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Which Is It?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Which Is It? 🤔 Come on, which is it? Are we in for very windy weather; or not? If we are, Wind-Blox Pro are great for reducing wind noise; but the forecast keeps changing! About midday, I saw a forecast for “breezy” conditions tomorrow through next Tuesday or Wednesday. It said that gusts could reach 40 mph! Several hours later, that forecast had been taken down. So which is it? I guess I’ll have to play it by ear again! By Ear 🐰 Playing it by ear is rather galling when I want to plan for a long ride. If I don’t know when (or even whether) adverse conditions will arise, I don’t know whether I’ll need to cut the ride short. Will I need to stay close to home; or can I get away with riding out for 10 miles? Which is it? I’ll skip ear buds; I need to hear what’s going on around me, no matter what the weather. I’m a classical music fan, too; and the pieces I’d be putting on my playlist constantly change volume. I can’t be adjusting the volume all the time while riding. I might also want to stay rather close to home because —  if you’ll pardon the indelicacy — I’m on a course of antibiotics. That can wreak havoc on the GI system! I’m trying Activia to see whether it will settle things; and I hope it does! 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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Pumped Up?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Pumped Up? ✊ We need to get pumped up before a ride, right? There’s not much sense in riding on under-inflated tires. I’m glad I don’t need a “pecky-bird” (as we called these oil pumps when we were little) to inflate my bicycle tires! For several weeks, I’d been having problems with my pump. It did OK on Schrader valves; but wasn’t making a snug seal on Presta valves. It made it rather hard to get those tires pumped up. Good grief, did I need a new pump? So I carried my pump to the bike shop. They tried it on a bicycle that was on display; and it was OK. Apparently I was pushing the pump’s nozzle down too far. Tomorrow I’ll find out whether I can get it right. Get It Right ✅ I hope I can get it right as a midlife cyclist, too. I’m not trying to train for racing; so I might not have to worry that I’ll work too hard. In fact, some intense work is necessary to improve fitness; and I suspect that I might need more of it! Naturally there are days when it’s hard for me to get pumped up about riding; today I felt like that before I was out of bed. I read somewhere that sometimes you can’t wait for motivation to strike; that you “have to prime the pump”. So I went for a ride; and once under way, I enjoyed it! That’s what I need to do to get it right! 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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Safe Route

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Safe Route 🚲 “If only there were a safe route.” How many times do cyclists say that? How often do we feel obliged to use other forms of trasport, because going by bicycle feels like risking life and limb? Yesterday I had a minor varicose vein procedure; and there’s no safe route for cycling to the clinic. The distance is less than 6.5 miles; yet using public transit would be a time-consuming hassle, with at least one change of buses. There’s no way to safely walk there; and in this heat it probably isn’t a wise idea. I ended up using an expensive taxi! Car-Centric 🚙 I often see social-media comments about how car-centric many societies are. Certainly in the USA! And apparently this mindset starts early. Yes, kids still too young for bicycles enjoy riding toys; but when it comes to real cars, there are too many of them. Parking is often a problem. That’s what comes of the car-centric mindset. Here in my home town, there are plenty of motorists who drive like they’re crazy; so no wonder cyclists feel like there’s no safe route. Add to that cyclists who ride the wrong way in bike lanes with arrows showing direction  — when bike lanes exist; on top of having to worry about getting “doored”.  Learn the Dutch reach, 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 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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Too Quiet?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Too Quiet? 🤫 Can it be too quiet? It’s hard to imagine such a thing; especially when I’m trying to sleep. But I commented recently that the tropics have been almost too quiet; and today I saw an online article that says, activity could ramp up soon. So we have to stay alert! That sure gets tiresome, though; it’s hard to make hurricane plans when I don’t know when (or even whether!) a storm will set its sights on New Orleans. Today I tried to ramp up my efforts on the bike. On the way home, I was riding against a 13 mph wind; with gusts up to 20 mph. I made five or six attempts to push my speed to 13 mph in that headwind. I really need it, even if my efforts are short. I’ve got to start somewhere! Start Somewhere 🏁 If I must start somewhere, here and now is as good as anything else. Time won’t put itself on pause while I figure out when to begin working towards the next RAGBRAI. And I did make a beginning today! Tomorrow I’ll make it short and easy; and work on my pace again the next day. All hard, all the time simply doesn’t work for me; but neither does keeping it too “quiet”! 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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Big Surprise

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Big Surprise 😮 I got a big surprise this morning; almost like having a rabbit suddenly pop out in front of me. The temperature was still 75 degrees; but it felt cooler than that! Is Fall coming so soon? I did go out earlier than usual, at about 5:15 am; so cooler temperatures shouldn’t have been a big surprise. Of  course it isn’t as hot before the sun comes up. It’s full-moon time; and I got to see the moonlight on the river. We won’t get to see the eclipse here; but there will be more. And now can I start making Fall plans? Fall Plans? 🍂 I’m not sure exactly what “Fall plans” means, though. Certainly not going back to school; but maybe drawing up a more definite training plan? I know, I know; RAGBRAI 2026 is a long way off. But how long would it take me to train up for a personal century? Before I even consider shooting for a century, I have to ride a few extra miles to see whether the bike path is open again. The mini-park where I could make a pit stop is two miles past the closure; and reaching it would mean riding on a busy road. With a big curve to create a blind spot for motor vehicle drivers! Even with a written plan — Fall plans or otherwise — I’m prone to changing things; and that isn’t necessarily bad. The weather can take an unexpected turn; or I might have a cramp-y muscle that won’t tolerate hard use that day. Roll with the punches, they say! 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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Downgrade

