bicycling Archives - Page 93 of 123

Saris Fluid 2

Saris Fluid 2 The Saris Fluid 2 trainer is useful when the weather makes outdoor riding difficult or impossible. Some parts of the country are presently buried under several feet of snow; and others have problems with icy surfaces. We just had a cold snap, with temperatures dropping well below freezing; and chill factors in the teens. For New Orleans, that’s phenomenal. It rarely gets that cold at all; much less stays that way for several days. As a result, I don’t have polar riding gear. If I want to ride outside during such a cold spell, I need to wear two pairs of pants over leg warmers and cycling shorts. That makes my legs feel too bound up; getting on and off the road bike is awkward. I need three or four layers on my chest; and with a wind, even that isn’t enough! Thanks to our humidity, a cold wind cuts through any number of layers. Keeping hands and feet warm? So far I haven’t found a way to do that when it gets so cold. Warming packs help keep my hands warm; but my poor fingers still freeze. Double socks — including thermal socks — don’t keep my feet warm. Even with a helmet liner, my head quickly gets too cold. So, going out on a bicycle in such conditions is risking hypothermia. I’ve got enough problems without that. It’s been so cold in here, anyway, that all I want to do is park in front of the electric heater. Getting “kitted up” to do a stint in the trainer took a lot of willpower! So, tedious as it is, I did some stints in the trainer. I don’t actually have a Saris Fluid 2; but my old Cycle Ops is close enough. I didn’t worry about speed, cadence, and so on; I just pedaled half an hour to try to keep my leg muscles from atrophying! This trainer is Zwift compatible. $179.97 Fluid 2 trainer $239.95 Smart version Expert assembly $89 per unit

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Frigid Holidays

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Frigid Holidays! We’re in for some frigid holidays! At present the temperature is 57 degrees; but overnight it’s going to plunge to the mid-20s. For us, that’s VERY cold. The wind is expected to pick up, too; and from midnight there’s a wind chill advisory. I’m ever so glad I don’t have to go to work tomorrow! I’m not going to try to ride outdoors tomorrow; that’s certain! Judging by past experience, I’m not sure the most sophisticated thermal socks will keep my feet warm; and multiple layers on my legs make pedaling a chore. When it’s so cold and windy, it seems impossible to put on enough layers to keep my upper body warm; and even with a helmet liner, my head aches from the cold. There’s the oft-mentioned nuisance of a runny nose; and in the kind of conditions predicted for tomorrow, my nose would be “flowing like the River Shannon“, as some people might say. This extreme cold is going to last a few days; but no snow for us. When it gets cold enough to snow, it’s usually because a cold front has swept the sky clear of clouds. In a way that’s good. Sunshine might help keep my place a bit warmer. Even so, it will be frigid holidays. As to riding, I plan to hook the bicycle into the trainer and pedal a bit. That might keep me warm — unfortunately, only as long as I keep pedaling. I must remember to leave a faucet running overnight; and I did the laundry this afternoon. If the pipes do happen to freeze, at least that’s one thing I won’t have to worry about! I have several gallon jugs of drinking water; and plenty of canned food. I might as well be hunkering down for a hurricane!

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Thin Skin

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Thin Skin I have thin skin, I think. This morning it was 42 degrees; and the wind was 21 mph! I couldn’t face going for a long ride in that; especially as it would have meant fighting the wind all the way back home! Late in the morning, after it had warmed up a little, I rode over to the drug store. I’m going to try fexofenadine for my stuffy head. It was 2:00 by the time the temperature finally warmed to the high 50s; and the wind had dropped to 10 mph. I went for a short ride with the hybrid. I’m glad I got in a few miles, especially as tomorrow looks iffy for riding. In the morning, there’s a 30% chance of showers; and by afternoon, the chances go up to 70%. Maybe I’ll go ride in the park; and use the hybrid so I can carry my poncho in the trunk. If I think tomorrow will be bad, Thursday night it’s expected to plummet down below freezing! The high temperature Friday won’t be much above freezing. I’m glad I don’t have to go to work Friday, because cold temperatures won’t be the only problem. It’ll be windy, too: gusts up to 35 mph! I’ve got thin skin, for sure. In such temperatures, I’m already freezing, no matter how many clothes I’ve got on; and fierce wind like that goes right through multiple layers of clothing. If I’m to ride, I’ll have to put the road bike in the trainer. I tried putting the new hybrid in my Cycle Ops 2; but it doesn’t fit. Or did I do something wrong? I actually hope that’s the case; and that I can figure out what the problem is. I’d rather not ride outside when the chill factor is sub-freezing — ‘cuz I’ve got thin skin!

