equipment Archives - Page 14 of 27

Room and Bored?

Room and Bored? ? Sometimes staying indoors much of the day feels like room and bored — even when you hitch your bike into the trainer for an indoor pedaling session. Today I didn’t do even that much; although I did some errands on foot. It was chilly and gray; and the wind felt cutting. Speaking of room, if you own multiple bicycles, storing them can be quite a headache. The StoreYourBoard Freestanding Bike Rack holds up to five bicycles! It has scratch-resistant coating; and PVC-coated hooks that don’t damage the wheels’ rims. Height-adjustable, too — which ought to be useful to a shorty like me. The StoreYourBoard rack holds up to 300 pounds. Use in the home; or in a garage. Even if I adjusted this rack to the lowest height necessary to accommodate my longer bicycle, do I have the strength to lift that bike high enough? I’m not sure. My hybrid probably weights about 35 pounds; and to me, that’s heavy! All the same, this rack is very tempting. It would take up less space than one of my bikes uses now; and since I have just two bicycles, I could hang cycling clothing on the rack instead of more bikes. Gosh, the ideas I do get! See what room and board does to me? “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.” “This is a paid link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” 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 Room and Bored? February 5, 2024 Holler ‘Nuff February 4, 2024 Sometimes a Gamble Pays February 3, 2024 Prognostication February 2, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Whoo?

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Outdoors / CAL

Whoo? ? Whoo was doing all that hooting around last night? I though it might be a barred owl; but I checked some owl-sound videos. It may have been a great horned owl! For some reason I didn’t think we had them around here; but maybe we do. Birds can produce quite a variety of sounds; so now I wonder which owl I actually heard. It was an owl; that’s beyond doubt. A few times, when I was still riding before daylight, I heard an owl. It was a thrill, every time. Some people think owls sound spooky; but to me hearing them is relaxing. Maybe it’s because those birds’ calls sounds like out in the country — where, I hope, I’d be away from the constant traffic noise of urban dwelling. Whoo-ever that was last night, there was no chance of hearing any “hooters” this morning. I finally took my panniers and rode to the regular supermarket, for the first time since my foot surgery. That meant a certain amount of riding next to traffic; and I guess all that noise keeps owls away. My big hint for grocery runs is, go early if you aren’t comfortable riding alongside heavy motor traffic. Maybe I shouldn’t preach about using lights, as I forgot my tail light this 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! 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 Whoo? January 31, 2024 Bicycle Face January 30, 2024 Cozy January 28, 2024 Riding in the Fog January 27, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Cozy

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Cozy ☕️ It would be nice if I could stay cozy during a chilly-day ride. Jackets and other cold-weather clothing go only so far. This morning the temperature was about 53 degrees; and the wind was about 8 mph. It was from the NW; and that meant a headwind at times, and a sidewind at others. Rarely did I have a tailwind.? So it wasn’t all that cold; but the humidity level is still high. Damp air makes it feel colder; and of course my nose acted up! How to dress for a ride on a day like today? Vest and jacket; leg warmers; and full-fingered gloves, of course. I didn’t need hand warmers today; but if I lived where it got really frigid, Rabbitroom Rechargeable Gloves would be high on my wish list! After I got back home, I needed to keep cozy indoors. Lately I’ve developed the habit of keeping my leg warmers on after I complete a ride. I don’t have central heating; and when my electric heater isn’t putting out hot air, I can get rather chilly. Leg warmers help me keep cozy! 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 Cozy January 28, 2024 Riding in the Fog January 27, 2024 Weather Wary January 26, 2024 Riding in the Rain January 25, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Riding in the Rain

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Riding in the Rain ☔️ Riding in the rain is rather a mixed bag. On the one hand, it can be exhilarating to be out there for a spirited ride during a downpour: “Take that, Mother Nature!” But on the other hand, a rainy ride can be a frustrating, dis-spiriting slog. I’ve been out there on the road bike when it started raining hard; and the wind got nasty. Wind makes the rain seem even harder that it is; and a headwind makes visibility in rain worse — especially if you wear glasses. If you’ve got a strong sidewind, bike control is more difficult; especially when you must ride one-handed while getting a drink of water. More than once I’ve had to stop entirely to get that drink, because the wind was simply too much. All tbat is before we consider the temperature while riding in the rain. Even in hot weather, it can get quite cold in rainy conditions; and in cold weather, it’s downright miserable. My torso might stay somewhat warm, thanks to a cycling jacket and my own physical effort. If I have warming packs, my hands can stay reasonably warm. But the rest of me? Even if I’m wearing a poncho, I get plenty wet; and my leg warmers, socks, and everything else get drenched. I keep saying I ought to try a rain suit; but I’ve never gotten around to buying one. And if there’s lightning? Better stay home, and pedal in the trainer. 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 Riding in the Rain January 25, 2024 Augusta? January 24, 2024 Bumpy Ride January 23, 2024 Wet Week January 22, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bumpy Ride

