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Could Have Ridden Longer

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Could Have Ridden Longer! ⏩ I could have ridden longer this morning; and enjoyed more of life behind bars. But the weather looked quite uncertain; and I knew that it was pretty sure to rain at some point. On top of that, I wanted to make a detour to the store. My legs felt rather tired; so I just rode the hybrid to the park and did three laps. Sometimes you need to listen to your body when it says, “I don’t wanna ride long (or hard!)” Then I headed for the store, and got the onion that I needed. ? I was back home at about 9:15 am; and I don’t think the rain started until at least 10:00. I could have ridden longer; but now I don’t want to go out. I’m still expecting the lightning ⚡️to break out at any time. Stormy Rides ⛈️ What do pro cyclists do when it’s time for a training ride; but there’s a fierce T-storm roaring overhead? Do they go out to ride anyhow; or do they ride inside? Stormy rides, after all, can be very nerve-wracking! I guess this answers my question. Or does it? Read about the Tour de France, and you’ll see that those cyclists ride through rain; T-storms; hail; and even snow! If you can’t avoid riding in the rain (such as on a long bicycle tour; commuting to work or school; or even a race) what can you do to make riding a bit safer? One suggestion I’ve read is to slightly deflate your tires: e.g. if you typically use 100 psi, then make it 90 psi in the rain. This increases the “contact patch” of your tires a little, improving traction. Most of us won’t be racing; and on a rainy day, slow down; especially when going through corners. Extra caution is well warranted during stormy rides. I looks like I can stay dry during my usual weekend rides. That’s a good thing, because I don’t want to cut a ride short and then realize that I could have ridden longer. 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Elementor #183554 October 4, 2024 Waiting to Pounce October 3, 2024 All Streaks Must End October 2, 2024 Bike Bus October 1, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Waiting to Pounce

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Waiting to Pounce? ? Do you ever get the feeling that the weather is waiting to pounce? Today was just such a day. When I went riding at about 7:45 am, the sky was mostly clear. There were a few white clouds; but as I rode, more and more clouds gathered. By the time I reached home at about 9:40 am, the sky was mostly overcast.  These Giro Rev shoes might be ready to pounce into cycling action; but they won’t keep me dry if it rains. And it looks like tomorrow will be a very wet day. Indeed, the forecast is for T-storms! Not a Harbinger ? According to the forecast, this rain not a harbinger of Fall; so I won’t be getting out the hot chocolate just yet. Oh, and while I’m thinking about it, hot chocolate is good with a bit of cinnamon in it! So, shall I ride tomorrow; or skip a day? Today I just tried to keep a steady pace; and of course the headwind on the way home made it harder. I also made today’s ride a bit shorter. But riding in the rain? I hope tomorrow’s rain is not a harbinger of a prolonged wet spell! I’ll need practice with riding in the rain, though, if I’m going to do RAGBRAI; participants can’t count on nice, sunny weather all week. The weather is waiting to pounce at any 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Waiting to Pounce October 3, 2024 All Streaks Must End October 2, 2024 Bike Bus October 1, 2024 One Last Lick September 30, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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All Streaks Must End

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

All Streaks Must End ? All streaks must end sometime; whether it’s an unusually good stretch of training rides; winning races; or a spell of no rain. We’ve had less rain than usual for a while, aside from Francine; and amazingly few T-storms. But it looks like that’s about to end. Tomorrow night through Sunday night we’ve got chances of rain and, yes, T-storms. Knowing that all streaks must end doesn’t cheer me up. Riding in the rain isn’t my favorite thing to do; especially when I’m trying to get in long miles. I have a poncho, but it’s really too long for cycling; and it flaps around like crazy in the wind. Not Gene Kelly ? Sure, riding in the rain is entirely possible, especially with the right gear; but I am not Gene Kelly. He was dancing in the rain, anyway. Besides, even the best rain gear can’t protect you from lightning, which is my major concern. I’ve been enjoying the current spell of un-rainy weather; it lets me ride farther while not worrying that rain might catch me at any moment. We also get the opposite: spells when it seems like it will never stop raining; and when I constantly have wet gloves, socks, etc. spread out all over the place. When I get sick and tired of rain, I have to remind myself then that all streaks must end. 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 Facebook Twitter Youtube All Streaks Must End October 2, 2024 Bike Bus October 1, 2024 One Last Lick September 30, 2024 No Leg Warmers Yet September 29, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bike Bus

