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We Like Dust!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

We Like Dust! 🧹 We like dust just now! According to news reports, a huge plume of Saharan dust is, at least for the present, inhibiting tropical storm development. Of course we’re happy that hurricanes aren’t popping up; and we all wish that they won’t! I suppose off-trail riders also say, We like dust. Riders who go for such activities need a good helmet; but that sort of headgear doesn’t look very comfortable to me! I’m also not a big fan of mucking up my bicycle. It looks like that’s what off-trail riding is about, when it isn’t dusty. Wash out the Sky 🌧️ For now, the rain has decided to wash out the sky. We actually needed some rain; but I hope it won’t keep pouring every day for three weeks. Even if we like dust, rain turns dust into mud; and then the mud gets tracked everywhere! Having rain wash out the sky probably helps allergy sufferers. Lately, when I ride on the levee, I see white fuzz blowing around; and I guess it’s from all the willow trees. Or do we also have cottonwoods here? At any rate, I get home after a ride and start sneezing! How much will I get to ride this weekend? Today we had a UV index of 12 (“extreme”). I was back from a ride to Walmart by 10:00 am; and I should be back home from the salvage store at about the same time tomorrow. But Sunday? Either start very early (say, 5 am); or let the long ride wait for Monday. 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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I Broke 20!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

I Broke 20! 🚄 I broke 20 mph this morning! That doesn’t happen very often; and I wish I could cruise at 20 mph as a regular thing. Well, maybe someday — but it will take time and hard work. This morning I worked on force intervals, as I call them. I shifted into a hard gear that really slowed my cadence; then worked to push my rpm to 70 for a minute. Then I’d ride easy for two minutes before attempting another hard effort. After three efforts, I rode easily for five minutes, then began another set; for a total of three sets. At some point during these hard efforts, I broke 20 mph. I didn’t stay there for long; but just getting there is an accomplishment. 👏🏻 The Day After 🌅 The day after these hard efforts is typically a ride-easy day. It’s gratifying to see these peak-speed notes in my cycling journal; but I know from reading about training that you shouldn’t do intense efforts day after day.  I had planned to do force work yesterday, and ride easy today. But I already changed things around and rode easy yesterday, because my legs felt tired. So I’ll “just ride” tomorrow, without any structured efforts. Maybe it’s a good thing my plan for day after tomorrow is only the ride to and from the salvage store. I saw a news article that says, people in certain states are warned to stay out of the sun this coming weekend because of an unusually high UV index. Louisiana is one of the states affected. As this warning is in effect between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, I might have to save the “Sunday” long ride for Monday! Either that, or start at five o’clock in the morning.

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Tricks

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Tricks 🤡 The wind was up to its tricks yesterday morning; and that can be startling. I tried working on my pace; and outward-bound, I seemed to be doing fine. What I didn’t realize was that I had a tailwind! It was a bit of a jolt to turn around to head home; and find that I had a headwind. Such tricks are most aggravating. Next ride, pay more attention to wind speed and direction before I set out; lately I’ve paid more attention to temperature and rain chances. Speaking of wind, there’s a huge dust cloud from the Sahara blowing this way. I hope it doesn’t cause too many problems for anyone. Speaking of Wind 🌬️ Speaking of wind, I decided to get an Arctic Air Fan to blow cool (well, cooler) air on me. It’s worth trying one, to see whether it really lets me chill out. So far I’ve used it only indoors; I wanted to do a trial run before using the fan on a bicycle ride. It might get very hot during RAGBRAI; and like everyone else, I’ll want to keep cool. I intend to take a cool rag along; but I want another way to beat the heat. I hope there’s room in my luggage for this wearable fan. It seems like I’m adding to the pile of RAGBRAI stuff every time I turn around. I think need a few tricks for packing! 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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Normal Schedule

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Normal Schedule 🗓️ It’s good to be back on my normal schedule. During Love to Ride challenge months, I try to ride every day. My normal schedule is to take one day off a week; and I admit that not taking those days off becomes difficult as the month goes on. Especially with RAGBRAI getting so close, I don’t need to get burned out; or to develop an overuse injury. So today I ran some errands and (can you believe it?) did some house cleaning instead. Soon I’ll be heading into the final stretch of training. I hope that what I’ve done is sufficient! The event’s organizers are doing the “Route Inspection Ride” this week; and I’m looking out for their reports. After I get that info, I’ll have a better idea of how well-prepared I am. Final Stretch 🥅  Yes, the final stretch of RAGBRAI training will be here before I know it. I’ll be riding the hybrid after July 7; because I must ship my road bike (via Bikeflights) by July 8. In fact, I might ship it a day or two before that, just to give myself some leeway. During the last week before I head to Iowa, the important thing will be to reduce distance; but maintain a certain amount of intensity. They say that’s what you need to do as you taper for an event. Being on my normal schedule of one day off a week will help with that. I hope the weather continues to cooperate! 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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Six Months

