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Beating the Weather

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Beating the Weather Beating the weather was the name of the game today. Actually, it’s not bad right now; but the forecast for tomorrow looks quite ominous! The forecast predicts heavy rain, with a flood watch from 9 am onwards; and there’s a high wind warning beginning at noon tomorrow. I’m not going to want to try to ride in such conditions; and today’s ride was about beating the weather. Ride while I can; and if I’m going to take a rest day, why not do it when the weather is rotten? This morning I didn’t get going until about 9:15; and the wind had changed from calm to around 8 mph. And from the North, wouldn’t you know; so I had a headwind most of the way home. Riding on the drops helps lessen the feeling of wind pushing against me; but today I didn’t bother with it.   My average speed was a plodding 9.59 mph; and normally it’s more like 12 mph. It’s amazing how much conditioning you can lose in a short time! But I kept working at not tensing up my left calf and ankle. I’m sure to regain my usual pace in time; and my usual distance. This morning I rode about 12.4 miles; and I hope it’s not long before I can ride 15 miles per day. But let’s also hope it won’t always be about beating 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! 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 Beating the Weather January 7, 2024 Real Saturday January 6, 2024 Roadie Again! January 5, 2024 Pomp and Circumstance January 4, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Real Saturday

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Real Saturday Today felt like a real Saturday. For the first time post-lapiplasty, I rode to the salvage store! I didn’t get a big load; but it was great to go there by bicycle again. This morning the temperature was in the upper 40s. That’s chilly enough for me to get really cold hands, even when I wear heavy gloves.  Out came the hand warmers! For once, I had my headwind on the way to the store; not on the way home. I’m glad it wasn’t a really strong wind, because panniers stick out and create extra drag. I had to watch that I used my quads more than I pressed down with my feet. For years, I’ve had a bad habit of stretching my left heel down; and using a stiff, jerky motion to push the pedal. Not good; and this should be a great time to work at correcting my pedaling mechanics. Another thing that makes today feel like real Saturday is, I’m thinking about the Sunday long ride. Not that I can do a really long ride quite yet; but I’m thinking of shooting for 15 miles tomorrow. Or at least 12! That really isn’t enough of a ride that I’ll need to carry ride food; but I suppose it won’t be too many weeks before ride food is necessary again. I’m actually looking forward to that! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Storms Love Weekends? March 28, 2025 No End? March 27, 2025 Preppie? March 26, 2025 Team RWB March 25, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Roadie Again!

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Roadie 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.” I feel like a roadie again!? After the podiatrist’s statement yesterday, I began to think a lot more about climbing aboard the road bike.?‍♀️ This morning I tried on my road biking shoes (which, rather ironically, are actually MTB shoes); and felt only very minor discomfort. So I put them on; and out I went! I figured it would be better not to push too hard; but all the same I spent a couple of miles on the big ring. It felt good to do that, and feel like a roadie again! On the way back home, I had a headwind; and spent a few short stints on the drops. I wasn’t going much (if any) faster that way; but I did get some temporary relief from the wind in my face. To my aggravation, I forgot to wear my hear-rate monitor strap. Months ago, my bicycle computer’s readout screen began to give me a message that the monitor’s battery was low. I don’t have the tool needed to get the cover off the monitor’s batter compartment; and neither  did the bike shop. For a while, I considered getting some kind of Smart Watch; but decided to postpone such action. Since my bunion surgery, I’ve located a jeweler’s very close to home; and they were able to take care of it for me. Unfortunately it’s so long since I’ve worn that chest strap that I forgot all about it today. Note: in cold weather, put on this strap well before starting your ride. Especially if it’s been in the cold overnight. It takes a good 15-20 minutes for that thing to warm up and start working. Being able to keep tabs on my heart rate is another aspect of feeling like a roadie again. I wanted to ride before the weather began to turn; and it was already about nine o’clock by the time I started rolling. The forecast showed rain beginning around 2 pm; possibly even T-storms!⛈️ There was a wind advisory beginning at noon, too. Sure enough, by 2 pm or so, it was blowing at 23 mph. I’m glad I’m not out there now! 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 Roadie Again! January 5, 2024 Pomp and Circumstance January 4, 2024 I Bee’d Lucky January 3, 2024 Sunblock Day January 2, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Pomp and Circumstance

