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Crusty

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Crusty ? I love crusty bread; and gingerbread, too. Today we’ve got crusty snow! After a day of sunshine yesterday — and another sunny day today — the top surface of the snow has become harder. It’s still dry and powdery below the surface; and, as I expected, the sidewalks are more of a mess today than they were yesterday. That makes it hard to walk around. Maybe that crusty surface is great for skiing and sledding; but it gets packed down from people walking on it. Then it re-freezes; and that spells trouble! Cabin Fever ? I’m getting cabin fever from staying indoors so much; so I try to get out for a few minutes here and there. Around 9:00 am I went on the prowl for some kind of cake or pastry, tramping over crusty snow. Most shops and restaurants in the neighborhood are still shut down; but PJ’s was open.  I got a cake ball; and that’s really a better option than a big slice of carrot cake. The cake ball was about golf-ball size. The carrot cake would have made four or more cake balls; and I really do not need that. After a few hours, cabin fever is setting in again. It would be great to get out and ride; but I don’t dare try pedaling over icy, rutted surfaces. It would be easy to catch a wheel and go down; or to go into a skid. I suppose you need to steer into a skid when cycling; just as you would if driving a car. But that takes practice; and why try it on the streets when cars are out? 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 ✍? Crusty January 23, 2025 Sunshine January 22, 2025 It’s Snowing!! January 21, 2025 We All Scream? January 20, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Sunshine

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Sunshine ? Yesterday it was snowing; today we’ve got sunshine. If you’re going to be outdoors for more than a short time, don’t forget sunblock and sunglasses. No sense in letting yourself go snow-blind. The temperature is still freezing; and for the next three nights the lows will go below freezing. Afternoons will be int the 40s for the next two days; and I suppose we can expect considerable melting and refreezing of our snow. It’s still cold enough that the sunshine probably won’t melt off the snow right away. The streets and sidewalks will be hazardous; and how can anyone ride a bicycle in that slush? How do you steer? I think I’d find it hard to make any headway at all! In some areas, where weather like this is par for the course during Winter, I’m sure plenty of cyclists can manage. I don’t feel ready to tackle it, unless I could find a fat-tire bicycle to rent.  Eye on the Weekend ?️ I’ve got my eye on the weekend; but not with any notions of doing an epic ride. I want to visit the salvage store; but a lot depends on whether the snow and ice have melted off by then.  I’m especially concerned about the possibility of “black ice”. That stuff is super-treacherous; it can send you it skid before you even see it. Or, if you’re on foot, you can find yourself flat on your back before you know what’s happening! Friday night’s low temperature will be just below freezing, which makes riding to the store Saturday look doubtful, even in sunshine. But I’m keeping an eye on the weekend, and I hope I can go for a real ride on Sunday! Pedaling in the trainer is driving me crazy. 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 ✍? Sunshine January 22, 2025 It’s Snowing!! January 21, 2025 We All Scream? January 20, 2025 Last Chance? January 19, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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It’s Snowing!!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

IT’S SNOWING!! ❄️ Omigosh, it’s snowing! Can you believe it? Of course snow makes me think of Troika; but I wonder how a drone would fly in this weather. The wind is 17 mph, with gusts up to 36 mph. If I did have a drone, I’d be worried that such wind would tear the thing to pieces. But wouldn’t it be fun to get a film of myself riding in the snow? So far there’s not enough snow accumulation on the grass for me to try making a snow angel; but it’s early yet. It’s snowing; and, according to the forecast, it will keep going for a few hours. No Ice Bike ?? I have no ice bike; so what to do when it’s snowing, and I don’t even have snow tires for the bike that I do have? I can blog, of course. Or munch on M&Ms. I can hook my road bike into the trainer, and “ride” that way. In fact, I did just that yesterday; and left the bike hooked up in anticipation of another indoor ride today. There are YouTubes galore for information and entertainment … let me go listen to Troika again! 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 ✍? We All Scream? January 20, 2025 Last Chance? January 19, 2025 In and Out January 18, 2025 On the watch January 17, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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We All Scream?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