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Food /

Bike Bus ? B is for Bike Bus! Now that school is in session, such get-to-school groups might be popping up all over the country! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bike bus here in New Orleans; maybe because there simply aren’t any. I might not be out riding at the right time of day to see them; or I’m in the wrong part of town. If they exist here, that is. And I don’t think I want to start one myself. Although the video doesn’t go into great detail, I’m sure there are waivers of responsibility and other such liability issues to settle before the first ride. That’s a bit too much for me! But I hope there are bike busses here. It would be a great thing for school children. IS It Fall? ? Is it Fall? So far it doesn’t feel like it; but if the days are crisp where you live, a mug of Caffe D’Vita Sugar Free hot cocoa is great after a chilly ride. No cholesterol; gluten free; no trans fats; and it’s kosher as well. Only 50 calories per serving. But how to fuel the youngsters for that bike bus?  They’ll probably need more than 50 calories; especially as kids are growing; and that takes energy!  Maybe Skout Organic Kids Snack? This variety pack offers six flavors; and these bars are free of dairy; soy; eggs; fish; and gluten. Does your kid enjoy letting people know, “Here I come!”? The Hornit Mini Nano combines lighting with a choice of 15 different sound effects. Decibel range of 75-80 for younger kids who probably won’t be riding around motor traffic. Available in Mint Green; or Pink/Purple. The Hornit might come in handy for a bus bike ride! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Bike Bus October 1, 2024 One Last Lick September 30, 2024 No Leg Warmers Yet September 29, 2024 Nervous Breakdown September 28, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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One Last Lick

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

One Last Lick ? Today I just had to get in one last lick before Cycle September ends. A 20-mile ride was a good way to end the month; and I’m delighted that I didn’t miss a single day! This ride was actually almost 0.75 miles longer than I  had intended. On the way home, I had to take a detour because a train was blocking my usual crossing; and I wasn’t going to wait for it to start moving. If I had, I might still be standing there! I tried some “fake hills” during my ride. That means, get into the hardest gear my bike offers; and pedal against that resistance for one minute at a time. I took two-minute breaks of riding an easy gear between efforts. I did three “hills”; and after a 10-minute break of easy pedaling I did another set. Caution: don’t try this if you’re new to cycling. Pushing too hard a gear, too soon, is too hard on the knees; and can even result in injury. Scream? ? Speaking of one last lick, I’m getting into the mood for ice cream. Remember, “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream”? But I don’t think the drug store carries Rebel. And, the trouble with bringing home a pint of any kind of ice cream, is keeping myself from demolishing it all in one sitting! I’d need to go out and ride another 20 miles or so to burn it off. 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 One Last Lick September 30, 2024 No Leg Warmers Yet September 29, 2024 Nervous Breakdown September 28, 2024 Hit and a Miss September 27, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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No Leg Warmers Yet

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

No Leg Warmers Yet?? No leg warmers yet, even though it’s the end of September. Although the weather is a bit cooler, it doesn’t really feel like Fall. That might not happen for several weeks; and even when it does, the heat might make a fierce comeback! As a matter of fact, we’re expecting highs in the 80s for the next few days! So that means, no leg warmers yet; and still lots of sunblock. Aside from relief from the heat, we could do with a cold front to push tropical activity away. Lacking that, we’ve got to keep our eyes on that new system. If it keeps its current drift towards the NW, we’re not in its direct path; but until I know what it’s expected to do, I guess I have to stick to cramming; and get in my miles before another round of severe weather! Fall Plans ?️ What about Fall plans, especially once the threat of hurricanes is past? I don’t  have to worry about going back to school, thank goodness; but the days are ticking away towards the year’s end. I’m still working at making 70K miles (long-term) by December 31; and RAGBRAI is still on my mind. Today I extended my Sunday ride to 24 miles; and this week I want to do some simulated hill work. I sure need that if I want to ride across Iowa!  How do I manage fake hills? Get into a gear that feel really hard; and push it for a while. Start with short efforts; there’s no point in ruining my knees! Bit by bit, make the efforts longer. The hardest part, I think, will be easing up enough between efforts!   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 Leg Warmers Yet September 29, 2024 Nervous Breakdown September 28, 2024 Hit and a Miss September 27, 2024 Flashback? September 26, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Nervous Breakdown

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Nervous Breakdown? ? All this tropical activity is enough to give us a nervous breakdown! Maybe we can work off those nerves as long as we keep our legs pumping! Joking aside, there’s another tropical system developing right where Hurricane Helene was born. It’s too soon to say how much/fast further development will be; nor where Kirk-to-be might go. Of course I hope New Orleans isn’t in this new storm’s path; but I certainly don’t wish it on Florida. All this watchfulness is enough to give anyone a nervous breakdown! Have I got enough bottled water? And enough canned food? Even worse, will I have to evaacuate? Stay away Kirk! ? So, stay away Kirk! Better yet, disintegrate! Most of all, leave poor Florida alone. We should also think of the islands in the Caribbean that are getting hammered. Here I go again, considering cramming. If that new tropical system strengthens into a serious storm; and heads our way; I might have to miss several days of riding. I’d like to get in some extra miles in case it does come to that. Missing a few days shouldn’t affect my readiness to do RAGBRAI (if I can get to Iowa for the event); but I guess I’ve got an OCD streak. I’m rather hung up on getting my long-term mileage total to 70K by December 31!  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 Facebook Twitter Youtube Bike Bus October 1, 2024 One Last Lick September 30, 2024 No Leg Warmers Yet September 29, 2024 Nervous Breakdown September 28, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Hit and a Miss

