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Empty Again

Empty Again 🫙 Here it is, blogging time; and I’m empty again. 🙄 That drives me crazy. Maybe all those posts about RAGBRAI left me drained. It doesn’t help that I seem to keep getting colds, which saps my energy. I see my doctor day after tomorrow; and I hope we can figure out what’s going on. Today I took off from bikes; and I hope I’m not “empty” again when I ride tomorrow. If only I had the energy and stamina of the kids in this video! Would a good dose of peanut butter help? Peanut Butter 🥜 Sometimes I wish I could take peanut butter along on the bike. It would be a nice change from all those bars and gels. I must try it some time. Maybe “PB” would be good fuel for hard efforts! For now I’m letting hard efforts go. I don’t need to plunge into intense work too soon; I’d wind up feeling empty again, especially as I’m not feeling quite up to par. I don’t think it’s the heat. I’ve ridden in hot weather for months; and I go out pretty early in the day, usually by 7:30 am. I hydrate and use a cooling towel. Did all that corn in Iowa do something to 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.” 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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Cooling Trend?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Cooling Trend? 🥶 Have we got a cooling trend? At noon, it was only 91 degrees; and the heat index was below 100! That’s not as hot as it’s been; and any cooling is welcome. It’s more comfortable to ride when the heat lets up a little; but real Fall is at least a month away. I have to create my own cooling trend by wearing a cooling rag. I don’t know how I got along before I had it! Thinking of “cooling trend” makes my thoughts turn to Winter. Who know what might happen: will we have a freak snowfall? Will it be 30 degrees one day; and reach 80 degrees the next? Is weather everywhere as variable and unpredictable as ours? In a way, things are much easier during Summer: we know it will be hot! Winter ❄️ Winter will arrive eventually; and when it does, I have to haul out the cold-weather gear. I get tired of having arm warmers; leg warmers; gloves; and so on, hanging all over the place. But one day I’ll need them; the next day, I won’t! People understandably complain about the crazy variables in temperature, saying that we never know how to dress. One of the tricky aspects of Winter rides is layering. And if I need to remove a layer, where do I put it? My Camel-Bak pockets are already full with a cable lock and a tube of Chamois Butt’r; plus I carry some toilet paper just in case. There’s not much room for anything else. If I start to feel overheated, the best I can do is to partially unzip my jacket; and create a bit of a cooling trend! 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 ✍🏻 Cooling Trend? August 24, 2025 Not So Fast August 22, 2025 Feeling the Heat August 20, 2025 Weakening August 18, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Not So Fast

BACK ISSUES, equipment / CAL

Not So Fast? ⚡️ Sometimes we have to say, not so fast. Like, don’t push too hard too soon in your training; or don’t get too eager to buy a certain bicycle. As my road bike seems to be approaching its end, I’m considering a new one. The bike shop suggested a certain model; and I’ve watched some videos in which purchasers of this bike say they really like it. So I was thinking I’d get one; until I looked up the specs. Not so fast. The bike I was considering isn’t available in the right frame size for me. Or can the saddle of a 44-cm frame be safely raised to make a 47-cm frame? I’m certain I couldn’t lower the saddle of a 56-cm frame far enough; so here I am, caught in the middle. In the Middle 🙄 So, what can I do when I’m caught in the middle? I can look at other models of road bikes; and I can slow down and take my time. I don’t need a new bicycle instantly. Good thing, too. I was about to hike over to the ATM at my bank; then get a few things at the grocery store. But I began to hear thunder; and when I went outside, I saw a very stormy-looking sky in the East. I decided, not so fast; and came back indoors. It hasn’t rained much; but I think I’d better wait for the lightning and thunder to move off before I go out. I’m glad this didn’t start when I was out on the bike! 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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Feeling the Heat

