forget the Coyote 🦃 Forget the coyote. If you want a “wile-e” critter, look no further than the wild turkey!  Supposedly Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey as the United States’ national bird (see video at 8:40). Whether that’s myth or truth, the wild turkey is said to be an intelligent critter; and quite wily. That’s why I say, forget the coyote. On the other hand, domestic turkeys, so I hear, are literally too stupid to come in out of the rain. Maybe it’s a good thing it isn’t raining today! But it’s cold — for me, anyway. This morning the chill factor was 45 degrees! So I had an early feast; and I’ll go for a walk when it’s warmer. Early Feast 🍗 I had an early feast today — Thanksgiving breakfast, rather than Thanksgiving dinner.  Yesterday I cooked up ground turkey in tomato sauce; and this morning I put a cupful of it over a slice of sourdough bread. I heated it in the microwave, and put some shredded cheese on top. On the side I had cranberry sauce and garlic-stuffed olives. It made a good feast! I wish I could go for a bicycle ride to burn off some of those calories; but alas, my elbow isn’t ready yet. Physical therapy tomorrow; and now it’s time to consider Christmas gifts! 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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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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