bicycling Archives - Page 112 of 125

Desertification?

Are we undergoing desertification? The humidity is only 30%; and for us, that’s very dry. Night before last, we had some heavy rain; and such a low humidity reading surprises me. But I suppose it won’t be long before “the muggies” (as a local meteorologist used to say) return; and the Summer heat along with them! Mornings are still cool enough for leg warmers; jacket; and skull cap. And gloves, of course; but now I don’t need hand warmers. Those warming packs feel good on a frigid day; but I admit they make holding the handlebars more awkward. Since the onset of Daylight time, it’s still dark when I get back home from a morning ride; but soon I’ll need to wear sunblock on my face — for rides that begin in the dark! This morning I was out for a ride, and saw what I thought were alligator’s eyes reflected in my headlight. Then I noticed that there were two pairs of those amber-colored eyes; and they seemed to be bouncing around. I thought that was weird; and then I looked again and realized that it was a pair of raccoons. But back to desertification. I wouldn’t mind if our climate were a little less humid; but I sure don’t want it to turn into anything approximating Death Valley. If it were as hot and dry as that; and I wanted to do 50-mile rides; I’d need to be assured of plenty of “watering holes” where I could refill my Camel-Bak! There’s a 40% chance of rain tomorrow; so I guess I don’t have to worry about desertification just yet. Sunday looks to be clear; and not too warm; so my long ride ought to go OK.

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Malta

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Malta How did I get to thinking of Malta? It wasn’t from poring over a map; and it wasn’t from dreaming up a cycling adventure. While I was riding on the levee this past Sunday, I saw tanker heading upriver; and whenever I see a ship, I wonder where she came from. I didn’t recognize the half-white, half-red flag on the stern staff; but a few minutes’ searching in Google told me that it was the Maltese flag. Naturally I soon began to think of cycling opportunities on this island. It’s easy to enjoy both Malta itself and nearby Gozo by bicycle. The former is better for long road rides; while Gozo is better for short jaunts. The landscape is beautiful; and villages and towns aren’t far apart. You can pedal along quiet streets; or enjoy country lanes. Along the way are site of historic and/or cultural interest. You can rent a bike if you aren’t able to bring your own; but do be sure to bring your own helmet. 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 © 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 INTERPRETER

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Land of the Quetzal

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Land of the Quetzal There’s the Double Down Enduro Ride for those who love downhill; and there’s the Golden Arches Lujo Ride for groups of mixed ability. There are rides designed for those who who are just developing their mountain-biking skills. Love coffee; and specially if it’s coffee produced by small-scale farming? Maybe the Sip n’ Cycle Tour is for you. Learn about how coffee is planted, grown, and harvested; and enjoy the local “brew”! If you want to combine pedaling and paddling: go for it! This two-day adventure includes marvelous views of volcanoes; and lets you mix cycling with kayaking and hiking. If you’re feeling super-adventurous, you can even try some cliff-diving! Naturally the Land of the Quetzal isn’t entirely about off-road adventures; but sometimes the roads aren’t so easy. IS it a backroad; or is it a main road? Some roads are really steep; and some make the streets around my part of town seem in reasonably good condition! Oh, and watch out for tumulos! But you can visit out-of-the-way Mayan villages; and watch for wildlife along the road. Maybe you’ll even see a quetzal! Check up on local laws before your trip, of course; and use common sense when it comes to personal safety. The principal language of Guatemala is Spanish; so even if you don’t know the language, learn these helpful phrases. Guatemala has a tropical climate; but some elevations top 13,000 feet. Such altitudes get cold at night, even in the hot season; so sure to bring some warm clothing. With its ancient Mayan sites; rainforests; and volcanoes, Guatemala seems to have something for everyone! 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 © 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 INTERPRETER

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Senegal

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Senegal Would a bicycle trip through Senegal mean riding under these trees? I’m not sure what they are — acacia? Gum arabic? But I think they look neat. If you want to learn more about Africa, Bicycle Africa offers small-group tours, with easy to moderate cycling that can be enjoyed by riders aged 9 through 70 and over. Senegal offers visits to historical sites; and for the bird-watcher, this country is in the West African flyway. You can start from Dakar, the capital city. There are a number of paved roads leading from Dakar; but choose carefully. Getting from one route to another is hard once you’ve started down one road. At least the terrain is quite flat! Services such as lodging are hard to find in some parts on the country, so if you aren’t with an organized tour group, you may need to camp. The best time to visit is November-March, when temperatures are relatively cool then. As of December 2023, I’m not sure about the safety of travel to Senegal; I find varying accounts, and how do I know which is right? But if you can arrange the logistics, Senegal sounds like an interesting place for a bicycle tour! 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 © 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 INTERPRETER