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Feeling the Heat? ♨️ Are you feeling the heat? I’m not sure whether I am, or not. It looks like, technically, the dog days are behind us; but it’s still plenty hot. Today we had another heat advisory, too. It went into effect at 11:00 am; and I was home before then. In fact, after riding a mere five miles, I was suddenly profoundly tired! I’m sure it wasn’t the bonk; I ate before I rode. I had been hydrating, including electrolyte drink. I brought along a snack (although not this one) in case I needed it; and I ate half of it, along with a GU. But still, it took 20-25 minutes of riding at a snail’s pace before I started to feel a little better. A home COVID/flu test showed negative results; and my blood pressure isn’t low. So what’s up? Something to do with a new prescription I began taking last week? Or am I feeling the heat? I hope this passes off soon, whatever it is. I’m thinking of trying out new road bikes soon. Unfortunately this will get quite expensive; and I’m not made of money! Made of Money? 💰 At times I almost wish I were made of money. Big expenses seem to have a way of hitting me two or three at a time. In addition to bike-shopping, I’m facing probable oral surgery. That won’t be cheap, either! That means feeling the heat in a different kind of way: the heat of paying several large bills in rapid succession. I’ll manage; but I won’t enjoy it. The weather will continue to make us feel the heat for some weeks; the first cold front often doesn’t arrive until sometime in October. I’ve got to keep that cool rag handy! 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 ✍🏻 Feeling the Heat August 20, 2025 Weakening August 18, 2025 On Guard August 16, 2025 More Minutiae August 15, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Weakening

BACK ISSUES, Food, Outdoors / CAL

Weakening 😩 Nobody wants weakening in their training scheme. We all like to get stronger and stronger, right? With the hope that Clif Builder’s bars will help! Who wants to be “weak as water”? Sometimes I’m glad to see weakening, though. Hurricane Erin’s winds have dropped from 160 mph to 140 mph; but she’s still a powerful storm. She’s not expected to cross Florida and enter the Gulf. That’s good news for us; but the East coast could be in for a rough time. I sure feel for those in the storm’s path. Keep Going 🚲 Meanwhile, all I can do is keep going. I’m easing back into my regular riding schedule; and nudging my diet back on track. Continuing to ride in the mornings is a wise idea. It’s a bit cooler then; and there’s a lower chance that I’ll get caught in a T-storm. Yesterday evening we had a humdinger of a T-storm; complete with heavy downpour and some very close lightning. The power kept going off; and that played havoc with my Internet connectivity. I couldn’t keep going with blogging; or social media; or watching videos. As I type this, I hear the mutter and grumble of thunder again. I hope the storm undergoes weakening before it gets here. I don’t want a repeat of last night! 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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On Guard

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

On Guard! 💂🏻 We’ve got to be on guard. The NHC site shows that Erin is now a full-fledged Category 5 hurricane! Erin is still in the Atlantic; but her movement has shifted back onto a westward track. For the moment, anyway; it looks like they expect Erin to curve northwards; then to the Northeast. Then there’s the question: will Erin actually do that? Or will she switch tactics and get into the Gulf? It’s too soon to tell; but let’s be on guard. I’m glad I have no travel plans! If RAGBRAI were in a week or two, instead of two weeks past, I’d be very worried that Erin would ruin things. As if daily uncertainties about weather weren’t enough! Daily Uncertainties 🤔 Daily uncertainties about weather are enough, without having to be on guard against hurricanes. There’s always the big question of what to take along for ride food. Not Ben’s Original Street Food; I can’t ride no-handed at all, much less while eating out of a bowl! But I’ll occasionally have a serving of Ben’s at home. So, what shall I take for on-bike food for my next ride? It’s so hot that the coating of bars gets very soft and messy. Meat snacks make me too thirsty; and tend to be too hard to chew while pedaling. Such daily uncertainties make me wonder when I should plan an off-bike day. I usually take one day off each week; and if one day looks particularly likely to get bad weather, I can plan to skip the ride that day. My schedule is far more flexible now that I’m retired; and if I can’t do a long ride on Sunday, I can do it another 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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More Minutiae

