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Fasted Isn’t Fast

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Fasted Isn’t Fast Fasted isn’t fast; because you don’t want to bonk! If you want to lose weight and/or become a better fat burner, the occasional “fasted” ride is recommended. These rides, however, need to be at low intensity; and rather short. Even then, you can get very hungry before the end! Once a week, I take medication for osteoporosis. It must be taken on an empty stomach; and you’re not supposed to eat for at least half an hour afterwards; preferably a full  hour. So this morning I took my med; and went for a short, easy ride in the park. I rode little over five miles; and by the time I got home I was feeling bonkish! Therefore fasted isn’t fast. Not that I’m so very fast, anyhow. Even for a fasted ride, take along a GU-Gel or something in case you get too  hungry. I think I might need a day off from riding. I’ve been getting to bed rather late; and I still get up quite early to ride. My mind is still stuck in the eighty-degrees-at-six-am mode! I also have been trying to get in as much time as possible editing this website; and I can’t pedal while editing. But tomorrow I probably need to ride anyway. The weather is apt to turn rainy by day after tomorrow!  

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Ride Anyway

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Ride Anyway I went for a ride anyway today, even though I didn’t feel much like it. And guess what? It was a pretty good ride! Overnight it got cool enough for me to don leg warmers; arm warmers; vest (actually, a jacket sans sleeves); and skull cap. Leg warmers Arm warmers Jacket Skull cap Not that it was terribly cold temperature-wise; but 64 degrees is a big change when mornings have been 80 degrees for months. Add a 12 mph wind, and it felt quite chilly. I have no idea what the chill factor was; this calculator is for temperatures 50 and below. Today I tried to focus on maintaining a consistent effort by the sensations I was getting from my legs; let my speed be what it may. Indeed, my average speed was below 11 mph; but that’s OK. There’s nothing wrong with “just riding”. My fuel today was a MET-Rx bar; and I brought along BioSteel as an electrolyte drink. I found it cheap in the salvage store? At that low pace and not quite 20 miles, I didn’t eat the entire MET-Rx bar. Cycling can burn plenty of calories; but I’ve go to to watch that I don’t eat more than I burn! So, to sum up — if you don’t feel much in the mood for riding, ride anyway. You might surprise yourself.

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October Already

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October Already?! Gosh, it’s October already? Where did this year go? We don’t get spectacular Fall colors here; so I won’t be going on any leaf-peeping rides. In fact, it still feels very summery! But as it’s October already, it’s time to start considering the Christmas gift list. Got kids? There are options ranging from balance bikes for toddlers; and trailercycles for kids ready to pedal, but not quite ready for independent riding. Older kids may want to take off on their own; and perhaps a Magna Throttle will fit the bill. Naturally there are bikes for adults and seniors, too. For someone who has balance issues, an adult trike is great; or it you don’t need a trike, but need a power boost, an e-bike can be a godsend. Know someone who wants to ride with a partner; but they’re both worried about being unable to stay together? A tandem might make a great joint gift. Then there are accessories, from helmets to pedals to lights. Spider Spoke Lights are more suited to Hallowe’en than Christmas, I would think; but some folks enjoy them any season. A Zukka Bike Handlebar Bag is great for carrying a camera; snacks; and a map when you go out exploring. I can tell it’s October already by how early it gets dark. But it still hasn’t cooled off much. In fact, it’s been so hot and dry that we’ve got a red flag warning! That’s rare for us; and of course it makes me rather uneasy. Not until Sunday night is it expected to get cool — a frigid 58 degrees! Maybe it will finally feel like Fall.

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Laos by Bicycle – Copy

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Laos by Bicycle 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.” Laos by bicycle would let me become acquainted with an entirely unfamiliar country. I know where it is, but little else. At the time I first though about Laos by bicycle, the COVID-19 pandemic meant that travel was out of the question. My home city then had a 10.4% positivity rate; and I was amazed that the town wasn’t entirely shut down. But, there’s always armchair travel. Or rather, armchair cycle touring! I enjoyed reading this account of crossing Laos on two wheels. I’m like the author prior to her journey: nervous about doing such a ride, especially alone; worried that I might not have the stamina to ride miles per day every day; and how I’ll cope with weather. I also have concerns about coping with the terrain. The country is roughly 70% mountainous. For me, that would be one arduous journey! Laos by bicycle will let you see more than you would via other touring modes; and likely more contact with the people who live there. So — I sound like the proverbial broken record here — brush up on your etiquette. Some things on the list apply to other Asian countries, such as avoiding physical contact with monks. The caution about “unexploded ordinances” wouldn’t have occurred to me. That’s why prospective travelers abroad need to do their homework before leaving home! The climate of Laos is tropical. Between October and April the weather is apt to be warm and dry; and the best time to visit. Dry also sounds good for bicycle touring. Be aware that Laos has no trauma center; and in the event of a serious accident, you’ll have find a way to Thailand for treatment. Lao culture, in general, is quite easy-going. If you opt for cycling adventures there, I hope your trip is easy, too! 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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The Road Goes On

