SpokEasy

SpokEasy

bicycling

Check Your Pockets

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Check Your Pockets ? “Check your pockets!” Who hasn’t heard that admonition when laundry day comes around? A tissue forgotten in a pocket makes a dreadful mess; and I hate to think of what might happen if a forgotten GU-Gel goes through an electric dryer! Check your pockets before a ride, too. I wish I’d done it this morning. It was 53 degrees; and the wind was about 16 mph. Such conditions make my nose run like crazy; and I thought I had forgotten my handkerchief. After all, it wasn’t in my reflective vest’s pockets, where I usually carry it for a ride. Back home, I found said handkerchief in the pocket of an under-layer. If only I had known it was there! And What Else? ? And what else might be lurking in those pockets? Keys? Cash? Energy bars? In warmer weather, I tend to wear cycling jerseys; and for long rides, I use the Camel-Bak, which covers up the jersey pockets. Check your pockets? They might as well not be there! For RAGBRAI, I’m thinking of using the Camel-Bak, but only half full. I’ll want a weight allowance for things such as toilet paper and a tube of Chamois Butt’r. I also have several prescriptions which must go with me on the big ride; and I’ll want to keep them on my person at all times. And what else must I carry somehow? I’ll work it out as the months go on. But every morning of RAGBRAI, check your pockets to be sure you aren’t forgetting anything! 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 ✍? Check Your Pockets February 13, 2025 Under-Trained February 12, 2025 Muscle Forgetfulness February 11, 2025 Fog Away! February 10, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Check Your Pockets Read More »

Under-Trained

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

UNDER-trained? ?? Who wants to arrive at an event under-trained? For your best performance, of course you’ll want to be adequately prepared. Even for a recreational event such as RAGBRAI, training is essential. Not that you’ll need a power meter, unless your aim is to race. But RAGBRAI isn’t a race; and as for being under-trained, I read somewhere that being slightly under-trained is better than being over-trained and exhausted. I’m not about to wait until RAGBRAI is two months away to start pushing it, though. I don’t seem to be one of those lucky people who can build up strength very rapidly. I’ve begun to do short intervals of riding hard against a hard gear. In between these efforts, I ride easily for several minutes. Pushing It ? Fortunately I’m not time-crunched; so pushing it doesn’t have to mean pushing it to the max for just a few rides a week. As a matter of fact, I prefer moderate distance and effort most days of the week, with one day of hard riding; and one long day. I enjoy riding, too; so I want to ride most days of the week! I’ll be shipping my road bike to RAGBRAI; and I have to allow about two weeks for that. It’s good that I have the hybrid to ride during that time; or I’ll get too out of condition. Then I’ll really be undertrained! 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 ✍? Under-Trained February 12, 2025 Muscle Forgetfulness February 11, 2025 Fog Away! February 10, 2025 Pedals Wear Out! February 9, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Under-Trained Read More »

Muscle Forgetfulness

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Muscle Forgetfulness ? I think I may be suffering from muscle forgetfulness. If muscles can remember, they also can forget, I suppose. I wish my muscles had a better memory of Bike MS 2013. This was two back-to-back, 75-mile days of riding; and yes, there were hills. I managed reasonably well; and I wonder how the terrain of that Bike MS route compares with RAGBRAI 2025’s route. If only I could head for the hills for some climbing practice! From viewing multiple YouTubes about RAGBRAI (some of them multiple times!), I know that the climbs can get tough; especially if the weather turn very hot. By all accounts, RAGBRAI 2023 coincided with a heat wave!  And all kinds of bikes are out there: road bikes, tandems, MTBs — even penny farthings! If muscle forgetfulness is bad enough on a regular bicycle, it must be far worse if you ride one of those high-wheelers! Head for the Hills? ?️ They do say, the best way to train for hills is to, well, head for the hills. Unfortunately there aren’t any close by; so I need another way to learn climbing. This means tactics such as pedaling hard in a hard gear; and riding hard into a headwind. But how do I know how much of this work I need to do? I’m trying to find out what the course profile for this year’s RAGBRAI is, so at least I’ll know what to expect; then I have a better chance at getting properly prepared. Another training tactic I’ve got in mind is to start making efforts that get my heart rate into its maximum range. I’ll probably need that if the climbs are long and/or steep! I know this, I’ve got to keep riding, lest muscle forgetfulness take over. 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 ✍? Muscle Forgetfulness February 11, 2025 Fog Away! February 10, 2025 Pedals Wear Out! February 9, 2025 RAGBRAI hydration February 7, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Muscle Forgetfulness Read More »

