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Carnival Feast

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors, Training /

Carnival Feast 🥪 I decided to have my Carnival feast today — or part of it. Next Tuesday is Mardi Gras; and I figure that any eatery that’s open will be mobbed. That’s not exactly my cup of tea. So I went to a shop that’s just a few minutes’ walk away; and got a sandwich. Those sandwiches are enormous — a foot long — and come with a serving of rosemary roasted potatoes. That’s at least two meals; more often three or even four. I’ll need to do a twenty-miler tomorrow to compensate for this Carnival feast, even though I ate only one-quarter of the sandwich (along with the potatoes). Today I did a short and easy ride, under 9 miles. I don’t think I’m quite ready to do 20 miles every day. Short and Easy 😴 Short and easy is important after a long ride, especially when you’ve been away from long rides for several months. Soon, though, 20-mile rides will become the norm again; and I’ll be glad of that.  I want to get in another such ride tomorrow, because I’ll continue my Carnival feast: another piece of the sandwich; and I’m very tempted to get some ice cream, too!  Calorie-burning isn’t the only reason to get in some long miles tomorrow. Sunday’s weather doesn’t look so great for outdoor activity; and Saturday I want to ride to the salvage store. That’ll be a short and easy ride!   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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Weekend Plans

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Weekend Plans 🚴‍♀️ It’s time to make weekend plans! Of course that depends, at least to some extent, on the weather. Weekend plans usually include a ride to the salvage store on Saturday morning; and as of now, it looks like the weather might cooperate. The chances for rain are mainly in the afternoon; but the wind might be pesky. This  morning, thank goodness, there wasn’t much wind; but I did run into some drizzle. Not enough for me to stop and haul out the poncho, though; and I saw a rainbow! Rainbow 🌈 I admit that it wasn’t the most impressive rainbow I’ve ever seen. The colors were rather dull; and part of the arc never formed. But it was still a rainbow! The wind stayed mostly quiet; and I put in 20 miles. I’m glad I could; because Sunday morning it might be raining. The wind will be pretty strong on Sunday, too. As always, I’ll just have to wait and see what happens; and what happens can upset any weekend plans that I’ve made. 🙄 Most rides, I spend some time working to ride harder for a minute or two at a time. Sometimes I shift into a harder gear for these efforts; sometimes I don’t shift, but increase my cadence. It should help me to rebuild my fitness; and I sure need that!  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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Cold River?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Cold River? ⼮ I guess we’ve got a cold river. Afternoons have been too warm for February; and we keep getting fog. I’m glad I don’t have to ride at 5:00 am any more; darkness plus thick mist makes me feel like I’m riding blind. Fog can be cold, too. Cold river; cold fog? In a way, though, I miss those early-morning jaunts. I don’t keep track of the moon phases; and when I rode while it was still dark, sometimes I’d hear an owl. Now and then, a distant T-storm would treat me to a terrific light show! License? 🪪 We seem to have a weather breeder in progress; and I’d like to know who has the license to do such breeding. I’m expecting either a return to cold weather, or, worse, severe weather. Today I took a day off from riding; and I hope to get in some good mileage over the next three days. It looks like the weekend will be quite windy; and I don’t suppose I’ll ever get over my dislike for headwinds! Incidentally, who has the license to let loose that wind? 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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Dry Back

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Dry Back 🌵 I was glad to have a dry back this morning. Overnight my Camel-Bak dried out; and we had another rain-free day. It was foggy part of the time, though; and I needed to use ARCHXX wipes on my glasses before leaving home. Those things are great. If the fog is dense, my lenses still get wet; but at least I can see through them. A dry back makes longer rides much more agreeable; and that matters a lot. I’m starting to put in 20-milers again; and it feels good to get back to normal mileage. Back to Normal ☺️ But I wonder when our weather will get back to normal. Not that I want it to freeze again; but afternoons in the 70s aren’t normal for February. As usual, my mind is racing ahead to hurricane season. We always wonder how bad the upcoming storm season will be; and when days get this warm before Spring arrives, I fear an active hurricane season! Maybe I’ll take a day off from riding tomorrow. There’s a dense fog advisory out; I have an appointment in the morning; and anyway, I mustn’t let getting back to normal riding drive me into an overuse injury. That wouldn’t be normal at all! 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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Wet Back

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Wet Back 💧 I didn’t want a wet back this morning; and I ‘m not talking about avoiding a slip on a wet floor, where I might land on my derrière.  Day before yesterday I pushed my mileage to 20; and used the Camel-Bak. I also took along electrolyte drink. I wanted to do it again today; but had to change my plans. I had forgotten to empty the Camel-Bak reservoir after Friday’s ride; and last night that Camel-Bak fell over — and leaked. So this morning, the shell was wet through; and a wet back isn’t at all comfortable when it’s barely 50 degrees outdoors. If were the height of Summer, and 80 degrees at 5:00 am, a wet back would be welcome. As it was, I had to leave the Camel-Bak home, and do a shorter ride than I intended. Maybe tomorrow? Maybe Tomorrow? 🌅 Maybe tomorrow I can put in another 20-miler; not that I expect any strange tales to come of it. There will be patchy fog, but not rain; so I shouldn’t get a wet back. But I’d better prep my lenses! I’ve begun to put in some short efforts of riding on the big ring. My leg strength is starting to return; so I can add some intensity work, especially during shorter rides. I think I”ll keep my efforts moderate and steady tomorrow; and maybe tomorrow I’ll see something interesting on the river. If the fog isn’t too dense! 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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Back on Schedule

