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bicycling

Skyline DRIVE?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Skyline DRIVE? 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.” Skyline Drive runs the length of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. I remember we went over at least part of it on one of our Summer road trips when I was a kid. We stopped to look down into the Shenandoah Valley. I took a photo of it, which is probably still around here somewhere. Looking at it, I always thought of the song. Oh, and how’s this for a memory? For the first time, we saw a live skunk. Isn’t a shame that the skunk has such an unsavory reputation? It’s really a pretty animal. This one was ambling along near the road; heading home to sleep the day away, I suppose. Enough about driving now. How would it be if we could leave the car behind and bicycle that route? It’s not the easiest road, and isn’t for the beginning cyclist. Neither would it be a good choice for a cyclist whose climbing legs aren’t so good (here’s looking at me!). Taken from North to South, the route is 105 miles; and there is almost 15,000 feet of elevation gain, including 19 categorized climbs. To balance this out, there are numerous scenic overlooks; remember to take along the camera and get some great shots. Take from South to North, this road “has another jagged profile”. With all that climbing to do, a compact crank set is recommended. Be sure to bring along sufficient hydration and fuel. You might even want to split the distance into two days. If I were crazy enough to try a bicycle ride with so much climbing, I might need three or four days! Finally, check the weather ahead of time. Skyline Drive might close during bad weather. But if you have fair weather, enjoy pedaling your way through the Blue Ridge Mountains! 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 Afternoon Ride? December 11, 2023 Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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With Hoe and Spade?

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With Hoe and Spade? 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.” Why with hoe and spade? New Jersey is the Garden State, that’s why! New Jersey, like so many states, has some beautiful countryside. Why not see it from the saddle of a bicycle? A variety of tours are available; among them Farm to Table tours. I think it would be interesting to visit a small-scale farm, and see how they do things; sort of how-does-your-garden-grow. How is the soil prepared for planting in the first place? How do they decide what crops to plant; and when? Do they practice crop rotation? What do they do to minimize use of toxic pest control agents? I might even get some good ideas in case I can one day have a garden of my own. For would-be gardeners out there, wouldn’t it be neat if you could hook up your bike to a rototiller? You could prepare the soil for planting without burning fossil fuel; and get some good exercise into the bargain! The catch is, how does one keep the rows straight? I bet I, for one, would have some difficulty riding in a straight line. I couldn’t do much with hoe and spade to correct those crooked rows. I guess the tomatoes and kale wouldn’t care, but it wouldn’t satisfy aesthetics. Anyway, let’s get ready to roll through New Jersey; and when we’re ready for a break, we can enjoy taking our ease in some country gardens. 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 #155451 December 11, 2023 Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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At Bay?

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At Bay? 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.” “At bay” sounds like a hunter’s quarry that’s been cornered by the dogs. We can twist the meaning to say, “on a body of water”. How about a self-guided bicycle tour of Connecticut’s coastal villages? You’ll be at the water’s edge; that is to say, “at bay”. The web site cyclenewengland dot com (alas, not secure) describes a 5-night, 6-day tour. This tour seems to be a series of mini-trips, centered on Mystic. You’ll get to explore Mystic itself; ride along the shoreline; and visit other small towns. I think I’d enjoy the maritime exhibits at Mystic Seaport. Stonington village has a lighthouse museum; I bet I’d enjoy seeing that, too. Bluff Point State Park is another highlight. This nature preserve has abundant opportunities for recreation. An optional loop allows you to visit Groton, where the Submarine Force museum is located. A shuttle ride takes you to visit Conanicut Island and Jamestown, where you can ride alongside the rocky coastline. At day’s end, the shuttle takes  you to Providence. Next day you can take a ride to Colt State Park, enjoying several views of Narragansett Bay along the way. The final day’s loop will let you visit Slater Mill, where the American Industrial Revolution was born. Sounds good for the history buff. Daily routes vary from 13-53 miles. Most of the routes are easy to moderate. Bringing your own bike is recommended; preferably one that allows a comfortable riding position. Weather is always changing, so bring clothing that will allow layering. New England is one part of the USA that I haven’t visited. I think this would be a great way to do it — but it would be a VERY long ride to get up there! 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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Soggy Ride

