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Self-Healing Roads?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Self-Healing Roads? 💊 Self-healing roads? Oh, I wish! I bet the ancient Romans could have built them. Check out this video between about 9:47 and 11:24. Even if we could get the volcanic ash, though, would it work? Maybe the ash available to the builders of the Colosseum happened to have the chemical composition that let it work the way that it did. Perhaps there’s no guarantee that ash from any old volcano will serve; and if all the world tried to build self-healing roads using volcanic ash, said ash might go the way of the dodo within a rather short time. Then we’d have to wait for more eruptions to get the ash; and what disruption that would wreak! Same Old Bumps 🙄 Since self-healing roads seem to be a pipe dream these days, I’ll to just ride over the same old bumps. Street surfaces in this neighborhood have been terrible for decades! I’ve been approved for Emeritus membership at the recreation center I mentioned; and I used my cell phone to take a pic of the email notification. I don’t think I’ll try to go there before Monday, though; this is Parents’ Weekend at the university; and it will probably be pretty crazy through tomorrow. But it’s great to feel like I’m getting my normal energy back. It took at least six weeks! 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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Hope for RAGBRAI?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Hope for RAGBRAI? 🤞 Is there hope for RAGBRAI 2026? I have my physical therapy sessions at a facility that’s on the university campus where I used to work. It’s in the same complex as the student recreation center; and I thought there might be a way I can get in there to use an exercise bike until I can get back on a real bike. There is! As someone who worked for the university for at least 25 consecutive years, I can apply for Emeritus membership! So that’s what I did. I guess I’ll hear from them next week. I understand that I pay for that membership month by month; and I might not need it past January — maybe February. So there’s hope for RAGBRAI. Better Get Going 🏃🏼‍♀️‍➡️ I’d better get going, though. I’ve lost two months already; and it’s lucky I don’t have to go to work any more. Thus I’m not time-crunched like some riders are. I don’t have to go out at 5 am to be sure I get a ride; and if it’s cold, I can wait for it to warm up a little.  I hope I can get my new road bike by February. I’ve got hope for RAGBRAI; but even so, I’ll need time to adjust to the new bicycle; and I’ll want to get a proper fitting. But when I can start pedaling, I’d better keep the pace casual for a week. Yes, I’d better get going; but if I go at it too hard right away, I might do more harm than good! 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER

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Should I?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Should I? 🤔 Should I go for RAGBRAI 2026? Registration opens day after tomorrow; and if I am going to do the ride, the earlier I sign up, the better. The same goes for getting a Pork Belly tent. But should I commit myself to the ride right now? That’s taking a major chance: I’ll probably be unable to ride for at least another month; and when I can ride again, I’ll have a long way to go before I can regain decent fitness. I’m not sure I can build up the necessary strength and stamina quickly; my body doesn’t seem to work that way. There’s the financial angle, too. For a fact, RAGBRAI is expensive; and I have other big expenses coming up! Financial Angle 📐 The financial angle is  important any time I start to think about a bicycle trip. There will be the plane trip up to Omaha; and lodging there before and after the bus ride to Iowa. Then, another plane flight back home. I have the sleeping bag and pad from last year, so I’d be spared that expense; but I have to buy a new road bike. Add to that upcoming oral surgery; and no wonder I’m asking, should I sign up for the ride. I might not, after those expenses, want to splurge on RAGBRAI. Oh, yeah, if I do shoot for RAGBRAI 2026, I’ll want a sixty-liter duffle bag. A pair of 40-liter bags this past RAGBRAI was barely enough! 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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Boomerang?

BACK ISSUES /

Boomerang? 🪃 Does Summer think it’s a boomerang? After just two chilly nights, it’s warming up again! Summer apparently is coming back. Or have the seasons confused the USA and Australia? I associate cold weather with the auroras, and they usually don’t come this far South; but they were visible last night in parts of Louisiana! I don’t know whether anyone here in New Orleans saw them; nor at what time. I do wonder, though, whether that’s why the modem for my WiFi connection was down this morning. Or was it just a garden-variety power outage? I’m starting to feel like a boomerang when it comes to physical therapy. I have to go back to that place twice a week; but at least it looks like my elbow is improving. Drying Up 🌵   Now that we’ve had some cold weather, my skin is drying up. It’s partly the cold; and partly lower-than-usual humidity levels for a day or two. We might keep drying up; no rain is expected for at least five days. I go walking most days; but I still can’t ride. My muscles are getting weaker and weaker. With goodies-laden holidays coming up, I need exercise more than ever! 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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Stiff!

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Stiff! 😬 My arm feels stiff today. I guess that’s normal, considering that the weather has become much cooler. And the wind feels cutting. It wouldn’t be fun if I were riding on the levee! When I can finally start riding again, I’m sure to have stiff legs for a while. Stiff glutes, too. I remember that from my early days on two wheels. Speaking of cutting, I started for the local Supercuts® shortly before 9:00 am; and it felt so cold that I went back indoors! The haircut can wait until later this week; I’ve got four appointments over the next two days. Tomorrow will be a triple header — I have appointments for otolaryngology; audiology; and ophthalmology all in the same day! I’m glad they’re all at the same facility. The next day I have physical therapy again. Triple Header 👤 👤 👤 That triple header, though, will mean hanging around for several hours between the two morning appointments, and the one in mid-afternoon. I must check for places where I can get some lunch; cafeterias in medical centers are typically quite expensive. Coming home for lunch would be pushing it time-wise; and I don’t want to drag a lunch cooler with me. That’s too cumbersome! Tomorrow the temperature will be colder than it was today; but at least the wind is dying down. Maybe I can take public transit; I’m tired of costly taxis. And I think I saw an indoor walking route last time I was at that particular facility. I can go walking; and so what if it gives me stiff legs! 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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Nosedive