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Back on Schedule? ⏰  Am I back on schedule at last? I finally got to go to the salvage store on Saturday! I took the panniers; but actually I got a small load. Our capricious weather has returned to more Spring-like conditions. It doesn’t feel like February; and not for the first time, I’m doubting our groundhog’s forecast. I just  hope the current forecast is on target; and that it won’t rain next Tuesday morning, when I must ride to an appointment. Spring? 💐 This false Spring might not last, though. I remember one early-March hard freeze, many years ago. It could happen again. It won’t be fun riding in such temperatures; even without a wind. And it’s Carnival parade season; frigid conditions are hard on both parade-goers, and the people who are in the parades. I’m glad I don’t have to do it! Maybe I should put in some real miles while I can, before another cold snap arrives. I need to get back on schedule with regular rides; and off-bike work, too. Some of those exercises mean getting down on the floor; and it’s chilly down there. So I haven’t been very good about doing them. 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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First Long Ride!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

First Long Ride! 🚴‍♀️   Today I did my first long ride in over four months. That is, if 20 miles can really be called “long”. But I was getting impatient with 10- or 12-mile jaunts; and I decided it was time to push for bigger distances. Maybe this morning wasn’t the best time, though. The wind was fairly strong; but for once most of the headwind trouble was on the outward-bound part of the ride. So my first long ride in months was a tough one; but I need to get back to my usual mileage — even if I don’t have a new road bike yet. And, I’ve started to get myself used to wearing a Camel-Bak again. Camel-Bak 🐪 I’m easing back into the Camel-Bak a little at a time. Today I filled the reservoir only halfway; and I didn’t put anything in the pockets. Normally, I’m carrying about 100 ounces of water ( i.e. the full reservoir); a cable lock; cell phone; and a tube of Chamois Butt’r! The plan for tomorrow is a short-ish ride; just to the salvage store and back. I’m not ready for daily 20-mile rides yet. The wind won’t be as strong as it was today; and no rain is expected for several days. Maybe further two-wheeled outings won’t be quite as tough as my first long ride. 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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Unmotivated

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Unmotivated 😴 Today is one of those days when I feel unmotivated. I’m sure you’ve been there — you’re a bit short on sleep; and you’re tired, both physically and mentally. This is the kind of day when I’d rather sit around munching M&Ms than doing anything constructive. I did finally prod myself into the kitchen, and cooked up a batch of squashed sauce. Most of it has gone into the freezer for later; but I ate some for supper. Over sourdough bread with cheese on top! 😋 Tomorrow 🕰️ I hope I can ride tomorrow, though. The wind shouldn’t be too bad; and by 8:00 am, the temperature ought to be about 50 degrees. With jackets; gloves; and a helmet liner, I think I’ll be OK; even atop the levee.  And I hope I won’t be as unmotivated as I was today! I’ll also be glad to get my salvage store trip back to Saturday. For several weeks, I’ve done the trip earlier in the week because of dire weather outlooks for the weekend. Tomorrow I think I’ll just ride; but I’m considering a longer ride of about 20 miles soon. It’s time to get back to that, even if I don’t have a road bike at present. 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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Birds of a Feather

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Birds of a Feather 🦆 🦉🦅 “Birds of a feather flock together.” I thought of that  old saying late last week as I was riding through the park. There seemed to be an unusual number of whistling ducks there; and I wondered if they had crowded into the park ahead of the approaching cold snap. I guess cyclists are birds of a feather, too. Often enough I’ve seen pacelines while out riding; and of course there are large group rides, ranging from the recreational RAGBRAI to the Tour de France. Which Season? The weather can’t make up its mind which season this is. Just a few nights ago, we had to let the faucets drip overnight to prevent frozen pipes; and the chill factor was sub-freezing. Yesterday it reached 72 degrees; and tonight it’s going to drop into the 30s again. So, which season is this? The groundhog claimed that we’d have another six weeks of Winter; and over last weekend, he seemed to be correct. Yesterday I wasn’t so sure about that rodent’s forecast; but now it’s going to get cold again! Today I went for a mid-afternoon ride, but kept it short and easy. The wind was pretty strong; and I got a good workout fighting the wind on the way home from the store yesterday! 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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Back to Off-Bike

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Back to Off-Bike 💪 I’m working to get back to off-bike exercises; although I assure you, I’m not swinging around a kettlebell. After more than three months of little or no such work, I have to start easy!  I had been doing these exercises using a pair of 5-pound weights, plus weighted gloves (1.5 pounds x 2). But for now, I’m using 2-pound weights; and I can tell that my left arm is still weak! It’s none too soon to get back to off-bike exercises. My legs sometimes feel weak too; as when I rode to Walmart this morning. By the time I was heading back home, the wind had risen to 21 mph; and that made for tough going. But I finally got me some rain boots; and now I feel like Puss in Boots. Puss in Boots? 😸  I don’t remember reading the story of Puss in Boots until I was far past childhood; a bit odd, as I’ve always liked cats. I got rain boots in case I need to go somewhere in a downpour. Around here, if it rains heavily, you can step off a curb and into calf-deep water. These aren’t expensive, high-tech boots; I don’t plan to go on hikes through rugged terrain. But they should keep my feet dry on a rainy-day walk to the drug store; and that’s all I need. I don’t have to go to work any more; so if it’s raining, I can delay errands until later. And while I wait to go out, I can get back to off-bike exercises. 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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