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The Sound of Music

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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

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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

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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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Boa?

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Boa 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.” Boa? Why am I thinking about snakes, let alone blogging about them? The very thought of those critters gives some people the big-time creeps! I’m not fond of them, myself; but as long as I can see that a snake is non-venomous; and not a huge python; I can tolerate its presence.   Maybe it’s because I was thinking about these Giro Gauge Boa MTB shoes. I don’t know why they’re named for a snake, unless the closure has something to do with it. Maybe it squeezes your foot, like a boa constrictor! And why am I musing about shoes of any kind? Wishful thinking, I suppose. I’m not ready to try cycling yet; and I didn’t get a KneeRover. Come to think of it, those things might be difficult to maneuver indoors, anyway. I sure miss pedaling along, munching on bites of FitCrunch Bar as I go. The temperature is in the upper 60s; and it’s overcast, but not raining. Wind under 10 mph, too. That’s just about perfect for a good, long ride! I don’t have the sun in my eyes; and it isn’t either too hot, or too cold. I don’t get my stitches out for almost two weeks; and until then, I should avoid putting stress on that foot. Time for a hurt-foot video! 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 Boa? November 26, 2023 Food Coma November 25, 2023 Happy Turkey Day! November 23, 2023 Limperator? November 22, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Happy Turkey Day!

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Happy Turkey Day! 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.” Happy Turkey Day! I’d probably be out there now enjoying a bicycle ride if not for yesterday’s procedure. It’s chilly and gray; but with leg warmers and other cold-weather gear I think I’d be comfortable on the bike — except, of course, for my nose! I have family here for a few days; and we’re going to roast some Cornish game hens for our dinner. Not that I can help much; it’s OK for me to walk around indoors, but I need to avoid being on that foot for prolonged periods. And needless to say, I don’t need to have anyone accidentally step on that foot! Prior to surgery, I looked for videos about non-weight bearing exercises, and found this one that I think I can use. I tried a few of those moves today. They’ll be OK, I think. But no substitute for actually being on the bike! I’m already thinking of my first ride when my foot is healed. Probably to the park for a gentle lap or two. I won’t be up to any hard riding for a while. Meanwhile, Happy Turkey Day everybody! 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 Happy Turkey Day! November 23, 2023 Limperator? November 22, 2023 Uncertainty November 21, 2023 Last Ride? November 20, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Limperator?

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Limperator? 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.” Limperator, as the story goes, was the nickname that harbor pilots in New York gave to the German ocean liner SS Imperator. This ship was top-heavy and prone to listing; and that’s what I’m doing now — listing. This morning I had the lapiplasty; and as a result, I’m limping around. I’ve got a kind of special shoe on the foot; and I’m trying to keep from putting too much weight on it. Just call me Limperator! I’m also trying to ice it for 15-20 minutes once an hour. The clinic gave me a cold pack; so at least I don’t have to go buy any. At the moment it’s in the freezer, getting “recharged”. Now comes the frustrating wait until I can go cycling again. It might be a few weeks.?; and I suspect that cycling shoes will be too painful for some time. It can take a long time to get back to normal after any surgery; and if this had been only a bunion, I think I would  have let it go. But the bone spurs were causing problems; and I knew they had to go. I’m glad I’ve gotten the procedure over with; and I hope I’m done with surgeries for a while. Like any cycling enthusiast, I don’t enjoy being off the bike; but to ride, I need both hands and both feet to be in proper working order. I had hand surgery this past January; and now I’ve had a foot worked on. That’s enough to last me for years! And when I can ride again? Start slow and steady; and keep it short. Avoid climbing for a while; so I’ll have to stay off the levee. I can’t be sure at this point; but I should be able to ride again by Christmas. I’m looking forward to that! 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 Food Coma November 25, 2023 Happy Turkey Day! November 23, 2023 Limperator? November 22, 2023 Uncertainty November 21, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Uncertainty

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Uncertainty 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.” Uncertainty, alas, is part of life — such as uncertainty about the weather. Will I need a rain suit? An Alpha Cycle  Gear outfit should keep the rain off; but will I be too hot? In very hot weather, I might as well not bother with rain gear. I’d sweat like crazy if I wore it; and I’d be wet, anyway. Then I probably would need extra electrolyte drink — like BioSteel. There’s always uncertainty about what the weather will do; especially as forecasts aren’t necessarily accurate. NOAA might predict T-storms; and they might not happen. Or a “10% chance of showers” might mean a heavy downpour. After a lifetime here, I still can’t tell. At the moment, I’ve got the uncertainty as to how soon I may get back on the bike. Tomorrow is the bunion surgery; and it seems like no two sources I read say the same thing as to recovery time. But now I’m just ready to get it over with; and I hope I’m riding again soon!   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 Happy Turkey Day! November 23, 2023 Limperator? November 22, 2023 Uncertainty November 21, 2023 Last Ride? November 20, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Last Ride?