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Bumpy Ride? My hybrid has been giving me a rough, bumpy ride the last week or two. There’s been an endless bump-bump-bump as I pedaled along. Today I went to ride some laps around the park; and I finally stopped to look at the tires. They hadn’t seemed to be leaking; but something just wasn’t right. I spotted what looked like a little green spot on the rear tire; and I didn’t dare try to remove it, lest I cause a flat. At that point, I was only halfway through Lap 1; but I decided it was wiser to cut the bumpy ride short and head for the bike shop. It’s a good thing I did! I got there without mishap; and told them what was going on. It turned out the rear tire was quite badly worn; and they said I’d have had a flat for sure if not for the tire liners. I guess it was time for new tires in any case; the ones I had were about 16 month old. While I was at the shop, I got a new tail light. I don’t remember when I got the one that I already had; but I know it’s old. Even after an overnight charge-up, it doesn’t stay on for long at all. Tomorrow I might get a rough ride because of the weather. There’s a 50% chance of T-storms; and even without that, riding in the rain can get very unpleasant. For one thing, heavy rain wreaks havoc on visibility. Eyeglasses don’t have windshield wipers! 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 Bumpy Ride January 23, 2024 Wet Week January 22, 2024 Watching the barometer January 21, 2024 Torpor January 20, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Torpor

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Torpor “Torpor” certainly describes my state today. This morning the temperature was barely up to freezing; and the wind chill factor was 24 degrees! I couldn’t face up to riding to the salvage store; but I hope I’ll get out for a ride later, after it’s a little bit warmer. I can always hook up my road bike to the trainer; but “riding” in that trainer isn’t at all fun. When I ride outdoors in this cold, I’m prone to using the hybrid; its step-through design makes it easier to mount when I’m bundled up. How should cyclists deal with frigid weather? Naturally that varies a great deal, because we all have very individual tolerances for cold. Some riders might be out there in short-sleeved jerseys and bare legs; and I’ll be wearing leg warmers, a jacket, and a helmet liner! I still haven’t gotten around to digging out my base layer. Part of me wonders what the point would be, thanks to the crazily fluctuating temperatures! Tonight will be another freezing one; but then it will warm up to the mid-60s by Monday afternoon! So what’s the point of keeping a base layer handy? I’ll just keep on with my vest and cycling jackets. And leg warmers and helmet liner. All those clothes don’t keep torpor entirely at bay; but as long as I’m moving, I can keep from freezing. 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 Torpor January 20, 2024 Here It Comes Again January 19, 2024 IS This Winter? January 18, 2024 Bad Vibes? January 17, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Icicle on Wheels?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

Icicle on Wheels? Does “icicle on wheels” refer to the bicycle; or to the rider? It could be either; or both. We’ve got a deep freeze on the way. Tuesday night it’s going to drop to the low 20s; and for New Orleans, that’s freakishly cold! I’m not sure I’ll be able to get up the courage to ride Wednesday morning; but if I do, I’ll be an icicle on wheels. It’s not only the low temperature I’ll have to deal with; the wind will be 10-15 mph. That means a chill factor of 12 degrees or lower! I don’t own any super-thermal cycling clothing for riding in super-cold weather; and that means plenty of layers. I’ve got some kind of undershirt around here; and I must dig it out. I’ll want the sleeves from a cycling jacket that I kept when the jacket’s zipper went kaput. My arms get cold easily; and those sleeves are a big help. Hand warmers on such a cold day are a no-brainer; as are heavy gloves. By the time I’m bundled up enough to go out, I might not be able to move! In addition to the low temperatures, rain is likely Monday night. The forecast doesn’t mention sleet; but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. A little sleet shuts down this entire city! It’s so rare that people don’t know how to drive in it; and the overpasses don’t do anything to help in such weather. Low tonight, 47 degrees. I’d better ride tomorrow; and Tuesday, too, if I can. Then come Wednesday, I can stay in if necessary. I don’t want to turn into an icicle on wheels. 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 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Summer in January January 12, 2024 Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Summer in January

BACK ISSUES, equipment / CAL

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

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

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

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment / CAL

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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