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Til Next Year

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors, Personal Care /

Til Next Year 📅 Good grief, I’ve got enough sunblock to last me til next year! In my zeal to have enough for RAGBRAI, I’ve been buying it often; and it would seem that I’m overstocked. I have a variety of brands; with SPFs ranging from 50 to 70. I’ve been looking for tubes of the right size to fit into my under-saddle pack; and I’ll concentrate on using the awkwardly-large tubes before I head for Iowa. I don’t think I need to worry about running out any time soon; as I said, I’ve got enough to last til next year! But all the sunblock in the world isn’t much use if I consistently forget to apply it to certain areas. I tend to forget my neck, especially in the back; and one YouTube I watched about RAGBRAI mentioned, don’t forget to put sunblock on the backs of your fingers. Otherwise they could become badly blistered. In the Back 👈 Back to Basics sounds like things to do in the back yard: gardening; hanging out the laundry; and so on. Will I be in the back of the pack during RAGBRAI? I won’t know until I’m in the thick of it; and even if I am in the back, what of it? They say Iowa has 15 hour of daylight during July; and just so I get to the overnight town by 6 pm, I’m good. I hope to get to the end towns earlier than that, though; especially if I have to set up my own tent. Today I tried to do some pace work; and had problems because of the headwind. I also noticed my right-hand brifter creaking as I shifted to larger gears; and that makes me uneasy. Is a cable getting caught? I’d better ride the hybrid until I can get that checked out. For sure, I won’t wait til next year. 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 ✍🏻 Til Next Year May 26, 2025 Test Aborted May 25, 2025 Snap May 24, 2025 Tent? May 23, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Tent?

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Tent? 🏕️ Should I get a tent for RAGBRAI? I’m not quite sure yet. I’m on the waiting list for a Pork Belly tent; and don’t know when I might get one. So I’m in a bit of a quandry. I don’t want to buy a tent that I won’t need, after all; but just as little do I want to wait until too late if I can’t get a Pork Belly tent. A tent will be another item to lug along; and something else to find storage room for post-RAGBRAI. If the tent gets wet during my week in Iowa, I’ll need to be sure it’s absolutely dry before storing it. Not so easy in a humid climate; and I’m not sure it would do to put a tent through an electric dryer. Multiple Choice 😵‍💫 As with so many prospective purchases, multiple choice among tents can be overwhelming. I’ll probably want a one-person tent if I buy one, largely due to the need for compact packing. I hope to find one like the tent in this video. It has no stakes; so I wouldn’t have to worry about whether a hammer in my luggage will be confiscated! Tent stakes will take up room and add weight, too. And there’s multiple choice about what food to bring with me. I’ll want to have some kind of bars on hand, in case I’m hungry before the food vendors are open for business in the morning.  I’d rather not start the day’s riding on an empty stomach! Or would a gel hold me over? 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 Tent? May 23, 2025 Energizer? May 22, 2025 How Ironic! May 20, 2025 Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis May 19, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Energizer?

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Training /

Energizer? ⚡️ Energizer sounds like these batteries; but can the electronics department of a store serve as an energizer? This morning I rode to Walmart; and naturally I checked my mileage when I got there. I’m certain my Cateye read 5.01; but as I got ready to ride home, it said 6+! This phenomenon has occurred at least once before. Was it because I visited the store’s electronics department? I wanted a second charger block to take along on RAGBRAI; and maybe being in the midst of all that equipment caused the Cateye to fast-forward!⏭️ Today was another low mileage day; but I think I’m ready to start rides of 20-30 miles again; with longer jaunts on Sundays. When you do long rides, be sure your saddle height is correct! Saddle Height 🦵🏼   Saddle height might not matter with low mileage; but as you ride farther, it becomes very important. Incorrect saddle height can cause knee pain; and if you’re rocking back and forth as you pedal, nasty chafing is quite likely. So far I haven’t had problems with saddle height, thank the cycling gods for that. I’ve been getting some tweaks done, though; when you’ve got a 400+ mile week on the horizon, it’s a wise idea to double check these things. I’ve notice little if any difference from those tweaks; and I’d better not make any further changes after the next week or so. I wonder, though, can a big change of saddle height act as an energizer? Say, if that saddle has been too high; and lowering it means you don’t have to extend your knees all the way? 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 Energizer? May 22, 2025 How Ironic! May 20, 2025 Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis May 19, 2025 Snowball? May 18, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bailout Plan

