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On the watch

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

On the Watch 👀 I’m on the watch now. Not even the most sophisticated fitness watch can substitute for bracing against the weather impact that’s headed our way. I’ve been getting ready: checking to be sure the pipes under all sinks are wrapped; seeing to it that the outdoor faucet is insulated; and being sure that I’ve got a good supply of drinking water. Once the cold weather arrives, I’ll have to be on the watch for possible icy conditions on the streets. I probably won’t want to go anywhere; but if I do need to travel, extra caution is warranted. My major concern is that I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled for next Wednesday; and the entire city might be shut down if there’s any snow. This afternoon it doesn’t seem possible that we’ll soon have sub-freezing temperatures! Beginning Sunday night, it will be at or below the freezing point for several nights in a row. That’s all but unheard of for New Orleans; and makes me think of the notorious Year without a Summer. Pooh Bear 🧸 Pooh Bear sure said it — cold toes are a big problem when outdoors in cold weather, on the bike or off. Of course I notice that poor Pooh Bear was barefooted (or should I say bearfooted?); so naturally his toes were getting colder and colder! I bet Piglet’s feet were no warmer than Pooh’s. Maybe I should try tucking hand warmers into my socks, just above my ankles. Or do they make socks that you can plug in; something similar to Rabbitroom Gloves? If I do go out for a ride in subfreezing weather, I’ll have to be on the watch for frostbite; and that’s just one more thing to plague my mind. Maybe I should simply stay indoors! 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 ✍🏻 On the watch January 17, 2025 Getting to Know Winter January 16, 2025 Is Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Another Onslaught January 14, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Getting to Know Winter

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Getting to Know Winter ❄️ It looks like we’ll start getting to know Winter next week; so I’d better keep the hot chocolate mix ready! Sunday night the temperature will drop like a stone, as the saying goes. Wind gusts could be as strong as 30 mph; and that will result in a chill factor far below freezing. There might even be a little snow! For us, that’s a major thrill; but I don’t think I’ll want to ride in it. The danger will be icy-slick spots that are hard to see; and on top of that, can I dress warmly enough? Getting to know Winter involves many factors! How Should I Dress? 🧥 So, how should I dress for a ride in extreme (for me) cold? My hands and feet are always a problem: even with double socks (including one pair of thermal socks), my feet end up feeling like blocks of wood. Hand warmers are helpful; but often my fingers still feel chilled. Of course, I’m familiar with layering; but if snow showers means mostly rain, all of those layers might get wet through. That, plus the wind we’re expecting, could mean I’ll get very cold; perhaps dangerously so. I could wear a poncho; but in a strong wind, a poncho flaps all around; and tugs at me; and makes bike control tricky.  Not to mention the problems of a hyperactive schnozzle. Does everybody have that problem? If so, what do they do about it? Does a balaclava help? Getting to know Winter might mean trying out some new gear! 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 ✍🏻 Getting to Know Winter January 16, 2025 Is Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Another Onslaught January 14, 2025 Overload January 13, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Is Perception Reality?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Is Perception Reality? 🤔 Is perception reality? I’m not sure; but it would be great if perception were reality! Too bad these Ray-Ban Sunglasses don’t let me see what’s real! Today I seemed to be riding more strongly when I went out on the road bike; but without my Garmin, I couldn’t be sure whether that were really the case. Maybe I felt like that only because I rode the much-heavier hybrid yesterday; and I could sense the weight difference. So — is perception reality?  Shivering! 🥶 It looks like we’ll be doing some big-time shivering next week. A text from my sister-in-law mentioned that New Orleans might get snow showers next Tuesday. Such weather is almost unheard-of for us; but if it happens, I don’t think I’ll dare try to ride outdoors. In fact, I might not go outside at all! I haven’t got the right kind of tires for riding in snow/icy conditions. I don’t have cleats for my sneakers; so walking on icy sidewalks is asking for trouble. Even if icy precipitation doesn’t materialize, hand warmers might not keep my paws warm outdoors, unless I use several pairs of them: one set in the palms of my hands; and another to heat up the backs of my hands. And, no matter how much I bundle up, I’m still likely to be shivering. Is perception reality when it comes to just how cold it is? Not always! The forecast predicts strong winds along with next week’s low temperatures; and the chill factor will be something fierce! 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 ✍🏻 Is Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Another Onslaught January 14, 2025 Overload January 13, 2025 Dead? January 12, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Dead?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Dead? 🪦  Oh, dear — is my Garmin dead? This morning, it wouldn’t turn on. I thought I might have let it run down; after all, I hadn’t used it for several days. If I forgot to turn it off after my last ride, of course it wouldn’t have any charge left. I tried plugging it in so it could get recharged; and when I do that, the Garmin normally beeps. This time, it didn’t. I experimented with various cable/plug combinations, to no avail. After a few minutes, I gave it up for the time being; and rode without my usual screen. It was a weird feeling; but there was no point in taking along a dead bicycle computer. It’s good thing I’ve done today’s route a number of times before; and I knew how many miles it was. I could only estimate my ride time; but I knew it was roughly two hours. What Next? ⏭️ What next? And I don’t mean the latest addition to my ride-food menu. What’s going to break down next? My chest freezer conked out about six weeks ago; and it’s not even two years old. It would cost less to buy a new one than to repair the “old” one. Now my Garmin isn’t working; and I hope my road bike doesn’t bite the dust next! If it did, should I get another road bike; or a touring bicycle? A touring bike might not make too much sense unless I know I’m going to do a lot of bicycle touring; and I don’t think that’s likely to happen. On the other hand, you never know what’s next! 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 ✍🏻 Easing Up? January 11, 2025 Trashed? January 10, 2025 Here Comes the Freeze January 7, 2025 Hibernation January 6, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Something Is Rotten