BACK ISSUES, Food, Outdoors / CAL

More Minutiae 📌 ⧾ I keep coming up with more minutiae to share. RAGBRAI has so much to it! As I watch others’ YouTubes about the 2025 event, I’m reminded of things that I already forgot. There was the Queen Anne’s Lace along the road. I wish we had it at home; it’s really pretty. I had forgotten “Team Baby” until I saw them in a video (about 24:40); then I remembered that I saw them several times along the route. In Minnesota, the road surface had an odd reddish tint. I think I saw that in Iowa, too. Day Three, was it, I found a big map where you could put in a pin to show where you’re from. Somebody had beaten me to New Orleans; but I added a second pin, anyway. “More minutiae” also includes sounds. Sometimes we were riding alongside bodies of water; and I heard some loud frogs! I also enjoyed hearing birds; and the sound of the wind in the corn. At least one morning was cool enough for me to start out in my cycling jacket. Inevitably, it got warm enough that I had to remove that jacket; and it took up a crazy amount of space in my Camel-Bak’s pocket. If only I hadn’t had to keep several prescriptions with me! Still Thinking about Food! 🌽 🥧 🌮 I’m still thinking about food on RAGBRAI. At least one video showed Our Grandkids Ice Cream. Then I remembered seeing it; but I had already gotten other ice cream. After all, I was trying to be mindful of the prediabetes. I had also forgotten about Cold Oatmeal, which I got once; I think it was in the very first pass-through town. It was OK; but to tell the truth, I prefer my own cold oatmeal made with yogurt; nuts; and dried fruit. Or frozen blueberries! Once I got some kind of avocado bowl; and of course there were bananas. I didn’t once get a pickle, though. I feel like I’ve missed out on something. And there’s still more minutiae! Seeing Things 👀 There were also times during RAGBRAI when I was seeing things. Many a time, I’d look at the crest of an upcoming hill; and think I saw a line of trees. Moments later, I’d realize that I was looking at a crowd of riders. That was sort of funny. Seeing things wasn’t so funny when I noticed big clouds building up; and I’d start worrying about getting caught in a T-storm on the road. I believe it did rain on Day Seven; but I was on the SAG then. I would have liked to see more of my spork. It was in my handlebar bag; and all too often I forgot to get it out when I bought something to eat. During the entire week, I used it only once. If only I had been seeing things on the fourth night! Lots of lightning; and an absolute deluge. But it was only too real! 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

Handwriting

BACK ISSUES, equipment / CAL

Handwriting 𝒜 𝔅 ℂ Old and Tired? I’m not one who should talk about handwriting. My penmanship has never been anything to boast about. But I’ve got to face it: the handwriting is on the wall. My road bike’s days are numbered. This was bound to come eventually; but it seems so soon! Unfortunately, it’s become difficult or impossible to get parts for my bike. I ordered a replacement large ring for it months ago; and the bike shop hasn’t been able to find one. That gear will inevitably become so worn that it’s useless — and then what? Despite what the handwriting says, I hope my bike will hold out long enough for me to choose a new one. I’ve begun searching, so I won’t wind up grabbing whatever bicycle is there. Searching 🔎 Searching for a new bicycle involves many considerations. As my bike shop says, there’s the question of availability. What all is out there? What frame material do I want? I thought, carbon fiber or aluminum. The bike shop recommends the former. They say that aluminum frames don’t absorb bumps as well; and rough surfaces abound in my area. I don’t think that steel is a wise choice for a humid, salt-hazy climate; and titanium is expensive, which puts it out of the running. I don’t need to see that in handwriting! Will I be able to find a bicycle in the frame size I need? That can be a problem for smaller-than-average people; but it’s the most important factor in bike choice. If the bike doesn’t fit you, you could be in for a lot of problems. Colorway, as they call a bike’s color scheme, is secondary. It would be great to have a bike that’s sky-blue; but other factors matter much more. Other Factors ⛭ Other factors in bike choice are bicycle weight; and gearing. I must be searching for those things, too. The bike shop says, I’m not likely to find a recreational-style road bike that weighs much less than the bike I have. That’s somewhat dismaying; after RAGBRAI, I thought it would be nice to have a road bike that weighs around 15-17 pounds; not 22 pounds. But if I can’t get a lighter bike, can I get one with lower gearing? That would help with hills; sometimes RAGBRAI presents riders with 15% grades! I thought I might get a bike with a triple crankset; but the shop says they don’t make road bikes with a triple any more. Also, I want to transfer the saddle and pedals from the old bike to the new one. When I got my current road bike, it came with a flat, very hard saddle; and it did not feel good at all! I’ve got to go do some more research; including, of course, prices. 🤑 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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In Summary

