bicycling Archives - Page 78 of 123

Think Ten Times!

Think Ten Times! 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 believe now I’d better think ten times before planning to tackle RAGBRAI — whether I think outside of the box or not. Last night I watched this video; and it’s quite enough to tone down anybody’s excitement over the event. Will my road bike’s 50/34 compact crankset enable me to manage the hills on the route; or do I need a triple? Will the road bike I have do; or should I invest in one that weighs less than 22 pounds? Preparing for the mileage of RAGBRAI is not a task to be undertaken lightly; and some people’s bodies respond to training more quickly than others’. If I were to aim for next year’s event, the time to start training is NOW. Unfortunately, I can’t ride hard, or much at all, until my foot is completely recovered. That might not be for at least a month. Rain? I should be accustomed to rain, living as I do in New Orleans; and an Alpha Cycle Gear rain suit shouldn’t flap around like the ancient poncho that I’m still using. My biggest worry about riding in the rain isn’t rain itself as much as lightning. Heat? Pack along at least one cooling neck gaiter! This past July and August we had many days with afternoon heat indices over 100 degrees; and I wasn’t out there riding! It was miserable enough indoors. Headwinds? I’ve dealt with them often enough; but how strong is the wind in Iowa? Hills? That’s another huge sticking point for me. It’s flat, flat, flat where I live; and that makes it hard to learn how to climb. Lack of sleep? That would be a tough one. I often don’t sleep very well as it is; and trying to get my shut-eye in a crowded (and probably noisy!) campground won’t help. I’m not keen on the idea of paying eight bucks for a shower; much less standing in a long line just to get that shower. But the alternative — well — that’s best left to the imagination. All that, and we still haven’t gotten around to mentioning proper fueling and hydration! So yes; I’d better think ten times!

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Going Farther Afield

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Going Farther Afield 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’m going farther afield! Today I rode a bit more. The distance still took me only about six-tenths of a mile from home; but it feels good to be getting back in the saddle! Maybe tomorrow I’ll ride about half a mile on the bike path; and make a detour to the drug store before going home. However, I have to be careful about certain things. When I start, I push off using my left foot; and that’s the one that had the surgery. I have to focus on keeping my weight back on the heel. I hope that big toe is back to comfortable flexing before long! If I coast to go over a rough spot in the road, my usual technique is to roll over it with my feet level. My left foot is forward, which for some reason feels more natural to me. Unfortunately the jolt caused by a bump bothers my foot. The swelling isn’t quite gone yet, so the foot is still a little tender. Obviously it will be a while before I’m ready for any real distance riding; but hey, I’ve made a beginning! I don’t think I’m even ready to ride to the salvage store; and that’s a round trip of under 11 miles. Bit by bit I can work up to it, by going father afield each day. I’ll be glad when I can do my usual riding again! The weather for Sunday isn’t going to be the best for riding; especially as I’m coming back from foot surgery. The forecast says, wind 20 mph; with gusts up to 35 mph! For me that means quite a fight. 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 Going Farther Afield December 8, 2023 Mini-Ride! December 7, 2023 I Still Can’t Ride! December 6, 2023 Unseamed December 5, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Mini-Ride!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Mini-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.” I did a mini-ride this morning! It was a very short ride; I only went to the drug store about 1/4 mile from home. And I used the hybrid, because strapless toe clips are quick and easy to get out of. I do have to be careful how I put down my foot when stopping — heel down, instead of flat foot. Then I can put the sole down. Today is the first time since the lapiplasty that a regular sneaker didn’t hurt. It’s still a little too snug to be truly comfortable; but it was great to be able to start pedaling again! I hope it’s not long before I can go for a real ride. But I have to remember to start out short and easy! To celebrate my freedom, I walked to the neighborhood Chinese restaurant and got take-out for lunch. I didn’t ride, because the bike trunk I have now is a little too narrow for a take-out box; but the food is good, and worth the trip. At present, I have some hoisin sauce at home; and it’s great with an egg roll? That take-out meal actually gave me two meals; and what I didn’t eat for lunch today can fuel another mini-ride tomorrow morning. I think I’ll try to go a bit farther; maybe to the nearest supermarket (about 0.6 miles each way). It shouldn’t be too cold; and rain isn’t predicted before Saturday afternoon. It looks like I’m getting back on track! ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Elementor #154888 December 7, 2023 I Still Can’t Ride! December 6, 2023 Unseamed December 5, 2023 A Stitch in Time December 4, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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I Still Can’t Ride!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food / CAL