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Altitude Training

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Altitude 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.” Altitude training is indispensable if you want to do bicycle tours in the mountains (for instance, in Colorado); or, of course, if your ambition is to be a rider in Le Tour. More specifically, if your aim is to make KOM! We know that oxygen is in rather short supply when you’re thousands of feet up; and the principle of altitude training is to make the body more efficient at using oxygen. Many years ago I visited Denver, Colorado (“Mile High City”) for a week; and I felt out of breath the entire time. I wasn’t even riding a bicycle! I’ve lived at sea level my entire life, which didn’t help. How do riders manage the Leadville 100? Training at high altitude may very well help to develop the cardiovascular system; but what can you do when you live far away from any mountains; and don’t have the resources to go to the mountains for a prolonged spell of training? Some riders use a hypoxic mask to simulate high altitude. If I had ambitions to tackle that Leadville 100, or the Alpe dHuez, I’d need one! The thing looks very smothery, though, and I don’t enjoy the thought of using it in this heat; so I’m glad I have no plans to ride at altitude! How about high altitude fueling? Here is some info on the subject. I remember reading many years ago that it’s normal to burn more calories at higher altitudes; and I can understand needing more hydration when you’re up high. That’s especially true for a low-lander like me. At high altitude I’m gasping for breath; and that dries out my mouth and throat. It’s lucky I have my Camel-Bak! Hot weather only complicates matters. Thinking about it makes me tired; and, as I’m lazy, I think I’ll stick with sea level. 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 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 I Still Can’t Ride! December 6, 2023 Unseamed December 5, 2023 A Stitch in Time December 4, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Cycle Kuwait

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Cycle Kuwait Cycle Kuwait? Kuwait seems very far away to me; and not only in geographical distance. It seems very far away culturally, too. How does cycling fit in? Are there opportunities to cycle Kuwait? Of course! October and November are the best months. Summers are very hot in Kuwait; and the climate is arid. I bet I’d want an extra-large Camel-Bak! You can choose from an array of rides of varying length and difficulty. Flat or uphill; hilly or downhill; even long tours. If you just want a leisurely ride, the Arabian Gulf Street tour, from Salmiyah to Arabian Gulf Street (Kuwait City); is not quite 7.5 miles long. Little climbing is involved; and most riders can complete this route in less than one hour. Salmiya is a moderate route, with over 2100 feet of climbing over about six miles. Let’s see — what’s the gradient of that? Sounds pretty steep — or are my calculations off? Have I read the ride info right? The tour between Belajat Street and Salmiya covers 18 nice, flat miles. There’s one for me! It’s both flat, and not very long; my Sunday rides are typically much longer! If you still want a flat route, but want to go longer, how about the LOFTC133 Marina route? These 36 miles follow the shoreline; maybe you could get in some ship-watching? Want to go re-e-eally long? There’s the 145.4 mile “15th Avenue” trip. For a cyclist in good condition, that’s still short enough to accomplish in a single day; but remember Kuwait’s arid climate! Be sure you can stay hydrated; and don’t forget about electrolytes. If you want to cycle Kuwait, and are a woman, here’s something to keep in mind. I don’t know how old the article is; but in some cultures a woman in Lycra® would raise some eyebrows, to say the least. You don’t want to ruin your cycling adventure in Kuwait — or anywhere — by getting into trouble over your cycling attire. 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 © 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 INTERPRETER

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Czechia

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Czechia This Prague-to-Vienna trip sounds terrific. Eight days long, this tour takes you past castles and vineyards; and well-preserved medieval towns. Sounds good for the history lover. But I suspect that I’d want a triple crankset! The Bohemia tour is an out-and-back trip, beginning and ending in Prague. You can choose a beginner; advanced; or pro-level tour. I haven’t read the itinerary very closely; but it looks like this one is e-bike-oriented. I find the idea of mounting an e-bike intimidating. I’ve got an idea that such a “ride” might run away with me! The Prague to Dresden tour sounds quite attractive. Easy to moderate cycling; and mostly on dedicated cycling lanes. I think I might enjoy the Vltava Cycling Trail, thanks to Smetana. But there are castles along the way; as well as museums and churches. As always, give some thought to climate and weather. Summers in Czechia are warm; Winters are cold and snowy. Altitude matters too, of course. Higher elevations are, naturally, cooler; and also tend to be more rainy. Determine what clothing you’re likely to need during your tour. Is rain likely? Will it be chilly? There’s a lot to consider; but Czechia sounds like someplace to keep in mind. 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 © 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 INTERPRETER