We All Scream? ❄️ ? We all scream for ice cream? Maybe; but I sure would not want to be eating ice cream at an outdoor café today! Nor within the next few days, either. We’ve got snow predicted for tomorrow; and it will continue to be very cold for several days afterwards. We all scream for hand warmers! Chilly Day Plans ✍? What are your chilly day plans? In a while, I think I’ll hook my bicycle into the trainer, so I can do some pedaling. I’d like to go out for a real ride; but the wind is still 15 mph, with gusts up to 23 mph. The chill factor is below freezing! If we had cold weather like this all Winter every year, I’d need to learn how to deal with riding in it; but we usually don’t have temperatures this low for more than one day at a time. Even low temperatures would be bearable for short rides if it weren’t for the wind. Yesterday it was blowing so hard that I could hardly control my bike! My chilly day plans are to stay indoors if I can. It gets very tedious, though; I’m used to more action than that! I guess we all scream to go for a 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 ✍? We All Scream? January 20, 2025 Last Chance? January 19, 2025 In and Out January 18, 2025 On the watch January 17, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Last Chance?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Last Chance? ? I wasn’t sure I really wanted to go out this morning; but I decided that it might be my last chance for a few days. The temperature was in the low 40s; with a chill factor in the mid-30s! Not favorable conditions for riding! Tomorrow morning, things will be even less nice. The forecast predicts a low of 28 degrees overnight; and the wind isn’t going to die down for a few more days. The chill factor could be as low as 17 degrees! ?  Tuesday is going to be quite unpleasant — very cold, with possible snow; and the wind still strong. Maybe a Mongoose Aztec Fat Tire bike has good traction in snow; but ice is another matter, I’m sure. And I doubt that the Aztec makes dealing with strong wind any easier. Restless ? I hope I made good use of my last chance to ride outdoors for a few days. As already indicated, I had to prod myself a bit. And I had to bundle up! With the wind at least 13 mph; and gusts up to 28 mph, I knew it would be H-E-double-L to ride on the levee; so I pedaled over to the park. After three laps, I’d had enough. The wind seemed to be strengthening, so I headed home; and had such a strong headwind that it felt like I was barely able to pedal! I’ve mostly stayed indoors since I got home; and it’s making me feel restless. I need to get back to regular rides of 19-22 miles. With so little riding just lately, it’s harder to control my appetite. And why do I want ice cream? 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 ✍? Last Chance? January 19, 2025 In and Out January 18, 2025 On the watch January 17, 2025 Getting to Know Winter January 16, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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In and Out

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

In and Out ↔️ I was in and out the weather window this morning, you might say. When I started out for the salvage store, it was gray and drizzling. After I had gone a mile or so, the drizzle had dwindled to a sprinkle. It’s a good thing I rode to the store when I did! While waiting for the doors to open, I looked towards the West; and thought, Hey, is that rain that I see? It sure was! In a minute or two, it had reached the store; and for a while it rained hard. I was a bit worried about riding back home in a deluge. Fortunately, the worst of the rain was over by the time I left the store; and it didn’t get bad as I was riding home. So you could say that I was in and out the weather window!  What about Tomorrow? ☀️ So, what about tomorrow? I’ll want to get some miles in while I can, especially as today’s mileage wasn’t even 12. I was just toying with the idea of going to ride some laps around the park, when the bike shop called about the Garmin. They close at 3 pm on Saturdays; and aren’t there Sundays and Mondays. From the sound of the weather forecasts, everything might be shut down Tuesday; so I hiked over to the shop. Might as well go while I can! Long story short, the Garmin might need an upgrade. Let’s see whether I can figure out how to do it! Now that I’m back from the shop; and had something to eat; it’s 3:30 pm; and the forecast shows rain in the next hour or so. I think I’ve had enough precipitation for the day. Rain isn’t expected tomorrow; but the wind will be strong enough to make riding tough. I might have to ride indoors; or at least do part of my mileage that way.  Monday and Tuesday will be frigid, with chill factors well below freezing. When you don’t have polar-grade thermal underwear and heated socks for your bicycle rides, that gets downright miserable.  Tuesday could see snow! With rain and snow showers predicted, I’d better not try to ride outside. But before all that, what about tomorrow? I hope I can ride in and out of the weather windows again. 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 ✍? In and Out January 18, 2025 On the watch January 17, 2025 Getting to Know Winter January 16, 2025 Is Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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On the watch

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

On the Watch ? I’m on the watch now. Not even the most sophisticated fitness watch can substitute for bracing against the weather impact that’s headed our way. I’ve been getting ready: checking to be sure the pipes under all sinks are wrapped; seeing to it that the outdoor faucet is insulated; and being sure that I’ve got a good supply of drinking water. Once the cold weather arrives, I’ll have to be on the watch for possible icy conditions on the streets. I probably won’t want to go anywhere; but if I do need to travel, extra caution is warranted. My major concern is that I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled for next Wednesday; and the entire city might be shut down if there’s any snow. This afternoon it doesn’t seem possible that we’ll soon have sub-freezing temperatures! Beginning Sunday night, it will be at or below the freezing point for several nights in a row. That’s all but unheard of for New Orleans; and makes me think of the notorious Year without a Summer. Pooh Bear ? Pooh Bear sure said it — cold toes are a big problem when outdoors in cold weather, on the bike or off. Of course I notice that poor Pooh Bear was barefooted (or should I say bearfooted?); so naturally his toes were getting colder and colder! I bet Piglet’s feet were no warmer than Pooh’s. Maybe I should try tucking hand warmers into my socks, just above my ankles. Or do they make socks that you can plug in; something similar to Rabbitroom Gloves? If I do go out for a ride in subfreezing weather, I’ll have to be on the watch for frostbite; and that’s just one more thing to plague my mind. Maybe I should simply stay indoors! 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 ✍? On the watch January 17, 2025 Getting to Know Winter January 16, 2025 Is Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Another Onslaught January 14, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Getting to Know Winter

