BACK ISSUES Archives - Page 75 of 292

Luna Moth?

Luna Moth? ? Sometimes I think I’m a luna moth in disguise. Why do I enjoy the sight of moonlight on the river so much? Am I a really such a hard-core nature lover? Today I “just rode”, not worrying about pace; or working to develop my strength. I knew it was full-moon time; and I wanted to see the moon shining on the water. Last month, the moon was too high in the sky; and not in the right position. This morning things were much better!? Not only that; on the way home, I stopped so I could turn around and try seeing the moonlit water again. I was astonished at how low in the sky the moon already was; and in fact I watched as it sank below the trees. So, am I a luna month? Is 1000 Enough? ?? Aside from the luna-moth musings, I ask, is 1000 is enough? Enough miles for a cyclist to tackle RAGBRAI, that is. Some videos that I’ve listened to say, if you’ve got one grand miles in your legs, you should be RAGBRAI-ready. I take that statement with a grain of salt. As far as mileage alone is concerned, it may be accurate. But does it take into account terrain? Is 1000 miles enough when you ride where hills are scarce to non-extant; and developing the legs for hills is difficult? I ride year-round; and my 11-year-old road bike has nearly 37K miles on it. Theoretically, that’s easily more than enough miles; but I’ve ridden them mainly on flat ground. Many videos about RAGBRAI mention hills. So I’ve got to learn to climb better; and that’s tricky when you live where it’s flat. On top of that, how long are those climbs in Iowa? What’s the gradient? How many climbs in a day? Unfortunately that’s a tricky question, as the event’s route changes every 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 Luna Moth? April 23, 2024 Keep It Neutral! April 22, 2024 Melting Point April 21, 2024 Bee in My Bonnet? April 20, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Keep It Neutral!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food / CAL

Keep It Neutral! ⚙️ C’mon, wrists; keep it neutral! Lately my right wrist keeps moving into a hyperextended position as I ride; and after about half an hour, my hand starts to feel numb. I don’t know why it’s only the right wrist that does that; but now I’ve got to pay more attention to that wrist. As I was about to start down the levee access ramp near home, my thumb was too numb to operate the lap button on my Garmin! So I’ve got to keep it neutral! I tried to work on my pace this morning. Outward-bound, I had a good tailwind; and 5 minutes of pushing for at least 15 mph was little problem. Coming back home, it was all I could do to push it to 12-13 mph for 25 seconds. I ended up working just to keep moving. This Is April? ? This is April? The weather sure doesn’t feel like it. Last night the temperature dropped to the mid-fifties; unusual for us at this time of year. The wind was quite strong today, too: 15-16 mph, with gusts 25-28 mph! That didn’t stop me from trying a new electrolyte drink: Gatorade Zero. When I ride more than 12 miles or so, I need electrolyte drink, even if it’s freezing cold outdoors. Last Saturday I found Gatorade Zero Powder Packets at the salvage store (Glacier Freeze flavor); and decided to try it. Meh. It’s tolerable; but I’ve tried other electrolyte drinks that I liked better. But this is a good time to experiment if I’m considering next year’s RAGBRAI! It gives me plenty of time to try things out; and consider what I’ll need if I do get to tackle RAGBRAI. But oh, this crazy weather! This is April? 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 Keep It Neutral! April 22, 2024 Melting Point April 21, 2024 Bee in My Bonnet? April 20, 2024 Farsighted April 19, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Melting Point

BACK ISSUES, Food / CAL

Melting Point ? Now that the weather is warming up, I must keep the melting point of various ride foods in mind. Gatorade Bars, for instance. Gatorade Bars have a chocolate coating; and that gets half-melted in a hurry. Even on cold days, it can be quite a mess if the weather is sunny. If only I could carry a cooler along on my rides! This morning it was some 10 degrees cooler than it was yesterday; and I did such a short ride that I didn’t need to bother with ride food. Thus the melting point was of no concern today. But I don’t expect this cooler spell to last long. Soon it will stay at 80 degrees overnight! Slump? ? I feel like I’m in quite a slump, because I didn’t ride much at all today. I may as well have stayed in the sack all day! But I can get going again tomorrow; and I could go out right now. Much of the rain seems to have missed us; and now the sun is trying to come out. But I already totaled up this past week’s mileage and time; and I don’t feel like re-doing it. There’s the slump again! I probably don’t have to worry about the melting point tomorrow. The predicted high temperature is about 72; yesterday morning’s LOW temperature! Cooler weather also means I can cook without getting too hot. This morning’s mini-ride was to pick up bananas and zucchini. My freezer is starting to get rather empty; and I want to make squashed sauce! 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 Melting Point April 21, 2024 Bee in My Bonnet? April 20, 2024 Farsighted April 19, 2024 Don’t Go to Sleep! April 18, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bee in My Bonnet?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Bee in My Bonnet? ? Have I got a bee in my bonnet about RAGBRAI? Maybe; but for a minute this morning, I thought I really had a bee in my bonnet. Or, to be more exact, my helmet. I was riding home from the salvage store; and noticed a buzzing sound. I felt something bump the top of my helmet; and was concerned that I had a bee or a wasp in there. I stopped and took my hemet off, but whatever it was had gone. That’s something to be aware of in warm weather. I’m not allergic to bee/wasp stings, as far as I know; but all the same, I don’t want to get stung! Breaking the Rules ? Today I went about breaking the rules. You’ve got to do that sometimes when you’re training up for something. I usually don’t go out on the road bike after I’ve made a trip to the salvage store; but today I decided it was time for an exception. The forecast for tomorrow isn’t so good; and I wanted my miles. Or some of them. It was nearly 10:45 am by the time I got going on the road bike; and in the low 80s. Let’s consider this training for RAGBRAI. It can get hot during that event; and if I’ve got any idea of riding it, I have to get used to long miles in the heat! But I need to start out with shorter rides; and today I left it at 19.6 miles. For the first few miles I thought I might get too thirsty; and it’s a good thing I used my Camel-Bak. I had Nuun as well. I was breaking the rules in another way, too. I took fig bars to eat, instead of the more usual bars. There was a slight breeze; and although my average speed wasn’t faster than usual, I felt stronger. Breakthrough? 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 Bee in My Bonnet? April 20, 2024 Farsighted April 19, 2024 Don’t Go to Sleep! April 18, 2024 Camel-Bak Neck April 17, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Farsighted

