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I’m Trying

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

I’m Trying I’m trying to get faster — sort of. My efforts are really rather too sporadic for me to make good progress. Today I worked at cadence rather than aiming for a specific speed. For one minute at a time, I pushed for at least 80 rpm; and I liked the mental change from trying to stay at, let’s say, 15 mph or over. The wind of the last few days has largely died down; and it was a welcome change to be out on the levee, riding my road bike. Pedaling laps around the park gets quite dull. The sky is still overcast; and the temperature is in the upper 60s. The forecast says, “mostly sunny”; but it doesn’t look like it it yet! I’m trying to get things squared away before next Wednesday’s foot surgery; and that includes a trip to the salvage store — with the trailer. I haven’t used it for months; partly because of recovering from the hand surgery; and partly because I had too much stuff at home. But now is the time to get a little extra! 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 The Small Stuff November 16, 2023 Endorphins November 15, 2023 Hurry Up and Rain November 14, 2023 Ride Inside or Outside? November 13, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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The Small Stuff

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

The Small Stuff 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.” “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” How often do we hear that? But sometimes it’s the small stuff that makes all the difference. Remember, “For want of a nail“! Going on a bicycle tour? Be sure to pack a multi-tool; and a couple of spare tubes don’t hurt! In fact, reduce the risk of flats by investing in a set of     tire liners. These things help a lot! I’ve used them for years now; and have had few flats. When I do get a flat, it’s a headache: I know what to do to fix a flat; but I’m all thumbs at it! In fact, my hands don’t seem to have the requisite strength for flat-fixing. There’s so much small stuff that I can’t list all of it; and in fact, it’s easy to take these items for granted when you’ve got them around the time. At home, that is. Out on tour, it’s another story. Then there’s the small stuff of training. How do you get faster when preparing for a big event? Start small, of course! Try riding several mph faster than usual for a short way; and gradually increase both intensity and distance. I’ve been falling short on that lately; and I have less than a week before my bunion surgery. Not much time left to ride; so I hope I get in some good miles before next Wednesday. Post-surgery? The small stuff won’t be so small for a while! 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 The Small Stuff November 16, 2023 Endorphins November 15, 2023 Hurry Up and Rain November 14, 2023 Ride Inside or Outside? November 13, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Endorphins

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Endorphins 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 hear about endorphins, aka the feel-good hormones, resulting from cycling. It can happen even on a gloomy day! Today I didn’t go out until about 11:00 am. The sky is still dreary gray; and earlier it was raining. But as the morning wore on, I got tired of sitting around; and decided to pull on the poncho and roll on over to the park. The rain had stopped, at least for the time being; and sometimes you have to grab a weather window while you can. Again, I rode the hybrid, because I couldn’t be sure it wasn’t going to start pouring. The weather wasn’t really cold; but the wind was still pretty strong.  So I went to the park; that meant I wasn’t going to have to battle a stiff headwind for 5-6 miles to get home. As I was riding, a fine drizzle began; and after four laps I decided to head home. I wore sunglasses because there was enough daylight for me to need them; but that mist got them badly spotted up! I sure could have used some anti-fog stuff. When I got home, I was glad that I had gone for a ride — endorphins! But shortly afterwards, I began to feel sleepy. That’s weird. All the same, don’t indulge in vigorous exercise too close to bed time; or your body will be too awake for you to sleep. Too much of a good thing? 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 Endorphins November 15, 2023 Hurry Up and Rain November 14, 2023 Ride Inside or Outside? November 13, 2023 Rise and Shine November 12, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Hurry Up and Rain

