bicycling Archives - Page 78 of 126

Icicle on Wheels?

Icicle on Wheels? Does “icicle on wheels” refer to the bicycle; or to the rider? It could be either; or both. We’ve got a deep freeze on the way. Tuesday night it’s going to drop to the low 20s; and for New Orleans, that’s freakishly cold! I’m not sure I’ll be able to get up the courage to ride Wednesday morning; but if I do, I’ll be an icicle on wheels. It’s not only the low temperature I’ll have to deal with; the wind will be 10-15 mph. That means a chill factor of 12 degrees or lower! I don’t own any super-thermal cycling clothing for riding in super-cold weather; and that means plenty of layers. I’ve got some kind of undershirt around here; and I must dig it out. I’ll want the sleeves from a cycling jacket that I kept when the jacket’s zipper went kaput. My arms get cold easily; and those sleeves are a big help. Hand warmers on such a cold day are a no-brainer; as are heavy gloves. By the time I’m bundled up enough to go out, I might not be able to move! In addition to the low temperatures, rain is likely Monday night. The forecast doesn’t mention sleet; but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. A little sleet shuts down this entire city! It’s so rare that people don’t know how to drive in it; and the overpasses don’t do anything to help in such weather. Low tonight, 47 degrees. I’d better ride tomorrow; and Tuesday, too, if I can. Then come Wednesday, I can stay in if necessary. I don’t want to turn into an icicle on wheels. 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 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Summer in January January 12, 2024 Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Turning the Tables

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Turning the Tables That crazy wind went turning the tables on me today; and I don’t mean the Feed Zone. As usual for a Saturday, I headed for the salvage store. The wind was from a westerly direction when I left home; and that meant a headwind on the way to the store. Great! I thought; I’ll have a tailwind on the way home. A wind at my back is welcome any time; but especially when I’ve got a load of stuff. I wish. It was about 7:30 am when I started out for the store; and about 9:00 am when I headed back. Within those 90 minutes, the breeze shifted to an easterly direction. Talk about dirty tricks! Fortunately the breeze was only about 6 mph; but that’s enough for me to notice it. It had me riding in a low gear. Much of the time I was using the smallest chainring and the second largest cog. It makes me feel like a weakling; but sometimes you’ve just got to go “granny“, or close to it. The weather is going to be turning the tables again Monday night. Temperatures will be rather mild through Monday; but come Monday night, we’re in for a drastic drop — down to barely above freezing. I’d want thermal socks; two or three thermal jackets; an extra-heavy helmet liner; double leg warmers; and heated gloves. That’s a bit much; so I thought of turning the tables, and taking Tuesday off from riding instead of Monday. But I checked the forecast again; and Tuesday night it’s down to well below freezing! 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 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Summer in January January 12, 2024 Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Swiss Cheese? January 10, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Pedal or Walk?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Pedal or Walk? Shall I pedal; or walk? My recovery from bunion surgery is going well; but I still find riding a bicycle more comfortable than going by foot. If I have only a few blocks to go, I’m fine; but a mile is another story. This morning I had to cut my ride very short. I had a doctor’s appointment at 8:30 am; and simply couldn’t get going in time for a full ride. It was chilly, which makes me feel sluggish; and I’ve gotten spoiled by not having to get up at 4:30 am if I’m to ride. It would have been possible to ride to my appointment, and get in a couple of miles; but I didn’t feel like lugging my helmet around the clinic. And now the wind is kicking up! It’s going to be blowing even harder tomorrow; and possibly raining as well. I have some errands to run tomorrow; so shall I pedal, or walk? My Hoka shoes are awkwardly large for use with my hybrid’s toe clips; and that’s a good argument for walking. On the other hand, I want to put in some more miles; and that says, pedal. When I ride, keep watching that left leg’s behavior! I think I developed that habit years ago, when I strained a muscle in my thigh; and had to use different muscles if I were to ride. See what comes of being a mileage hog? 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 Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Swiss Cheese? January 10, 2024 Bucking the Wind January 9, 2024 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Swiss Cheese?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Swiss Cheese? Sometimes I think my head is like Swiss cheese: full of holes. For instance, this morning I forgot to wear my heart-rate monitor chest strap again. Several month ago, the Garmin’s screen began to show a message that the monitor’s battery was low. I didn’t have the tool I needed to remove the battery compartment’s cover; so I stopped using the chest strap. Then came the foot surgery; and that kept me off bikes for two weeks or so. During the recovery phase, I located a jeweler’s store just a block from home; and they were able to replace the battery for me. But during the hiatus from using the chest strap, I got out of the habit of putting it on before a ride. Now it’s too easy to forget about it! And I like to see what my heart rate is doing as I climb the access ramp to the top of the levee. Lip balm is another item that’s easy to forget. I need it, now that we’re getting cold weather; but I usually focus on applying sunblock to my face. Lip balm easily slips to the back of my mind. I hope I don’t start forgetting to ride! For the time being, my focus is on just riding. It won’t do to attempt force development exercises yet. My foot feels much better; but it’s not ready for force work; and my legs need a little more readjustment to cycling. I do try to extend my distance a bit each day. But start training for RAGBRAI? Not yet! Speaking of riding, what shall I take along for on-bike food when I’m ready for long rides again? Swiss cheese? 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 Bucking the Wind January 9, 2024 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Bolivia January 7, 2024 Beating the Weather January 7, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bucking the Wind

