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First Time Jitters

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Training /

First Time Jitters 😰 I”m getting first time jitters as a new RAGBRAI rider. Much of it centers around registrations and deadlines. I guess these first time jitters are normal. All the questions: Have I done everything I need to, in order to ship my bicycle via Bikeflights? Did I miss paying for something vital? Am I training enough? That last is quite a worry at present. Last week, forecasts for early-afternoon T-storms had me curtailing my rides; and last Thursday, I came down with a cold! For three days I had to ride short and easy; and I still feel a little dragged down. I really noticed it during today’s ride. I tried out my new handlebar bag. The phone and memo pad fit just fine; but there’s always something more. Always Something More! 🍴 Every time I think I’ve thought of everything, there’s always something more! Tale the handlebar bag I got for the road bike. I figured it would do for carrying my cell phone; a small memo pad; and two pens. Today I remembered that I want to keep a spork handy for those roadside foods. I hope I don’t remember anything else that I want to keep easily accessible; that handlebar bag is pretty crammed with the spork added to it. Maybe I don’t really need to keep the spork in the padded bag that came with it. For that matter, I haven’t quite decided how I’ll keep track of my keys. More first time jitters, I guess! My merino tees don’t have pockets; so I’ll have to keep keys elsewhere. Maybe in the Travelon? There’s always something more! 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Tryouts

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Tryouts ⚖️ I’m still doing tryouts, figuring out what will work best for RAGBRAI. Ride food is part of it, of course; but I’m also working out how I’ll manage the stuff I’ll want while on the bike. I’m sure to want to take pictures; and I’ll use my cell phone for that. Normally I carry my phone in a Camel-Bak pocket; but that means taking the Camel-Bak off every time I want the phone. What a nuisance! Therefore tryouts means looking for alternatives. So I decided to get a handlebar bag. The one that I got isn’t very big; and I don’t want it to be. Too much weight on the handlebars has an adverse effect on steering capability. But the bag that I got has enough room for my cell phone; a small memo pad; and a few ballpoint pens. That should suffice. There’s also the question of managing my cash cache! Cash Cache 🤑 For my cash cache during RAGBRAI, I plan to use a Travelon pouch. Tryouts have shown that this pouch fits closely to the body; is lightweight; and goes easily under a Camel-Bak. I won’t need to take it off when I must visit a KYBO. This, I think, will be a safer way to carry money than putting it in a handlebar bag. Call me paranoid if you like; but it makes sense to keep my money close by me. I can also carry the day’s medications in this pouch. OK, handlebar bag; cash cache; now, what else? Oh yeah, the aforementioned Camel-Bak. I plan to carry my medication supply in the Camel-Bak; along with Chamois Butt’r and toilet paper. There’s no guarantee that every KYBO will be supplied with it; and when you need that stuff, you need 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! 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Carrying a Load

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Carrying a Load 😵‍💫 I’m always carrying a load on the bike, it seems. During long rides, especially in hot weather, I’ve got the Camel-Bak on my, well, back. That water alone is already weighty. Add a cable lock and a tube of Chamois Butt’r, and I’m carrying a load!  But with good reason. I’ll need the lock if I have to stop somewhere; and there’s also the fact that RAGBRAI is approaching. If I train with that load, it will make the big ride easier when I don’t have quite so much stuff to carry. By many accounts, I likely won’t need a bicycle lock during RAGBRAI; and omitting my cable lock will subtract something like two pounds. The weight reduction will be more comfortable for my shoulders and the back of my neck. More Loads 😣 There are also more loads that I carry; such as my panniers on the ride back home from the salvage store. Some RAGBRAI riders carry more loads than I feel ready for — they take along all their camping gear! I’m not ready for such self-supported touring, though. For one thing, I don’t have the right kind of bicycle. But maybe someday! Lately I’ve had a load on my mind, with constant concerns over the weather. Forecasts are for rain and T-storms; and I don’t want to get caught out there when the lightning starts to fire up. As a result, I’m not getting in the miles that I need to ride this week. I hope we get back to sunnier weather soon! 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Glory Halleluja!!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Glory Hallelujah!! 🌅 “Glory Hallelujah!!” is what I felt like shouting yesterday evening, when I learned that I had a Pork Belly tent for RAGBRAI. It’s an immense relief to me. Not that I think I can’t learn to set up a tent; but as a first-timer, it will be better if I don’t have the added pressure of having to find a camp site each evening; and then put up a tent when I’m hot and tired and hungry. Having a Pork Belly tent also means that my luggage is taken care of. I won’t have to carry it from the baggage truck to my campsite. “Porkers” are allowed two bags; but since I now don’t need to pack a tent, I just might be able to get away with a single bag! Glory Hallelujah!! Hold On ✋ Oh — no — hold on a minute. I did some practice packing; and even without a tent, I’ll need both my duffle bags. Even when I’ve put my sleeping bag into a compression stuff sack! Ergo my “Glory Hallelujah” re: packing was somewhat premature! As someone at Pork Belly suggested, I can use one bag for camping stuff (sleeping pad, etc.); and one bag for clothes. As I’m flying, I’ll need a way to carry things that aren’t permitted in check-in luggage. It’s time review what can go into a carry-on. I don’t want to hear, hold on, when I’m trying to make it to my flight! 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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We Like Dust!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

