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Augusta?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Augusta? Not Augusta as in the capital city of Maine. I mean, “augusta” wind forced me to get off my bicycle and walk! Maybe it’s lucky I wasn’t on a “fixie“. A single-speed bicycle might not have let me keep going against that wind as far as I did; which really wasn’t all that far. Maybe it was 3.5 miles; but during the final mile, the wind was directly against me. It started blowing so hard that I could barely make 5 mph. Riding in the drops might have helped; but when the breeze gets that strong, I don’t feel confident in the drops. With about a half-mile still to before I could get down off the levee, I was getting very tired; and my arms were wearing out. It’s a good thing I had turned for home when I did! I might have gone a mile or two farther, but the clouds in a westerly direction looked like they were building up; and they looked stormy. Mindful of the forecast for heavy rain, I decided not to push my luck.  I brought along a poncho in case it began to pour before I could get back home. I’m glad it didn’t; that old poncho that I have flaps like crazy in the wind; and it’s even harder to make any headway under such circumstances. Now that I’m home, I don’t care if augusta wind comes along, as long as it doesn’t down the power lines! 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 Elementor #160030 January 24, 2024 Bumpy Ride January 23, 2024 Wet Week January 22, 2024 Watching the barometer January 21, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bumpy Ride

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Bumpy Ride? My hybrid has been giving me a rough, bumpy ride the last week or two. There’s been an endless bump-bump-bump as I pedaled along. Today I went to ride some laps around the park; and I finally stopped to look at the tires. They hadn’t seemed to be leaking; but something just wasn’t right. I spotted what looked like a little green spot on the rear tire; and I didn’t dare try to remove it, lest I cause a flat. At that point, I was only halfway through Lap 1; but I decided it was wiser to cut the bumpy ride short and head for the bike shop. It’s a good thing I did! I got there without mishap; and told them what was going on. It turned out the rear tire was quite badly worn; and they said I’d have had a flat for sure if not for the tire liners. I guess it was time for new tires in any case; the ones I had were about 16 month old. While I was at the shop, I got a new tail light. I don’t remember when I got the one that I already had; but I know it’s  old. Even after an overnight charge-up, it doesn’t stay on for long at all. Tomorrow I might get a rough ride because of the weather. There’s a 50% chance of T-storms; and even without that, riding in the rain can get very unpleasant. For one thing, heavy rain wreaks havoc on visibility. Eyeglasses don’t have windshield wipers! 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 Bumpy Ride January 23, 2024 Wet Week January 22, 2024 Watching the barometer January 21, 2024 Torpor January 20, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Wet Week

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Wet Week? We’ve got a wet week coming, with showers and even T-storms through Saturday. It will be warmer this coming week than it was over the weekend; and that’s going to make it a little easier to poncho up and brave the elements. But I hope a wet week doesn’t become an interminable wet month or two. Constantly getting caught in the rain gets very tiresome, and very quickly. And T-storms in January seems quite odd. I hope it’s not a harbinger of a bad hurricane season! I was a bit concerned over rain this morning; and I didn’t feel like fighting the wind up there on the levee. Although the temperature was about 54 — much warmer than yesterday — the wind was still rather strong; and it had an unpleasant bite to it. Such a wind makes me sniffly; and if I had ridden on the levee, I’d have had it in my face for about 5 miles coming back home. So I chowed down an A.M. RXBar, and headed for the park to ride laps. Even there I could get in some practice riding in the drops; and a bit of pedaling out of the saddle. It’s been a while since I could do that, because for some time after the lapiplasty, the underside of that toe was too sensitive to pressure. But it feels a lot better now!?  Despite the wet week, I hope I can ride a lot over the next few days. 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 Wet Week January 22, 2024 Watching the barometer January 21, 2024 Torpor January 20, 2024 Here It Comes Again January 19, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Watching the barometer