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Hurry Up and Rain 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 wish it would hurry up and rain. The forecast keeps predicting rain; but so far we’ve gotten little but a light drizzle all day. I prefer a good downpour that’s over in a half-hour or so. This persistent drizzle is far more likely to penetrate electrical transformers, and cause an electrical outage. On the other hand, it’s been so dry for so long that the ground probably can’t absorb a sudden large amount of water. This morning I donned the poncho and headed for the park. It wasn’t raining at the time, but the wind was pretty strong; and I wasn’t in the mood to fight it up there on the levee. The temperature was about 63 degrees; and with the wind it felt quite chilly. The poncho gave me some extra warmth! I used the hybrid, partly because it has fenders; and partly so I could bring the trunk. I wanted to get a few things at the drug store; and knew I might not go there if I had to go home first! But now I need a real ride with some hard efforts. There’s a wind advisory in effect for tomorrow. If I have a strong sidewind, bike control isn’t so easy; and if it’s a headwind, well, I’ve got my hard efforts built into my ride. I want it to hurry up and rain; but let’s get the rain done tonight. Rain plus a hard wind makes for miserable riding conditions! 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 Hurry Up and Rain November 14, 2023 Ride Inside or Outside? November 13, 2023 Rise and Shine November 12, 2023 Wet or Dry? November 11, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Ride Inside or Outside?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Ride Inside or Outside?  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.” Ride inside; or outside? That is the question when it’s drizzly and gray; and the wind is as high as 15 mph. The Saris Fluid 2 is useful on those days when you’re rarin’ to ride; but the weather outdoors is too foul. It can accommodate both road bikes and MTBs; and is Zwift compatible. I have an indoor trainer, but reserve its use for days when the weather is at its nastiest; such as when the chill factor is below freezing. We had some days like that last Winter; and riding outdoors was tortuous! On such days, thermal socks over regular socks can’t keep my feet warm; and cold feet are no fun. I wish there were enough room in my cycling shoes for warming packs! So, to ride inside; or outside? This afternoon it really isn’t cold; the temperature is in the mid-60s. But the gray skies; the drizzle; and the wind make it seem more chilly. I went for a ride in the morning; and cut it short when it seemed like rain was imminent.  But why do I do that? It’s not as though I’m riding to work, and have to deal with wet clothes when I get there. If I get poured on during a ride, I’m going home; and I can dry out and warm up.   Or even relax with a mug of hot chocolate! What a luxury that is!  

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Rise and Shine

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Rise and Shine 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.” Rise and shine? Not today! For one thing, I slept in; and it was already 9 o’clock when I got up. For another thing, it’s overcast. I also needed to do a big load of laundry; so I used the big machine on the premeses instead of my little Nictemaw. The Nictemaw isn’t very practical when I’ve got a set of sheets and several bath towels to wash.  And of course, I’m working at blogging and other website duties. Maybe I can go for a short ride later; and I think I’ll use the hybrid so I can stop at the store before I come back home. It looks like I won’t have much chance to rise and shine for at least three days. The forecast is still full of rain. I hope I get to ride, because after the bunion surgery on the 22nd, I won’t be able to ride for a while. Gosh, that’s only ten more days to enjoy cycling! I’ll have to rise and shine so I can ride. 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 or Dry? November 11, 2023 Back at the Ranch November 10, 2023 Sunday on Thursday November 9, 2023 What’s the Joke? November 8, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Wet or Dry?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Wet or Dry? 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.” Sometimes it’s wet … … and sometimes it’s not Wet  or dry is much on my mind the last couple of days. The current forecast shows daily chances of rain from 20-90% through next Wednesday. So, do I take the poncho along, or not? I had it with me this morning, when I rode to the salvage store; but didn’t need it. Because I thought it might rain, I left the trailer at home. I’m still trying not to bring home big loads, anyway; I’ve got plenty of canned stuff to use up. Hurricane season is winding down, too; so it’s less important to keep a good supply of non-perishables on hand. Will tomorrow be wet or dry? The annoying thing about “20% chance of showers” is, it really doesn’t say whether it will rain. However, there’s a much greater chance of rain on Monday; so tomorrow looks like a better day for riding. As usual, I’ve got ride food on my mind. FitCrunch Bars? RXBars? I might not makeup my mind until tomorrow morning. More important than what I take to eat, is that I can keep it from getting soaked if it does rain. No wonder I’ve got wet or dry on my mind.     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 #153404 November 11, 2023 Back at the Ranch November 10, 2023 Sunday on Thursday November 9, 2023 What’s the Joke? November 8, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Sunday on Thursday