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Soggy Ride A soggy ride or no ride was the choice this morning. At 8:00 am it was gray and drizzly. According to the forecast, it was going to rain all day. The temperature was 53 degrees. To be honest, I really did not want to go riding in such conditions. But lately I simply have not been getting enough riding; so I prodded myself to get ready to go. I filled my Camel-Bak. I pulled on leg warmers; and put on four layers “up above”. With the rain, I figured I’d need them. I donned the skull cap. Once outdoors and riding, I quickly wished I had two layers on my legs; not one. Naturally there were puddles to ride through; and it wasn’t long before my feet were wet and cold. I doubt that double socks would have helped. Despite my having FOUR layers on my upper body, I was soon damp and cold. Pedaling at a higher intensity might have warmed me up a little. The question is whether I could have maintained that intensity for more than a short while. If not, I would soon have been just as cold again; and possibly colder. I had thought of going about 9.5 miles from home before returning. Thanks to my feeling chilled, I turned around at about 6.3 miles. I’m glad that at least the wind wasn’t bad today, or it would have felt even more frigid! I got home wet; but at least I did get in some miles. That’s something to feel good about, even though it was a soggy ride.

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Korea

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Korea 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.” Korea one of many countries that don’t readily spring to my mind for cycling trips abroad; perhaps because of what we hear about North Korea. It certainly discourages me from trying to go there; whether solo, or as part of a tandem team. South Korea, on the other hand, has its possibilities. By the way, how did I start thinking about cycling trips there? Wouldn’t you know: hot dogs! A tikka masala variation using hoisin sauce. The cycling infrastructure in South Korea is said to be great; the trails have a variety of difficulty; beautiful scenery; amazing food; camping is easy to find; the people are wonderful. The weather during the Winter months can be very harsh; if you aren’t a dedicated cold-weather cyclist, you might not want to plan a trip through Korea for that season. It also might not be easy to find speakers of English outside of the capital city. Leaving that aside, choose your route. I love the pic shown of the Four Rivers Trail in Fall; those leaves are positively glowing. Even better, multiple lanes just for bicycles! For novice bicycle tourists, the Han River Trail would be great for a one-day trip. Nice and flat; and all paved. But this route is busy, so stay alert to other riders. The Jeju Bike Path is a good one for cyclists who would like to combine an easy ride with some beachcombing. This trail is mostly flat, and has some great scenic spots along the way. The East Coast Cycling Route is moderately difficult, and you’re on the coast all the way. Sometimes you’ll have the ocean on one side, and mountains on the other. The path is sometimes flat, and sometimes there are long climbs; but paved all the way. For the touring cyclist looking for a challenge, there’s the Chilbongsang Trail. This path is dirt and rocks; sounds like something better suited to a mountain bike than a road bike! It also is not intended for beginners. But make it to the top, and your reward is a panoramic view of the countryside. Except for that fifth route, I think I’d like any of them. Should I save my pennies towards a trip to South Korea? 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 Traverse Afar? December 18, 2023 I Envy Time December 17, 2023 Holiday Food December 16, 2023 Glad I’m Home December 15, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Alla Polacca

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Alla Polacca 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.” Alla polacca? Why not? Let’s get off those bikes for a little while and dance! Then, let’s start pedaling through Poland. Which route would I choose? There are many factors to consider when planning any bicycle trip: how much time you have; how far your money can go (of course!); your fitness level; whether you enjoy climbing or want to stick to less challenging terrain. The Baltic coast route looks like a good choice for me; it’s one of the flatter routes. I’m always harping on my lack of climbing prowess. The Central Europe Route would be a good choice for those interested in European history. It’s 5000+ kilometers of diversity! The Iron Curtain Trail, as its name indicates, follows the path of the former Iron Curtain. You’ll ride through 20 countries; and enjoy mountains; vinyards; and seaports. The Capitals Route sounds good: “attractive landscapes” and national parks.  The East Europe Route gets hilly towards the end. How well I could handle that depends on how long and steep the hills are; and how frequently they appear! Finally, the Baltic Sea Cycle Route follows Poland’s northern coast, and in fact overlaps the Iron Curtain Trail. I think the old cities would be interesting to visit. So there you are: alla polacca. Six possible bicycle trips through Poland; fueled, perhaps, by pierogi! 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 Roadie Again! January 5, 2024 Pomp and Circumstance January 4, 2024 I Bee’d Lucky January 3, 2024 Sunblock Day January 2, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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What did Tennessee?