I Still Can’t 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.” I still can’t ride!? Although I can get my foot into a sneaker now, such a shoe is still too snug; and puts pressure on my scar. Yesterday I hoped I could do a mini-ride on my hybrid today; but I had to give up that hope. Walking with the normal flex-toes gait still is uncomfortable because the swelling isn’t all gone. The podiatrist says it’s OK to walk; but to stop if it hurts. My foot is telling me to take it easy; and I think I’d better listen! But sitting around at home so much is maddening. Oh, to get going on a bicycle again! Start with a short distance that my foot can tolerate. See how things progress from day to day; and if my foot hurts, back off. It will be similar to coming back after an injury; and in effect, that’s exactly what I’m doing. After all, you can call a surgical incision an injury, can’t you? While I’m at home so much, I’m trying to get some cooking done. Nothing like Feed Zone Table, though. Today I made another of my garbage soups; and incorporated leftover chicken from Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, I’m running out of food storage boxes! But I still can’t ride, no matter what I do in the kitchen. Worse, lack of exercise is making it hard for me to control my appetite. Time to pull out Ride Your Way Lean, I guess!

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Unseamed

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Unseamed! 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 finally got unseamed today! The podiatrist took out the sutures from my lapiplasty. The “pod” says everything looks great; and even told me I may try riding a bicycle this afternoon! Unfortunately a regular sneaker still feels a bit too snug; and rubs on the scar. But maybe I’ll try a mini-ride to the drug store tomorrow. “Unseamed”, by the way, reminds me of Shakespeare. I don’t remember which play it is; but one character turns on another, “and unseamed him nave to chops”. For some reason, we kids got a kick out of that line. Once I see how I do with a very short ride, I’ll try going a bit farther. Depending on how well my foot tolerates pedaling, I might be able to ride to the salvage store Saturday! I can hang the panniers on the rack and go! The weather might not be the most conducive; there’s a slight chance of showers. Around here, “slight chance of showers” might mean a heavy downpour! But after all, what have I got a poncho for?

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A Stitch in Time

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

A Stitch in 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.” A stitch in time may save nine; but now I’m looking forward to getting rid of stitches. Tomorrow I see the podiatrist to get my sutures out; and will I ever be glad when it’s done! Then the question will be, how soon may I ride? A hybrid, such as the Royce Union RMX, will better starting point than my road bike. My foot might remain swollen for a while — normal surgical insult; but very annoying. It might be a while before I can get that foot into a cycling shoe again! How to start back? Slowly; which is hard for me. I’ve always been in a hurry! In fact, the muscles of my left leg need a bit of time to readjust to normal walking. I’ve been shuffling around for nearly two weeks, unable to flex my big toe. As a result, I’m feeling the strain in my calf. Real walking can’t commence too soon, I say. I’m starting (again!) with food logging; and a prediabetes diet. When I’m back at regular riding, I ought to be good to go with my usual ride food. When I am actually doing a long ride! Some of those bars are good enough that I’m tempted to grab one anytime I want it. But most of them are high in carbs; and it’s better to save them for long rides when I need the energy. While I’m waiting for the green light to ride, I ought to set up my sewing machine to do some mending. After all a stitch in time saves nine! 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 Lapiplasty Limp December 3, 2023 We Got It December 2, 2023 All or Nothing December 1, 2023 Another Step Forward November 30, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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We Got It