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

In Summary 🚲 🌽 🌈 Home Sweet Home — for a Week In summary, my first RAGBRAI was a mixed bag. There was the pleasure of meeting Ryan Van Duzer! I got to try some fantastic foods: Chris Cakes; Beekman’s Ice Cream; Classic Cheddar and Bacon on Sourdough sandwich; and Thelma’s Ice Cream Sandwiches. And I added another state to my “visited” list; the first in many years. On the downside, I had to SAG much more than I wanted to; in part because my bicycle kept giving me mechanical problems. On the fourth night, a deluge left many of us with flooded tents. My sleeping bag got soaked; and then it weighed a ton. I totaled 238.67 miles out of the 406 miles of the RAGBRAI route; not much more than half. That was a disappointment. But in summary, this RAGBRAI actually was pretty good. I never expected that every moment would have me over the moon; and things weren’t so bad that I’ve been scared away from trying RAGBRAI again. Little Things 🌈 Then there are all the little things that didn’t quite fit into any of my blogs; but that are a part of RAGBRAI. I’ve mentioned the piggy-wig; but I never said anything about rumbles. Cyclists understandably go around rumbles when they can. If you have to roll over them, it’s like riding over a washboard! Rumbles typically come in sets of three; and are designed to slow traffic in the approach to a stop sign I’ve been watching YouTubes of RAGBRAI 2025; and it’s good to see them. There are so many little things that I had already forgotten; and the videos refresh my memory. Like the tulip signs on the way out of Orange City. Next Year 📅 I’m already thinking of RAGBRAI next year! Although I had problems this year, at least I know why. Next year, examine my bicycle more carefully when I get it back from the shipping service. If I had done that, I might have had much less trouble. Start training earlier; and train harder. For this RAGBRAI, I didn’t get my hard efforts past 90 seconds. I need to work them up to at least five minutes! Who knows; in 2026, the route might throw 15% grades at us! Maybe I should consider a touring bike with a triple crankset? Or perhaps a lighter-weight road bike. I’ve read of a formula for long-distance cyclists: the bike shouldn’t weigh more than 12% of the rider’s weight. According to that formula, the road bike I have is far too heavy! I’m a petite; and maybe there aren’t any bicycles that light, except for pro-tour racing bikes. But they’re far beyond my budget. Next year I want to try some goodies that I missed this year: Farm Kids Breakfast; corn on the cob; Mr. Porkchop. And a few more pieces of pie. If I can improve my cruising speed to 15 mph, I might have more time to spend at such attractions. 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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Minutiae

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Minutiae ✳︎ ✦ ✢ RAGBRAI is full of minutiae. I’ve forgotten so much already; and I wish I’d had time to take more notes. And more photos. Unfortunately I always had to get moving; and often didn’t have my camera with me. In towns, I’d leave it in the “burrito bag” on my handlebars, because I needed both hands for eating. I ought to mention the Mile of Silence on the first day of RAGBRAI, when riders pedal in silence to remember cyclists killed on the road during the past year. There was a sign for each person to be remembered. I don’t know how many signs there were; but one was, tragically, for an eight-year old boy. More and more minutiae keep coming back; but I often don’t remember when they happened. Which day was it that I got the spoke bracelet? Day One? And which town was that? When did I get the Classic Cheddar and Bacon sandwich? The Classic has four slices of bacon; and there was also the Baconator, with eight slices of bacon! Which town was it where I saw the Amish horse and buggy? Day Six, I think it was. Incidentally, by that time in RAGBRAI I was getting very tired. On the first day, we had to go over a set of railroad tacks. A sign warned, “rough tracks”; but I rolled over them and thought, “You call that rough?” Doing RAGBRAI was a chance to be out in Nature, too! Out in Nature 🐦 It was good to be out in Nature. Although I’ve been griping about headwinds, I liked to hear the wind making the corn plants rustle. I often heard redwing blackbirds calling. Once I saw a bald eagle landing; and I saw a chipmunk one day. Oh, and there are fireflies in Iowa! It was a delight to see them, because there aren’t any at home. Being out in Nature doesn’t always mean there’s time to sight-see; and I wish I could have paid more attention to the landscape. Other riders were often at least several feet away from me; but even so, they were there; and I had to look out for them. There’s a lot of minutiae connected with Nature; and too often we miss them. I’d say it’s worth cultivating an eye for them. 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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