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Hit and a Miss ? Today was a hit and a miss; and I don’t mean slinging kettlebell weights around. The hit was pleasant temperatures for riding this morning. It was barely 70 degrees; and the wind wasn’t as bad as the forecast last night indicated. For a change, I had a tailwind on the way home. On the way out, I did a little practice riding in the drops. This is a useful skill; and helpful when you have to buck a headwind. I need more practice at it, so I can reach for a water bottle while in the drops. It also takes practice to get comfortable riding in the drops for prolonged periods. I personally wouldn’t try it during a large group ride, however. It keeps my hands farther from the brakes than I like; and for me it makes quick steering much harder. Last Gasp? ? So much for the hit. The miss is that we weren’t impacted by Helene. Those poor folks in Florida weren’t so lucky; and neither were many people who live farther inland. There’s Hurricane Isaac out there, too; but he seems to be heading nowhere. Let’s hope that hurricane season is in it’s last gasp. So yes, it’s possible to get a hit and a miss at the same time. Maybe Quest Chocolate Caramel Pecan bars will be a hit on your next long ride? This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Hit and a Miss September 27, 2024 Flashback? September 26, 2024 Get Corny September 25, 2024 Still Nervous September 24, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Flashback?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

Flashback? ? Ever have a flashback? Maybe our subconscious minds think we need more spice in our lives! I’ve been retired for well over a year; and have very seldom dreamed about being back at work. Then this morning, I shut off the alarm clock; and fell back asleep. The ensuing dream was quite nightmarish! It wasn’t about crashing my bicycle, either. I was trying to clock out at tne end of the day; something we could do at our desks. Suddenly I couldn’t remember how to do it; and my computer screen showed what looked like something out of a Far Side comic. I couldn’t get it to close; and suspected malware. Time was flying; and I just wanted to go home! .Some flashback that was. I’m glad it wasn’t real! Big Difference ◑ What a big difference there is between our weather; and conditions in the northeastern Gulf! Hurricane Helene continues to plow towards Florida; but here it’s a clear day. Maybe I’m suffering a flashback to previous hurricanes, because I’m still a bit apprehensive about Helene! There’s more breeze today than we’ve been getting; and I decided to take the hybrid for some casual laps around the park. Riding easily for a day once a week is good recovery; and I thought it would be better to take it easy today, anyway. Yesterday I had the second part of my radiofrequency ablation, and my leg still feels rather sore. Oh, I forgot — do you want the buzz of coffee before a ride; but don’t have time to enjoy a cup? That’s It Coffee Bars to the rescue! Try Double Espresso (shown); Mocha; Vaniilla; or the Variety Pack. 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 Flashback? September 26, 2024 Get Corny September 25, 2024 Still Nervous September 24, 2024 Not so Belle? September 23, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Get Corny

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

Get Corny! ? I decided to get corny today; and I don’t mean those nasty things that appear on the toes sometimes. Many a video about RAGBRAI mentions corn on the cob; and if I do RAGBRAI, I’ll want to have it at least once. But if I wanted to know how well I’ll tolerate riding on such a food, I had to try it. That meant that I had to get corny; and try eating an ear of corn before this morning’s ride. It went OK; but I admit that I prefer a banana and peanut butter as a pre-ride snack. I also don’t know how big the RAGBRAI “ears” are! The ear that I ate today was six inches long; but I might find something much bigger up there in Iowa! With so much other food along the RAGBRAI route, will I even have enough room for the whole thing? Still Wary ? I’m still wary about Hurricane Helene. Hurricanes are nothing to get corny about! The storm’s predicted path hasn’t changed; but I don’t dare relax until she goes ashore. You never know what a hurricane might do! Things are going to be a bit breezy here tomorrow and Friday; and I don’t know whether or not we can thank the hurricane for that. I think I”ll ride in the park tomorrow; and use the hybrid. This afternoon I had the second part of my radiofrequency ablation; and although the doctor gave me the green light to ride, I might not want to fight the wind on top of the levee! 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 Get Corny September 25, 2024 Still Nervous September 24, 2024 Not so Belle? September 23, 2024 Cramming September 22, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR 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 Get Corny September 25, 2024 Still Nervous September 24, 2024 Not so Belle? September 23, 2024 Cramming September 22, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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