bicycling Archives - Page 114 of 127

Land of the Quetzal

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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By Camel-Bak?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

By Camel-Bak? For me, mention of Arabia conjures up images of endless, sandy desert. In one Bugs Bunny cartoon, Bugs ends up in Arabia (I suppose it’s Arabia) while trying to get to Miami Beach; and I guess I’ve seen it too many times. The UAE has its share of cycling possibilities; check out Dubai! Or, try the Seih Al-Salam. This is a desert trail; so I got that one right, anyway! Other trails are located in parks; and Nad Al Sheba is a converted camel racecourse. It includes several loops of varying lengths, and a children’s course as well. Naturally there’s more to the UAE than Dubai. See here for more ideas. You’ll find Quick Rides, Long Tours, and more! I don’t think want to cycle the UAE in July or August. Temperatures during the Summer can reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and that’s too hot for me! Bring on the cooling vest; and don’t forget the sunblock! Winters are warm, with minimum temperatures of 50-57 degrees Fahrenheit. For me, that’s not “warm”; it’s cool enough for cold-weather gear. Bring out the leg warmers; or try some embrocation cream. Arabic is the UAE’s official language, although English is often spoken there. Even so, learning some frequently used expressions in Arabic is helpful. Some of these etiquette tips sound familiar; it’s a small world, isn’t it? 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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Foxy?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors / CAL

Foxy? ? How do “foxy” and cycling come together? I, for one, have never seen a fox while out riding; although I’ve seen coyotes. “Foxy”, however, is the word that comes to mind when I think of Raynaud’s; “renard” being the French word for the animal. I’ve certainly got symptoms of Raynaud’s. My right-hand ring finger is especially susceptible. It can go entirely bloodless; and it can take five minutes for it to return to normal. They say the best thing to do for Raynaud’s is keep your hands and feet warm. That’s not so easy! On a cold day, even the heaviest gloves I own don’t keep my hands warm. Maybe I should ask Santa_Claus to bring me a pair of lobster gloves for Christmas! Incidentally, double socks often aren’t sufficient to keep my feet warm. Trying to Keep Warm ♨️ I hope my symptoms aren’t indicative of an underlying vascular disorder. I’ve got problems enough already! This also had better not mean I’ll be forced to restrict myself to indoor riding in cold weather. Or move to a place I really can’t afford so I can have central heating. Trying to keep warm applies to indoors as well as outdoors! I thought that wearing my lightweight full-fingered gloves under heavy gloves might help. This morning I decided to try it; and it was another idea that didn’t quite pan out. First I put on the lightweight gloves; then I tried to pull the heavy “wombat” gloves over them. I was able to get the wombat glove onto my right hand, but then said hand was too clumsy to pull the other wombat glove onto my left hand. So I had to give up on the idea. I didn’t make me feel very foxy. Fortunately there wasn’t a wind this morning, although it was very humid. That helped me to stay a bit warmer — including my hands. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration. Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Take the Cake October 16, 2024 Easy 100? October 15, 2024 Fitness Freak? October 14, 2024 Smog? October 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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