bicycling Archives - Page 95 of 126

Fitness Tracker Smart Watch

Fitness Tracker Smart Watch The Fitness Tracker Smart Watch is great for many activities! Cycling, of course; but also for running; mountain-climbing; and even yoga. Fitness Tracker Smart Watch has a large, easily read touchscreen; and is compatible with many cell phones. You can keep track of your heart rate; oxygen levels; and more! This tracker can be used by people of most ages. Battery charges fully in two hours; and lasts up to 14 days on standby. Assorted colors available. Made in China. $49.99

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Dead Slow

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Dead Slow? Am I going dead slow? I’m not equipped with a Chadburn, so I can’t be quite certain. but I’m not getting anywhere at the moment. I found that I can adjust the seat post on a WattBike® if I clamp said post in the crook of my left elbow. Yesterday that seemed too much of a strain; so I decided I’d better leave the WattBikes alone today. The “reach” on the WattBike seems excessive, too; even after I move the saddle forward. I admit that it can be hard to get myself to where I can use a WattBike. It means walking a mile; and that seems like a lot when I’m constantly concerned about the possibility of rain. I’ve got to keep that splint dry for two more days. The wind just picked up; and it’s blowing at 20 mph. There’s also a 20% chance of rain; and I hope it’s either over by 2 pm, or waits until night. I have to go to the dentist this afternoon! It’s 75 degrees! Can you believe it? Even for New Orleans, that’s too warm for January. It’s what folks used to call a “weather breeder”. There’s a high chance of rain tonight: and T-storms Friday night. On top of weather concerns, my head feels persistently stuffy; and it makes me feel tired. Looks like I might be dead slow for a few days.

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elite arion folding rollers

3 Comments / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Elite Arion Folding Rollers Elite Arion Folding Rollers let you ride indoors; and take up less space than a trainer. They also offer a different “riding” experience. Rollers demand attention to balance; smooth pedaling; and holding to a narrow line. I tried rollers; but never got really confident on them. Thus I prefer a trainer, despite the nuisance of getting the bicycle hooked into it. In retrospect, I think my problem with rollers was that I was too tentative. Rollers seemed very slick to me, especially with the road bike; and that was hard to deal with. Eventually I sold the rollers; and kept the trainer. At present I can’t use rollers anyway, because my hand is laid up. I wasn’t even sure that my splinted hand would let me climb aboard my road bike while it was set up in the trainer. Fortunately I’m able to use some WattBikes for the time being. Elite Arion Folding Rollers, for me, would mean setting up in a doorway. I don’t have a sturdy table to help me get my balance before I begin pedaling; but being in that doorway is rather a tight fit. I think I’ll skip rollers for now; but I’ll leave the option open. $222.36

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Convalescent

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Convalescent I’m in the convalescent stage now. Day before yesterday I had CMC arthroplasty; and ever since have been learning how to manage with one hand. Luckily my left hand is the one affected; and I’m right-handed. That makes things a little easier; but it’s still tricky. I quickly learned how to get lids off of jars — at least, jars that have been previously opened. Clasp the jar, as near upright as possible, between my thighs, right above the knees. Then I need only my right hand to twist the lid. I figured out how to shower without getting that splint wet: pull a plastic bag over it; and secure the open end with 3-inch wide painter’s tape. Even so, I hold that hand above my head, and as far out from the shower as possible. Keeping the surgical site elevated is very hard. I couldn’t tolerate lying on my back all day, just to hold my hand high. It’s also a problem keeping the hand iced; and it needs it. My fingers are still swollen. Of course I can’t ride in my current state. Being a convalescent is a drag! I’m working to gain access to indoor bikes; and I hope to try one tomorrow. I did consider setting up one of my bicycles in the trainer prior to surgery; but decided that it might well be impossible to climb aboard with my splinted hand. There are also sutures to think about. I hope there’s a way to pump up the tires one-handed! They’ll need it even if I’m not riding. On the other hand, my tires were OK after several weeks of enforced neglect following Ida. Tonight it’s going to get much cooler; so if I simply didn’t want to ride in the cold, I’ve got a reasonable excuse to stay in! 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 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 Your Little Foot November 11, 2024 Gray and Warm November 10, 2024 Park Mode November 9, 2024 Woman Is Fickle? November 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Time-Crunched Cyclist

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Time-Crunched Cyclist Time-Crunched Cyclist describes so many of us! What with a full-time job; for some, a second job; a family; and so on, time to ride can easily fall by the wayside. I myself never worried too much about it. If time to ride meant letting housework slide, I just let it slide! I don’t care about everything being spotlessly clean, anyhow. There are more important things in life! But if you happen to be a time-crunched cyclist; and are frustrated by your limited opportunities to train; this publication helps you get the most out of what riding time that you do have. Elite coach Chris Carmichael shows the way. Am I time-crunched? Not really; not now that I’m a retiree. When I was still working, I went riding at 5:15 or even 5:00 in the morning; because it was the best way to be sure I got to ride. I’m not into racing; but if I were, I think I would want a copy of this title. Also available in kindle.

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2023

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

2023! It’s 2023! Happy New Year! As always, I can’t believe the new year is here already. Time sure flies; and I wish I could “fly” like that on my bicycle! I went out for a ride this morning. It was foggy; and there were large patches of debris from firecrackers on the cycling path. It happens every year; and it sure annoys me! I believe fireworks are illegal here; but plenty of folks have them, anyway. 2023 will be a big year for me: I’m going to retire! It will be great to have more time to ride, and to work on this website. But first, I’ve got CMC arthroplasty coming up! I’m not sure how much time I’ll have to take off from the bicycle; but it’s going to be hard not being able to ride. Maybe I’ll be able to “ride” in the trainer. That will give my legs a little action. Lunges will help, too. And I can go for walks; but I’d better keep plastic bags handy in case it rains. My hand will be in a splint for a while; and that splint will have to be kept dry. I’ve been cooking stuff to freeze so I have meals while my hand is laid up; and I stocked up on paper plates and paper bowls. That will minimize one-handed dishwashing. There are two rainy days coming up; and the temperatures have risen to the 70s. Just think, a week ago we were freezing! It’s absolutely crazy. We have a dense fog advisory for tonight, too. Day after tomorrow it’s back to work. What a drag that will be; but I comfort myself with the thought that it’s only for a few days. Then I’ll be retired!

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Out At Last

BACK ISSUES, bicycling / CAL

Out At Last! I got out at last today! By afternoon the temperature had warmed up to the low 50s. I was tired of being cooped up indoors; and decided to go for a short ride. It was sunny and clear; and almost no wind. I would have liked for it to be 10 degrees warmer; but low 50s is a lot better than barely above freezing! I didn’t try any interval work, nor did I push for speed; I just rode. For two days I hadn’t even put in any time on the trainer; so it was enough to just be riding. It looks like our Arctic blast is on the way out at last. Some poor folks are still buried in snow; and I hope they get relief soon. We didn’t get a single flake here; when it does get cold enough for snow, it’s usually because a cold front blasted all the clouds away. That’s certainly been the case this time! Now I must think of my 2023 riding plans. Early in the year, I’m having CMC arthroplasty; and following the procedure, I’ll have to be off the bicycle for at least a few weeks. Maybe I can set up the bike in the trainer; but I must discuss that with my surgeon. Once recovered from the surgery, I hope to get in some good mileage. I’ll be retired, so I don’t have to worry about getting to work; and I can start putting in extra distance. Maybe I can even dream of doing another century!

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Saris Fluid 2

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

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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