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Summer in January

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Summer in Janurary We’ve got Summer in January. It’s 75 degrees this afternoon! Have we swapped places with Australia? I’ll want one of these Mission Cooling Neck Gaiters if this keeps up; but it looks like we don’t have to worry about that. By 3 pm or so, the temperature is supposed to start falling; and then it’s down to 37 degrees tonight. Apparently our weather can’t decide which season this is. I wish it would; and then we wouldn’t have to keep clothes for both hot weather and cold weather lying all over the place. Summer in January is a nuisance! With temperatures in the 30s, I’m going to want hand warmers for the ride to the salvage store tomorrow. Thank goodness the wind is expected to die down; or I’d have a tough time of it. Right now we’re getting gusts up to 28 mph! Tomorrow, cold-weather gear will definitely be my clothing of choice: leg warmers; helmet liner; heavy gloves; probably two jackets; and thermal socks. And the aforementioned hand warmers! It will be a little warmer Sunday, although still cold. Maybe it’s time to push my distance up 15 miles now? The effort would warm me up; except for — perhaps you can guess — my nose. But at least that tells me that Summer in January is 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 Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Swiss Cheese? January 10, 2024 Bucking the Wind January 9, 2024 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bucking the Wind

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Bucking the Wind Bucking the wind isn’t fun — even when you don’t bite the dust. It was still blowing pretty hard this morning; so I rode a couple of laps around the park before heading for the grocery store. But what do you do when bucking the wind is a regular thing? Aero bars can help you to stay in a more aerodynamic position, thus reducing drag. I’ll have to take the word of aero bar users for granted; I’ve never tried them. With aero bars, your hands are away from the handlebars; and that might be a major problem if you must do some fast emergency steering. For that reason, I’m wary of trying them; and I remember reading that that is why aero bars are prohibited in the peloton. If you want to get aero without special bars, there’s always riding in the drops. It doesn’t seem to make me faster; but I notice a reduction in wind resistance when I do it. When you’re in the drops, an additional way to reduce drag a bit is to lift your shoulders towards your ears. Just be sure to keep them relaxed; additional tension doesn’t help matters. Tomorrow the wind is expected to be much less than it was today; but oh, the chill!  Down to 36 degrees tonight; and even at 8:00 am it will still be only 40 degrees. A pair of Rabbitroom Gloves would be wonderful; but I’ll have to settle for hand warmers. They at least keep the palms of my hands warm; but my fingers can still get cold.  Luckily I don’t have to go out and ride at 5:00 am any more. Bucking the wind seems even harder when it’s still dark! 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 Bucking the Wind January 9, 2024 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Bolivia January 7, 2024 Beating the Weather January 7, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Here Comes the Chill

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Here Comes the Chill! 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.” Here comes the chill; and I don’t mean the coolness of a Luna Bar Chocolate Peppermint. Tonight it’s supposed to drop to 37 degrees; the coldest weather of the season so far. That’s not cold enough to cause ice on the mud puddles; but it’s plenty cold for me! Tomorrow’s ride will require careful clothing choices; specifically, layering. When it’s that cold, leg warmers alone don’t keep my limbs warm enough; and I need to wear slacks over  them.  My feet get cold easily; and thermal socks are in order. Plus a pair of socks over thermal socks; so I can tuck the slacks’ legs into them. Riding in the cold is hard enough without having pant cuffs getting snagged in my bike’s drivetrain! I’ll need several layers “up above”, as my torso gets cold even more easily than my legs. Long-sleeved blouse; vest; jacket — I get tired of having all that stuff hanging around home! Heavy gloves and hand warmers are on my clothing list; and of course a helmet liner. I’m absolutely miserable when my head is cold! I’m still doing short, easy rides, thanks to my left foot. Riding easily means I don’t warm myself up as much as I do when I can push harder; but I have to go at it little by little. If I do have a hard day, I usually take off the next day. That’s not the best way to tackle a fitness program, though. In fact, I’m debating whether to go out right now. The chill factor is 45; and tonight will be even colder. Here comes the chill! 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 Here Comes the Chill December 28, 2023 Frumenty December 27, 2023 Twelve Days December 26, 2023 Season’s Greetings! December 25, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Frumenty