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Pomp and Circumstance? 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.” Today I “graduated“; and that makes me think of Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1! Nobody handed me a diploma, though. This morning I went for a post-lapiplasty follow-up. The podiatrist says everything looks great; and I don’t need an additional follow-up. I still have some swelling, but the doctor says it’s minor; that it will subside in time; and that many post-lapiplasty patients he’s seen have much more swelling six weeks after surgery than I do at the same time-mark.  The X-rays show that everything is going well; and the implant will continue to heal into the bone. The podiatrist was pleased that I’ve been able to remain active, even if I had to keep it to a low level; and he says I may do whatever I want now. So I can ride my bicycle more! In fact, I got home from my appointment and immediately went for a ride. I’m still using my hybrid, because the shoes I wear for riding the road bike are still a bit too snug for comfort. I don’t need any special exercises for the toe, so that’s a good thing. Naturally I have more sense than to try plyometrics yet. If something jolts my foot, it doesn’t feel very comfortable; probably because there’s still a bit of swelling. When my foot is up to such impacts, I ought to try “plyo”. Get Fast! includes a plyo workout, beginning on page 83. Where I used to live, I was reluctant to do the exercises because that old building was raised; and any kind of jumping made the whole place shake and rattle. I celebrated Pomp and Circumstance by getting Chinese take-out for lunch. It was enough for two meals, so I’ve saved half for supper. But do I need another ride to burn off lunch!

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I Bee’d Lucky

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I Bee’d Lucky 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.” I bee’d lucky yesterday! I had gone outdoors briefly; and wasn’t wearing any kind of head covering. Suddenly something landed on top of my head. I picked it off, expecting it to be a small twig; but it was a honeybee! I’m fortunate it didn’t sting me. Maybe the weather was chilly enough that the bee was sluggish; and slow to react. Between taking my damaged sunglasses to an optical shop; and waiting for my landlady to come by and pick up the rent; I didn’t get out to ride until 3 pm. I guess I bee’d lucky there, too. Chances for rain are increasing; but while I was riding, all the clouds were of the high, thin, white variety. By 10 pm it was raining; and this morning it was still drizzling. So I bee’d less fortunate as far as today’s ride goes! About noon the sun started to come out. I wanted a few groceries??; but didn’t want to ride to the store during the lunch-hour craziness. I waited until about 2 pm. I wore my Hoka shoes; and they’re somewhat of a problem. They’re bigger than my old sneakers; and getting them into my toe clips is awkward. I feel like I’m wearing huge clodhoppers! But my left foot needed the extra toe space prior to surgery.  I hope I’ll soon be riding 10-12 miles a day; still focusing on not pressing down too much with my feet. Maybe even riding to the salvage store Saturday!

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Sunblock Day

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Sunblock Day  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.” Today is a sunblock day; or at least, it was. As of 12:15 pm, it seems to be clouding up; and in fact, rain is likely tonight and tomorrow. While I’m talking about sunblock, let’s not forget about lip care. After all, lips are skin, right? Rough, chapped, cracked lips can make eating uncomfortable; and who enjoys that? Worst is when the corners of my mouth get chapped, because they get sawn up when I try to floss my teeth. Ouch. Today I’m late going for a ride. I had to hike over to a local optical shop to see whether they can mend my sunglasses. They’d have to send them somewhere; and it would cost about $80! But I had the case that came with my sunglasses; and of course it has the brand name on it. The shop says, I can send the glasses to the manufacturer; and it will cost only the shipping fee! You can probably guess which course I chose. Until I can get that taken care of, I have some cheap “toy” sunglasses to use. Now I’m waiting for my landlady to come by to pick up the month’s rent; and after that’s taken care of, I hope to get out for a ride. My foot now lets me ride about nine miles; and I hope to be riding farther soon. Maybe even to the salvage store! That’s one of my questions for the podiatrist when I see him day after tomorrow. Meanwhile, I’ll keep focusing on engaging my quads when riding. I think I was using more foot pressure than I realized. Actually, both foot-push and quad-lift are parts of the pedal stroke; but for now quad-lift will be better for me. However I pedal, don’t let me forget that this is a sunblock day.

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2024!

