SpokEasy

SpokEasy

bicycling

Laos by Bicycle – Copy

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

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

Laos by Bicycle – Copy Read More »

The Road Goes On

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Food /

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!

The Road Goes On Read More »

Jigsaw

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

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! 

Jigsaw Read More »

Different Kind of Ride

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

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?

Different Kind of Ride Read More »

Dare I Hope?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

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?

Dare I Hope? Read More »

Old MUDDY?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

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!

Old MUDDY? Read More »

Riding with John Bull

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

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

Riding with John Bull Read More »

Sunflower Fields Forever?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Sunflower Fields Forever? I sometimes think, sunflower fields forever. As in pics of the Tour de France peloton rolling past seemingly endless fields of the yellow blossoms. Maybe I could see sunflower fields forever if I took a bicycle tour of France. Or lavender fields! France offers many cycling tours; and I think I might start with the Brittany & Normandy Bike Tour. If nothing else, some of my ancestors came from Normandy; and I think the D-Day Landmarks would be interesting. The oenophile on two wheels might enjoy the Bordeaux and Dordogne Bike Tour. It combines beautiful countryside with famous vinticulture. You can even visit caves to view Cro-Magnon art! How about the Seine River Cruise Bike Tour? You’ll get to explore Versailles and Rouen; visit Monet’s home; and more!  How to get my bicycle Over There? A Thule RoundTrip Case is costly; but I’d say it’s worth it to have your bicycle well protected. What else do I need? Well, to learn a little of the language. My French is of the most rudimentary! Spring and Fall are the best times to visit France. The weather is likely to be pleasant; and there are fewer crowds. In Fall you might get to see the leaves changing color; I think that would be neat. Above all, I’d need to remember that I’m on tour; not racing! I’ll leave that to the pros. 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

Sunflower Fields Forever? Read More »

Atacama Anyone?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Atacama, Anyone? Want to cycle the Atacama, anyone? It might be interesting: volcanoes and salt flats are among its many features. Going by bicycle lets you cover more distance than hiking; and the various routes range in difficulty from Easy to Expert. Most or all of these tours are a half-day long. The easy Ayllus ride is 13.5 miles long; and takes you to visit the archaeological site of Beter. At the other end of the spectrum is the Expert-rated Tambo route. It’s 18.6 miles long; not too long even for me. But there’s some steep climbing on the way! You’ll ride to the Catarpe Valley; and see salt creeks. Keep in mind that the Atacama is very dry. Bicycle touring there isn’t a walk in the park. I’m accustomed to a humid climate; and this would be a drastic change for me! The site crazyguyonabike dot com (not secure) gives some pointers. I’d say the most vital one is to carry a lot more water than you think you’ll need. I fear my Camel-Bak wouldn’t hold nearly enough! A close second is to carry plenty of food. So, Atacama, anyone? I think I’ll give it a miss. 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

Atacama Anyone? Read More »

Lakes and Volcanoes

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Lakes and Volcanoes 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.” Nicaragua: the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes! This Central American nation contains stunning natural beauty; and, of course, there are cycle touring routes! Some are especially designed for the beginner at touring; and feature easy grades; clear directions; and manageable distances. These tours are good for families and seniors, as well as beginners. At the other end of the scale are tours for advanced riders. They present riders with more challenging terrain; longer distances; and less support. Or you might want to tackle this 15-day, 3-country tour. You’ll ride through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. The fully-guided tour takes you through both towns and rainforests; and is suited to novice riders.  As to lakes and volcanoes, there are three active volcanoes in Nicaragua. Sensibly enough, visitors are advised not to try visiting them without an expert guide. When I was a kid, I used to think it would be great to watch an erupting volcano — from a safe distance. I know much better now. There’s no such thing as a “safe distance” from an erupting volcano. Pyroclastic flows can reach miles beyond the slopes of a “fire mountain”! Ergo I think I’ll stay away. The best time to visit Nicaragua is from November to May, when the weather is drier. Not surprisingly, the country’s climate is tropical. I expect you’d need a lot of sunblock! How about safety? That seems to be the snag about travel to many countries nowadays. I guess the best thing is to stay in a group; and don’t try to “wing it”. But if you can arrange that, the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes sounds like a great place to visit!

Lakes and Volcanoes Read More »