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Frumenty 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.” Huh? Frumenty? What  kind of a word is that? It harkens back to Tudor times; and I encountered it while watching a YouTube. In those days, Christmas really was a twelve-day celebration; and this tells a lot about it. Including “fromenty“, as I heard it. I decided to have a go at cooking a batch; using oat bran. Googling “fromenty” brought up “frumenty”; and the recipe is quite simple. Naturally, I’m already thinking up variations: adding raisins and/or chopped nuts; putting brown sugar in it; maybe using evaporated milk instead of almond milk. I bet that would make some rich stuff! Prior to my latest escapade in the kitchen, I went out for a short ride. My foot still won’t let me do as much as I would like; although it does seem to be improving.? Alas, it’s still a bit too tender for my cycling shoes. I’m glad I can wait to ride until afternoon if the weather is bad; or if an early-morning appointment means I can’t ride until afternoon. Come Friday I probably won’t want to be out early; the forecast says that some areas might have — are you ready for this? — FROST! Time to haul out those hand warmers for sure! Or maybe stay home and enjoy a bowlful of frumenty hot out of the cooking pot! 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 Frumenty December 27, 2023 Twelve Days December 26, 2023 Season’s Greetings! December 25, 2023 Buon Natale December 24, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Christmas Past

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Christmas Past 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.” You may be familiar with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past. It’s fun to go even farther back in time, such as to the Christmas past of Tudor days. They sure did some interesting things back then! But that was long before bicycles; and with no chance for an invigorating ride before Christmas dinner. If you’re going to travel with your bike before that Yuletide spin, an EVOC Bike Travel Bag protects your “ride” on the way. It can accommodate many types of bicycles; and protects with minimal weight. I would rather stick close to home during holiday season. Traveling is such a hassle then; and I’d rather not be far from home. But I remember many a ride of Christmas past. One time it was both cold and raining. One Christmas Day, I tried riding in the local park. Even at 6 am, the place was quite crowded with kids trying out their new bicycles. Naturally they were wavering all over the place! I didn’t want to hit any of them; and thus couldn’t get up a decent pace. I’m still working towards just being able to ride normally. It will be great when my foot will let me do that; and the Lapiplasty Limp is part of Christmas Past.

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Getting Wild

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Getting Wild 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’s getting wild out there. For December, it’s warm this afternoon; a balmy 63 degrees. But the wind has strengthened considerably since morning; and we’re under a wind advisory for the next 48 hours.   A windscreen on my bike might be helpful; but is the Thule Yepp Mini Windscreen big enough? Maybe the windscreen keeps the wind off of the rider; but does it help with fighting headwinds? Now I think about  it, I’m not so sure it does. And how does it affect steering? Apparently this windscreen doesn’t mount on the handlebars; so I guess steering is minimally affected. Maybe one of these days I’ll try one. Not soon, though. Even with sneakers that have ample room for my toes, my left foot is acting up a bit. It could be the weather. Rain is expected by the weekend; and I suppose that means that the barometer is dropping. I hope I can ride, though; even if only a little. But I must keep in mind that it’s getting wild. Wind 15-25 mph tomorrow; and gusts up to 40 mph! That’s enough to blow me right off the levee; and even in the park it will be rough. On second thought, it might be time to take a day off from riding.

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Sooner or Later

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Sooner or Later 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.” I guess every cycling enthusiast is bitten by the touring bug sooner or later. Certainly I’ve wished often enough that I could go a-rovin’ with a group of like-minded riders; and see something new while enjoying the ride. But where? While we’re talking about SOONER or later, maybe Oklahoma (the Sooner State) is as good a place as any.  Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area is great for MTB lovers, with its hairpin turns and steep hills. If you want something tamer, suited to all levels of riders, try out the Lake Hefner Trail. You can enjoy wildflowers along the way; or even go fishing. Be cautious, though; this route is heavily trafficked. Truth to tell, though, I’d be wary of riding across Oklahoma, especially during tornado season. Suppose a twister spins up when I’m in a wide-open area, with nowhere to take shelter? All I could do then is hope to find a ditch to crawl into! In said wide open areas, there ought to be ample opportunities for bird-watching. My father would have loved that. It’s interesting to see feathered fauna other than those that I have around home. OK, we’re off to OK, aka Oklahoma. What do I need to bring? What kind of bicycle? A touring bike makes sense, with a built-in rack for panniers. Will I need to bring a tent? Cooking gear? A sleeping bag? But let’s hold our horses. Even before I get around to equipment, how about the route? Oklahoma has a reputation for being very windy; can I choose a path that will let me have a tailwind much of the time? Speaking of wind, I hope I wouldn’t get assaulted by a tumbleweed! The climate in the State can vary; the eastern part tends to be humid; and the western part is likely to be more arid. I’ve got to be sure to bring that Camel-Bak; because sooner or later, I’ll get really thirsty! 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 Sooner or Later December 13, 2023 Quantum Leap December 12, 2023 Afternoon Ride? December 11, 2023 Think Ten Times! December 9, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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The Sound of Music