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Tricycle Adult Folding Bicycle

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

This Week’s Feature The Tricycle Adult Folding Bicycle is a great solution if you want to take kids along; but balance difficulties forbid use of a bicycle with a child seat. This single-speed “ride” has front suspension; 20-inch wheels; and a chromoly steel frame. The rear seat can hold two youngsters. The child seat is equipped with a seatbelt for safety. Baskets let you carry home groceries; the kids’ school needs; or your change of clothing for work. Fenders keep you and the trike cleaner on wet days. For riders up to to 6’1″/180 cm; maximum load 440 lb/200 kg. Trike weighs 77 lb/~35 kg. For both men and women. The Tricycle Adult Folding Bicycle carries a one-year warranty. $497.01

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Cut It Short

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Cut It Short I had to cut it short today, big time. The forecast was for isolated T-storms by 7:00 am; and scattered T-storms as the morning went on. That, of course, had me a bit on edge. It was just after 8:00 when I finally got going; and the sky looked pretty stormy already. The sun had peeked out a few times, though; so I wore my sunglasses. Of course that made the clouds look all the darker! I had ridden only a half-mile or so when it began to sprinkle; and it looked like I was heading straight for worse weather. Going back home seemed like the wiser course. But it wasn’t really raining yet; and I rode the hybrid to the nearby grocery store. I needed bananas; and this store keeps them right inside the entrance. Hummus and frozen blueberries were on my wish list; but I don’t know where that store keeps them. Concerns over the weather meant I didn’t want to spend a lot of time looking for them; so I’ll have to go without. When I got out of the store, the sky was darker; and I donned my poncho before beginning the ride home. On the way, the wind began to blow in the way it does when it’s about to storm. When I got home, I checked the weather online. There was a T-storm in progress at the airport (about 11-12 miles from here); and heavy rain. So it’s a good thing I cut it short. If I had kept riding, I would have been caught in it! It began to rain here about 9:20 am; and actually, it’s nice to be indoors for it. But speaking of cutting, I’ve got a huge cauliflower that I have to chop up.

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More Fog

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

MORE Fog! More fog! I’m tired of those ground-hugging clouds! Yesterday morning it was quite foggy when I rode. Luckily there was a clear patch; so I got to see the full moon. But I couldn’t see its reflection on the river because there was too much mist. The farther I rode, the worse it seemed to get; so I went home early. I thought conditions were bad yesterday; but this morning it was worse! I didn’t even try to go on the levee. I rode over to the park; and the fog was so bad, I had to remove my glasses after a half-mile. Things were pretty bad in the park; and it makes me nervous when I can hardly see where I’m riding. On the upside, I heard an owl in the park! But one circuit was enough, given the conditons; and I went home. Naturally I’ve checked the forecast for tomorrow and — more fog. And yet more the next morning! Now is the kind of time when I wish I had some anti-fog spray. Maybe I can ride a bit later tomorrow, because I won’t be going to work. I have an appointment; but not until 9:45 am. It’s time to consult the hand specialist about surgery for that pesky CMC arthritis. Occupational therapy has helped a little; but I still have trouble with pain. Looks like only surgery will get rid of it. Unfortunately, that will mean time off the bike!

Same Old Question

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Same Old Question It’s the same old question again: IS this December? It certainly doesn’t feel like it today. Day before yesterday, at least, it was cold in the morning; and I had to cut my ride short because I couldn’t get warm. What a feeble start to Winter Wheelers! Yesterday it was a good bit warmer; and today feels more like May than Christmas coming. It was foggy in the morning; and I got rather hot riding to and from the salvage store. More fog is in the forecast for tomorrow morning; and it’s going to be warm for at least a few more days. In a way I’m glad, because knowing it’s warm means less guessing about how many layers I need for a ride. At the same time, this just doesn’t feel right for the season. So, is it December, or not? Same old question! I’m thinking about tomorrow’s ride. A low of 64 degrees tonight means I’ll probably want leg warmers. I’d rather be a bit too warm than not warm enough! I think I’ll be able to get away with half-fingered gloves; and that’s a good thing. The fingers of my full-fingered gloves are really a bit too long; and tend to snag my “feed bag“. Then I wind up spilling my food! I hope to get in more than 29 miles tomorrow. I’ve met my mileage goal for the year; but that doesn’t stop me from being a mileage hog.

