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Bare Legs

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Bare Legs ?? Yesterday I thought the season for bare legs had arrived. I thought I could ride from now on without needing to use embrocation cream; or to wear leg warmers. After all, at 7:00 am yesterday the temperature was already 74 degrees! Mother Nature sure can fool you. Last night there was quite a change; and this morning it was some 20 degrees cooler than it was yesterday. On top of that, it was windy; and I decided to ride in the park. I did a rather long ride yesterday; and wanted to go shorter and easier today. But no bare legs! It’s not warm enough for that if the temperature isn’t at least 70 degrees; and if there’s a wind, that makes it colder. Then I have to pull out those leg warmers! Spring? ? So is it Spring? Maybe we can determine that by watching for kids on scooters; but our Spring season is usually fleeting. All too often, we seem to plunge directly  from Winter into miserably hot and humid Summer! I  often wish I lived where there are four distinct seasons. Increasingly long rides should let me enjoy Spring while we have it; and I wish the return to hot weather were more gradual. It would give me a little more time to adjust to it while I push for longer and longer rides.  Tonight it’s going to fall below 50 degrees; so no bare legs tomorrow. That sure doesn’t feel like Spring! 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 Bare Legs April 3, 2024 Fuel Supply April 2, 2024 How Corny! April 1, 2024 Hoppy Ride? March 31, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Fuel Supply

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

Fuel Supply ⛽️ What’s your favorite fuel supply for long rides? I like Gatorade Whey Protein Bars; but the catch with them is, the chocolate coating can get very messy! If I can’t lick it all off my fingers, I end up wiping my fingers all over my shorts. A good fuel supply is very important. From what I’ve read, once you attain a certain fitness level, you can pedal pretty much endlessly as long as you’ve got a steady supply of fuel.  What fitness level does that mean; and how do  you know when you’ve reached it? If you’ll be doing a multi-day event, what kind of fuel will you find along the way? RAGBRAI Fuel ? How about RAGBRAI fuel? The videos I’ve watched about the event report on the food along the way. Mr. Pork Chop shows up often in these videos. I don’t know how big those pork chops are; and would that chop sit too heavily in my stomach if I ate the whole thing? Maybe I could take along plastic sandwich bags; and save part of my pork chop for later? If I did that, would the leftovers keep? I don’t need to get food poisoning if they don’t! Of course there’s corn on the cob; Iowa is famous for corn. They talk about all the home-made pie; ice cream; beer (I’ll skip that part!); pancakes; and more! I think I’d do much better eating a bite every 15 minutes than riding for an hour; eating a lot; then starting to ride again. What I’ve read about one-day century rides actually cautions against that! And doing it for seven days straight? I think I’d rather have my RAGBRAI fuel slow and steady. 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 Fuel Supply April 2, 2024 How Corny! April 1, 2024 Hoppy Ride? March 31, 2024 Overstock March 30, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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How Corny!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

How Corny! ? How corny can I get? I ate corn on the cob for breakfast today! For some reason I’ve had a hankering after it; and this morning I rode to the supermarket and got some. But I didn’t get peppercorns! Today I’m trying to take it easy. I think this week I need to pull back a little; or at least omit the force-development work. Everything I’ve read about training says, take every fourth week off from intense work for riders under 40 years of age; and every third week if you’re older. Which, alas, I am.? As a matter of fact, I seem to have overdone something yesterday. My right calf is prone to cramping today; and I’d say it’s time to pull out the foam roller. Not that I did an excessively long ride; jumping up to 50 miles right now is — how corny! Or maybe plain foolish. Bit by Bit ? I’ve just got to take it bit by bit, whether I’m trying to work up to a century; or to get fast. As a matter of fact, I hope that doing some hard efforts once or twice a week (except for “off” weeks, of course) will improve my pace. It would be nice to finish a century in seven hours, instead of almost eight hours! It’s the same with trying to shed extra pounds. Take it bit by bit; and unless it’s medically necessary, don’t throw all your old favorite foods overboard at once. That’s bound to backfire into binges. I know — if I try to cut out all sweets, sooner or later I relapse into devouring all the candy, ice cream, etc. I can get my hands on. Thinking of doing 18-20 miles tomorrow. I hope the wind won’t be too bad; but if it is, I’d better not try to fight it too hard. I’ll get home bit by bit! 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 How Corny! April 1, 2024 Hoppy Ride? March 31, 2024 Overstock March 30, 2024 Good Sprinters? March 29, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Hoppy Ride?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Hoppy Ride? ? A hoppy ride — not! I did, however, see a couple of rabbits; and that’s most suitable, as today is Easter. But I’ve never learned to bunny hop a bicycle; and I don’t think I’d want to try it on this Mongoose Malus Fat Tire bike. At 34+ pounds, that bicycle is quite heavy for me; and it’s also too big for me. Although I didn’t have a hoppy ride, I came up with some interesting numbers. I keep track of distance and time; and this year’s total time on the hybrid reached 36:36:36! Interesting that the readout is three-across-the-board. The road bike is the one with the big numbers: almost 65 hours so far this year. Between the two bikes, I’ve logged over 1000 miles since New Year’s; and I’m looking forward to getting in plenty more miles! It All Adds Up ? Sure, I know. I’m quite low-mileage compared to some other riders; but recreational riders needn’t compare themselves to the pros. I’m quite happy to be able to ride again, after last November’s bunion surgery. Shorter rides aren’t to be sneezed at; it all adds up. It all adds up faster, however, if you happen to be a mileage hog. I’m working up to several rides of about 20 miles during the week, in addition to a long Sunday ride; I need it if I have any idea of doing a century in a few months’ time. I’ve done 100-milers before; so this isn’t uncharted territory for  me. If it’s new to you, a book about long-distance cycling is helpful. Learn about training; nutrition; and so on. Hoppy — I man happy — riding! 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 Hoppy Ride? March 31, 2024 Overstock March 30, 2024 Good Sprinters? March 29, 2024 Gimmie a Break! March 28, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Overstock

