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Getting Shortchanged

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Getting Shortchanged? 🩳 Am I getting shortchanged? It feels like it when I have to replace a pair of cycling shorts. After all, they aren’t cheap; but at the same time, I must admit that they’re worth it. With their built-in padding, cycling shorts are much more comfortable than regular shorts for anything more than a very short ride. That’s especially true if those regular shorts have a zipper up the front; I don’t have to say why! Cycling shorts also help support your leg muscles; and they typically have silicone grippers around the bottoms of the legs. Those grippers help keep your shorts’ legs from sliding upwards as you ride. Over time, however, those grippers stop gripping; and the fabric of the shorts gets overly stretched out. Then it’s time for a new pair. Then there are days when I feel like I’ve getting shortchanged on my mileage. That’s frustrating when you’re trying to work up to a big ride! Am I Merely Lazy? 🥱 Sometimes I wonder, am I merely lazy? Do I just want to stay in the sack all day? I especially think about that on days when I cut my intended mileage, for whatever reason. This morning I had a strong wind — on the way out, for a change! — and I planned to ride 10 miles or so before turning for home. As I approached the 9.5-mile point, the wind suddenly seemed to get much stronger; and I decided to turn around and head for home. It was glorious having a strong tailwind; and for a while I was doing 17+ mph. On the way out, I averaged only about 9.9 mph; quite pokey. On the other hand, the wind was as as strong as 21 mph. Time was when that would have slowed me to a plodding 6 mph! Today I didn’t feel like working hard agains the wind; even though that’s a good way to improve strength; and to get fast. It’s also good as simulated climbing; and I need that.  So was I tierd? Or am I merely lazy? 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 Paraphrase April 10, 2024 Hotheaded April 9, 2024 Shady Dealings Again April 8, 2024 Blockage April 7, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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On Strike

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

On Strike? 🪧 Did my hybrid go on strike because I didn’t ride it for a few days? This morning I had a 9:15 doctor’s appointment; and I though I’d ride the hybrid there, then do a few easy laps around the park. This plan was thwarted when I went to pump up the hybrid’s tires; and discovered that the rear tire was thoroughly flat. I know what to do to change a tube; but problems with my hands make the job difficult at best. I had to walk to my apppointment; and when I got back home, I rolled the bike over to the shop. On the way, the tire came off the rim; and the tube somehow got all tangled up in the cassette and derailer! Then the wheel couldn’t roll. Holding up the rear of a bicycle is much harder work than holding the front wheel off the ground; but it was the only way I could keep going. Not the Foal 🐴 It looks like I might not get to compensate for today’s lack of mileage tomorrow. The forecast is stormy again (and not the foal); especially for tonight and tomorrow morning. A fine time my bike picked to go on strike! Incidentally, I still have my little counter-top barometer. I think I’ll leave it be — I’d like to see what it does if a hurricane comes snooping around! 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 Strike March 21, 2024 RAGBRAI Ready? March 20, 2024 Nip and Tuck March 19, 2024 Winter’s Coming Back! March 18, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Erin Go Bragh!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Erin Go Bragh! ☘️ I’m not Irish; but let’s say, Erin Go Bragh! I know I’m nowhere near ready to paddle around the Emerald Isle; I don’t have — and probably never will have — the arm/upper body strength. But maybe I could pedal all around Ireland! It looks like Ireland is quite chilly. I happen to know that 15º Celcius equals 59º Fahrenheit. This Pearl Izumi Ultra Barrier jacket would be on my packing list! Plus a helmet liner; leg warmers; and, quite likely, hand warmers! They say Erin Go Bragh; but leaving Ireland aside for the moment, today is not favorable for outdoor activities. It’s raining; and the thunder is grumbling. It’s not close; but storms can move fast! Here It Comes ⚡️ Yep; here it comes. The thunder is getting louder. Earlier this morning, I considered donning the poncho and doing a few laps around the park; but my head feels stuffy; and I’m tired anyway. I decided it was better to stay put.I guess it’s a good thing I did. The rain is getting heavier. That makes it harder to see where I’m riding. One of these days, I must try these goggles. For now, I’ll just stay indoors and keep dry! 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 Erin Go Bragh! March 17, 2024 Miles in the Bank March 16, 2024 Undercover March 15, 2024 On Tenterhooks Again! March 14, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Too Much Screen Time?