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2024! 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.” Happy 2024! I’m glad it wasn’t raining this morning. There were plenty of clouds, though; and there’s still a 30% chance of showers. I decided to ride in the park; and my worries about rowdy, hung-over revelers proved unfounded. Today I focused on using my quads; and this is where toe clips come in handy. They mean you don’t have to push down with your feet quite as much as you do with plain platform pedals. It was about 50 degrees when I went out; and no wind.? My plan was to ride three laps around the park; and then head home. During lap #3, my thighs began to feel tired; and it also felt like the wind was starting to kick up. Which, in fact, it was. Today’s ride was a shade longer than yesterday’s; so I’m making progress. I was glad the sunshine wasn’t all that strong, because yesterday my sunglasses broke! The mini-peg holding the left lens to the nosepiece pulled through the edge of the lens. I’ll ask the nearby optical shop whether they can mend it. I hope so, because these are costly prescription sunglasses! I can hardly believe it’s 2024 already. Seems like 2023 had barely gotten underway. Speaking of New Year’s, I’ve heard of a superstition that you shouldn’t eat chicken on January 1, lest you go backwards all year. You’re supposed to eat pork (or  ham). You see, a chicken scratches backwards when hunting for food; whereas a pig roots forwards! Happy Riding in 2024!

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Out with a Bang

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Uncategorized /

Out with a Bang 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.” A lot of folks like to send the old year out with a bang. I started hearing firecrackers by 3:20 pm; and it was still broad daylight! Cycling-wise I’m not exactly seeing 2023 out with a bang; but I can steadily increase my distance. Today I rode almost 9 miles; and that’s a big improvement from several weeks ago. Back then I couldn’t do more than two or three miles! I need to get back to my usual distances; my legs are turning to mush. I also need to burn off those holiday goodies! I’m not setting up big plans for 2024; my foot has to be my guide for a while yet. But something that I can plan for right now is improving my diet. While I’m not vegan, I know only too well that my eating habits need correcting! I’m working to curb my intake of sweets, which for me is the hardest part. How about a New Year’s ride? The overnight low temperature will be around 50 degrees; and not much wind. That isn’t bad for riding; but there’s a 40% chance of showers. Play it by ear, I guess. Like, maybe, 12th Street Rag?    

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Seven-Up

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Seven-Up? 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.” Seven-Up sounds like a soft drink; or, at least like some electrolyte drinks. Today’s ride, however, had me thinking of seven-up. Or, to be more exact, seven and up. Seven miles, that is. Bit by bit, I can ride farther and farther. My foot still tells me to take it easy; but today I rode just over 7.5 miles. I need much more exercise than I’ve been getting; this morning my legs were telling me that I’m getting very out of condition. But I hope that next weekend I’ll be ready to ride to the salvage store I’ll be going there with some friends tomorrow; they had something else to do this morning. I hope things aren’t too crazy in the store; and the roads had better not be a madhouse! Tomorrow is Silvesterabend, after all; but at least the real madness isn’t likely to be underway at 8:00 am! It looks like New Year’s Day might be wet. What a way to start a year! Needing a raincoat is an aggravation on any ride; but on January 1, an even bigger nuisance than bad weather is debris from fireworks on the bike path! Getting back to seven-up, I wish I could say, seven down. Seven cans down, that is. I still have a long way to go before I’ve pared down my stash of canned goods. But between yesterday and today, I did get rid of four of them!

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Here Comes the Chill

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Here Comes the Chill! 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.” Here comes the chill; and I don’t mean the coolness of a Luna Bar Chocolate Peppermint. Tonight it’s supposed to drop to 37 degrees; the coldest weather of the season so far. That’s not cold enough to cause ice on the mud puddles; but it’s plenty cold for me! Tomorrow’s ride will require careful clothing choices; specifically, layering. When it’s that cold, leg warmers alone don’t keep my limbs warm enough; and I need to wear slacks over  them.  My feet get cold easily; and thermal socks are in order. Plus a pair of socks over thermal socks; so I can tuck the slacks’ legs into them. Riding in the cold is hard enough without having pant cuffs getting snagged in my bike’s drivetrain! I’ll need several layers “up above”, as my torso gets cold even more easily than my legs. Long-sleeved blouse; vest; jacket — I get tired of having all that stuff hanging around home! Heavy gloves and hand warmers are on my clothing list; and of course a helmet liner. I’m absolutely miserable when my head is cold! I’m still doing short, easy rides, thanks to my left foot. Riding easily means I don’t warm myself up as much as I do when I can push harder; but I have to go at it little by little. If I do have a hard day, I usually take off the next day. That’s not the best way to tackle a fitness program, though. In fact, I’m debating whether to go out right now. The chill factor is 45; and tonight will be even colder. Here comes the chill! 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 Here Comes the Chill December 28, 2023 Frumenty December 27, 2023 Twelve Days December 26, 2023 Season’s Greetings! December 25, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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