Fog Away!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Fog Away! ?‍?️ Thank goodness whoever controls our weather took the fog away this morning! Yesterday morning the fog was terrible; and I was lucky that I’d brought along a cloth handkerchief. For or five times, I had to stop and dry my glasses; and I wished I had ARCHXX Anti-Fog Lens Wipes. I must get some to take along on RAGBRAI in case of misty mornings. I think these wipes will be easier for travel use than a bottle of spray lens cleaner; they’re not likely to spill the way a liquid can. They’re ammonia-free, too; and that’s a plus. I hate the smell of ammonia! But the main thing is keeping the fog away; if not from the atmosphere, then away from my glasses! Rain or fog, anti-fog treatments should help keep those lenses clear. Rain or Fog? ?️ ?‍?️ But which is worse: rain, or fog? I’m not sure I can make up my mind about that. Visibility certainly is likely to be a much greater problem in heavy mist; but a heavy downpour also makes it hard to see.  Today the mist seemed to be largely confined to the river; and except for a few drops here and there, the rain stayed away. There was more wind than there was yesterday; and it was mostly a headwind, ? wouldn’t you know. Maybe yesterday’s lack of wind was why the fog was so bad; and the wind this morning blew the fog away. 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 ✍? Elementor #192866 February 10, 2025 Pedals Wear Out! February 9, 2025 RAGBRAI hydration February 7, 2025 I Took the Plunge! February 6, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Fog Away! Read More »

Pedals Wear Out!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Training /

Pedals Wear Out! ?? Pedals wear out, as I’ve learned. Recently I began to have problems with my left foot coming unclipped as I rode. Worn cleats, I thought; and had the cleats on my shoes replaced. My foot still kept coming unclipped. So I took a good look at my SPDs; and sure enough, the left one was worn. I guess that shouldn’t have been a surprise. I’d had those pedals since Fall of 2012; and as I typically put my left foot down when I stop, that cleat-and-pedal setup gets a lot more use than the one on the right. Pedals wear out; chains wear out; everything wears out! Do I Wear Out? ?‍? Okay, pedals wear out; but do I wear out? That depends on what you mean by “wear out”. I usually finish my rides before I’m that tired; and it makes me wonder whether I’m ready to push for longer and/or harder rides, more often. After all, I’m training for RAGBRAI; and that will be quite a challenge. Mindful of the possibility of very hot days during the event, I’ve made a note on my calendar to start riding in the heat by mid-April. If I start by doing, say, 10-mile hot rides, I can work up to fairly long distances by the end of June. I have a Cool Rag to wear; and those things do make quite a difference. As my rides lengthen, and the days get hotter (up to 77 degrees today!), I’ll increase the amount of water in my Camel-Bak; and take along additional electrolyte drink mix. How many miles can I ride in one day? Do I wear out before I reach my goal? I might, if there’s a strong headwind! 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 ✍? RAGBRAI hydration February 7, 2025 I Took the Plunge! February 6, 2025 Edging Closer February 5, 2025 What Hills? February 4, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Pedals Wear Out! Read More »