We Like Dust! 🧹 We like dust just now! According to news reports, a huge plume of Saharan dust is, at least for the present, inhibiting tropical storm development. Of course we’re happy that hurricanes aren’t popping up; and we all wish that they won’t! I suppose off-trail riders also say, We like dust. Riders who go for such activities need a good helmet; but that sort of headgear doesn’t look very comfortable to me! I’m also not a big fan of mucking up my bicycle. It looks like that’s what off-trail riding is about, when it isn’t dusty. Wash out the Sky 🌧️ For now, the rain has decided to wash out the sky. We actually needed some rain; but I hope it won’t keep pouring every day for three weeks. Even if we like dust, rain turns dust into mud; and then the mud gets tracked everywhere! Having rain wash out the sky probably helps allergy sufferers. Lately, when I ride on the levee, I see white fuzz blowing around; and I guess it’s from all the willow trees. Or do we also have cottonwoods here? At any rate, I get home after a ride and start sneezing! How much will I get to ride this weekend? Today we had a UV index of 12 (“extreme”). I was back from a ride to Walmart by 10:00 am; and I should be back home from the salvage store at about the same time tomorrow. But Sunday? Either start very early (say, 5 am); or let the long ride wait for Monday. 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Til Next Year

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors, Personal Care /

Til Next Year 📅 Good grief, I’ve got enough sunblock to last me til next year! In my zeal to have enough for RAGBRAI, I’ve been buying it often; and it would seem that I’m overstocked. I have a variety of brands; with SPFs ranging from 50 to 70. I’ve been looking for tubes of the right size to fit into my under-saddle pack; and I’ll concentrate on using the awkwardly-large tubes before I head for Iowa. I don’t think I need to worry about running out any time soon; as I said, I’ve got enough to last til next year! But all the sunblock in the world isn’t much use if I consistently forget to apply it to certain areas. I tend to forget my neck, especially in the back; and one YouTube I watched about RAGBRAI mentioned, don’t forget to put sunblock on the backs of your fingers. Otherwise they could become badly blistered. In the Back 👈 Back to Basics sounds like things to do in the back yard: gardening; hanging out the laundry; and so on. Will I be in the back of the pack during RAGBRAI? I won’t know until I’m in the thick of it; and even if I am in the back, what of it? They say Iowa has 15 hour of daylight during July; and just so I get to the overnight town by 6 pm, I’m good. I hope to get to the end towns earlier than that, though; especially if I have to set up my own tent. Today I tried to do some pace work; and had problems because of the headwind. I also noticed my right-hand brifter creaking as I shifted to larger gears; and that makes me uneasy. Is a cable getting caught? I’d better ride the hybrid until I can get that checked out. For sure, I won’t wait til next year. 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 ✍🏻 Til Next Year May 26, 2025 Test Aborted May 25, 2025 Snap May 24, 2025 Tent? May 23, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Tent?

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Outdoors /

Tent? 🏕️ Should I get a tent for RAGBRAI? I’m not quite sure yet. I’m on the waiting list for a Pork Belly tent; and don’t know when I might get one. So I’m in a bit of a quandry. I don’t want to buy a tent that I won’t need, after all; but just as little do I want to wait until too late if I can’t get a Pork Belly tent. A tent will be another item to lug along; and something else to find storage room for post-RAGBRAI. If the tent gets wet during my week in Iowa, I’ll need to be sure it’s absolutely dry before storing it. Not so easy in a humid climate; and I’m not sure it would do to put a tent through an electric dryer. Multiple Choice 😵‍💫 As with so many prospective purchases, multiple choice among tents can be overwhelming. I’ll probably want a one-person tent if I buy one, largely due to the need for compact packing. I hope to find one like the tent in this video. It has no stakes; so I wouldn’t have to worry about whether a hammer in my luggage will be confiscated! Tent stakes will take up room and add weight, too. And there’s multiple choice about what food to bring with me. I’ll want to have some kind of bars on hand, in case I’m hungry before the food vendors are open for business in the morning.  I’d rather not start the day’s riding on an empty stomach! Or would a gel hold me 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 Tent? May 23, 2025 Energizer? May 22, 2025 How Ironic! May 20, 2025 Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis May 19, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Energizer?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Training /