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Six Months 6️⃣ Here it is again: six months of anxiously watching the tropical weather map. If a storm should strike and knock out the power, an Arctic Air Fan would be great — until it runs out of charge! If a hurricane were threatening, I’d have to be sure to charge up my charging blocks. Then I could recharge the fan a time or two. Six months is a long time to be so concerned about weather; so I guess a lot of folks do as I do. I check the NHC site frequently; lay in a supply of non-perishable food and some jugs of water; and look for a way out of town in case an evacuation is called. Then I hope for the best. Hope for the Best 🙏🏻 Hope for the best is all I can do during hurricane season. This is about the only time I wish I had a car; because it’s easier to get out of town on short notice when you’ve got your own vehicle. But cars cost too much for me to own one; so I’ve got six months of hoping I don’t have to flee a storm. Interruptions to my riding is what I dislike most about visits from tropical storms. With RAGBRAI getting nearer and nearer, I don’t need disruptions to my training! I’m pushing for a 50-mile ride once a week; and in fact, it’s time to bump it up to 55 miles. So I hope for the best as far as weather goes. I often wish there were small stores along my usual riding route; but unfortunately there aren’t; unless I ride at least a few blocks out of my way. If there were some stores easy to access, I could vary my usual ride food (bars) with a hot dog or a slice of pizza. I need to know how I do on such food while doing long rides; RAGBRAI is sure to bring such foods! 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 Six Months June 1, 2025 Quiet in the Tropics May 30, 2025 Coming in Waves May 29, 2025 Unsettled Weather May 28, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Quiet in the Tropics

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Quiet in the Tropics 🌀 It’s quiet in the tropics for now; and I hope it stays that way! Official hurricane season begins at midnight tonight; and that means six months of constantly being on guard. I have to set aside some canned goods especially for “hurricane rations”; and I wonder how well refried beans would do. Even a minimal hurricane is likely to knock out the power; and I don’t want to open a can of any food that I can’t use up within the day. I’m not sure I’m able to finish up a whole can/package of “refritos” that quickly. Quiet in the tropics can change very quickly; and so can a storm’s path. Hurricanes are quite erratic, really. Years ago, there was one hurricane that swung in and out from the western coast of Florida, striking land in three or four places! Naturally one of my biggest worries is having hurricane derail my RAGBRAI plans. I hope the weather cooperates with my riding over the next weeks. I need to keep training! Keep Training 🏋🏻 I need to keep training; and I think I need more intensity work. RAGBRAI does have hills! And, while RAGBRAI isn’t a race, I’m rather frustrated that my pace seems stuck around 10 mph. Are one or two pace-work sessions per week (when I try to push for 14-15 mph for 5 minutes at a time) enough to do me any good? I do feel somewhat stronger now, so maybe I’m doing something right. Let’s hope it stays quiet in the tropics, though. I’m not the only one in this region who is preparing for RAGBRAI; and we want to keep training! 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 Quiet in the Tropics May 30, 2025 Coming in Waves May 29, 2025 Unsettled Weather May 28, 2025 On a Full Stomach May 27, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Coming in Waves

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Coming in Waves 🌊 The bad weather today is coming in waves; and it’s driving me crazy. Every time I think things are settling down enough for me to go out for a ride, along comes more rain! There’s even a flash flood warning for the next three hours. As there’s also some lightning, it’s probably wise to stay under cover. I’d “ride” in the trainer for a while if I could; but the hybrid’s tires are the wrong size to fit. Every time I’ve tried to hitch the hybrid into the trainer, the wheel has gotten knocked off; and the road bike is still in the shop. I might have to miss riding for the day. 😒 Better luck next time, I guess. Better Luck 🍀 I hope I have better luck with the weather tomorrow; and for the weekend, too. I’m considering switching things around; and visiting the salvage store tomorrow. Then I can try Saturday-Sunday back-to-back long rides.  Consecutive days of 20-mile rides are no longer a real challenge; so I think I’ll try for 30 miles or so. Or maybe I’ll shoot for 50 miles on Saturday; and do 30 or so on Sunday? Although retired for over two years, I still seem stuck in the working person’s “do it all on weekends” mentality. But when bad weather keeps coming in waves, as today, it’s good to know that I can easily rearrange my riding schedule. It makes it easier for me to get better luck. 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 Coming in Waves May 29, 2025 Unsettled Weather May 28, 2025 On a Full Stomach May 27, 2025 Til Next Year May 26, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Unsettled Weather