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Watching the Barometer I’m watching the barometer, as well as the sky. Over the last few hours it’s become overcast; and who knows when it might start to rain. According to NOAA, the barometric pressure is still high; and rain isn’t expected before tomorrow night. But as I already said who knows? After a lifetime here, I still can’t tell! If it is going to rain, I don’t want to be out in it. Here it is, half-past noon; and the temperature is still below 40 degrees. The chill factor is still sub-freezing; and as is only too common, going for a ride on the levee would mean a headwind on the way back home. Maybe in a few hours it will be warmer; and then I can ride. But should I use the road bike; or would the hybrid be a better choice? With the road bike, I can get down in the drops, making riding into the wind a little less uncomfortable. On the other hand, if I use the hybrid I can have the trunk; and bring along the poncho without having a backpack along for the ride. Then, if it does start to rain, I’ll be prepared. I’ll just keep watching the barometer, and see how it goes. Incidentally, how do I get down in the drops? Most often, I slide one hand and then the other along the handlebars until I’m holding the drops. That way I maintain contact, minimizing the risk that I’ll lose control. I still haven’t gotten around to leaning how to manage a bidon while in the drops; and a rainy ride is no time to try.   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 Elementor #159754 January 21, 2024 Torpor January 20, 2024 Here It Comes Again January 19, 2024 IS This Winter? January 18, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Torpor

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Torpor “Torpor” certainly describes my state today. This morning the temperature was barely up to freezing; and the wind chill factor was 24 degrees! I couldn’t face up to riding to the salvage store; but I hope I’ll get out for a ride later, after it’s a little bit warmer. I can always hook up my road bike to the trainer; but “riding” in that trainer isn’t at all fun. When I ride outdoors in this cold, I’m prone to using the hybrid; its step-through design makes it easier to mount when I’m bundled up. How should cyclists deal with frigid weather? Naturally that varies a great deal, because we all have very individual tolerances for cold. Some riders might be out there in short-sleeved jerseys and bare legs; and I’ll be wearing leg warmers, a jacket, and a helmet liner! I still haven’t gotten around to digging out my base layer. Part of me wonders what the point would be, thanks to the crazily fluctuating temperatures! Tonight will be another freezing one; but then it will warm up to the mid-60s by Monday afternoon! So what’s the point of keeping a base layer handy? I’ll just keep on with my vest and cycling jackets. And leg warmers and helmet liner. All those clothes don’t keep torpor entirely at bay; but as long as I’m moving, I can keep from 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 Torpor January 20, 2024 Here It Comes Again January 19, 2024 IS This Winter? January 18, 2024 Bad Vibes? January 17, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Here It Comes Again

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Here It Comes Again! Here it comes again; and I don’t mean the peloton. The arctic blast is poised to hit us once more. We had two very cold days; then yesterday it warmed up to the 60s. Today it’s only in the 50s; and tonight there’s a freeze warning! On top of sub-freezing temperatures, the wind chill factor will be in the teens. Ditto for Saturday night. My sister, who lives in Washington State, says their weather has been crazy, too. I guess the folks up there wonder how to dress from day to day. As I’ve said so often, Summer is much easier in a way. We know we can count on hot and humid! Today I rode several laps around the local park because the wind was strong; and shall I brave the blast for the trip to the salvage store tomorrow? I’ll have a headwind on the way home (same old story!); and with loaded panniers adding to the drag.   But the allure of the grab-bag bins is always strong; and sometimes I find really good stuff elsewhere in the store. Like jars of pesto! After Sunday it will get quite a lot warmer; but who knows how soon we’ll be saying, here it comes again — before the next wallop of frigid air.      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 This Winter? January 18, 2024 Bad Vibes? January 17, 2024 Pedals not Petticoats January 17, 2024 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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IS This Winter?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

