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bicycling

Smog?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Smog? ?️ Have we got a smog problem here? We don’t have (yet!) the kind of smog that means bad visibility, and the need for lights at midday; but we apparently have the kind that gives the sky a ugly grayish tinge. The sight cast rather a blight on my ride today. It was great weather for cycling: temperature in the mid-60s; no rain; and almost no wind at all. Seeing that dirty-looking sky was rather depressing. Otherwise, it was a good ride! Not So Fast ? I felt stronger today; but fast? Well, not so fast. My average overall speed was only 11.69 mph. A racer I am not! There was, however, a stretch of just over 7 miles when I averaged over 13 mph; and that’s better than usual. The Sunday ride isn’t supposed to be about speed, though. It’s about endurance; and once again, I cut the ride a bit short. I was aiming for 30 miles, and stopped at 25.6. The primary reason was, I would have needed to reapply sunblock in about 10 minutes; and didn’t feel like bothering with it. Like I’ve said before now, I’m lazy! I intended to ride tomorrow after my 9:00 am doctor’s appointment; but I see that there’s an Air Quality Alert in effect for tomorrow, starting at 6:00 am. I don’t have respiratory problems; but maybe I should get up super early, and ride at 5:00 am? And, could ozone be why the sky looked discolored this morning? 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 Smog? October 13, 2024 Fall? October 12, 2024 Hydration Ideas October 11, 2024 Not Another One? October 10, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Fall?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Fall? ? Almost hot-chocolate time? Gosh, is Fall actually coming? Just a few days ago, the season seemed most reluctant to arrive; and then, this morning, it was only 63 degrees! It actually felt more like October than Summer. But it’s not time for hot chocolate yet! Afternoon temperatures still reach the 80s. It was cool enough for me to wear arm warmers for the ride to the salvage store. I’m glad I went there, because I found some good stuff. The grab-bag bins yielded some protein bars that I can use for ride food; and I found Laughing Cow. I actually got a rather small load, because I bought a  pack of bathroom tissue; and that stuff is a space hog! I rode at a leisurely pace for this trip; but did make one brief effort to ride 1 mph faster than I’d been going. It was better than nothing; and not every ride has to be “training”. Planning ? Now I’m planning next week’s rides; or trying to. It’s going to be pretty crazy, with doctor’s appointments three days in a row! Monday’s is at 9:00 am. Maybe I can ride the hybrid to the appointment, wearing cycling shorts; and do my real ride immediately afterwards. I can carry my stuff in the trunk. It won’t be too hot to ride by 10 o’clock; although cycling shorts at the doctor’s office might raise an eyebrow or two. Tuesday’s appointment is even earlier: 8 am. Another “post-doctorate” ride, I guess. And the day after that, I have a follow-up on the varicose vein procedure. I hope that’s the last of it! Planning gets tricky when there’s so much going on. At least, now that it feels more like Fall, riding later in the day won’t have me melting! 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 Fall? October 12, 2024 Hydration Ideas October 11, 2024 Not Another One? October 10, 2024 Kicking and Screaming October 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Hydration Ideas

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Hydration Ideas ? I’ve got some more hydration ideas for RAGBRAI. If I get to do it, that is; I’ve yet to find a local group that’s going.? By now I”ve viewed many YouTubes about RAGBRAI; and a number of them mention water-bottle filling stations along the way. I could fill my Camel-Bak only halfway; and carry an emergency bottle of water on my bike’s seat tube. (The down tube is reserved for my bottle of electrolyte drink). Then, when I come to a refill station, I can empty that bottle into the Camel-Bak; and refill the bottle. This would mean less of a load on my back; plus more room in the Camel-Bak pockets for other things. For example, I’m for sure going to need Chamois Butt’r! And plenty of it, too. I’ll probably come up with more hydration ideas as time goes on. I know I’d better take along plenty of electrolyte drink mixes from home, as it might be hard to find them on the RAGBRAI route. When tens of thousands of riders descend upon small towns, I bet things get sold out fast!  Conditioning ?? Meanwhile, hydration ideas for RAGBRAI aside, riding with a full Camel-Bak is good conditioning. I need to be used to the load on my back; and if I’m used to that weight in training, it will be easier to ride without it come event time. And I’m working on conditioning for my legs, of course. It’s so easy to get caught up in working up to the mileage; and forget about other kinds of conditioning. Like carrying a loaded hydration system; getting the arms and core ready for hours of daily riding, and so on. I’m glad I’ve still got months to work on 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 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 Hydration Ideas October 11, 2024 Not Another One? October 10, 2024 Kicking and Screaming October 8, 2024 Fortune Cookie Advice October 7, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Not Another One?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Not Another One? ? Oh, no; not another one? Hurricane Milton has crossed the Florida peninsula; and has lost a great deal of strength. People in Milton’s path were still cleaning up after Helene; and I wish we could undo the destruction by saying that it’s not on Strava! But there’s still Hurricane Leslie to worry about! My first thought was, not another one! Then I checked the projected wind path. Leslie is currently moving WNW; but is forecast to curve out into the Atlantic. So maybe any worry is wasted. I sure hope so. Got to Wake Up ? Luckily we didn’t get any nightmare weather from hurricanes; but I’ve got to wake up and get busy. Yesterday I took a day off from riding; blogging; and social media. Now and then it all gets to be too much; and besides, I had to go downtown for a doctor’s appointment. Today I’m trying to get back into the swing of things: a 19.7-mile ride; and here’s the blog I’m working on! I’m having some problems with social media; so that’s still sitting on the siding. The ride today was an attempt at a steady pace. Maybe tomorrow I’ll put in some force efforts. I’ve got to wake up and start doing a little more high-effort work, if I want to develop better speed. 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 Not Another One? October 10, 2024 Kicking and Screaming October 8, 2024 Fortune Cookie Advice October 7, 2024 Another Week October 6, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Fortune Cookie Advice