RAGBRAI hydration

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

RAGBRAI Hydration ? I’m already planning RAGBRAI hydration; never mind that the event is still over five months in the future. If anything, hydration is more important than food; so plan how you’ll get your fluids during a ride. For a long event, is a Camel-Bak or bottles a better choice? That depends on personal preference. Some riders find that a backpack full of water makes them too hot; and for a fact, a Camel-Bak does get hot. There’s also the weight of the Camel-Bak to contend with. I intend to use the Camel-Bak for my RAGBRAI hydration, despite the drawacks. Now that I’m doing 20+ mile rides more and more often, I’m using that hydration system much more often. If I’m to use it for RAGBRAI, I must train with it. Since it sounds like opportunities to refill your bottles, etc. are frequent, I won’t need to fill the reservoir all the way. That means more weight allowance for other necessities, e.g. a tube of Chamois Butt’r. If I have the Camel-Bak, I’ll have a drinking tube; and that tube is easier to grab than a bottle on my bicycle’s down tube. Even after a dozen years of riding that road bike, I still have days when I can’t seem to keep from swerving when trying to manage that bidon! And that’s on flat ground; I imaging that climbing would complicate matters considerably. What about Electrolytes? ⚡️ What about electrolytes? Hydration isn’t only about water, after all. Even on the coldest days, after about an hour of riding, plain water doesn’t cut it. If the weather is hot, I need electrolyte drink after half an hour or less. For RAGBRAI hydration, I’ll want my Camel-Bak ready when I begin a day’s riding. Over the years, I’ve tried many electrolyte drinks; and naturally some are more appealing than others. Regular Gatorade has fallen by the wayside; I have prediabetes, and need to watch my carb intake. Besides, I would rather eat my carbs than drink them. But there’s Gatorade Zero! I also like Propel. I’ve found this product in both powder and tablet form; and I lean towards tablets. They’re neater; and I think they’d be easier to use on a long ride. I’ve also tried Nuun tablets; and as a rule, I keep some GU-Gels with me at all times. What about hydration? There are many choices! 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 ✍? RAGBRAI hydration February 7, 2025 I Took the Plunge! February 6, 2025 Edging Closer February 5, 2025 What Hills? February 4, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

RAGBRAI hydration Read More »

I Took the Plunge!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

I Took the Plunge! ?? I took the plunge! This morning, I registered for RAGBRAI! I also signed up for the PBV (aka Pork Belly Ventures) charter service; and even booked my hotel room for the last night in Iowa before I fly home. It might be too early to book air travel; but that’s on my to-do list for the coming days. Ditto for Bikeflights; and maybe some kind of travel insurance. I’m not quite sure I’ll need it in addition to my regular medical insurance. I took the plunge; and now I’m working on my shopping list. Also, on my packing list. There’s a certain amount of equipment that I’ll need; and it’s amazing how many everyday things I use that I might easily forget. When those items are easy to access at home, I don’t think about them. The Equipment ?️ So, to gather the equipment. I already got a sleeping pad; but I don’t yet have a sleeping bag.  The pad that I have lacks a pillow; but I can take a pillow case and stuff it with clothes. I got one of those quick-dry microfiber towels; and I think I’ll get a washcloth, too. I’ll want to be sure I can clean off the sunblock at a day’s end! There are all those day-to-day things that, as mentioned, I don’t even think about: toothpaste; shampoo; and so on. PBV provides soap and towels with their showers; but I want to bring my own to insure that I have fragrance-free products. Oh, and don’t forget to buy a duffle bag! They say the 40-liter size is good for RAGBRAI. I just might be able to use it as a carry-on; it depends on how easily I can lift the loaded bag over my head! While I’m collecting the equipment, I must keep riding. So far the training plan for RAGBRAI 2025 doesn’t seem to have been published; but last year’s plan gives me some guidelines. After all, I took the plunge; and I want to do all I can to ensure a great First RAGBRAI! 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 ✍? I Took the Plunge! February 6, 2025 Edging Closer February 5, 2025 What Hills? February 4, 2025 Rikki Tikki Tavi February 3, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

I Took the Plunge! Read More »

