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Not the Chain!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

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?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

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

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

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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Bike Bus

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Food /

Bike Bus 🚌 B is for Bike Bus! Now that school is in session, such get-to-school groups might be popping up all over the country! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bike bus here in New Orleans; maybe because there simply aren’t any. I might not be out riding at the right time of day to see them; or I’m in the wrong part of town. If they exist here, that is. And I don’t think I want to start one myself. Although the video doesn’t go into great detail, I’m sure there are waivers of responsibility and other such liability issues to settle before the first ride. That’s a bit too much for me! But I hope there are bike busses here. It would be a great thing for school children. IS It Fall? 🍂 Is it Fall? So far it doesn’t feel like it; but if the days are crisp where you live, a mug of Caffe D’Vita Sugar Free hot cocoa is great after a chilly ride. No cholesterol; gluten free; no trans fats; and it’s kosher as well. Only 50 calories per serving. But how to fuel the youngsters for that bike bus?  They’ll probably need more than 50 calories; especially as kids are growing; and that takes energy!  Maybe Skout Organic Kids Snack? This variety pack offers six flavors; and these bars are free of dairy; soy; eggs; fish; and gluten. Does your kid enjoy letting people know, “Here I come!”? The Hornit Mini Nano combines lighting with a choice of 15 different sound effects. Decibel range of 75-80 for younger kids who probably won’t be riding around motor traffic. Available in Mint Green; or Pink/Purple. The Hornit might come in handy for a bus bike 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 Bike Bus October 1, 2024 One Last Lick September 30, 2024 No Leg Warmers Yet September 29, 2024 Nervous Breakdown September 28, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Trial Run

BACK ISSUES, equipment /

Trial Run 🏃🏽 The recent power outage was my chance to give my small, battery-powered fan a trial run. I though I would bring it along if I do RAGBRAI 2025, so I  could get a bit of breeze in the tent at night. This trial run showed me that it won’t work out well. Thursday night I set the fan going before I went to bed. Partway through the night, I woke up and discovered that the fan was off. If a set of batteries doesn’t last more than a few hours, it’s not worth it to bring that fan with me on RAGBRAI. It uses four D batteries; and I’m not about to haul along dozens of those things. They’re much too heavy!  Oh, and don’t try to tell me that the fan fiasco didn’t happen because it’s not on Strava! Another Idea 💡 Another idea is this handheld fan. It can fold, as shown in the image; so I don’t need to fnd a way to prop it up. I will, however, need a way to recharge it during the day. So I’ve got to get a charger block, too. If I use the Pork Belly Ventures charter service, I can charge up the block overnight; and then use the block to charge up the fan and other electronics during the day as I’m riding. If that will work when everything is packed up in a duffel bag! 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 Trial Run September 16, 2024 Out of Reach? September 15, 2024 Borrowing Trouble? September 14, 2024 Francine September 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Foul Weather Bike

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Foul Weather Bike ⛈️ A foul weather bike is as useful as rain gear. For me, the foul weather bike is my hybrid. Since day before yesterday, we’ve had consistent forecasts for rain and T-storms. I miss riding my road bike; but when the forecast predicts rain, I’m inclined to hop on the hybrid. And indeed, the hybrid does have an advantage when it comes to riding in the rain. It’s called fenders. Fenders keep both you and your bike cleaner; and my road bike doesn’t have fenders. The hybrid does; and it also has a rear rack for a bicycle trunk. That gives me a place to carry my cell phone and a snack. If a ride starts under clear skies, but rain is expected before I’ll get back home, I can stow my poncho there. Another False Alarm ‼️ Today was another false alarm. I get tired of these forecasts that predict heavy rain and T-storms; but they don’t happen. It was drizzling when I set out this morning; so I went to ride the hybrid in the park again. I decided I didn’t need electrolyte drink; and it’s probably good to give my teeth a break from the stuff once or twice a week, anyway. Again, I made it a short ride. I’m getting out of condition! But for one thing, I was starting to feel weird (I think because I forgot to take my low-blood-pressure medication); and I didn’t like the way the clouds looked. If lightning were about to move in, I wanted to get under cover.     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 Foul Weather Bike September 5, 2024 To Ride or Not? September 4, 2024 All Shot Up September 3, 2024 With Dinah? September 2, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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