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The Road Goes On “The road goes on, and ever on”; or something like that. Tolkien got that part right. During a long ride, our road sure can seem endless! What can we do to make seemingly endless miles more bearable? First, a proper bike fitting. This admittedly can be costly; but it’s well worth it. Then there’s conditioning. Trying to bang out 100 miles in a day with little or no training is unwise; although supposedly some riders have done it. How they got through those miles, I don’t know. Their legs must have given them agony in the following days! So, you’ve gotten a bike fit; and you’ve been working up to longer and longer rides. What else makes long rides more comfortable? Good bike shorts certainly are far more comfortable than regular shorts with underwear beneath them. Cycling shorts are meant to fit smoothly, and to be worn next to the skin. The other option is apt to mean two layers of fabric bunching up under you. That causes nasty chafing; and the last thing you want after a ride is saddle sores! Chamois Butt’r can help prevent skin irritation, so use it pre-ride; and take some to along so you can freshen up as the road goes on. Don’t forget about fueling during your rides. The best bike fitting; the most comfy bike shorts, can take you only so far. For rides of an hour or less, on-bike eating might not be needed; just have a snack before rolling out. For longer rides, there are many options. I like to try different kinds of bars, such as RXBars. And don’t forget hydration! Even when it’s cold, for rides much over one hour, plain water doesn’t make the grade. I need electrolyte drink, too. They say, once you’ve reached a certain fitness level, you can ride infinitely as long as you have an adequate fuel supply. So let the road go on!

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Jigsaw

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Jigsaw 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.” Planning a season’s training and racing must feel like a jigsaw puzzle. I’ve read enough about it to know that you have to decide which races to enter; then decide which ones are “A” races (i.e. the most important); which ones are “B” races (important, but not as vital as “A” races); and “C” races (sometimes considered “training races”; and you could miss one or two without upsetting your season’s plans). Then there’s the training: how long before racing should it begin? How do you maintain strong points (e.g. sprinting), while working to improve weak points, such as climbing? What about tapering leading up to a race; especially the most important ones? As if that weren’t enough, there’s the off-bike work to develop and maintain core strength; watching nutrition; and getting adequate sleep. After racing season ends, what do you do to keep from getting entirely out of shape prior to the next season? Of course you need to rest from a season of pushing yourself to the max while racing; but too much time away from the bike might mean having a hard time when the next season of training begins! It all sounds like a lot of trouble; and I’ll happily remain a recreational cyclist. At my age, there’s not much point in trying to get into bicycle racing, anyway; and I don’t think I have the competitive urge necessary. I’m not even very good about keeping on a schedule of work to improve my pace! Off-bike exercises have, for the most part, fallen by the wayside; and I’m really starting to feel it.  Sometimes I set up a week’s schedule; but I don’t always stick to it. I guess I’m plain old lazy! Then there are days when I start editing stuff in this website; and that can turn into a jigsaw puzzle. Sometimes I start editing an older blog; and it has a link to another blog that needs editing; and then that second blog has a link to a third blog that needs editing … I might end up with five tabs open. Trying to juggle them all makes my head spin! 

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Different Kind of Ride

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Different Kind of Ride I did a different kind of ride today. Instead of putting in the miles on the road bike, I put the bike trunk on the hybrid; packed the camera; and took off for a leisurely jaunt. To be sure, I put in 20 miles, but I took my time; and stopped here and there to take a picture. For some, I used the camera; for others, I used the Photo function on my cell phone. The one selfie I took of myself looked so horrible that I deleted it. I never have been photogenic; and  sunblock smeared on my face didn’t help matters. In fact, this wheel looks a lot better than I did! My finger insisted on getting into the picture, though. At left is the view I usually have on the river side of the MRT. It rather annoys me, because I like to see the river! I expect the trees are necessary to minimize erosion; but as of October 2023, erosion is far from everyone’s mind. On the contrary, the big concern is how LOW the river is! Here and there, there’s a gap in the trees. I can’t help wishing there were more of them; and those trees don’t always serve as a wind block! It all depends on the direction of the wind; and the levee bike path often changes directions because the levee follows the twists and turns of the river. And today the wind got really pesky! When I began my ride at around 7:15 am, the wind was NE at 6 mph. Before I got home shortly before 10:00 am, the breeze had strengthened to 13 mph; and it was still from the NE. That, of course, meant a headwind!   Not surprisingly, I’m pretty worn out. This different kind of ride was a longer one than I usually do on the hybrid; and maybe it’s why I succumbed to the temptation of pizza for lunch! There’s a pizza restaurant a few blocks away; and they’ll make any kind of their pizzas as a calzone at the customer’s request. So that’s what I did — roasted garlic pizza as calzone. Perhaps a reward for a job well done?

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Dare I Hope?