Energizer? ⚡️ Energizer sounds like these batteries; but can the electronics department of a store serve as an energizer? This morning I rode to Walmart; and naturally I checked my mileage when I got there. I’m certain my Cateye read 5.01; but as I got ready to ride home, it said 6+! This phenomenon has occurred at least once before. Was it because I visited the store’s electronics department? I wanted a second charger block to take along on RAGBRAI; and maybe being in the midst of all that equipment caused the Cateye to fast-forward!⏭️ Today was another low mileage day; but I think I’m ready to start rides of 20-30 miles again; with longer jaunts on Sundays. When you do long rides, be sure your saddle height is correct! Saddle Height 🦵🏼   Saddle height might not matter with low mileage; but as you ride farther, it becomes very important. Incorrect saddle height can cause knee pain; and if you’re rocking back and forth as you pedal, nasty chafing is quite likely. So far I haven’t had problems with saddle height, thank the cycling gods for that. I’ve been getting some tweaks done, though; when you’ve got a 400+ mile week on the horizon, it’s a wise idea to double check these things. I’ve notice little if any difference from those tweaks; and I’d better not make any further changes after the next week or so. I wonder, though, can a big change of saddle height act as an energizer? Say, if that saddle has been too high; and lowering it means you don’t have to extend your knees all the way? 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 Energizer? May 22, 2025 How Ironic! May 20, 2025 Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis May 19, 2025 Snowball? May 18, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bailout Plan

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Bailout Plan 🪣 I’m developing a bale-out plan — I mean, a bailout plan. My biggest concern about RAGBRAI has been reaching Guttenberg, the end town, in time to catch the PBV 3:00 pm shuttle to Omaha. If I miss that bus, I’ll be in a very tight corner! Now PBV has announced a shuttle bus from the Day 7 halfway point to Guttenberg; and I’m seriously considering using it. It’s a relief to know that such a bailout plan is available. Yes, I want to ride all the miles; and if I had transportation other than the PBV shuttle, I’d be much more relaxed about Day 7. I intend to register for that halfway-point shuttle as soon as possible I’m also waiting now for the notice that I’ve been assigned a PBV tent. I applied early, so I suppose I ought to be OK. Then I’ll be a Porker! Porker 🐷 A RAGBRAI participant who uses the PBV charter service is called a “porker”.  I wanted the full service (which includes tent set-up/tear down) because I’ll have enough stuff to lug along without adding a tent to the pile! I’m flying up to the event; and need to avoid excess weight. In addition, I won’t want to have to find a vacant spot and set up a tent when I’m one tired porker from riding all day; and am hot and hungry to boot. I hope I won’t have to come up with a bailout plan as far as getting a tent is concerned. Maybe, as a first-timer, I’m worrying more than necessary! I just want to be sure that everything is in place. I’m afraid that won’t mean my hair, though. It’s thin and fine; and tends to fly all over the place! 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 Bailout Plan May 17, 2025 Chameleon May 16, 2025 IdentoGO May 15, 2025 Medical Prep May 14, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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IdentoGO

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

IdentoGO 🆔 I finally decided to spring for IdentoGO. At first I thought that IdentoGO didn’t make sense for someone who isn’t a frequent flyer; but all the online news articles about TSA security lines made me decide to get it, after all. It’s valid for five years; and the cost boils down to about $1.35 per month, or less. Speaking of getting through airport security, I must double-check the size of my MIER Backpack Duffle. It’s advertised as carry-on size; but I don’t want to find out at the last minute that it’s to big for a carry-on! IdentoGO would come in handy if I must leave town in a hurry — say, if a  hurricane is threatening, and I’m not in the mood to stay here for a hurricane party. Or, who knows, I might end up flying to more long-distance bicycle rides! Hot Days 🌞 The hot days have come; quite suddenly, as usual. I had to walk about a mile from the streetcar stop to the Identogo office; and that was one hot hike! I had a 1:00 pm appointment; so I was out in the hottest part of the day. Some pickle ice would have been wonderful! It makes hot days more bearable. The arrival of hot days means I’ve had to get out my cool rag; and I’ll soon be putting more water in my Camel-Bak. But I hope the reservoir doesn’t need replacing! There seems to be a slow leak near the hookup for the drinking hose; maybe from the pressure of the cable lock. But I probably won’t take the lock on RAGBRAI. I’m practicing loaded up now, so that the lesser load in Iowa will make RAGBRAI easier! 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 IdentoGO May 15, 2025 Medical Prep May 14, 2025 Outer Zones? May 13, 2025 Just As Well May 12, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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