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

Overstock ? An overstock has crept up on me. The shoebox that I use to hold my energy/protein bars is crammed! Should I use a bar chart to help me keep track of my supplies? I came home from the salvage store this morning with 11-12 assorted bars; and I also still have an overstock of canned goods. It doesn’t help that I brought home a few more cans of stuff today. Maybe I’d better plan a jaunt on the road bike for next Saturday; and skip the salvage store. The NOAA forecast doesn’t reach that far ahead, though; so who knows what the weather might do. Use It Up! ? Since I’ve got that overstock, I must find a way to use it up. That might take quite some time, though! It’s not a good idea to eat nothing but protein bars as long as other foods are available. I remember my century rides, when eating and drinking became tedious; but back then I hadn’t yet met many of the protein bars I use now. But I suspect it might be the same with FitCrunch, RXBars, etcetera. I have an oversupply; but I doubt very much that even RAGBRAI would be a good opportunity to use it up. Protein bars all day, every day, for seven days? I don’t think my gut would take very well to such a regimen. How would I even bring all that stuff along? RAGBRAI gets hot; and can I keep those bars from getting half-melted? The catch is, buying your food as you go along the RAGBRAI route can get expensive! 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 Overstock March 30, 2024 Good Sprinters? March 29, 2024 Gimmie a Break! March 28, 2024 Don’t Cross the Border! March 27, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Good Sprinters?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Good Sprinters? ⏩ If you could put Neanderthals on bicycles, would they make good sprinters? According to this video (at about 15:30), the Neanderthals were probably built more for sprinting than for long-distance walking; and they probably had a higher proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibers than modern humans. Since the Neanderthals disappeared many millennia ago, there’s no way we can definitely determine whether, as bicycle racers, they’s have made good sprinters. But it sounds to me rather likely.  A-sprintin’ I Will Go? ?‍? A-sprintin’ I will go? I’m not quite sure of that. Maybe I got short-changed on fast-twitch muscle fibers; or maybe I’m not strong enough yet. But working on short, hard efforts (aka sprints) tires me faster than I like. I quickly feel like my leg muscles are turning wobbly. Today I omitted a-sprintin’ I will go. My head felt much better than it did yesterday; and I rode over 21 miles. But I figured I was better off riding at a steady, moderate pace. It’s not a good idea to push yourself hard if you’re feeling under the weather. Joe Friel mentions this in The Cyclist’s Training Bible; and tells of a rider who developed a coxsackievirus infection of the heart after working out while ill. It can take a long time to recover from coxsackie; so let’s avoid it if we can! 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 Good Sprinters? March 29, 2024 Gimmie a Break! March 28, 2024 Don’t Cross the Border! March 27, 2024 Striking a Balance March 26, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Gimmie a Break!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Gimme a Break! ?   “Gimme a break!” isn’t always about a stop for coffee; even though there’s a strong link between cycling and coffee. I’ve never liked coffee; but I sure enjoy cycling! Not today, though. Although my current goal is to ride 100 miles per week, sometimes I have to say, gimme a break! This morning my head was so stuffy that I decided it wasn’t wise to go for a ride; and certainly not a trek of 19-22 miles. Maybe I’m also simply tired of tussling with headwinds. Even without things like an allergy flare, we all need to back off sometimes. Leave the all-hard-all-the-time mentality for military boot camp. For us recreational cyclists, such an approach is apt to result in exhaustion; burnout; and possible overuse injuries. That’s why we need to allow ample time to train up to big events. Mañana ?️ Okay, so I skipped the ride today (unless I go out at 5 pm!) There’s always mañana; and as we all know, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Neither is good fitness. It looks like tomorrow won’t be bad for a ride; so I don’t think I’ll suffer from having taken a day off. The century I’m starting to dream about isn’t next week; and I’m certainly not planning to ride the length of Sweden! (It sounds like a terrific adventure, though). And even if did have a 100-miler planned for next week, now is the time for me to taper. Longer rides require electrolyte drink, even in cold weather. Last night, with a 20-mile ride in mind, I fixed a bottle Nuun and put it in the fridge to chill (this stuff tastes better cold). But directions for most electrolyte drinks say, use within 24 hours of preparation; so here I am, sipping on Nuun. For mañana? Maybe Propel. It might help me to, um, propel myself along the path! 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 Gimmie a Break! March 28, 2024 Don’t Cross the Border! March 27, 2024 Striking a Balance March 26, 2024 Superfit March 25, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Don’t Cross the Border!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