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Last 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 guess today was my last ride for a while. My sister-in-law and nephew are arriving today; and T-storms are in the forecast for the rest of today. And for tomorrow, too. Day after tomorrow is the bunion surgery. My foot will be too sore for riding right after that. This morning I rode the hybrid, so I could use the trunk for carrying my poncho. By 8 am it was already quite cloudy; and I kept a wary eye on the sky. The sun has been dodging in and out all day; and if it’s going to rain, I wish it would rain and get it over with. For a last ride (for at least the next few weeks, anyway) I made today’s jaunt rather short and lackadaisical. Yesterday I put in 23+ miles; and thought maybe I shouldn’t push too hard today. My fitness level isn’t equal to riding hard every day; and in fact, from all I’ve read, no cyclist needs all hard, all the time training. I didn’t want to make this ride too long, because of the expected guests; I need to be here when they arrive. For once, I took along a snack on a weekday ride. I found four of these A.M. RXBar Chocolate bars in the grab-bag bins at the salvage store day before yesterday; and was eager to try one. Pretty good, although rather dry; and not very sweet. But we don’t need sweets while out on a ride. For tomorrow, I’ll play it by ear. If  I get to ride, I’ll ride; and if I can’t, well, I can’t. Gotta be philosophical sometimes! 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 Last Ride? November 20, 2023 Holes in My Head? November 19, 2023 Not the Dessert November 18, 2023 I’m Trying November 17, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Holes in My Head?

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Holes in My Head? 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 I have holes in my head? Lately I often forget to start my Garmin when I begin a ride. Sometimes I’m a quarter-mile from home before I remember to turn the thing on. What an aggravation that is! After I’m recovered from my bunion surgery, I hope I can get back into riding quickly — and I hope I don’t keep forgetting to start the Garmin when I go out. But I might have to stick with the hybrid for a while so I can wear sneakers, because bike shoes might be too snug for my scar. This morning it was cool enough for a helmet liner; holes in my head or not. The temperature was in the low 50s, so I used the heavier one. This ride was about just keeping moving. My legs felt tired; and sometimes slow and steady is what you need, anyway. Here and there I coasted a bit while I did some on-bike stretching. This was a very simple move (or un-move) — straighten one leg and stretch the heel downwards for a few seconds. This is helpful when your legs are getting very tired, and you’ve still got 10 more miles to go. Probably I need more off-bike stretching than I’m doing. I was doing flexibility exercises twice a week; but for a long time, I let off-bike exercises slide while I was re-building this website. Now I’m trying to get back into them. I can tell how much fitness I’ve lost! I hope this YouTube will be OK for me to do after my foot surgery. It might keep my legs strong, even if I do have holes in my head. 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 Holes in My Head? November 19, 2023 Not the Dessert November 18, 2023 I’m Trying November 17, 2023 The Small Stuff November 16, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Not the Dessert

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Not the Dessert 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 not the dessert; even though balaclava makes me think of baklava. We’re getting to the time of year when I might wish for a balaclava, though. Next Wednesday night, the low is predicted to be 49 degrees; and the wind, 15 mph. That’s going to feel cold! Not that I’ll be riding. My lapiplasty is scheduled for Wednesday morning; and of course I won’t be able to ride for a while after that. I’ll sure miss the pedaling, though! So I hope to get in good rides tomorrow and Monday.   Despite the upcoming hiatus from riding, I looked for ride food at the salvage store this morning. And found some, too; including four A.M. RXBars in the grab-bag bins. They’ll keep until I can ride again. Incidentally, how would baklava do as ride food? Not that I really have to ask that question; I know how sticky it is. So not the dessert on the bike! I’ll stick with protein bars.   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’m Trying November 17, 2023 The Small Stuff November 16, 2023 Endorphins November 15, 2023 Hurry Up and Rain November 14, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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