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Bailout Plan 🪣 I’m developing a bale-out plan — I mean, a bailout plan. My biggest concern about RAGBRAI has been reaching Guttenberg, the end town, in time to catch the PBV 3:00 pm shuttle to Omaha. If I miss that bus, I’ll be in a very tight corner! Now PBV has announced a shuttle bus from the Day 7 halfway point to Guttenberg; and I’m seriously considering using it. It’s a relief to know that such a bailout plan is available. Yes, I want to ride all the miles; and if I had transportation other than the PBV shuttle, I’d be much more relaxed about Day 7. I intend to register for that halfway-point shuttle as soon as possible I’m also waiting now for the notice that I’ve been assigned a PBV tent. I applied early, so I suppose I ought to be OK. Then I’ll be a Porker! Porker 🐷 A RAGBRAI participant who uses the PBV charter service is called a “porker”.  I wanted the full service (which includes tent set-up/tear down) because I’ll have enough stuff to lug along without adding a tent to the pile! I’m flying up to the event; and need to avoid excess weight. In addition, I won’t want to have to find a vacant spot and set up a tent when I’m one tired porker from riding all day; and am hot and hungry to boot. I hope I won’t have to come up with a bailout plan as far as getting a tent is concerned. Maybe, as a first-timer, I’m worrying more than necessary! I just want to be sure that everything is in place. I’m afraid that won’t mean my hair, though. It’s thin and fine; and tends to fly all over the place! 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 Bailout Plan May 17, 2025 Chameleon May 16, 2025 IdentoGO May 15, 2025 Medical Prep May 14, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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IdentoGO

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

IdentoGO 🆔 I finally decided to spring for IdentoGO. At first I thought that IdentoGO didn’t make sense for someone who isn’t a frequent flyer; but all the online news articles about TSA security lines made me decide to get it, after all. It’s valid for five years; and the cost boils down to about $1.35 per month, or less. Speaking of getting through airport security, I must double-check the size of my MIER Backpack Duffle. It’s advertised as carry-on size; but I don’t want to find out at the last minute that it’s to big for a carry-on! IdentoGO would come in handy if I must leave town in a hurry — say, if a  hurricane is threatening, and I’m not in the mood to stay here for a hurricane party. Or, who knows, I might end up flying to more long-distance bicycle rides! Hot Days 🌞 The hot days have come; quite suddenly, as usual. I had to walk about a mile from the streetcar stop to the Identogo office; and that was one hot hike! I had a 1:00 pm appointment; so I was out in the hottest part of the day. Some pickle ice would have been wonderful! It makes hot days more bearable. The arrival of hot days means I’ve had to get out my cool rag; and I’ll soon be putting more water in my Camel-Bak. But I hope the reservoir doesn’t need replacing! There seems to be a slow leak near the hookup for the drinking hose; maybe from the pressure of the cable lock. But I probably won’t take the lock on RAGBRAI. I’m practicing loaded up now, so that the lesser load in Iowa will make RAGBRAI easier! 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 IdentoGO May 15, 2025 Medical Prep May 14, 2025 Outer Zones? May 13, 2025 Just As Well May 12, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Outer Zones?

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Training /

Outer Zones? 🛰️ Outer zones sounds like a satellite at the farthest reaches of the solar system, still orbiting around. Incidentally, I remember there was a cookie called “Orbit” when I was  kid; but I haven’t seen Orbits in decades. I wish they were still around! My outer zones are heart-rate zones 4 and 5; and it’s been a couple of weeks since I last did efforts that got my heart rate up there. Today I resumed these efforts. I began by doing 90-second spurts, with about 90 seconds of rest in between. After three efforts, I rode easy for 10 minutes; then started over. By about the fourth set, I had to reduce these “sprints” to 60 seconds; I was getting tired. In addition, I was having trouble shifting to the big ring. The brifter didn’t seem to be working right; so now my road bike is in the shop again. I guess the derailer needs adjusting; so now my ride plans are derailed (so to speak) for a few days. Derailed 🛤️ Doesn’t it aggravate you when your ride schedule gets derailed? But better now than right before RAGBRAI. If that happened, my big riding vacation might be derailed! My plan for tomorrow is to ride short and easy; and day after tomorrow, to try a ride in the middle of the day. It will get well into the 80s; and I need some practice riding in the heat. I can even try out that cooling vest! Such high-tech is outer zones for me; but I need to expand my horizons if I’m to tackle day-long rides in hot weather. Using these things isn’t “cheating”; and if cooling devices let me push the outer zones, why not use them? 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 Outer Zones? May 13, 2025 Just As Well May 12, 2025 Looks Are Deceptive May 11, 2025 In the Clear May 10, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Vested Interest

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Outdoors, Personal Care /

Vested Interest? 🦺 Could you say that I have a vested interest in RAGBRAI? Maybe; I don’t expect to earn any money that way. But I’m weighing the possibility of getting an Ergodyne Chill Cooling Vest for the ride. This morning I was checking a news site; and it included an article about a hot, dry Summer coming up. Does that include Iowa? I read some of the comments about the Ergodyne Chill Cooling Vest; and one of them pointed out that this vest cools only as long as it stays damp. No surprise, really; the same is true of a cool rag. But this vest can keep cooling for up to five hours; and I should have ample opportunities to “recharge” this vested interest if I decide to take that option. I can re-wet the vest every time I stop in a town and refill my water bottles. Our weather is heating up fast, too; so it’s time for me to start at getting acclimated. And see how well a cooling vest works for me. Heating Up ♨️ By this time of year, it’s usually heating up; and on the one hand, it’s a relief to not need full-fingered gloves and other cold-weather gear. The flip side of that coin is, I have to be much more on guard against sunburn. It’s rather a bother to have to reapply sunblock every 80 minutes. Maybe I should work up a vested interest in the manufacturer, and buy stock in the company? Or invest in leg sleeves? Yes, it’s heating up; but I expect leg sleeves are like sun sleeves for the arms: once you get active; and they start to get sweaty; they have a cooling effect!   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 ✍🏻 Vested Interest April 29, 2025 Murky Waters April 28, 2025 At Ease! April 27, 2025 Why? April 26, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Or Leave It?