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The Sound of Music 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.” Do you love the sound of music? With these Bone Conduction Headphones it’s possible to enjoy listening while cycling; running; or even swimming! If I want music while out on a ride, I think the music in my head. Classical music can be very soft one moment; and very loud the next. Just listen to what happens at about 40 seconds into this! So I would have to constantly adjust the volume; and that’s a bother.  It also is something of a safety hazard, especially if I must ride near traffic. I know that some cyclists ride along with a boom box (or radio, or whatever it is) blaring. I don’t want to be that type; and so far, long rides without such accompaniment don’t bore me. But if I don’t ride to the sound of music, what do I ride with? If I’m doing any kind of work for improving strength or speed, I have to concentrate on the timing. My Garmin lets me time these intervals accurately; but I still have to focus on when to start the next hard effort. I don’t keep my eyes glued to the screen, of course — that would be asking for trouble! If I want the sound of music during indoor activities, e.g. cooking, these Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II could come in handy. They need to be used within 30 feet of the connected device; so they wouldn’t suffice for a long ride. Speaking of music, my ears are getting up an appetite for some Saint-Saëns! 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 Like a Gnat November 28, 2023 Cycle Morocco November 27, 2023 Boa? November 26, 2023 Food Coma November 25, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Like a Gnat

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Like a Gnat! 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.” Thoughts of RAGBRAI keep buzzing in my head like a gnat. Or swarming about like ants whose hill has been kicked over.  Could I ever get ready for this week-long, long-distance event? It sounds like a lot of fun; but let’s face it, at present I’m not in condition to ride an average of 60 miles a day, every day, for a week. I won’t be able to start cycling again for at least two weeks; and after several weeks’ hiatus, it isn’t wise for an amateur like me to plunge into 60-mile jaunts. If I do get the chance to tackle RAGBRAI, do I need a touring bicycle, such as the Windsor Tourist FB? Or will my trusty old road bike do? If any portions of the route are over gravel, can narrow road-bike tires manage the surface? I have zero experience riding gravel; and on a long tour far from home is no time to discover that I can’t do it! As to far from home, how will I get from New Orleans to Iowa? I’m a non-driver; and would need to find another RAGBRAI participant to share transportation. Or go by air; and those travel cases for bikes are not cheap! The more I think about this, the more things I think of; so it’s no wonder the entire idea is like a gnat. It won’t stop buzzing!   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 Like a Gnat November 28, 2023 Cycle Morocco November 27, 2023 Boa? November 26, 2023 Food Coma November 25, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Boa?

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Boa 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.” Boa? Why am I thinking about snakes, let alone blogging about them? The very thought of those critters gives some people the big-time creeps! I’m not fond of them, myself; but as long as I can see that a snake is non-venomous; and not a huge python; I can tolerate its presence.   Maybe it’s because I was thinking about these Giro Gauge Boa MTB shoes. I don’t know why they’re named for a snake, unless the closure has something to do with it. Maybe it squeezes your foot, like a boa constrictor! And why am I musing about shoes of any kind? Wishful thinking, I suppose. I’m not ready to try cycling yet; and I didn’t get a KneeRover. Come to think of it, those things might be difficult to maneuver indoors, anyway. I sure miss pedaling along, munching on bites of FitCrunch Bar as I go. The temperature is in the upper 60s; and it’s overcast, but not raining. Wind under 10 mph, too. That’s just about perfect for a good, long ride! I don’t have the sun in my eyes; and it isn’t either too hot, or too cold. I don’t get my stitches out for almost two weeks; and until then, I should avoid putting stress on that foot. Time for a hurt-foot video! 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 Boa? November 26, 2023 Food Coma November 25, 2023 Happy Turkey Day! November 23, 2023 Limperator? November 22, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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