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Sunday on Thursday 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.” Today I had Sunday on Thursday; namely, I did a long ride today. The hour-by-hour forecast shows rain tomorrow; and in fact, there’s a chance of rain every day for the next three or four days. Yesterday I rode less than 9 miles, so I wanted to get in some extra distance today. The weather was pretty good, although the wind was pesky. Nothing new there! Since I was aiming for distance, I kept to a pretty casual pace most of the time. A longer ride means fuel, of course; and I thought of Gatorade Whey Protein Bars. One of those did the trick. I like them; especially Chocolate Caramel. Gatorade Whey Protein Bars are sweet; but not too sweet. They’re easy to chew; and when the temperature is in the upper 60s-low 70s, the chocolate coating doesn’t melt. At least, it didn’t today; but the sky was mostly cloudy. If it had been sunny, I might have a different story to tell. Sunday on Thursday is an odd feeling. Maybe I had better get used to it; because I want to start doing longer weekday rides. Or will, after I’m healed from the lapiplasty. At the clinic, they said I may return to normal activities as tolerated within a day or two; but it’s occurred to me that I might not be able to tolerate shoes of any kind for a while.  The surgical “shoe”, I expect, won’t be sturdy enough for pedaling. I’ll see how it goes. Maybe by early 2024 I’ll have Sunday on Monday; Sunday on Tuesday; etcetera.

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What’s the Joke?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

What’s the Joke? 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.” What’s the joke? What’s with the laughing cow? I don’t know. The little dog though it hilarious to see a bovine vault over the moon; and maybe their rôles got reversed. I certainly can’t jump over the moon. I can’t even jump a curb! So far I’ve never felt the need to learn this skill; but sometimes I think it would be a wise idea. Especially if I have any ideas about getting into bicycle touring. Touring by bike might have to wait, as I’m having foot surgery in two weeks. But from what the podiatrist said yesterday, it won’t be that big a deal; and I can return to normal activities pretty quickly. So, what would I need for touring? Would my hybrid bicycle suffice, fitted out with rack and panniers?   There are too many variables to go into here, but I know several things I need to work on: extending my daily distances; and developing better strength.  Oh, and food! Campfire cooking? My regular long-ride chow? It’s too expensive to buy all meals pre-prepared; especially on a tour of more than one or two days. But if I set out on a bicycle tour this minute, people would be laughing their heads off; and I’d be asking, What’s the joke?

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Buoyed Up

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Buoyed 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.” I’m feeling quite buoyed up today. This morning I had my pre-surgical consultation with the podiatrist; and it’s good news! The procedure will take under 45 minutes; and I won’t be in a boot afterwards. I’ll be given a special shoe; and I may return to normal activities as tolerated — even riding a bicycle! I’d better make it the hybrid, though. I can expect post-surgical swelling; and my MTB shoes will be too tight for some time. The incision will be under 3 inches long; and in fact the only restriction will be, Don’t get it wet! Thus no riding outdoors if it’s raining. The doctor said he actually wants me to be up and walking; so that means minimal sitting around?! I don’t need any special equipment; and that’s terrific news. No need for me to spend hundreds of bucks on stuff I’ll use for a week; and then have to store or get rid of. Another thing to feel buoyed up about — with a nice tailwind, I hit a top speed of 20.5 mph during my ride! I did some one-minute intervals into the wind, trying to maintain 15 mph. That’s what you need to do to get fast. No, it’s not the most fun thing in the world; and after the foot surgery I expect I’ll have to skip that kind of riding for a while. The weather has turned warm again; and there’s a chance of rain later in the week. Well, we very much need rain; but I hope it doesn’t decide to rain while I’m going to and from the salvage store. Or during my Sunday long ride! I especially hope it doesn’t rain on surgery day. Gotta keep that foot dry!  

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