Edging Closer

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Edging Closer ➼ I’m edging closer to RAGBRI! In fact, I attempted to register today; but apparently I started an account several years ago, from my work computer. My old work email address popped up; and I no longer use that account. So I’m working to get that straightened out. Then I can pounce! I’m getting anxious to get my name in there, so I can register with Pork Belly Ventures; and I hear they fill up fast. I want PBV because then I won’t have to bother with managing a tent by myself. Today I found out more that can help me with logistics; so I’m edging closer! Logistics ✈️ Working out the logistics of any trip is quite the jigsaw puzzle. My biggest concern about getting to and from RAGBRAI has been, how to transport my bicycle. Not in a bike travel bag; that would mean hauling the thing through airports, along with any check-in bag I’d have. But there’s Bikeflights;  and I think I’ll use them. My bike shop says they use Bikeflights all the time. Today I spoke by phone with a PBV contact. They say, allow a good two weeks for shipping if I use Bikeflights. Lucky I have the hybrid to ride, so I can keep my fitness going during that fortnight. As I understand it, I’ll learn more about Bikeflights once I’m registered with PBV. We also spoke about airports and shuttle services between RAGBRI and those terminals. As to the ride itself, the day that I’m most worried about is the last one. It’s 61.2 miles; and the one PBV shuttle from the end town leaves at 3 pm. So I’d better start riding extra early that day! This morning I rode 20.5 miles in 1:50:13; so theoretically, seven hours (including breaks) ought to be enough for 61.2 miles. I mustn’t forget about the hills, though. I guess I’ll get it worked out. After all, I’m edging closer! 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 ✍? Edging Closer February 5, 2025 What Hills? February 4, 2025 Rikki Tikki Tavi February 3, 2025 He Saw! February 2, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Edging Closer Read More »

What Hills?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

What Hills? ?? What hills are there around here to practice on? I’ve about decided to register for RAGBRAI 2025; and although this will be one of the flattest RAGBRAI routes ever, there will be a total of 10,400+ feet of climbing. I don’t want to get to Iowa and find myself in deep water, so to speak; so I must practice climbing now. But how? They say, if you want to get better at climbing, you’ve got to ride hills. But what hills? It’s flat as can be around here! Burn My Quads ? “Hill” practice means burn my quads time; and today I began working at it. Harder than actually doing it, is getting myself to start! I did it by shifting into a very hard gear; then working to ride in that gear for two minutes. Then, after two minutes of easy riding, I’d do another hard effort. In all, I did 7-8 such efforts; and by the third one, my quads were really feeling the work!  Next week I can extend the efforts by 30 seconds, and so on. I just hope I can be sufficiently conditioned by mid-July. After that, it’s too late for anything but fitness maintenance. As to getting my bicycle to and from RAGBRAI, I might use BikeFlights. The catch is, I’d be at a loss as to how to disassemble my bike. Ditto for putting it back together. But I plan to use Pork Belly Ventures; and I believe they provide this service. Or, at the Expo the day before RAGBRAI actually starts, I can get it taken care of. I’m still looking up info about the event; and during the ride, I’ll probably wish I could say, What hills? I just hope the work I’m doing now will mean I don’t burn my quads to a crisp. 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 ✍? What Hills? February 4, 2025 Rikki Tikki Tavi February 3, 2025 He Saw! February 2, 2025 Predict the Groundhog February 1, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

What Hills? Read More »

Rikki Tikki Tavi

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Rikki Tikki Tavi ?‍➡️ Where’s Rikki Tikki Tavi when you need him? He always said the mongoose family motto was, “Run find out!” And I have a lot that I want to find out. About RAGBRAI! This Mongoose Malus Fat Tire bicycle could let Rikki Tikki Tavi be even faster; and then I’d get more RAGBRAI facts, and sooner. It seems that, the more I find out, the more questions I have!  Court of Inquiry? ? It all feels like a court of inquiry. Get one question answered; and follow it up with rigorous cross-examination. Not to mention getting answers for all the additional questions that each answer generates. At present, my main course of inquiry is, how to get to and from RAGBRAI; especially the latter. As I scrutinize possibilities, getting TO the start of RAGBRAI is becoming clearer. But how to get from Guttenberg back home? That’s still up in the air. I’m glad I began thinking about all this last April. Today I was browsing the (lengthy!) page where I’ve been recording my questions; the answers, as I find them; and links to useful articles, videos, and so on. It’s a lot of material, and I want to go back over it all. If Rikki Tikki Tavi won’t go, I’ve got to; and conduct a court of inquiry as I go.  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 ✍? Rikki Tikki Tavi February 3, 2025 He Saw! February 2, 2025 Predict the Groundhog February 1, 2025 Deep End January 30, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Rikki Tikki Tavi Read More »