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Fortune Cookie Advice ? Is fortune cookie advice to be taken seriously? I don’t know; and to me, fortune cookies are just for fun (and eating, naturally!) Or should I keep my used tea bags as a means of divination? A recent piece of fortune cookie advice that came my way said something about, don’t be afraid to admit that you need a break. It made me think of my ambition to reach a long-term mileage total of 70K by the end of December. It’s starting to look like I’ll have to change that plan!  I cut my ride short one day last week because of concerns over the weather. There was also a day when I rode short and easy; I was tired, and burnout is something to be avoided. My sister and her husband are coming to visit later this month; and that will probably cut into my mileage, too. I think I’d better curb my ambitions a little. If I can make to to 70K by year’s end, that’s great! But it’s no disgrace if I don’t. Nail-Biting ?? Folks down here are probably engaged in some nail-biting; although I can think of more appetizing things to chew on. Like MET-Rx bars. I’d say we have reason to be nervous, though! Hurricane Milton has reached Category 5 strength; and while he’s expected to stay away from SE Louisiana, what if our current high barometric pressure collapses? We could be in major trouble if it did; and I, for one, won’t be holding any hurricane party. Meanwhile, I just hope I can curb my nail-biting for long enough to go riding! Or would some fortune cookie advice let me know what’s coming? 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 Fortune Cookie Advice October 7, 2024 Another Week October 6, 2024 Milton the Monster October 5, 2024 Could Have Ridden Longer October 4, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Another Week

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Another Week ?️ Here we go with another week. Gosh, I sound like I’m talking about work; and that definitely isn’t the case. Another week of cycling, yes! Each week, I try to lengthen my daily ride by a mile or two; and the Sunday ride by several miles. Today I was aiming for 30; but I had to leave it at 28.1 miles. The headwind was wearing me out; and I didn’t want to slather on another layer of sunblock to ride less than two miles. So home it was, to add another week of rides to my log. I use a regular notebook for this; but if you want something fancier, there’s The Cyclist’s Training Diary. I tried using a copy of this some years ago; but the pre-printed pages did nothing to help me make my records neater! Eye on the Weather ?️ Another week of cycling, naturally, means constantly keeping an eye on the weather. No cyclist wants to get caught in a T-storm. We haven’t had much of such weather lately; and to be honest, I think we’ve been too lucky for too long! Something is bound to break, sooner or later. Let’s hope it won’t happen in the form of a freak turn on the part of Milton. Nobody wants a hurricane; but the catch is, if one location is spared, another place gets slammed. Just to be sure New Orleans doesn’t end up in the crosshairs, I’ll keep an eye on the weather. 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 Another Week October 6, 2024 Milton the Monster October 5, 2024 Could Have Ridden Longer October 4, 2024 Waiting to Pounce October 3, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Milton the Monster

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Milton the Monster? ? Are we going to have Milton the Monster out there in the Gulf? Decades ago, there was a Saturday morning cartoon program called Milton the Monster Show; but I never watched it. This Tropical Storm Milton, however, warrants close observation. It looks like he’ll stay away from here; but we still can’t let our guard down. Maybe the Hornit Mini Nano includes a sound that will make a tropical storm head the other way! Poor Florida could certainly use it. Those folks are still reeling from the impact of Helene. If Milton leaves us alone, we’re happy; although we empathize with anyone in the storm’s path. New Orleans certainly knows what it’s like to be hit by hurricanes. Falling Behind ? I’m falling behind in my mileage; and not because of midlife issues. There was at least one day when the weather looked very uncertain; and I didn’t want to get caught out in a T-storm. I made the ride that morning very short. Late this morning it was still overcast; and I didn’t feel like going out. I used the trailer for today’s trip to the salvage store; and of course the extra drag meant extra effort! Ergo I was rather tired when I got back home. I hope I can get in about 25 miles tomorrow. I don’t like falling behind; and my sister is coming to visit in a few weeks’ time. I might not get to ride as much while the visit lasts; so let’s get in some miles now! Especially as I don’t trust Milton the Monster to not make any crazy turns! 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 Milton the Monster October 5, 2024 Could Have Ridden Longer October 4, 2024 Waiting to Pounce October 3, 2024 All Streaks Must End October 2, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Could Have Ridden Longer