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Something Is Rotten? ? It seems that something is rotten; and I’m not talking about the State of Denmark. I’m having trouble with my laptop; and it’s making it impossible for me to work on my Store. I wasn’t sure whether the problem was with the website itself; or my laptop’s system. Long story short, it might be several days before I can get things ironed out; so no wonder I think that something is rotten. Maybe ice cream will make me feel better, emotionally if not physically. I really do not need to be eating ice cream, candy, and so on. I’m continuing to work at minimizing such treats. Something to think about as we head into 2025! Frozen ? As if computer prohlems weren’t enough, my gears got frozen this morning; and I have no idea why. I had to stop pretty suddenly; and I was on the big ring. When I tried to turn the pedals by hand to get back on the small ring, they refused to budge. It took me a good 10 minutes of struggling to move the chain by hand before I could get moving again. Incidentally, that showed me that I need a good chain-cleaning system; that supposedly clean + lube stuff doesn’t seem to clean. Or am I using too little of it? So tomorrow I’ve got to ask the bike shop what might have made those gears get frozen. And I’ve got to get a chain-cleaning kit. I used to have one years ago; and switched to the self-cleaning lube because I didn’t know where I could dispose of dirty, oily water. I’m glad my fingers didn’t get frozen as I was working; and it’s going to be on the warm side again tomorrow.  It looks like New Year’s Eve will be foggy; but that won’t stop folks from getting out there with the firecrackers. I stay home and away from all that noise and commotion. I want to save my energy for a January 1 ride!  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 ✍? Something Is Rotten December 30, 2024 Rev It Up December 29, 2024 Rein in the Rain December 28, 2024 70K! December 27, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Rein in the Rain

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Rein in the Rain ?️ I wish there were a way to rein in the rain. Even with a poncho, riding in the rain still gets me pretty wet. It’s not only the getting wet; if the weather is at all cool, wet leg warmers feel like no leg warmers. My poncho’s sleeves aren’t full length; and my jacket sleeves get wet from the elbow down. And, if it’s warm weather, a poncho feels smothery! Thank goodness there was someone to rein in the rain as I rode to the salvage store this morning. But the sky was gray; and as I rode, I began to hear thunder. That made me uneasy; especially as it seemed to be getting closer! Backtracking ? The thunder continued to grumble as I waited for the store to open; and I heard more thunder as I shopped. All I could do was to hope that it would pass before I left the store.  I found Alani bars that I can use as ride food; but not the medium cheddar cheese that I wanted. I would have liked to find additional ride food; but maybe next Saturday I’ll be luckier. When it came time for backtracking to home, the shower had stopped; but all the same I got into the poncho. It’s a good thing I did! Nobody did anything to rein in the rain during this leg of my trip; and there were some bands of heavy precipitation. I’m glad they didn’t last long; and I’m glad I’m not backtracking right now! Since I got home, the forecast is saying there’s the possibility of severe T-storms. Now I’ve got one ear cocked for the severe weather alert on my cell phone. Sometimes these predictions don’t come true; but sometimes they do!   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 ✍? Rein in the Rain December 28, 2024 70K! December 27, 2024 Sparring? December 26, 2024 Merry Christmas 2024! December 25, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Head Start

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Head Start ? I’ve gotten a head start on Christmas 2025; and I do mean I jumped the gun big time. Today I bought greeting cards for next year! They would have cost less if I had waited to buy them until December 26; but I figured there wouldn’t be much left by then. And now that I have the cards, I don’t need to worry about finding them in the stores when Christmas rolls around next year. It’s often good to get a head start on things. It sure beats frenzied, last-minute preparations! Especially for major undertakings, when a snowball effect is common. You know how each additional thing that you think of, makes you think of at least one further thing!  Like a helmet cover to add to your rain gear. Sometimes I wish I  had one; but then I remember, I use a helmet-mounted headlight. I’m afraid the heat of the light would melt the helmet cover! Winding up the Year ? It’s time to be winding up the year. I’ve recorded my rides regularly, as I’ve done almost since the very start. With only 12 more days left of 2024, I’ll want to get in some good miles. It won’t give me a head start on 2025, though. How about tomorrow? I’m thinking of using the hybrid to ride laps around the park, so I can make a trip to Whole Foods. Might as well kill two birds with one stone, as they say, and do my ride on a bicycle that lets me carry loads. If I do a ride on the road bike first, I might get home and then decide to stay put! There’s a chance of rain and even T-storms on Christmas Day! I hope that doesn’t persist too long. I don’t want to be winding up the year with a dismal mileage showing. 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 ✍? Head Start December 19, 2024 Spares December 18, 2024 Mistical Mornings? December 17, 2024 Spring in December? December 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Spares

