SpokEasy

SpokEasy

BACK ISSUES

Shuffle

Shuffle 🔀 Sometimes I need to shuffle without having a deck of cards handy. The riding schedule needs to be shifted around at times; such as now. The forecast for the weekend looked pretty stormy; so I decided to make my visit to the salvage store this morning. I won’t want to try the trip if it’s storming! But I couldn’t find everything I wanted, and am debating whether to ride to the regular supermarket tomorrow; or to order online. I also need to shuffle things around in my cupboard, so the older items are at the front. That’s a drag, though — taking everything out, and then putting it back in! Drag 🥱 The upcoming Labor Day weekend looks to be a drag, and I don’t mean hauling stuff by tractor. The forecast shows constant chances of rain and T-storms. I suppose many folks will have to shuffle their plans from outdoor picnics to indoor munching; and I’m glad I don’t have my heart set on a backyard BBQ! The weather will, naturally, have some impact on my cycling plans. That’s a drag, too. I need to get back to my regular mileage, and start working to improve my pace. If I’m to do RAGBRAI again next year, the time to start working is now. 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

Shuffle Read More »

Heat of the Day

Heat of the Day ☀️ Is it really a good idea to go out in the heat of the day? I try to avoid it; but today I had a 10:00 am appointment. For almost two months, I seem to keep getting colds; and I wanted to consult with my primary-care physician about it. Of course I don’t want to get too sweaty and stinky before visiting any doctor; so I skipped riding this morning. The doctor thinks this is could be an allergy problem; and he’s having me use a nasal spray along with an oral medication. I hope it helps! But did I have an allergic reaction to all that corn in Iowa? By early afternoon, the lack of activity was getting to me; so I went out in the heat of the day. I used the Camel-Bak, and took along electrolyte drink. I also kept it short and easy, just over 11 miles; and I rode in the park, where I can get some shade. Get Some Shade 👒 We all want to get some shade; especially in the heat of the day. A Tontron Helmet Visor  can provide more shade than a regular helmet visor; but I have reservations about using one. It looks to me like the Tontron would create a lot of resistance in a headwind! Today I rode the hybrid; and mostly in low gear. I’m still working on my pedaling mechanics; and am at the aggravating stage where neither the old way nor the new way feels quite right. But I’m not training up for anything big at present; so I can afford to take my time. 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

Heat of the Day Read More »

Shorter but not Cooler

Shorter but Not Cooler ♨️ Our days are now shorter; but not cooler. At least, not by more than a few degrees. I still very much need the Camel-Bak for rides over a few miles; and I need to take electrolyte drink along. We’ve actually had a few consecutive days without a heat advisory; and that’s a relief. Even so, I try to ride early. We still have many daylight hours, even though the days are shorter (but not cooler!) Continuing heat and humidity means we’re still nervous about possible hurricanes. That won’t end for about three months! Still Nervous 😟 Of course I’m still nervous about what the tropics might do. Tropical Storm Fernand is heading for nowhere; but today I saw an online article that said the Gulf might start to fire up soon. So shorter-but-not- cooler days won’t help inhibit storm formation! I’m still not back up to my regular mileage; and if tropical storm conditions become  a threat, I’ll miss even more riding. Unfortunately I just don’t feel quite right; so it’s probably wise not to ride too long and/or hard. I see the doctor tomorrow; and I hope we can figure out what’s going on. 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 ✍🏻 Shorter but not Cooler August 26, 2025 Empty Again August 25, 2025 Cooling Trend? August 24, 2025 Not So Fast August 22, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Shorter but not Cooler Read More »

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

Empty Again Read More »

Cooling Trend?

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

Cooling Trend? Read More »

Not So Fast

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

Not So Fast Read More »

Feeling the Heat

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

Feeling the Heat Read More »

Weakening

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

Weakening Read More »

On Guard

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

On Guard Read More »

More Minutiae

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

More Minutiae Read More »