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Dare I Hope? 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.” Dare I hope that Fall is actually going to come? I rode out at 5:00 am this morning to see the moonlight on the river; and it actually felt rather cool! Not that I want it to freeze; but I’m more than ready for some relief from this heat! I kept it short and easy today. Yesterday I rode 19.6 miles — at a leisurely pace, to tell the truth — and as for keeping it short, I needed a few things from the supermarket. I had to get home and get out the hybrid and panniers. Anyway, I’m not yet up to putting in 19 miles every day! ROCKBROS Arm Warmers So, if the weather is going to turn cool, I’ve got to turn my attention to my cold-weather cycling wardrobe. I’m listing arm warmers first, because I’m likely to need to cover my arms before it’s too cool for bare legs. Arm warmers are useful if it’s chilly when you ride begins; but you know it will get too warm for long sleeves before you finish. BALEAF Women’s Cycling Jacket A good cycling jacket is a must as it gets colder outdoors. I’ve had models that feature removable sleeves; but more important to me are POCKETS! Especially on a cold day, when I know my nose will act up; and I need to carry a handkerchief or two. It’s handy to have extra pockets in case those in your jersey aren’t sufficient! Santic Women’s MTB Jersey Speaking of jerseys, there are long-sleeved jerseys for those days when it’s too warm for a jacket; but you don’t want to mess with arm warmers. I’ve never tried one myself; I’m still content with a long-sleeved blouse. GripGrab Leg Warmers Leg warmers are much easier to ride in that regular trousers. They allow a much better range of motion; and you don’t have trouser cuffs flapping around your ankles. That’s an annoyance; and a safety hazard as well. And now for the little stuff. At far left, a helmet liner. Once the temperature falls to the mid-60s or below, I’m miserable without one! Second from left, Pearl Izumi Lobster Gloves. I need these when the mercury drops below about 45! Second from right, Hand Warmers. Not even the heaviest gloves really keep my paws from getting cold when it’s freezing out there! At far right, cycling shoe covers are useful when it’s both cold and raining. Helmet Liner Pearl Izumi Lobster Gloves Hand Warmers Cycling Shoe Covers I hope the above suggestions give you a good start in developing that Winter cycling wardrobe. As I said, it was almost cool this morning. Dare I hope that hot chocolate season will arrive?

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Old MUDDY?

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Old MUDDY? 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 looks like our Old Muddy is becoming Old SALTY!! The local news reports a saltwater wedge making is way upriver; and I’m concerned that the water in my hurricane supplies may not be enough if our drinking water is impacted. I hope that saline water won’t mean people can’t shower. As a cyclist, I naturally can get very sweaty; and as a result, I don’t — well — smell so good. Especially after a rather hard ride. The continuing hot weather, of course, is no help. Last week I spent one ride doing 45-second intervals trying to pedal 15 mph or more. As it was calm that day, I didn’t do too badly. I must do it again soon; to get fast, you have to ride fast. It’s not always easy, especially for a lazybones like me. I need to do a ride of at least 16 miles before the end of this week; and maybe I’ll tackle it tomorrow. I hope the wind dies down overnight; at present, it’s blowing at 15 mph. And from the East; that means a headwind on the way back home! A ride over about 15 miles means taking the Camel-Bak; and something to eat, too. I wish I had a MET-Rx Cookie Dough bar on hand; but as I don’t, I have to use something else. Riding over 15 miles, especially when it’s hot, also means electrolyte drink. I like Biosteel; and have found it cheap at the salvage store. I wish I could keep an eye on Old Muddy as I’m cycling; but for miles at a time, the trees on the riverbank block the view. Thus if a ship is sailing past, I can’t see her; and I like to see the ships. It’s fun to look at their flags, and see where they came from. Sometimes it gives me blog ideas! I’ll just have to hope for the best as far as the river goes; and hope it doesn’t really become Old Salty. Even if it does, I can still ride!

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Riding with John Bull

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Riding with John Bull Did you even think of riding with John Bull? A bicycle tour of London is a great way to start. I think I’d like the River Thames tour. I guess I just like rivers; after all, I’ve been near the Mississippi all my life. The River Thames tour is for small groups; and the things you’ll learn! I had no idea that a Native American Chief was buried by the banks of this waterway! The River Thames tour does include more riding on roads than some other tours; and isn’t recommended for the novice cyclist, nor for those under 12 years of age. A good complement to the Thames tour is the Royal London Bike Tour. Another small-group ride, this one makes use of bicycle lanes and parks; and is good for a family experience. (unfortunately, no trailers for toddlers are available). See royal parks and palaces; and learn some London stories! If you’d prefer to get out of the city, of course there are alternatives. The ride through the Eden Valley is six days of riding, with moderate to challenging climbing. You’ll roll past beautiful valleys, and enjoy quiet roads. For E-bike enthusiasts, there’s the Cotswolds tour. It’s seven days and six nights; and with a guide, you have no need to worry about directions. You just ride! Along the way are cathedrals; mansion houses; and ancient ruins to visit. Riding with John Bull sounds like a great  opportunity for adventure! 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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