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Personal Care /

Spares ? Spares have an important role to play. What happens when you’re on a long ride; and a tire goes flat? Or your bike falls, and the rear derailer hanger takes the brunt? My road bike’s rear derailer hanger seems to be a very vulnerable part! So it wise to keep spares on hand. An under saddle pack lets you carry a spare tube and tools for changing a flat; and has room for a tube of sunblock plus a snack or two. And I now carry a replcement rear derailer with me. As my road bike is over eleven years old, it’s getting harder to find parts for it. Spare Tire? ? A spare tire for a bicycle or a car is fine; and I use tough Gatorskin tires for my road bike to reduce the risk of flats. But a “spare tire” around the belt line is something nobody wants. I don’t mean to be insulting to anyone who’s carrying around excess weight; that’s no laughing matter. It’s possible to shed the extra pounds by cycling; and  Ride Your Way Lean tells how to go about it. Several weight loss plans are included, from a program for losing up to 50 pounds or more; to one that helps you lose 15-35 pounds; and “Shed the stubborn spare tire”, for losing 5-15 pounds. This title is also available in Spanish. I’m not really following any of these plans; but I’m counting the calories, and watching carbs and saturated fat. And continuing to ride, of course. I’m not as lean as I would like to be; but riding can do a lot to prevent the build-up of that spare tire! 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 ✍? Spares December 18, 2024 Mistical Mornings? December 17, 2024 Spring in December? December 16, 2024 What Fog? December 15, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Christmas Moon

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Christmas Moon ? Strictly speaking, the upcoming full moon isn’t a Christmas moon — it’s ten days early. But it looks like the weather might be on my side. The forecast says, partly cloudy; and that could mean that I’ll have good viewing. The temperature will probably be around 60 degrees; and that’s quite comfortable for riding. Yes, I’ll want leg warmers; and a jacket; and a helmet liner. But that’s a lot better than riding when it’s 40 degrees!  Even if the moon isn’t visible, I’ll want to ride. Winter Wheelers is on, after all! I’m trying to get in 100 miles or so per week; and after tomorrow’s trip to the salvage store, I should easily reach that goal with Sunday’s ride. The catch with riding so early is that, once I’m heading back home, I’ll have the sun shining directly into my face! But getting to see the Christmas moon will make it worth the nuisance. Real Christmas Ride ?? Who know what the real Christmas ride will be like. Temperature down to the low 30s? Or 70 degrees? Clear, or rainy? If the latter, I’ll ride the hybrid, and avoid getting my bike all spattered with mud.   Windy? I hope not. A strong wind will make riding in the park more sensible; but a real Christmas ride in the park means this: even at 6:00 am, the path in the park will be full of kids trying out their new bicycles.  I understand that they’re excited and want to learn to ride; but let’s face it, youngsters wobbling all over the place on bikes can be hazardous! I don’t want to hit them; and I don’t need for them to run into me. That means riding at a snail’s pace! 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 ✍? Christmas Moon December 13, 2024 What Goes Down December 12, 2024 Subsidence December 11, 2024 Gamble Paid Off December 10, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Let’s Roll!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Let’s Roll! ? Let’s roll! We don’t need a train to do it; Winter Wheelers has begun! “Winter” wheelers seems like a bit of a misnomer here. Snow and ice are rare; and in fact, the temperature this afternoon reached the mid-60s. I’d be at a loss to know how to ride in the snow; and  I might want a Mongoose Aztec Fat Tire bicycle, for better traction. Maybe it’s just as well that I don’t need such a bike; because I don’t have room for it. But whatever the weather, Winter Wheelers is here; so let’s roll! If you’re an adult beginner, and have trouble with balance, a set of CyclingDeal Stabilizer Wheels can help you to get going. These adjustable wheels fit most bikes with 24-29 inch wheels; and are heavy duty. Year’s Goals ? This is the time to reflect on the year’s rides; and ponder whether we’ll be able to meet the year’s goals by December 31. It might be a mileage goal; or improving your pace; or completing a certain ride, e.g. a century. The Cyclist’s Training Diary is a great place to record your rides; or you can take the cheap route, like me, and use a spiral notebook. Either way, it’s helpful to see the data set down on paper. It looks as though I’ll be able to reach my 70K-mile goal quite easily I just hope I didn’t make any arithmetic mistakes; that can make my mileage look greater than it actually is. Even if my math was wrong, it doesn’t take the joy out of riding — Winter Wheelers or otherwise. 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 ✍? Let’s Roll! December 1, 2024 Winter Wheelers November 30, 2024 Harbinger of Winter November 29, 2024 Day of Doom? November 28, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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