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food / CAL

We Got 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.” We got it overnight! There was heavy rain; and we had a power outage as well! I woke just before 4 am; heard it raining; and then a loud bang that wasn’t thunder. I flipped the bedroom light switch; and nothing happened. I guess a transformer blew. I’m glad I was’t out there riding! I’m also glad the outage didn’t occur while I was using the blender to whip up a post-ride smoothie! Or trying to cook something on the stove. I grew up with a gas range; and having an electric stove is a distinct disadvantage when the electricity goes out. I couldn’t heat anything for breakfast! I was about to make hot chocolate; and then had to say, no, I can’t; because the stove won’t work. I didn’t know how spoiled I was by having a GAS stove all these years! Even if I could ride, I think I would have skipped the trip to the salvage store this morning. Rain; lightning and thunder; and waiting for the power to come back on. We got it at last; but not until almost 11 am. It’s a good thing the weather wasn’t cold, or I might have been miserable. With electrical power restored, I got to work in the kitchen; although not with the The Feed Zone Cookbook. I’m busy thinking of ways to use up the stash of canned goods that I built up during the pandemic. That’s going to take quite a while! When my foot is restored, I first need to ease into cycling with regular, easy rides; and I hope it isn’t long before I can try some more intense work. But I’m afraid I might not be able to begin for a few more weeks. My foot is still too swollen for a sneaker; so forget cycling shoes! 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 Got It December 2, 2023 All or Nothing December 1, 2023 Another Step Forward November 30, 2023 The Sound of Music November 29, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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The Sound of Music

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

The Sound of Music 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.” Do you love the sound of music? With these Bone Conduction Headphones it’s possible to enjoy listening while cycling; running; or even swimming! If I want music while out on a ride, I think the music in my head. Classical music can be very soft one moment; and very loud the next. Just listen to what happens at about 40 seconds into this! So I would have to constantly adjust the volume; and that’s a bother. It also is something of a safety hazard, especially if I must ride near traffic. I know that some cyclists ride along with a boom box (or radio, or whatever it is) blaring. I don’t want to be that type; and so far, long rides without such accompaniment don’t bore me. But if I don’t ride to the sound of music, what do I ride with? If I’m doing any kind of work for improving strength or speed, I have to concentrate on the timing. My Garmin lets me time these intervals accurately; but I still have to focus on when to start the next hard effort. I don’t keep my eyes glued to the screen, of course — that would be asking for trouble! If I want the sound of music during indoor activities, e.g. cooking, these Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II could come in handy. They need to be used within 30 feet of the connected device; so they wouldn’t suffice for a long ride. Speaking of music, my ears are getting up an appetite for some Saint-Saëns! 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 Like a Gnat November 28, 2023 Cycle Morocco November 27, 2023 Boa? November 26, 2023 Food Coma November 25, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Like a Gnat

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Like a Gnat! 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.” Thoughts of RAGBRAI keep buzzing in my head like a gnat. Or swarming about like ants whose hill has been kicked over. Could I ever get ready for this week-long, long-distance event? It sounds like a lot of fun; but let’s face it, at present I’m not in condition to ride an average of 60 miles a day, every day, for a week. I won’t be able to start cycling again for at least two weeks; and after several weeks’ hiatus, it isn’t wise for an amateur like me to plunge into 60-mile jaunts. If I do get the chance to tackle RAGBRAI, do I need a touring bicycle, such as the Windsor Tourist FB? Or will my trusty old road bike do? If any portions of the route are over gravel, can narrow road-bike tires manage the surface? I have zero experience riding gravel; and on a long tour far from home is no time to discover that I can’t do it! As to far from home, how will I get from New Orleans to Iowa? I’m a non-driver; and would need to find another RAGBRAI participant to share transportation. Or go by air; and those travel cases for bikes are not cheap! The more I think about this, the more things I think of; so it’s no wonder the entire idea is like a gnat. It won’t stop buzzing! 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 Like a Gnat November 28, 2023 Cycle Morocco November 27, 2023 Boa? November 26, 2023 Food Coma November 25, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Cycle Morocco

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Cycle Morocco To cycle Morocco sure would be something different! If you like great diversity within a bicycle tour, this tour of the African nation includes sea coast; snowy mountain peaks; and more! You’ll start and finish in the capital city of Marrakech; and during the 14-day trek you’ll pass through several cities, including Tangier and Fes. Cool off in the Atlas Mountains; and feel the heat in the Sahara Desert. As of June 2026, Morocco carries a Level 2 travel advisory. I take it that means it’s OK to go there; but be extra careful. Oh, and if you undertake this tour, you’ll be supporting Education for All. Which bike is best for this cycle Morocco tour? That depends on your fitness level; and there are some long climbs. You can opt for an e-bike; and a support vehicle is available. How to dress? Summers can get very hot; and Winters can be quite chilly. Depending on the season, you might need a jacket and leg warmers; or sun sleeves and leg sleeves. And, of course, lots of sunblock! 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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