BACK ISSUES, equipment /

Too Much Screen Time? ⎚ I think I’ve been getting too much screen time; and it isn’t all my bicycle computer. Or maybe too much time in the sun wearing cheap-o sunglasses? My good sunglasses broke not quite a month ago; and they couldn’t be repaired. They were prescription lenses, too; and cost an arm and a leg. There’s an optical shop a short walk from home; but they couldn’t make me a new pair of those glasses without a current prescription. The only copy I could find is about four years old; and I haven’t been able to get hold of my ophthalmologist (the clinic is in the process of relocating) to get a current copy. So there I was, limping along with a pair of toy sunglasses. They were better than nothing; but not really suited for several hours in bright sunlight. Then, today, they broke! So I had to go for a pair of regular, aka non-prescription, sunglasses. I chose a pair of Ray-Ban.  I remember seeing commercials for them on TV when I was a kid, so the brand has been around quite a while. All My Screens 💻 So, what are all my screens? The Garmin, of course; but is 8-10 hours a week too much screen time for a bicycle computer? I haven’t had a TV since 2006; and, as I’m retired, I’m not staring at a computer screen at work all day. I suppose my laptop is the culprit — there’s all the website editing, and I’ve become rather addicted to YouTube. I’ve developed the bad habit of viewing while I eat; and I also like to tune in to something while I do my hand exercises. About two weeks ago I found A Night in Vienna; and it’s terrific! Sometimes I listen to it twice a day; and that can add up to too much screen time. 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 It Coming? March 5, 2024 Safe Harbor March 4, 2024 Double Dozen March 3, 2024 Lion or Lamb? March 2, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Safe Harbor

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Safe Harbor ⛵️ Any sailor wants to reach safe harbor ahead of foul weather. We cyclists are the same.   Of course there are rain suits; but I, for one, would prefer to not need them. And if there’s rain, there is also the possibility of lightning; and even hail. I’m glad I reached safe harbor, aka home, before today’s bad weather. After several days of watching the forecasts, I knew that we might get rain and T-storms from late morning today. It looks like more of the same tomorrow; so I went for an easy ride, although I usually take Mondays off. Not only was there the threat of rain; it was foggy. So I rode the hybrid, which has fenders. It wasn’t as wet as I expected; the path’s surface was mostly dry. To avoid climbing, I pedaled over to the park to ride a few laps. As I neared the end of lap #3, I noticed that the wind seemed to be strengthening; and I decided it was time to go home. That was a good choice. About half an hour after I reached home, I checked NOAA; and a Special Weather Statement indicated a strong T-storm heading our way. As it turned out, we didn’t get much from it; but it’s wise to be in safe harbor when there might be heavy rain; lightning; and hail. The Gang’s All Here? 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What should you do if you get caught outdoors in a hailstorm? Start singing; especially if the gang’s all here? In weather like that, we could all use something to lift our spirits! If I were on a bike, I’d be thankful for my helmet! Who needs a hailstone to the skull? But the rest of me would be at the mercy of the icy bombardment. An obvious solution is to find cover if possible; but suppose I’m up there on the levee, with nowhere to go? Just hope it’s over soon, I guess. Fortunately, hail is rare in these parts; so even if the gang’s all here, we might not need the song! 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 Safe Harbor March 4, 2024 Double Dozen March 3, 2024 Lion or Lamb? March 2, 2024 All Clear? March 1, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Another Windy One

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Another Windy One 🥶 It’ll be another windy one tonight. Good thing I won’t be riding. