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Park Mode

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

Park Mode 🏞️ I might have to go into park mode tomorrow. The forecast predicts rain (again); and if the “cloudy” window between 8:00 am and noon means that it will rain anyway, maybe I’ll be better off riding my hybrid in the park. Yes, I’m glad to have my road bike back from the shop; and it’s more fun to ride than the hybrid; but the road bike doesn’t have fenders. In wet weather, riding the road bike means a mucky bike; and a dirty, wet stripe up my back!  I’ll see what the weather is up to in the morning; then I’ll decide whether to risk taking the road bike on the levee; or to ride the hybrid around and around the park. Hence the term, “park mode”. The Drawbacks ⚠️ The drawbacks to long rides on the hybrid — whether in park mode or otherwise — are the hybrid’s heaviness; and the fact that I don’t have a handlebar bag for it. I don’t need one often enough to make buying one worthwhile; and I have a rear rack on the hybrid, so I can carry a trunk to hold a poncho; food; and so on.  The catch is, this means that I have to stop and dismount every time want to get a bite of food. I’d rather be able to eat while rolling. Stopping every 15-20 minutes is no way to develop endurance; but if using the hybrid is what I have to do to get in a ride, then I’ll have to put up with the drawbacks. 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 Park Mode November 9, 2024 Woman Is Fickle? November 8, 2024 Twice Soaked November 7, 2024 Eye on the Weekend November 6, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Eye on the Weekend

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Eye on the Weekend 👁️ Like so many, I’ve got my eye on the weekend; and for many people, it’s no laughing matter. Quite the contrary, in fact. Things might become scary for them in a couple of days; and much more alarming than Spider Spoke Lights. Hurricane Rafael isn’t pointing straight towards us at present; but the Tex/Mex border seems to be in the storm’s crosshairs. And that could change at any time; hurricanes can be quite erratic. So here we go again. Be sure to stock up on non-perishable foods; drinking water; and toiletries. Have flashlights and batteries in stock, too. After Francine, I was without electricity for about 36 hours; and lost a considerable amount of food from fridge and freezer. Naturally I’m not anxious for a repeat of that so soon! Watch the Storm, Too! 👀 My plan to test a new route fell apart. Was my eye on the weekend more than I though?  In addition, I’ve got to watch the storm, too!  I intended to ride out to a point 9-10 miles from home; and make a detour to the salvage store on the way back. Yesterday the forecast predicted a rainy Saturday; and I wanted to dodge it. So I set out, with my hybrid outfitted with panniers. All of two or three miles out, it dawned on me that I hadn’t brought along my cash! I usually don’t use my FreeToo Waist Pack Bag while cycling; and when I leave it at home, I can easily forget to bring along whatever might be in it.  Although I keep a small amount of money with my cell phone in case of an emergency, it isn’t enough to buy very much; and I didn’t feel like going back home. Try again tomorrow! But don’t forget to watch the storm. 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 Eye on the Weekend November 6, 2024 Test a New Route November 5, 2024 Stormwatch November 4, 2024 Morning Looks Like Morning November 3, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Morning Looks Like Morning

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Morning Looks Like Morning! 🌅 Morning looks like morning! It’s wonderful to be off of Daylight Time. But I’d better enjoy this “morning looks like morning” while I can, because soon it won’t get light until at least 7 am. If you need to ride when it’s still dark, a set of Bike Wheel Lights make you more visible; and is especially good for kids who must ride to school before daylight. Bike Wheel Lights come in many different colors; so there’s a set for everyone! Plodding Along 🐌 I’m still podding along on the hybrid. The shop isn’t finished with my road bike; but I hope I’ll have it back very soon. Not that plodding along doesn’t mean I can’t get in the miles; it just takes longer. I don’t have to go to work, so time is much less of an issue than it once was. And remember, the tortoise beat the hare! I was surprised when I went out at about 7:00 am; and it was light! Overnight, I somehow forgot about the time switch. I wanted to get in those miles early, because the wind was expected to get stronger later in the morning. Of course, it was an easterly wind; but I beat the worst of it home. Even if there had been a very strong headwind to fight, at least morning looks like morning. 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube Morning Looks Like Morning November 3, 2024 All Is Relative November 2, 2024 Spooky Washout October 30, 2024 Legs Are Feeling It October 29, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Not the Chain!

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Not the Chain! ⛓️ My road bike’s shifting problem is not the chain. I oiled it last night; and this morning I pulled out the chain gauge to measure it. It’s not quite to the point where it needs replacing. So I started off; and before I had gone half a block, I knew that the trouble was not the chain. I walked the bike back home; and took off on the hybrid. Tomorrow, it’s off to the bike shop. I’d go today, but they’re closed on Mondays. Even though my shifting problems are not the chain as far as I can tell, I think I’ll get a new one. And a good tune-up, too. I’m glad I have the hybrid as a back-up bike, so I’ll still be able to ride. How Long? ⏱️ So, how long will the road bike be out of commission? If my shifting problems are not the chain (and I don’t think they are), it might take a while. Sometimes it takes two days; sometimes it takes a week or more. That’s a lot of time to lose when I’m working towards a specific mileage goal by a certain date; so it’s a good thing I’ve got a back-up bike. I hope to ride more strongly tomorrow. This morning I needed to ride short and easy; but how long will it take me to ride 19-20 miles on the hybrid? I have to be back home by 11:00 am; so, to be on the safe side, I’d better start at 6:00 am. My lights will need to be in order. Not only will it still be dark; but the forecast predicts patchy fog. I hope it won’t be as dense as this morning’s fog! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube Not the Chain! October 28, 2024 Have I Derailed? October 27, 2024 On the Edge October 26, 2024 Silver Wheels October 25, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Have I Derailed?

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Have I Derailed? 🛤️ Have I derailed? Or, to be more precise, has my road bike derailed? My diet would go off the rails mighty quick if I got ahold of Alec’s Salted Dark Chocolate ice cream; but bicycle derailleurs don’t care what you’re eating. And my road bike’s rear derailleur chose this morning to act up. It hesitated a lot to change gears. I’d shift through several smaller cogs; and the response was very delayed. When I tried to shift back to larger cogs, the lever didn’t have any resistance. It made me wonder, have I derailed? So What’s Up? ⬆️ So what’s up? At times like this I regret that I’ve never learned much about bicycle maintenance. Someone once showed me how to adjust the rear derailleur; but that was years ago. On top of that, I don’t have a bicycle repair stand. So, what’s up? I can guess at what’s gone awry. One possibility is that the derailleur mechanism needs adjusting. Another is a problem with the shifting cable.  I lubed the chain within the last week or so; but I oiled it again after I got home from my ride. Tomorrow I’ll go for a ride; and if shifting is still a problem, it’s off to the bike shop. That bicycle is overdue for a tune-up, I think; so I’d better go for it now. I’m riding more than I used to before retirement; and that means more maintenance! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube Have I Derailed? October 27, 2024 On the Edge October 26, 2024 Silver Wheels October 25, 2024 Surging? October 23, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Silver Wheels

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Silver Wheels 🥈 I thought there might be an organization for older cyclists called Silver Wheels; something similar to Silver Sneakers, but for cycling. I did find a club called Silver Wheels; but it’s way up North in Cleveland, Ohio. That’s not exactly local. This ICAN Time Trial Wheelset won’t give me silver wheels; but if you’re chasing after aerodynamics, it can help. ICAN is great for time trialing; triathlons; and long, flat rides. Miles in the Bank 🏦 My long rides are still quite short compared to the distances put in by riders in serious training — say, for triathlon aspirants. But I’m pushing for longer and longer weekday rides. This week I’m trying to put some miles in the bank, because my sister and her husband are coming to visit next week. I might not get to ride much while they’re here; so I want ride now. It’s great to be able to push for 20-mile rides most weekdays; something that was impossible before I retired. I aim for a longer ride on Sundays; and I must remember to do one short, easy ride (or a day off) once a week. Taking time off can be hard, though, when you’re shooting for a specific mileage goal by a certain date. That makes miles in the bank even more important when you know you’ll have less riding time for a while! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube Silver Wheels October 25, 2024 Surging? October 23, 2024 Rainy Day Ideas October 22, 2024 In versus Out October 21, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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What Happens?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

What’s Happens? 🤔 Do you ever wonder what happens to your body as you pedal? Cycling can definitely have good effects, whether it’s the commute to work; enjoying a weekend jaunt; or even knocking out mega-miles. We hear about endorphins all the time; those feel-good hormones that your body produces during physical activity. I guess I get plenty of those! In fact, I think I’m addicted; and it’s great to find an addiction that’s good. I don’t think much about what happens in my body as I’m riding. If something starts to hurt, of course I need to figure out why. But my focus is apt to be on an even pedal stroke; or perhaps watching my heart rate when doing hard efforts. Mostly, though, I ride for the sake of riding! Still Eyeing the Tropics 👀 I’m still eyeing the tropics; I’ve got to know what’s going on there. I also needed to know what was going on with my Camel-Bak. For some time it seemed to be leaking; and today decided I was going to find out for sure. I made sure the reservoir was dry on the outside; put a half-liter or so of water in it; and added a teaspoon of red food coloring. Then I put the cap on; shook it up; and set the reservoir in the dish drainer. If the mat under the dish drainer had gotten red water on it, I would l have known that there was a leak. But the reservoir passed the test; so it must have been the bite valve. Those things split over time; and then they drip water. I’m glad I had a replacement valve! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube What Happens? October 19, 2024 Persistence October 18, 2024 Wind Relief October 17, 2024 Take the Cake October 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Wind Relief

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Wind Relief 😮‍💨 I actually got some wind relief this morning. Not that I had a wind screen to hide behind; but the wind was less than I expected.  It was a little cooler than yesterday, chilly enough for leg warmers; but I needed to get in a full ride. I had to shortchange myself for two days because of various appointments; and besides, I wanted to see the moon! So the wind relief was most welcome; and cooler weather brings its own relief. There were fewer bugs flying around; and of course I didn’t get as hot. Planning for Winter ☃️ Now I’m planning for Winter. Although this is a warm climate, we can get weather cold enough to threaten pipes; and on such days, I need warm clothes to ride. I also need hand warmers; and I must double check to be sure I’ve got a sufficient supply. Hand warmers are a great boon for cycling when the temperature gets down to the mid-40s or lower. My hands and feet get cold easily, which is a big  nuisance. But the trouble with using hand warmers is, they tend to work their way out of my gloves. Sometimes I don’t even notice it until too late. For wind relief on cold days, I can head to the park to ride laps. I won’t have to slog against the wind for mile after mile. The trade-off is the monotony! But I’ve to to be planning for Winter. I can’t afford to jet ✈️ off and ride where the pros do; so I’ve got to come up with my own plan. 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube Wind Relief October 17, 2024 Take the Cake October 16, 2024 Easy 100? October 15, 2024 Fitness Freak? October 14, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Hydration Ideas

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Hydration Ideas 💦 I’ve got some more hydration ideas for RAGBRAI. If I get to do it, that is; I’ve yet to find a local group that’s going.😟 By now I”ve viewed many YouTubes about RAGBRAI; and a number of them mention water-bottle filling stations along the way. I could fill my Camel-Bak only halfway; and carry an emergency bottle of water on my bike’s seat tube. (The down tube is reserved for my bottle of electrolyte drink). Then, when I come to a refill station, I can empty that bottle into the Camel-Bak; and refill the bottle. This would mean less of a load on my back; plus more room in the Camel-Bak pockets for other things. For example, I’m for sure going to need Chamois Butt’r! And plenty of it, too. I’ll probably come up with more hydration ideas as time goes on. I know I’d better take along plenty of electrolyte drink mixes from home, as it might be hard to find them on the RAGBRAI route. When tens of thousands of riders descend upon small towns, I bet things get sold out fast!  Conditioning 🏋🏻 Meanwhile, hydration ideas for RAGBRAI aside, riding with a full Camel-Bak is good conditioning. I need to be used to the load on my back; and if I’m used to that weight in training, it will be easier to ride without it come event time. And I’m working on conditioning for my legs, of course. It’s so easy to get caught up in working up to the mileage; and forget about other kinds of conditioning. Like carrying a loaded hydration system; getting the arms and core ready for hours of daily riding, and so on. I’m glad I’ve still got months to work on it! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube Hydration Ideas October 11, 2024 Not Another One? October 10, 2024 Kicking and Screaming October 8, 2024 Fortune Cookie Advice October 7, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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All Streaks Must End

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

All Streaks Must End 🎬 All streaks must end sometime; whether it’s an unusually good stretch of training rides; winning races; or a spell of no rain. We’ve had less rain than usual for a while, aside from Francine; and amazingly few T-storms. But it looks like that’s about to end. Tomorrow night through Sunday night we’ve got chances of rain and, yes, T-storms. Knowing that all streaks must end doesn’t cheer me up. Riding in the rain isn’t my favorite thing to do; especially when I’m trying to get in long miles. I have a poncho, but it’s really too long for cycling; and it flaps around like crazy in the wind. Not Gene Kelly 🕺 Sure, riding in the rain is entirely possible, especially with the right gear; but I am not Gene Kelly. He was dancing in the rain, anyway. Besides, even the best rain gear can’t protect you from lightning, which is my major concern. I’ve been enjoying the current spell of un-rainy weather; it lets me ride farther while not worrying that rain might catch me at any moment. We also get the opposite: spells when it seems like it will never stop raining; and when I constantly have wet gloves, socks, etc. spread out all over the place. When I get sick and tired of rain, I have to remind myself then that all streaks must end. 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 Facebook Twitter Youtube All Streaks Must End October 2, 2024 Bike Bus October 1, 2024 One Last Lick September 30, 2024 No Leg Warmers Yet September 29, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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