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Jamaica

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Jamaica Jamaica sure sounds attractive when we’ve had a few days of frigid weather. The island’s climate is tropical: hot all year round! Jamaica has bicycle tours to offer. Maybe you’d like to undertake one uning a Sixthreezero EVERYjourney beach cruiser! There’s the popular Reggae Ride, based out of Montego Bay. This escorted group ride has something to offer cyclists of all ability levels. You can visit farmers’ markets; chat with school kids; or even climb a waterfall! Is downhill MTB your thing? The Blue Mountain Bike Tour might be right up your alley. This all-day tour is easy and fun; but do be prepared for wet weather. Part of the route takes you through a rain forest. The Fat Tire Festival is held annually, in the third week of February; and it sells out fast! Register early if you want to join this week-long celebration of MTB trail riding. Train up, too — some tough climbs are involved. If you’re looking for family fun, try the Braco Bike Trail. This one combines biking and hiking; and includes (of course) a visit to the beach. Relax and enjoy the sounds and sights of rural Jamaica; and learn about the island’s wildlife. As of July 9, 2026, Jamaica is under a Level 2 travel advisory; and I don’t think I’d want to go there alone. But you might still want to dust off your passport; pack up your bicycle and bathing suit; and head for the Caribbean. 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 © 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 INTERPRETER

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Iran

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Mesopotamia This article shows that cycling in Iran isn’t so impossible as one — read, I — might imagine. On the contrary, a bicycle journey through Iran can be inexpensive; the people are hospitable; it apparently is a good deal safer than I thought; and, judging from the pics, it’s a beautiful country. Quite mountainous, though. So, with that out of the way, what routes are there for prospective cycle tourists? You might want to start by considering one of these; especially if you’re a mountain biking enthusiast. Do classic sites interest you? Visit Shiraz and other cities; and tour nine UNESCO cultural heritage sites. Or, pedal through Dasht-e Kavir. There are numerous oases and villages along the way; and you’ll follow parts of the Silk Road. But be sure you have your Camel-Bak! If you want something wetter, there’s the Persian Gulf Coast tour. You’ll have the chance to explore some historic ports; and some UNESCO sites as well. This nation sounds quite fascinating. If you want to head there for a cycling adventure, here are some tips. Taking along your own bicycle? You’ll need a travel case for it. Be prepared to dress modestly, men and women alike; and keep this in mind for your travel wardrobe. Learn some ta’arof; and a bit of lingo; and, finally, salaam. 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 © 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 INTERPRETER

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Cold Weather Woes

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Cold Weather Woes A polar bear I am not! Cold weather woes are abundant for me. To begin with, I’m not a polar bear. Even this one looks like it might not be too happy about the cold weather! I’m the type who gets cold easily; and the older I get, the more sensitive my head is to cold. I sure do need my helmet liner! I’ve had wardrobe issues ever since it got cool enough for me to want leg warmers. Last February I weighed at least 20 pounds more than I do now; and my cycling clothes got too stretched out. As a result, the silicone bands now can’t grip well enough. Thus my shorts’ legs slip up as I ride; and the leg warmers‘ top bands slide downwards. I have to stop way too often to pull things back into place; and it’s most annoying. If I’m using the road bike, there’s the added hassle of keeping the bike from falling over while I’m adjusting my clothing. I need four hands! I live in a humid climate. Humidity is notorious for making hot weather seem hotter; and it also makes cold weather seem even colder. Add wind, and you’ve got a penetrating, bone-numbing chill. No amount of clothing seems adequate against it. My heaviest gloves don’t keep my hands warm enough. Double socks don’t keep my feet warm. Even with several layers on them, my arms feel cold. This morning, as of 6 am, it’s 41 degrees; and the chill factor is 35. Humidity, 74%. I’m debating whether to make a trip to the supermarket in about half an hour. On the one hand, if I go now I won’t have to go on Saturday. On the other, I’d freeze out there. Oh, these cold weather woes!

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