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Bucking the Wind Bucking the wind isn’t fun — even when you don’t bite the dust. It was still blowing pretty hard this morning; so I rode a couple of laps around the park before heading for the grocery store. But what do you do when bucking the wind is a regular thing? Aero bars can help you to stay in a more aerodynamic position, thus reducing drag. I’ll have to take the word of aero bar users for granted; I’ve never tried them. With aero bars, your hands are away from the handlebars; and that might be a major problem if you must do some fast emergency steering. For that reason, I’m wary of trying them; and I remember reading that that is why aero bars are prohibited in the peloton. If you want to get aero without special bars, there’s always riding in the drops. It doesn’t seem to make me faster; but I notice a reduction in wind resistance when I do it. When you’re in the drops, an additional way to reduce drag a bit is to lift your shoulders towards your ears. Just be sure to keep them relaxed; additional tension doesn’t help matters. Tomorrow the wind is expected to be much less than it was today; but oh, the chill! Down to 36 degrees tonight; and even at 8:00 am it will still be only 40 degrees. A pair of Rabbitroom Gloves would be wonderful; but I’ll have to settle for hand warmers. They at least keep the palms of my hands warm; but my fingers can still get cold. Luckily I don’t have to go out and ride at 5:00 am any more. Bucking the wind seems even harder when it’s still dark! 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 Bucking the Wind January 9, 2024 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Bolivia January 7, 2024 Beating the Weather January 7, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Holding My Breath Again!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Holding My Breath Again! I’m holding my breath again, thanks to yesterday’s forecast. Where’s that downpour; that lightning; that powerful wind? I could easily have ridden to the closest grocery store — using just one pannier. I wanted only three or four things. But, I’m trying to get back on my regular riding schedule; and for many years, Monday has been my usual day off. Maybe it’s early for the big bad storm; but a check of the local NOAA forecast does show a T-storm at the airport, about 12 miles West of here. But is it moving this way? The wind is from the East; but is that updraft? If so, it might not be pushing the storm farther away from us. I almost want to go for a spin on the hybrid; but the weather isn’t so good now. It’s raining on and off; and the wind is 22 mph. From the East, too; so if I went on the levee, I’d have a very unpleasant headwind on the way home. If there’s one good thing about headwinds, it’s that they’re an opportunity to practice riding on the drops; or even aero. Pushing hard into a wind also helps to develop your strength. But with winds of 25 to 35 mph predicted; and gusts up to 50 mph — I’m not ready for it. But I’m tired of holding my breath again over the weather forecast. 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 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Bolivia January 7, 2024 Beating the Weather January 7, 2024 Real Saturday January 6, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bolivia

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Bolivia Did you ever think of pedaling around Bolivia? This landlocked South American nation is not without its cycling routes! For the beginning bicycle tourist, the Mirador de Aves NorEste is graded as Easy; and the starting point is accessible by public transit. Most of the surfaces on this 23-mile route are paved; but this is a high-altitude route! While the riding might be easy as far as distance and gradient go, the altitude would be tough for me! I see that some of the rides on the list are graded “Moderate”; but they also specify, “Good fitness required”. As always, I wonder exactly what that means! Looking for an expert-level trip? Consider the Laguna Pacajes Loop. This route is 29.3 miles long; and incudes some unpaved segments. In all, there is 3975 feet of climbing; and very good fitness is needed. But if you love uphill riding, this one might be for you. The climate of Bolivia is humid and tropical in many areas. Don’t forget the rain gear! Learn a bit about the country’s culture. Bolivia is, as of July 2026, under a Level 2 travel alert. I’m not sure whether such warnings pertain mainly to urban areas; or anywhere in the country. It’s such a pity; must we be paranoid to go bicycle touring? 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 © 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 INTERPRETER

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Beating the Weather

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

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

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

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!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

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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