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Nosedive ⬇️ We’re set for a nosedive in temperature overnight. The wind will be strong, too — so maybe it’s just as well that I won’t be trying to ride tomorrow. Wind 15 mph; with gusts twice as strong! That’s a chill factor of 34 degrees when it’s not gusting. At least the temperatures will be more seasonal for a day or two. Tomorrow night is supposed to be colder than tonight; but after that it will warm up again. See-Saw 🔄 So here we go again with this crazy see-saw. It happens every year. One night the temperature takes a nosedive; and one or two nights later it doesn’t fall below 60 degrees. In a way it’s easier during Summer, when we can be sure of one thing: it will be hot. We’ve also got something called a Red Flag warning for tomorrow. It’s been very dry, and that plus high winds means an increased fire risk; so beware of burning things outdoors. I’m glad I don’t live in the woods! Cold weather means that my nose will drive me crazy. That’s especially annoying when I’m riding; just try to use a handkerchief while pedaling. Well, I can hear that the wind has gotten much stronger in the last half-hour. So I’m glad I’m indoors. 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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Last Fling

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Last Fling? 🎉 Is Summer having a last fling? So far, we’ve had little weather that really felt like Fall; and today it got into the 80s. But tomorrow night it’s supposed to drop to 43 degrees. For me, that’s cold! Fall to me means maple syrup. I love maple, but I try to use it sparingly. It’s not cheap; and I have to keep the prediabetes in mind! When I can ride again, I’ll start burning more calories; and my appetite (and my sweet tooth!) might be easier to control. Or at least I can get my accustomed exercise; and I hope our Winter weather won’t be too frigid. Winter Weather 🥶 ❄️ How much Winter weather will we get this season? Will it snow again; or will this be a Wnter-that-isn’t? Perhaps Summer isn’t having a last fling, after all! I’m glad chilly days waited until I was out of that splint. I don’t know how I could have dressed warmly enough with that contraption in the way; it was quite bulky, and I don’t have enough windbreakers with sleeves that could fit over it. Winter weather might still bring problems, such as the surgical scar being sensitive to cold. I’ve also heard about injured joints flaring up with weather changes. All I can do is see what Winter weather brings. 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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Carry On

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors, Personal Care /

Carry On 📦 Today at physical therapy, I got to carry on. The therapist had me do a few exercises with small weights; but he says not to try them at home yet. Testing my strength, maybe? But I can’t yet carry a bicycle case, of course. Not even with my arm unweighted. Maybe my elbow isn’t sufficiently recovered to do the weight exercises daily; so if I want to carry on, I’ll have to use a backpack! At least my walking pace seems to have recovered; and that’s something. I seemed sluggish for weeks. Faster walking keeps me warmer; and I’ll need that soon. Per the forecast, the temperature will fall to the lower 40s Sunday night; so I’ve got to get the jacket ready. Get the Jacket Ready 🥶 Yep, get the jacket ready. Not only is it expected to get cold; the forecast is for some stiff wind. It’s not my favorite thing to carry on a bike ride in a headwind; so I think a part of me will actually be relieved that I’m not riding! When I can finally ride again, I’m going to start with rides in the park. It might be better to stay off the levee for a while; especially if the wind is strong! 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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Unweighted

BACK ISSUES /

Unweighted 🏋🏻 What a relief it is to have my arm unweighted! Today I was freed from that nuisance of a splint; and I was so glad that I went off the rails and devoured a pint of ice cream. The doctor says to keep working at arm extension. Tomorrow I have a physical therapy session; and I expect the therapist will tell me the same thing. Being unweighted from the splint means I don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain, and possibly getting the splint wet. Our weather has been dry; and I was grateful for that, because I needed it. But we really need some precipitation. So now it may rain. Now It May Rain 💦 Now it may rain; not that I’d really like getting caught in it. But now it doesn’t matter as much if I get wet. Being unweighted from the split, unfortunately, doesn’t mean that I can jump back on the bike yet. That might take another six weeks. 🙄 I have to keep working to improve the elbow’s extension; and my arm has lost a good bit of what strength that it had. I messaged the orthopedic surgeon to ask when I may start using my left arm to lift small weights; I forgot to ask about it this morning. One of the splint’s bands was at the wrist, limiting my hand’s mobility. With that constriction gone, it’s far easier to use both hands; which is a major relief. Shedding the splint has unweighted me in more ways than one.  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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Reach Out

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Personal Care /

Reach Out 🫱🏼 I can reach out more now! Today the physical therapist extended the splint; and I can extend my arm farther. I’m looking forward to being rid of that thing. Even though I can reach out more, using my left hand is awkward. My arm gets tired quickly because the splint is not weightless. For that reason, I’ve developed the habit of keeping my elbow flexed and the arm close to my body. Thank goodness I’m  no longer worried about how I’ll manage if a hurricane heads our way. Evacuation would be enough of a hassle even if I didn’t have an arm out of commission! I just hope we don’t get a late-season storm. Late Season 🍁 A late season hurricane isn’t impossible; but the tropics are expected to remain quiet during the coming week. So we can relax for a bit! And I’m waiting to be able to ride again. How well must I be able to reach out before I’m able to manage the steering? I don’t ride with my arms fully extended; the elbows are supposed to have some bend in them. If your arms are straight and rigid on the bike, steering will be a lot harder; and you also will have a harder time if you hit a bumpy patch in the road. When I’m out of the splint, I have to get back some arm strength, too; but I don’t know how soon I may add a bit of weight to my therapy exercises. The scar area still doesn’t take well to weight! 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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