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Could Have Ridden Longer! ⏩ I could have ridden longer this morning; and enjoyed more of life behind bars. But the weather looked quite uncertain; and I knew that it was pretty sure to rain at some point. On top of that, I wanted to make a detour to the store. My legs felt rather tired; so I just rode the hybrid to the park and did three laps. Sometimes you need to listen to your body when it says, “I don’t wanna ride long (or hard!)” Then I headed for the store, and got the onion that I needed. ? I was back home at about 9:15 am; and I don’t think the rain started until at least 10:00. I could have ridden longer; but now I don’t want to go out. I’m still expecting the lightning ⚡️to break out at any time. Stormy Rides ⛈️ What do pro cyclists do when it’s time for a training ride; but there’s a fierce T-storm roaring overhead? Do they go out to ride anyhow; or do they ride inside? Stormy rides, after all, can be very nerve-wracking! I guess this answers my question. Or does it? Read about the Tour de France, and you’ll see that those cyclists ride through rain; T-storms; hail; and even snow! If you can’t avoid riding in the rain (such as on a long bicycle tour; commuting to work or school; or even a race) what can you do to make riding a bit safer? One suggestion I’ve read is to slightly deflate your tires: e.g. if you typically use 100 psi, then make it 90 psi in the rain. This increases the “contact patch” of your tires a little, improving traction. Most of us won’t be racing; and on a rainy day, slow down; especially when going through corners. Extra caution is well warranted during stormy rides. I looks like I can stay dry during my usual weekend rides. That’s a good thing, because I don’t want to cut a ride short and then realize that I could have ridden longer. 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 Elementor #183554 October 4, 2024 Waiting to Pounce October 3, 2024 All Streaks Must End October 2, 2024 Bike Bus October 1, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Waiting to Pounce

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Waiting to Pounce? ? Do you ever get the feeling that the weather is waiting to pounce? Today was just such a day. When I went riding at about 7:45 am, the sky was mostly clear. There were a few white clouds; but as I rode, more and more clouds gathered. By the time I reached home at about 9:40 am, the sky was mostly overcast.  These Giro Rev shoes might be ready to pounce into cycling action; but they won’t keep me dry if it rains. And it looks like tomorrow will be a very wet day. Indeed, the forecast is for T-storms! Not a Harbinger ? According to the forecast, this rain not a harbinger of Fall; so I won’t be getting out the hot chocolate just yet. Oh, and while I’m thinking about it, hot chocolate is good with a bit of cinnamon in it! So, shall I ride tomorrow; or skip a day? Today I just tried to keep a steady pace; and of course the headwind on the way home made it harder. I also made today’s ride a bit shorter. But riding in the rain? I hope tomorrow’s rain is not a harbinger of a prolonged wet spell! I’ll need practice with riding in the rain, though, if I’m going to do RAGBRAI; participants can’t count on nice, sunny weather all week. The weather is waiting to pounce at any time! 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 Waiting to Pounce October 3, 2024 All Streaks Must End October 2, 2024 Bike Bus October 1, 2024 One Last Lick September 30, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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All Streaks Must End

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

All Streaks Must End ? All streaks must end sometime; whether it’s an unusually good stretch of training rides; winning races; or a spell of no rain. We’ve had less rain than usual for a while, aside from Francine; and amazingly few T-storms. But it looks like that’s about to end. Tomorrow night through Sunday night we’ve got chances of rain and, yes, T-storms. Knowing that all streaks must end doesn’t cheer me up. Riding in the rain isn’t my favorite thing to do; especially when I’m trying to get in long miles. I have a poncho, but it’s really too long for cycling; and it flaps around like crazy in the wind. Not Gene Kelly ? Sure, riding in the rain is entirely possible, especially with the right gear; but I am not Gene Kelly. He was dancing in the rain, anyway. Besides, even the best rain gear can’t protect you from lightning, which is my major concern. I’ve been enjoying the current spell of un-rainy weather; it lets me ride farther while not worrying that rain might catch me at any moment. We also get the opposite: spells when it seems like it will never stop raining; and when I constantly have wet gloves, socks, etc. spread out all over the place. When I get sick and tired of rain, I have to remind myself then that all streaks must end. 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 Facebook Twitter Youtube All Streaks Must End October 2, 2024 Bike Bus October 1, 2024 One Last Lick September 30, 2024 No Leg Warmers Yet September 29, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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