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bicycling

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

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

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

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

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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Frumenty

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Food /

Frumenty 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.” Huh? Frumenty? What  kind of a word is that? It harkens back to Tudor times; and I encountered it while watching a YouTube. In those days, Christmas really was a twelve-day celebration; and this tells a lot about it. Including “fromenty“, as I heard it. I decided to have a go at cooking a batch; using oat bran. Googling “fromenty” brought up “frumenty”; and the recipe is quite simple. Naturally, I’m already thinking up variations: adding raisins and/or chopped nuts; putting brown sugar in it; maybe using evaporated milk instead of almond milk. I bet that would make some rich stuff! Prior to my latest escapade in the kitchen, I went out for a short ride. My foot still won’t let me do as much as I would like; although it does seem to be improving.? Alas, it’s still a bit too tender for my cycling shoes. I’m glad I can wait to ride until afternoon if the weather is bad; or if an early-morning appointment means I can’t ride until afternoon. Come Friday I probably won’t want to be out early; the forecast says that some areas might have — are you ready for this? — FROST! Time to haul out those hand warmers for sure! Or maybe stay home and enjoy a bowlful of frumenty hot out of the cooking pot! 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 Frumenty December 27, 2023 Twelve Days December 26, 2023 Season’s Greetings! December 25, 2023 Buon Natale December 24, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Caught Red-Handed?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Caught Red-Handed? 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.” Talk about getting caught red-handed. This morning I went for a short ride; and somehow forgot to put on my left-hand glove! I was almost a half-mile from home by the time I noticed; and I expect I’ll have some red — or, at least, pinkish — skin as a result. Trying to minimize such unfortunate results is one reason why I kept the ride short. I didn’t have any sunblock with me; and for a fact, I don’t like sunblock on my bare hands while riding. It makes them too slippery. Incidentally, if you’ll be doing any holiday riding with children, don’t forget about kids’ sunblock. The weather is very warm for December (mid 70s today!); and if it gets any warmer, I might want a Mission Cooling Neck Gaiter.  I guess we can blame El Niño for that; and possibly also for the rain we’re expecting tonight and tomorrow. We could even get T-storms tomorrow night; so I hope Santa’s sleigh has lightning protection. I skipped the salvage store today; I still have too much stuff on hand. And imagine what riding to and from the store would have done to my unprotected hand! I would have been caught red-handed for sure. 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 Caught Red-Handed? December 23, 2023 ¡Feliz Navidad! December 22, 2023 Joyeux Noël! December 21, 2023 Fröhliche Weihnachten! December 20, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Christmas Past

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Christmas Past 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.” You may be familiar with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past. It’s fun to go even farther back in time, such as to the Christmas past of Tudor days. They sure did some interesting things back then! But that was long before bicycles; and with no chance for an invigorating ride before Christmas dinner. If you’re going to travel with your bike before that Yuletide spin, an EVOC Bike Travel Bag protects your “ride” on the way. It can accommodate many types of bicycles; and protects with minimal weight. I would rather stick close to home during holiday season. Traveling is such a hassle then; and I’d rather not be far from home. But I remember many a ride of Christmas past. One time it was both cold and raining. One Christmas Day, I tried riding in the local park. Even at 6 am, the place was quite crowded with kids trying out their new bicycles. Naturally they were wavering all over the place! I didn’t want to hit any of them; and thus couldn’t get up a decent pace. I’m still working towards just being able to ride normally. It will be great when my foot will let me do that; and the Lapiplasty Limp is part of Christmas Past.