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Getting to Know Winter ❄️ It looks like we’ll start getting to know Winter next week; so I’d better keep the hot chocolate mix ready! Sunday night the temperature will drop like a stone, as the saying goes. Wind gusts could be as strong as 30 mph; and that will result in a chill factor far below freezing. There might even be a little snow! For us, that’s a major thrill; but I don’t think I’ll want to ride in it. The danger will be icy-slick spots that are hard to see; and on top of that, can I dress warmly enough? Getting to know Winter involves many factors! How Should I Dress? ? So, how should I dress for a ride in extreme (for me) cold? My hands and feet are always a problem: even with double socks (including one pair of thermal socks), my feet end up feeling like blocks of wood. Hand warmers are helpful; but often my fingers still feel chilled. Of course, I’m familiar with layering; but if snow showers means mostly rain, all of those layers might get wet through. That, plus the wind we’re expecting, could mean I’ll get very cold; perhaps dangerously so. I could wear a poncho; but in a strong wind, a poncho flaps all around; and tugs at me; and makes bike control tricky.  Not to mention the problems of a hyperactive schnozzle. Does everybody have that problem? If so, what do they do about it? Does a balaclava help? Getting to know Winter might mean trying out some new gear! 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 ✍? Getting to Know Winter January 16, 2025 Is Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Another Onslaught January 14, 2025 Overload January 13, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Is Perception Reality?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Is Perception Reality? ? Is perception reality? I’m not sure; but it would be great if perception were reality! Too bad these Ray-Ban Sunglasses don’t let me see what’s real! Today I seemed to be riding more strongly when I went out on the road bike; but without my Garmin, I couldn’t be sure whether that were really the case. Maybe I felt like that only because I rode the much-heavier hybrid yesterday; and I could sense the weight difference. So — is perception reality?  Shivering! ? It looks like we’ll be doing some big-time shivering next week. A text from my sister-in-law mentioned that New Orleans might get snow showers next Tuesday. Such weather is almost unheard-of for us; but if it happens, I don’t think I’ll dare try to ride outdoors. In fact, I might not go outside at all! I haven’t got the right kind of tires for riding in snow/icy conditions. I don’t have cleats for my sneakers; so walking on icy sidewalks is asking for trouble. Even if icy precipitation doesn’t materialize, hand warmers might not keep my paws warm outdoors, unless I use several pairs of them: one set in the palms of my hands; and another to heat up the backs of my hands. And, no matter how much I bundle up, I’m still likely to be shivering. Is perception reality when it comes to just how cold it is? Not always! The forecast predicts strong winds along with next week’s low temperatures; and the chill factor will be something fierce! 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 ✍? Is Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Another Onslaught January 14, 2025 Overload January 13, 2025 Dead? January 12, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Another Onslaught

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Another Onslaught ? Here comes another onslaught of frigid air. I’m glad I have a decent supply of hand warmers! I wasn’t aware of the coming cold snap until I went to the bike shop; and the shop owner mentioned it. Current temperatures are expected to persist for the rest of this week; but Sunday night’s low won’t be much over freezing. Wind gusts could reach 25 mph; and that will put the chill factor in the sub-freezing range. Monday will be very cold, too; and I’m glad I don’t have to go anywhere. I always am, whenever another onslaught of cold approaches! A Quick Fix? ? I hope my Garmin’s problem is a quick fix. It’s rather annoying to have to guesstimate my mileage, etc. I think I’ve been spoiled by years of access to hard data! But this morning I didn’t have to worry about it. I rode the hybrid, so I could take along a pannier and make a little side trip to the farmers market.  As it turned out, all I bought was two red grapefruit. One of the booths at the farmers market makes breakfast burritos; and I’d like to try one. Maybe another time, though; it was too cold for me to stand around in bare hands while eating anything; burrito or otherwise. Food is no quick fix for cold  hands. And the mere thought of another onslaught of cold weather makes me feel cold already!       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 ✍? Another Onslaught January 14, 2025 Overload January 13, 2025 Dead? January 12, 2025 Easing Up? January 11, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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