IS This Winter? IS this Winter; or not? We had two consecutive days with temperatures that didn’t get much above freezing all day. I was tempted to use hand warmers all day! Then this morning it was a relatively balmy 49 degrees! The downside is that it’s overcast; there’s a 30% chance of rain this afternoon; and there’ll be patchy fog tonight. And another hard freeze is in the forecast for tomorrow night! It’ll be a cold ride to the salvage store Saturday morning. It makes me wonder whether to take the trailer; or stick to panniers. On the one hand, the trailer will slow me down; and when it’s very cold I like to have a bit more speed. On the other hand, the work involved in hauling that trailer will warm me up. By Monday morning it will be in the low 60s. IS this Winter? Everybody complains about the constant switch from cold to warm; and to cold again. My major peeve about that is, I have all sorts of riding clothes all over the place. As people say, you never know how to dress. I know they say that, for exercising, it’s better to start out a little underdressed. According to that theory, you’ll soon be at just about the right temperature soon after you begin your workout. But I’d rather be a bit too warm. Besides, what if something interrupts your ride; and you can’t get indoors? I, for one, would be miserably cold!   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 Elementor #159350 January 18, 2024 Bad Vibes? January 17, 2024 Pedals not Petticoats January 17, 2024 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bad Vibes?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Bad Vibes? Do I give off bad vibes? Would compression socks help stop them? This morning I saw by my home-made barometer that the air pressure was up from last night. A check of the local NOAA site confirmed that reading; but as I fixed breakfast, I saw that the fluid level was dropping! After I finished eating, I checked NOAA once more; and it showed that the barometric pressure had risen a bit over the previous hour. So I guess I’ve got bad vibes; or else that little barometer is extremely sensitive to any kind of activity going on near it. All I was doing was setting things down on the kitchen counter as I needed them; but even those minor vibrations had an effect on the barometer’s reading. Luckily it was only temporary. It’s still very cold by our standards; and the wind has risen over the past three hours. I set up the road bike in the trainer; and soon I’ll climb aboard and pedal for a while. Pedaling in the trainer is so boring that I don’t get much of a workout that way. Usually I can’t take it for more than 15 minutes; and I really need more. I especially need a good workout today because I didn’t ride yesterday. It was below freezing then, too; and there was a strong wind besides. At least here I don’t have to worry about my trainer workouts shaking the whole place. I’d call that some bad vibes — wouldn’t you?   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 Bad Vibes? January 17, 2024 Pedals not Petticoats January 17, 2024 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Pedals not Petticoats

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Pedals not Petticoats! Cycling around Portugal is about pedals; not petticoats! This small country offers a lot for the touring cyclist. How about the Rota Vicentina? It’s great if you enjoy ocean views; and includes segments that are suited to all fitness levels.  The 40-mile long Guadiana Grande Randonnée lets you zigzag along Portugal’s southern border; and the Escopista do Dão is one of the nation’s easiest cycling routes. Its 31 miles of beauty make it a great ride for the whole family! What season is best for a bicycle tour of Portugal? It sounds as though almost any time of year is good; although Summers can be hot. And naturally, the climate can vary according to which part of the country you visit. Depending on your tolerance for cooler temperatures, you might want to keep jackets and leg warmers on hand; or maybe some embrocation cream. But whatever you wear, it’s about pedals, not petticoats! 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 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Too Cold to Ride

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Too Cold to Ride? Is it ever too cold to ride? My inclination is to say, YES!! Here it is, nearly half-past noon; and the temperature is still below freezing. The chill factor is below 20 degrees; and the wind especially is enough to discourage me from riding outdoors. I sure don’t need cold packs right now! At least the threat of freezing rain seems to be past; and the barometric pressure is up. By the way, my little homemade barometer works! But back to the issue of riding in cold weather. According to one social media platform, kids in Finland ride to school in sub-freezing weather; and think nothing of it. I wonder, though, is Finland as humid as New Orleans? One reason that cold weather here seems so miserably cold is the humid climate! So OK, it’s too cold to ride; and that means it’s time to set up the trainer. Tomorrow will be even colder than today; so I need to make a way to get some exercise! 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 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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