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Unsettled Weather 🌊 ⛈️ We’ve definitely got some unsettled weather here! We’ve gotten our second Special Weather Statement in a few hours about strong T-storms in the area. Heavy rain is expected; and we’re under a Flash Flood Warning.  This unsettled weather will probably continue well into tomorrow; and it looks like I won’t be able to ride until mid-afternoon. I wish I could have ridden longer this morning, to make up for the expected lack of cycling tomorrow; but I did force work, and was getting tired. Force Work 👊 Force work might be more interesting if I had a power meter. I could know how much power I’m actually generating; but power meters are expensive. Once or twice I’ve been on the verge of buying one for my road bike; when up came the need for costly dental work! I finally gave up on the idea of power meters. Today I did my force work on the hybrid, anyway. The road bike’s rear shifter had been creaking as I shifted to larger cogs; and it also felt stiff. Ergo the bike is in the shop to get checked out. I’m glad this unsettled weather waited for afternoon to move in. Lightning dancing around while I’m riding makes me uneasy; and if it rains hard, it’s difficult to see. Then I don’t want to start force work, because I might get as fast as 18 mph. And then I need to see! 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 Unsettled Weather May 28, 2025 On a Full Stomach May 27, 2025 Til Next Year May 26, 2025 Test Aborted May 25, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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On a Full Stomach

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

On a Full Stomach 🥡   Today I got a little practice riding on a full stomach. I got Chinese take-out for lunch; and contrary to my usual practice, I didn’t put half of it away for another meal. I demolished the whole thing! Naturally I felt stuffed afterwards; but in a short while I headed out for a short, easy ride. I need more practice riding in the heat, for one thing. It’s part of my RAGBRAI preparation! Riding on a full stomach is rather uncomfortable; and during RAGBRAI I want to space out my food intake. Especially if I’m climbing! Vigorous effort on a full stomach is even less fun than riding easily on a full stomach! In addition to considering food during RAGBRAI, I’m planning how to get my bicycle there; and one alternative is Bikeflights. Maybe I can even send a supply of gels with the bike! Bikeflights ✈️ Part of RAGBRAI preparation has been, of course, figuring out how to get my bike up to Iowa; and I’m planning on using Bikeflights. I don’t like the idea having to lug a bicycle in a case to luggage check-in at the airport. There’s a service called Bikeflights; and my bike shop uses it all the time. Bikeflights works with RAGBRAI; and other events as well.  So I’ve registered for Bikeflights. I’ve got to review what all I may put in the case with the bicycle; I think they say there’s also room for two pairs of shoes and a helmet. I plan to pack two water bottles and one pair of shoes. If I can fit a full duffle bag in there as well, I can ship one in the bike box. Then I’ll only have one bag to worry about during the trip up to Iowa. At the moment, I’m more concerned about tomorrow’s weather. There’s a chance of T-storms; but they might not crop up until noon. So my ride might be OK; but as I plan to do some force work, I don’t think I’ll ride on a full stomach! 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 On a Full Stomach May 27, 2025 Til Next Year May 26, 2025 Test Aborted May 25, 2025 Snap May 24, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Til Next Year

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors, Personal Care /

Til Next Year 📅 Good grief, I’ve got enough sunblock to last me til next year! In my zeal to have enough for RAGBRAI, I’ve been buying it often; and it would seem that I’m overstocked. I have a variety of brands; with SPFs ranging from 50 to 70. I’ve been looking for tubes of the right size to fit into my under-saddle pack; and I’ll concentrate on using the awkwardly-large tubes before I head for Iowa. I don’t think I need to worry about running out any time soon; as I said, I’ve got enough to last til next year! But all the sunblock in the world isn’t much use if I consistently forget to apply it to certain areas. I tend to forget my neck, especially in the back; and one YouTube I watched about RAGBRAI mentioned, don’t forget to put sunblock on the backs of your fingers. Otherwise they could become badly blistered. In the Back 👈 Back to Basics sounds like things to do in the back yard: gardening; hanging out the laundry; and so on. Will I be in the back of the pack during RAGBRAI? I won’t know until I’m in the thick of it; and even if I am in the back, what of it? They say Iowa has 15 hour of daylight during July; and just so I get to the overnight town by 6 pm, I’m good. I hope to get to the end towns earlier than that, though; especially if I have to set up my own tent. Today I tried to do some pace work; and had problems because of the headwind. I also noticed my right-hand brifter creaking as I shifted to larger gears; and that makes me uneasy. Is a cable getting caught? I’d better ride the hybrid until I can get that checked out. For sure, I won’t wait til next year. 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 ✍🏻 Til Next Year May 26, 2025 Test Aborted May 25, 2025 Snap May 24, 2025 Tent? May 23, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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