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Worry Is Wasted

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Worry Is Wasted? Worry is wasted, some folks say; and sometimes, it is. I was concerned about the weather for today. Forecasts had been predicting rain; and I wasn’t sure what time it might arrive. This morning it was overcast; but it wasn’t raining yet. So I checked NOAA; and it indicated that the rain wasn’t due until late morning/early afternoon. It showed a wind advisory from noon until midnight, though; and I wasn’t keen on having to battle it! I figured I had enough of a weather-window to make a trip to the salvage store; and I did. I didn’t take the trailer, because I didn’t want to be dragging it along if the wind kicked up. It wasn’t raining; but it was foggy/misting. I wound up having to take off my sunglasses so I could see! The ones I have aren’t photochromatic; so it looked a bit dark when I was wearing them. I got home around 10:00 am; and about an hour later, it was drizzling. As of now, 12:25 pm, the expected strong wind hadn’t arrived. The main problem actually looks like gusts up to 30-40 mph. That’s enough to blow me away if I’m up there on the levee; and I’m glad it’s expected to calm down by tomorrow morning. So worry is wasted — this time, anyway. For a few weeks, my Sunday ride has been rather short; and I want to work back up to 40 miles or so. The temperature tomorrow will be good for riding: mid-50s to low-60s; and clear. We might get T-storms this afternoon; and I’ll be glad to get them over with while I’m indoors!

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Turkey Roll

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Turkey Roll? Turkey roll sounds like a kind of submarine sandwich. And in fact, many folks are eating turkey today. That’s quite the usual for Thanksgiving. My turkey roll was a ride! I didn’t put in any more miles than usual for a weekday; and that sure makes me feel lazy. But I didn’t take ride food along; and I didn’t want to have to reapply sunblock. I also knew that rain is possible today; and of course I didn’t want to get caught in it. As it turned out, I was home way ahead of any rain. I stowed the road bike and rode the hybrid to the ATM; and I stopped at the drug store to buy a soda. Then it was home to fix my ‘Thanksgiving dinner”. Last Saturday I found a box of macaroni and cheese at the salvage store. I fixed the macaroni per the instructions on the box; and tossed it with tuna fish and some peas. Along with a variety of olives and some cranberry sauce, it made a nice meal. The forecast for tomorrow and Saturday is a rainy one; and I hope it isn’t pouring tomorrow morning. I need to get to the supermarket. As usual, I need bananas; but I figured any grocery store would probably be packed today. People will be trying to get last-minute things for Thanksgiving dinner. Tomorrow is Black Friday; but I think I’ll steer clear of the bargain-hunting mobs. In my family we don’t go for extravagant gifts; and if it’s going to rain tomorrow, I’d have to worry about getting my merchandise home without having it get soaked. This is the annoying kind of day when it’s a little too cool indoor for comfort; but not cool enough for the heater to stay on. It looks like it will stay that way for a few more days. Soon enough, though, I’ll be complaining about how cold it is!

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Fait Accompli

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

FAIT ACCOMPLI!! Fait Accompli! Success! I made it! Today I rolled up to my Love to Ride 2022 mileage goal: 5000 miles by December 30. I thought I could do it, and I was right; although I didn’t expect to finish six weeks early! I’m not sure I want to set another goal for this year. There isn’t time to try training for a century ride next month; and I don’t relish the idea of riding 100 miles when it’s cold and windy. Tonight it’s going to get down to 39 degrees. It’ll be a chilly ride tomorrow morning. I need to get out some warming packs; and in fact, it’s time I ordered some more of them. I hope we don’t get subfreezing weather this season, like we did early this year; but we never can be sure what’s coming weather-wise. I first tried warming packs several years ago because I was so tired of my hands freezing during cold-weather rides. Now I wonder how I managed without them; and even wish I could fit them inside my shoes to keep my toes warm. All you need to do is remove the packs from their wrapping; shake them; and let them sit 15-20 minutes. They’ll warm up; and then you can put them inside your gloves. If they get cool, shake them to reactivate them. These warming packs are good for up to 18 hours from first use. At the moment I’m not thinking about riding; I’m simply enjoying the thrill of fait accompli.

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