Don’t Cross the Border! ? Don’t cross the border; the border into Bonkland, I mean. Sure, have a South of the Border lunch before your ride if you like; and in fact, that could help fend off that bonk! Don’t start a ride on empty. I think I approached bonking yesterday. I didn’t get to ride until at least 10:30 am; and for fuel I cut up a Built Bar Puff. I didn’t think I needed to carry a lot for this ride; after all, I had eaten breakfast. And then, just before riding, I ate a yogurt. On the Edge ? All the same, I think I wound up on the edge. I had the Built bar; and ate a GU-Gel at my turnaround point. Next time, I’d better take along more to eat; what I had with me was barely enough. Yesterday I did some 5-minute efforts at pushing the pace to 14 mph or more; and that got tough when the path turned and I had a headwind. I did two of these intervals on the way out; and one or two on the way back. My efforts fizzled during the final minute of the last hard effort; and maybe I was already on the edge by then. Hard efforts like that burn up your fuel faster; and with about three miles left to go, my legs suddenly got an odd, weak feeling. All I’ve read about bonking nudged my mind; and luckily I had one piece of bar left. I knew I’d better eat it, even though I didn’t feel hungry. I’m glad I didn’t cross the border! 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 Striking a Balance March 26, 2024 Superfit March 25, 2024 Bite the Bullet March 24, 2024 Wear Out Your Gears March 23, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Striking a Balance

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

Striking a Balance ? Cycling is about striking a balance in more ways than one; even if you aren’t on a unicycle. There’s striking a balance between riding and the other things in life: family; work; and so on. So many of us don’t have nearly as much time as we would like for riding; and that was the case with me before I retired. Now I can ride nearly two hours a day if I want; and I intend to work towards extending that time in the saddle. For the beginning cyclist, of course there’s getting the hang of balance; and getting used to the fact that it’s easier to stay balanced when you’ve got a bit of speed going! It sounds contradictory; but it’s true. Feast or Famine? ? ?️ As to on-bike fueling, does it matter whether you choose feast or famine? Actually, neither is good. You needn’t stuff yourself with protein bars — or anything else, for that matter — but it’s unwise to go for long rides without eating. This is about striking a balance between eating enough to keep your energy up; but not so much that you start to feel queasy. If you’re doing a long, organized ride, don’t spend too much time at rest stops; and don’t stuff yourself while you’re there! When you start riding again, your stomach is apt to feel like you’ve been eating bricks. Experiment with this during training rides. As I discovered while preparing for my first century, what tastes good early in a ride might not be appealing later on; and prolonged hard effort makes me lose my appetite. But I’ve still got to eat — or bonk! 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 Striking a Balance March 26, 2024 Superfit March 25, 2024 Bite the Bullet March 24, 2024 Wear Out Your Gears March 23, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Superfit

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Superfit? ?? You don’t have to be superfit to enjoy cycling. I you did, who would have the gumption to even try? Superfitness isn’t needed even for long, multi-day events. That’s lucky for me, as lifting weights isn’t my thing. And I detest gyms. “Not superfit”, however, doesn’t mean you don’t need to be fit if you want to ride a century; or tackle RAGBRAI. You do. You just don’t need to be of pro tour caliber. Getting Fit ?‍♀️ Getting fit can take time; so don’t wait to start working on it until your event is next week. Over the years, I’ve read many a website and book about century prep; or indeed, just getting started on a bike. If you’ve never sat on a bicycle saddle before, the advice is (naturally) to start slow and easy. Take short rides of a few miles; and gradually increase your distance. What about speed? As I discovered when I was riding the trike, speed takes care of itself up to a certain point; but eventually you’ll plateau. That’s when it’s time to start intensity work; namely, short, hard efforts. Start with 10 seconds if that’s all you can manage; and work up. It’s normal to feel stiff/sore “in the back” when you first start on two wheels; but this discomfort fades away with regular riding. Sore leg muscles in those early days are normal, too; but listen to your body. If something actually hurts, back off for a day or two. The Big One ? How long does it take to get in shape for a 100-miler? It’s rather difficult for me to say. Last year I lost considerable riding time because of medical issues; and it’s only in the past few weeks that I’m getting fit again; that is, back to normal mileage. It’s late March now; can I be ready for a century by early June? Training plans such as this one can help you prepare; but I’m always falling short on the hard-effort rides! You need some high-intensity work to prepare you to fight against headwinds on the day of the big one! 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 Elementor #165784 March 25, 2024 Bite the Bullet March 24, 2024 Wear Out Your Gears March 23, 2024 Tardy! March 22, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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