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What Did Tennesee? 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.” What did Tennessee? She saw what Arkan-saw. So went part of a song that my mother used to sing. But how would it be to see Tennessee from the saddle of a bicycle? Quite fun, I should think. The state has some beautiful scenery. How about Shelby Farms Greenline? As a Rails to Trails route, it should be easy as far as gradient goes. That would suit lazy old me, who doesn’t much enjoy climbing. At less than 11 miles long, it might serve as a good introduction to trail riding; or a warm-up to a longer adventure on two wheels. I have vague memories of visiting Cade’s Cove when I was a kid. I was running along a dirt path, but don’t really remember anything else. If  your interests lean towards nineteenth-century log architecture, you might enjoy the Cade’s Cove Loop. Want something more challenging? Go for the Percy Warner Park Loop. It’s difficulty level is rated 4 out of 5! Lots of climbing! Then there’s BRAT. It might sound like a rambunctious child; but it’s a ride across the state of Tennessee; a cousin to RAGBRAI, I take it. Maybe even a ride to Lookout Mountain? We could be like the bear in the kids’ song, and go over the mountain to see what we can — what did Tennessee, again? 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 Afternoon Ride? December 11, 2023 Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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At Ease?

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At Ease? Being at ease like this critter here would be wonderful, if only we could manage it. Unfortunately it isn’t so easy to relax when your muscles are all in knots. How do we get rid of those knots and cramps? Prevention is, of course, the best cure. What can we do to keep cramps at bay? More specifically, what are some natural means of preventing and relieving cramps? Proper hydration helps. Use a Camel-Bak, so you’ll have plenty of water. Using electrolyte drinks is said to help, too. Warm up before riding, paying special attention to muscles that you know are prone to cramping. OK, so you’ve done all that, and you still get nasty cramps while riding. Here’s a remedy that one of my cycling books mentions: when you feel a cramp developing, grab your upper lip and pinch it hard. Somehow that helps, although it’s uncertain why. Some experienced riders/bike handlers relieve on-bike quad cramps by unclipping the foot; bending the knee; and lightly pulling on the foot. I, for one, am not skilled enough to attempt that move. Then, what about post-ride cramps? Grab a foam roller and ease out the kinks. Perhaps an epsom salt bath. See here for some other natural cramp/spasm remedies that might help ease those sore, aching muscles; and don’t push too hard on the bike for a few days. At ease!

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Cycle Antarctica?

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Cycle Antarctica? 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.” Cycle Antarctica? Could Antarctica be the next big thing for cycling tours? Why not? After all, I’ve touched on big rides in all other continents; so why leave out the South Pole? Maybe we could start by trekking across the Ross Ice Shelf. Would a Mongoose Malus Fat Tire bicycle be best for that? I’m sure of this much: to cycle Antarctica would be extreme icebike! An Antarctic two-wheeled trek would be a great opportunity to penguin watch; and to get acquainted with the continent’s animal life in general. There’s other wildlife to be seen besides penguins; and maybe it’s not quite fair that penguins seem to steal the show all the time! A bicycle ride in Antarctica in itself sounds mad enough, doesn’t it? You might want to get really, really crazy; and use your fat-tire bike to go  zooming up and down the slopes of Mount Erebus! My fantasizing, it turns out, isn’t completely off the wall. I though I was writing a humorous bit about what cycling “way down South” might be like. Some people have, indeed, done it. One of them used a bicycle with 8 inch wide tires! The Antarctic Summer is cool according to my experience of temperatures: parts of it get up to 60 degrees (~15 degrees Celsius). See here for more on Antarctic weather. Several months of the year, the sun never sets. Even at that season, parts of Antarctica seldom get above freezing; so you might want to wear a scarf across your face, and forget about sunblock. And you might need special goggles to guard against snow blindness; super high-tech polar clothing; and who knows what all else. Come to think of it, I don’t believe I’ll try to cycle Antarctica.

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South Africa

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

South Africa Cycle South Africa? Sure, why not? Many tours are available; and if you’re not keen on climbing, much of the country is flat. The catch? How high is “high”? I think I’d want to train up using a hypoxic mask! Cape Town & the Garden Route follows the nation’s southern coast. Along the way is a penguin colony; and you’ll roll along the fringes of two oceans during this trip. Daily mileage is 31 miles or less; and this tour is rated Easy to Moderate. It’s suited to riders at all skill levels.   This moderately difficult South Africa Cycling Tour takes in beautiful scenery (both coasts and mountains); includes wine sampling; and you’ll get to visit a penguin colony. The roads for this route are paved; you can use a road bike; e-bike; or hybrid. Daily distances are about 19 miles to 44 miles. A support vehicle will assist you if necessary. For the MTB enthusiast, there’s the South Africa Mountain Bike Tour. Along the way, you can sample some of the nation’s top wines; and roll through a nature preserve. On a scale of 1-4, this one rates 3 for difficulty. I suspect it isn’t 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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