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Downgrade ⬇️ A downgrade can be a good thing; just as long as it’s not the temperature dropping to need-a-balaclava levels. Today I saw that the tropical system in the Atlantic was downgraded; and I hope it disintegrates completely. At present there’s nothing else in either the Gulf or the Atlantic; so I can relax for now. I don’t want to downgrade my bicycle, though. If I buy a new bike, I might even want to upgrade! I’ve looked at some models that have a storage compartment in the down tube. That would be terrific: I can put the spare tube and a few tools there; and the under-saddle pack can hold the tube of sunblock and an extra snack. That’s great for a long ride! Long Ride ⏩ I’m thinking about the long ride tomorrow. Or long-ISH, anyhow. This past week, I did some rides of about 20 miles; and now I want to add a little more distance. Twenty miles isn’t all that long any more! Maybe I can move my weekly long ride to another day; it doesn’t have to be on Sunday any more. I do it that way out of long-standing habit. But I have a medical appointment early Tuesday; so I want to get in the distance tomorrow and Monday. I don’t want to downgrade my riding, though. A good approach might be to alternate long, moderate rides with short, hard rides; with one easy ride per week. I’d take one day off per week; but Cycle September is on! 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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Release Valve?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Release Valve? ♨️ Is cycling a release valve? Maybe. Don’t we hear all the time that cycling gives you an endorphin high? Or how riding home from work lets you blow off the stresses of the day? I know there are days when I’m tired and/or don’t feel much like riding; but let me climb aboard the bicycle and pedal a mile or two; and I’ll feel much better. I’ll even ride quite vigorously. So is cycling is a release valve from apathy? But don’t forget to relax a bit now and then. Relax a Bit 😮‍💨 It looks like I can relax a bit as far as proto-Gabrielle goes. As of this moment, the system has actually weakened; so it looks like I’ve found a release valve! It still warrants watching, though, until it dissipates.  Today I decided to relax a bit and do a short, easy ride; but I’m considering taking the trailer to the salvage store tomorrow. That will mean riding somewhat harder, because I’ll have the extra weight to pull. It’s ages since I last used the trialer. During the pandemic, I repeatedly brought home huge loads of canned goods, fearing stay-at-home orders at any time. I ended up with too much stuff; and stopped using the trailer so I wouldn’t be tempted. But I hope to find bathroom tissue tomorrow, and that stuff is bulky; so the panniers won’t do. 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 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

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I Got Hot!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

I Got Hot! 🥵 I got hot today; and this was a very short ride! However, I didn’t go out until nearly 9:00 am; and it heats up fast. I forgot to wear my cooling rag; so of course I got hot. When I did remember it, I was half a mile from home already. I had some things that I wanted to drop off at the Salvation Army donation center; and that’s just 2.5 miles from here. So I decided to keep going. If I’d had 20 miles planned, I might  have gone back home to get that cooling device! And now it’s still 91 degrees. Amazingly, the heat index is just a degree above that; the humidity is rather low for once. I hope it lasts for a while. Still 91 Degrees! 🌡️ Half of me wants to do some easy laps around the park; but it’s still 91 degrees! So the other half says, better not to ride just now. If I got hot this morning, I’ll absolutely broil if I go out this minute. This is the season for carrying electrolyte drink on almost every ride. After about half an hour, plain water simply doesn’t cut it; and endless water without replacing electrolytes means risking hyponatremia. The Tour de France went almost unnoticed by me this year; I was too busy with RAGBRAI. Those poor TdF riders are out there racing when the temperatures are in the 90’s; but I thery’re properly  trained for it. I’m not; so when it’s still 91 degrees, maybe I shouldn’t 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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This Is Hills?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

This Is Hills? 🚵🏽 “This is hills?” I can ask myself that today! I worked at riding in a hard gear for 90 seconds to two minutes at a time; and it certainly makes my muscles work harder! It lets me ride a little faster too, of course; but was I really working hard enough? What I did today didn’t tax my CV system much, though. I wasn’t working to push the cadence, as I do in force-development exercises. That really gets my heart rate up! So, this is hills? I noticed during RAGBRAI hills that my breathing usually seemed to be working harder than my legs. Maybe my CV system needs as much work as my quads! Wary Eye 👁️ I’ve got my usual wary eye on the tropics; and I hope that the system in the Atlantic doesn’t make its way into the Gulf We don’t need a hurricane! If we do get one that’s not bad enough to warrant evacuation, I have a good store of bottled water and canned food. Not salmon, though; I’m not crazy about salmon. The worst part about hunkering down for a storm is — you guessed it — missing my cycling. I love my miles; even when I don’t ask, “This is hills?” 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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Come on and Rain!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Come On and Rain! ☔️ “Come on and rain!” is what I feel like saying when it’s been overcast all day; and it seems that it’s likely to pour, anyway. The catch with being stuck indoors and waiting for rain is, I want to munch Alter Eco Truffles! An overcast sky is why I made a split-second decision to ride the hybrid today. It let me use the bike trunk, so I could take some rain gear. And it didn’t rain, after all, except for an isolated drop here and there. The sun even broke through for a short time. Mid-afternoon, I received word that it was raining hard only about six miles away; so maybe it’s on the way here. Come on and rain, and get it over with! I don’t want rain tomorrow morning, when I plan to work on simulated hills. It’s flat  here; but I’ve gotta pretend sometimes! Gotta Pretend Sometimes 🚵🏽 I’ve gotta pretend sometimes; such as when I want hill practice without any hills. If I want to improve my climbing ability, I have to try, try again. On the way home from the salvage store, I ride up a vehicular access ramp to the top of the levee. I’m riding the hybrid on such trips; and bringing home a load that might total twenty pounds. It’s hard to find a gear on my road bike that simulates this climb; which makes it hard to simulate hills. Maybe I should do “hill” practice on the hybrid? And when I’m back home afterwards, it can come on and rain. 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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