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Farsighted ? Sometimes we have to be farsighted; and I don’t mean the vision you can get with binoculars. We’ve got to look ahead to the weather we might encounter on a ride. Yesterday evening I checked the forecasts for today; tomorrow; and Sunday. The first two days looked all right; but Sunday’s forecast is a different story. Rain, and even T-storms, all day long! That doesn’t bode well for my weekly long ride. I decided that a long ride today wasn’t the best thing, because I did some intense riding yesterday; and tomorrow I want to go to the salvage store. Of course I can go to the store; then go for a spin on the road bike afterwards. It looks like it won’t be too hot; and there shouldn’t be much wind. Then, if things are really foul on Sunday, I can take a day off from riding. I’ve got to be farsighted! Looking Ahead ?️ Cyclists are also looking ahead in general; especially cyclists who are in serious training. They must be farsighted as they plan their season: choosing which races are the most important; setting up a training schedule that lets them “peak” as those important races come up; planning their diet; and whatever else needs attention. It would all be a bit too much for me; so I’m glad I don’t have to be looking ahead farther than a few days. Yeah, I know, I’ve got notions of RAGBRAI 2025 floating around in my head. That certainly requires some looking ahead. But I’ve got time to plan. 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 Don’t Go to Sleep! April 18, 2024 Camel-Bak Neck April 17, 2024 I’ve Begun! April 16, 2024 Why Get Faster? April 15, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Don’t Go to Sleep!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Don’t Go to Sleep! ? Don’t go to sleep while you’re riding! They say that aero bars can be very comfortable once you get used to them; and the position involved makes it easier to nod off if you get sleepy. Within the past week, I noticed that very thing while I as riding in the drops. I was working against a headwind, and starting to get tired. So I got my hands in the drops; and after a short time, I began to feel drowsy! Getting sleepy while riding a bike can happen during longer brevets. Or during RAAM, which goes all the way across the USA. This ~3000-mile event has riders on their bikes some 22 hours out of every 24! So telling RAAM riders, don’t go to sleep, is rather a waste of breath. Not for Me! ? RAAM definitely is not for me. I doubt that I could function on an hour or two of sleep a night, for five or more nights. And just think of the training required! RAGBRAI sounds great; and while it would be a challenge, preparing for RAGBRAI is much more within my sights than RAAM ever could be. In fact, I think the challenge of riding that route across Iowa is its main attraction for me. So I’m not yet ready to say thjat RAGBRAI is not for 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 Don’t Go to Sleep! April 18, 2024 Camel-Bak Neck April 17, 2024 I’ve Begun! April 16, 2024 Why Get Faster? April 15, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Camel-Bak Neck

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Camel-Bak Neck ? We can add Camel-Bak neck to the list of ailments that might strike a cyclist; as if there weren’t enough potential problems already! There’s hot foot; and there’s cyclist’s palsy. The latter includes cyclist’s neck; but in that article it seems to mean pain resulting from poor fit/riding position. My version of Camel-Bak neck is a little different. When I rode my 50-miler last Sunday, I had more than water in my Camel-Bak. I also took my cable lock; and a tube of Chamois Butt’r. Naturally that was quite a load on my back. After about 40 miles, the back of my neck was feeling the strain; and I suppose it’s time for some isometric exercises for that neck. So Why? ? So why risk Camel-Bak neck? It’s a matter of conditioning. As I extend my mileage, I’ll need to take larger quantities of water with me; and I need to reserve one bottle for electrolyte drink. A backpack-style hydration system is necessary when there aren’t many places where I can stop to get water; and I don’t need to go into a long event unused to carrying that load. Prolonged strain on the back of the neck leads to headaches; and an aching head can easily lead to nausea! So why do long rides, anyway? Because the bike path is there! 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 I’ve Begun! April 16, 2024 Why Get Faster? April 15, 2024 Big Five-Oh April 14, 2024 I Feel Stuffed! April 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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I’ve Begun!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