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Relearning

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Relearning 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’ve got some relearning to do! Not that I’m going back to being a rank beginner; but after several weeks off the road bike, handling the water bottle seems rather awkward. Yes, today I finally tried a bit of riding on the road bike; and I’m certainly out of practice. It seemed hard to get my left foot clipped in once I had pushed off; and as already stated, it felt a bit tricky getting the water bottle back into its cage. The shoes that I wear for road biking aren’t lace-ups, like the model shown; they have velcro closures. I forgot to put bandaids over my scar; and the straps were irritating. I also forgot to put my feet in the road-shock-absorbing position when I rode over a bumpy railroad crossing. So I rode less than three miles; and I’ll wait a few days before I try the road bike again. I just wanted to see how it would go; and I can ride the hybrid tomorrow. Maybe try the road bike again for Christmas? What a gift it would be to be able to ride it again! Incidentally, that day is rushing in upon us.  I hope we’ve gotten all our shopping done: for the kids; for parents; and everybody else on that gift list. I think I’ve finished all my shopping, except for those last-minute little things that always crop up. But I seem to have forgotten some of the lyrics to Christmas carols. Time to do some relearning! 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 I Traverse Afar? December 18, 2023 I Envy Time December 17, 2023 Holiday Food December 16, 2023 Glad I’m Home December 15, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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I Traverse Afar?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

I Traverse Afar? 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 traverse afar? ? No, not like the Christmas carol. But this morning I rode almost seven miles! Longest ride since my bunion surgery! This morning I tried on my MTB shoe; and there wasn’t much discomfort. All the same, I rode the hybrid. I though I would take two laps around the park, then visit the grocery store; and the hybrid let me take along a pannier. Unfortunately, my foot began to flare up a bit about three-quarters of the way through lap #2. I decided it was better to go home; and not put in the extra mile that going to the grocery store entailed. I went home and lubed both bicycles’ chains; had some breakfast; and took public transit to the store. I don’t think I’m ready to walk that far just yet. At present, cycling is actually more comfortable for my foot than walking! Cycling doesn’t involve much, if any, flexing of the toes; and walking does. I think I’ll try a short spin on the road bike tomorrow, if the shoe feels OK. The weather will be clear again; but when I don’t go out until 8 o’clock, that’s a bit of a problem. This morning I kept getting the sun in my eyes! That’s a bigger problem this time of year, when the sun is lower in the sky; and sunglasses aren’t much help when said sun is shining straight into my face. On the other hand, it doesn’t feel as cold at 8:00 as it does at 5:00! That makes it easier to stay out; and maybe soon I can truly say that I traverse afar.

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Holiday Food

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

Holiday Food 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.” It’s time to think about holiday food! Turkey; ham; baked sweet potatoes; cranberries; and, among many other things, chocolate! It seems odd to be talking about food other than ride food; but hey, it’s Christmas time. Speaking of ride, I hope I can get out for a short jaunt later today. Unfortunatey the wind is still pretty strong; and there’s the threat of rain. If I do ride, maybe Alter Eco Truffles are good for pre-ride fueling. Or maybe they’re better as a post-ride pick-me-up. What’s your favorite holiday food? It’s hard for me to choose a favorite. Naturally (and alas!) I love candy; but a dinner of turkey white meat with cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes is good, too. And maybe pumpkin pie for dessert! After that big dinner, I’d need a vigorous bicycle ride (Maybe on a Savadeck Phantom 2.0) to burn off some of those excess calories. Unfortunately I still have to keep rides short and easy because of my foot. This morning I got a lift to the salavage store, and was able to replenish my supply of goodies from the grab-bag bins (including a FitCrunch Bar). I forgot to look for cranberry sauce; but I laid in a supply of paper towels. It felt odd to not be riding there; and I hope I can be back at it before long. 

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Getting Wild

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Getting Wild 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.” It’s getting wild out there. For December, it’s warm this afternoon; a balmy 63 degrees. But the wind has strengthened considerably since morning; and we’re under a wind advisory for the next 48 hours.   A windscreen on my bike might be helpful; but is the Thule Yepp Mini Windscreen big enough? Maybe the windscreen keeps the wind off of the rider; but does it help with fighting headwinds? Now I think about  it, I’m not so sure it does. And how does it affect steering? Apparently this windscreen doesn’t mount on the handlebars; so I guess steering is minimally affected. Maybe one of these days I’ll try one. Not soon, though. Even with sneakers that have ample room for my toes, my left foot is acting up a bit. It could be the weather. Rain is expected by the weekend; and I suppose that means that the barometer is dropping. I hope I can ride, though; even if only a little. But I must keep in mind that it’s getting wild. Wind 15-25 mph tomorrow; and gusts up to 40 mph! That’s enough to blow me right off the levee; and even in the park it will be rough. On second thought, it might be time to take a day off from riding.

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