BACK ISSUES, equipment /

Or Leave It? ⏩ Take it, or leave it? That’s the question when planning to travel; whether to RAGBRAI or something else. How much can I fit into a duffle bag? How much will it weigh? I also need to consider what might set off alarms at the airport; e.g. my cable lock. I’ve been debating whether to take it or leave it; but nobody want to set off alarms. So I guess I’ll leave the cable lock at home. By more than one account, a bike lock really isn’t necessary on RAGBRAI, anyway. Everyday Stuff 🪥 🧼 And then there’s the everyday stuff: soap; toothpaste; towel, and so on. I don’t realize how much I take their presence for granted when I’m at home; but they’re not a take it or leave it question. Especially when you’ll be on a bicycle tour and might not be able to get such items. If your tour is RAGBRAI, the sheer number of riders explodes the population of the small towns on the route; and I’ve got a hunch that stores sell out of these things in a hurry.  Everyday stuff gets very important, very fast if you’ve forgotten to bring it. I know I won’t want to go a week without being able to clean myself up! I’d rather take these things from home than have to make a frantic search for them. Such a frenzy would take a lot of the fun out of the tour! 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 Or Leave It? April 25, 2025 Not So Hot April 24, 2025 Longer and Longer April 23, 2025 Dress Rehearsal April 22, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Dress Rehearsal

BACK ISSUES, equipment /

Dress Rehearsal? 👗  I feel like I’m in dress rehearsal mode today. I’ve got both my duffle bags out; and I’m experimenting with packing them. At one time, I had an idea that I might be able to fit everything into one bag; but it’s become obvious that this is mere fantasy. Even with the compression stuff sack, the sleeping bag (blue layer only!) takes up about one-third of one duffle bag; and the sleeping pad that I got doesn’t compact well. Thus it’s rather a space hog. I’m packing gallon-size zip-top plastic bags with things that I need to take to RAGBRAI, e.g. clothes; and I’m refining my lists of what to put into which bag when it’s really time to pack. What Goes Where? 🧳   With two bags to pack, what goes where will be important. This dress rehearsal will help a lot; and what goes where might turn out to be unconventional! For instance, is it OK to put GU-Gels in your checked bag? Answer: yes, it is; and I’m taking along enough for two or three per day of RAGBRAI. That might be too many for the carry-on. A full tube of Chamois Butt’r is too big for the carry-on; so it has to go into the checked bag.  Hand warmers are permissible, too … wait a second! Hand warmers for RAGBRAI? Yes, indeed. It can get chilly, despite its being late July; so I want to be prepared. If it’s a no-no in my carry-on, it will go into the checked bag. Goodness knows, I might end up putting the sleeping bag into my carry-on! I’m glad I’ll be shipping my 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.” 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 #198562 April 22, 2025 In a Flash April 21, 2025 Down the Bunny Trail April 20, 2025 Serenade April 19, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Pack It In

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Pack It In 🛄 eVac Compression Dry Bag I’m starting to practice how to pack it in for RAGBRAI. It won’t do to wait until the day before I leave for Iowa to try to figure it out! A while back, I ordered my first duffle bag — a gray one. I soon realized that one bag very likely won’t fit everything that I need to take; so I got a second one. I chose orange for the color of this bag — I want one to be my check-in bag; and if both of my bags are the same color, I know I’ll get them mixed up. A few months ago I got a sleeping bag, although not the two-person kind shown here. Later I bought a compression stuff sack to pack it in; and it proved to be too small. But I found a way around that, thank goodness. My sleeping bag has layers that fasten together with zippers; and these layers can be completely removed from each other. That allows you to adjust to various temperatures. I know from watching videos that RAGBRAI can get very hot; but sometimes overnight low temperatures can drop to the 50s! The blue layer of my sleeping bag might be sufficient; and that will fit easily into my compression stuff sack. The warmer orange layer fits, too. If I want to bring both layers, one can go in my carry-on.  Meanwhile, I’ll do my best to carry on with my riding! Carry On 🚴🏿   But I hope the weather lets me carry on, with or without panniers. Things are expected to get stormy by Sunday night; and Monday looks stormy, too. I might have to pack it in; but I hope it doesn’t come to that. At least tomorrow morning should be OK; and I can carry on with my usual trip to the salvage store. 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 Pack It In April 18, 2025 Egg Hunt April 17, 2025 Morning Machine? April 16, 2025 Rearview April 15, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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