I’ve Begun! ? I’ve begun working to improve my pace! I don’t have to follow The Cyclist’s Training Bible; after all, I’m not preparing for the local bicycle races, much less for Le Tour. Besides that, my copy of The Cyclist’s Training Bible fell apart at the spine several years ago; and I’ve never bought another copy. Many a website I’ve read says, don’t do too much too soon. I don’t think it’s too soon to start working to ride at least 15 mph for three minutes at a time (with five minutes’ recovery time between efforts); as long as I don’t try to do umpteen such efforts a day. Three attempts is enough for now; and in a week or two I can lengthen those intervals. So what if my current efforts are short? The important thing is that I’ve begun. Let’s Get Basic ⚾️ Fortunately, I’m not a time-crunched cyclist. I can ride five hours a day if I want to! Long, moderate efforts are an important aspect of a cyclist’s training; it’s called building a mileage base. More intense training builds upon this base. So, let’s get basic. How much of a base do you need? They say, at least 1000 miles. As I ride year-round, I don’t think I need to worry too much about building that base; and between the hybrid and the road bike, I’ve logged 1200+ miles so far this year. So my basic cycling fitness ought to be decent; but I’m still quite a slowpoke! ? Yes, we know about the tortoise ? and the hare ?; but sometimes I get a little tired of being a snail! 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 I’ve Begun! April 16, 2024 Why Get Faster? April 15, 2024 Big Five-Oh April 14, 2024 I Feel Stuffed! April 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Why Get Faster?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Why Get Faster? ⏩ Why get faster? That question may well have as many answers as there are people who ride bicycles! Maybe you commute to work by bike; and want to spend less time doing it. Or you want to get your errands done faster. Perhaps you’re an aspiring bicycle racer! I want to get faster partly for the heck of it; and partly because I’m doing longer and longer rides. I don’t remember where I read this; but as you increase your distance, riding will eat up more and more of your day unless you improve your pace. And no matter how much we love to ride, we have other things that we must do. The Why and Wherefore ?️ The why and wherefore of increasing my pace is, my interest in long-distance rides. This interest goes back many years; and it doesn’t seem to be waning. With thoughts of RAGBRAI nudging at my brain, I’ve watched many a YouTube about the event. It isn’t a race; but some riders do take it fast. One video showed the rider’s handlebar cyclecomputer; and it read 21+ mph! If I do RAGBRAI, I don’t think I’d want to take it as fast as that. They say, don’t miss things along the way, from scrumptious food to chatting with the local folks. All the same, I’d want to maintain a decent pace. In fact, if I’m able to ride faster, I’ll get to stop-over towns sooner; and be able to spend a little more time taking a breather. I could enjoy some ice cream, and munch on some corn. And, naturally, eat some pie! So why get faster? Looks like there are some good reasons! 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 Why Get Faster? April 15, 2024 Big Five-Oh April 14, 2024 I Feel Stuffed! April 13, 2024 Reconnaissance April 12, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Big Five-Oh

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Big Five-Oh ? Today was Big Five-Oh day; and I don’t mean birthday #50. I rode fifty miles! It’s the longest ride I’ve done since before my hand surgery last year; and it sure felt good to ride way out there again. My average speed was half a hair’s breadth over 11 mph; and once, while passing a slower rider, I hit nearly 19.5 mph for a second. My average speed still needs improvement; but today’s performance wasn’t too bad. I started out in leg warmers; a helmet liner; and a jacket. About halfway through, I needed to remove the leg warmers and the helmet liner. Before the end, I wished I could pull off the jacket, too; but my Camel-Bak’s pockets were already stuffed. Intensity ? If you want to get fast, how do you go about it? The book shown at left is packed full of advice. But to put it simply, you’ve got to ride fast! After today’s half-century, I think it’s wise that I do an easy ride tomorrow; and the next day, I want to pedal over to the farmer’s market. After that, though, I can start to add more intensity to my weekly riding schedule. OK, so what’s intensity? For me, it can mean working to ride faster than is comfortable, no matter what gear I’m using. Or, I’ll work to increase my cadence while in a hard gear. I don’t do this exercise for prolonged periods; but maybe it’s time to start trying for 40 seconds, instead of 10-30. Maybe bicycle racers in training do this for mile after mile; but I’m not trying to make a racer of myself. Approach this with caution, though, I’d say. If you have knee problems, consult a health professional first. Mashing too hard a gear puts a lot of strain on those knees! 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 Big Five-Oh April 14, 2024 I Feel Stuffed! April 13, 2024 Reconnaissance April 12, 2024 Getting Shortchanged April 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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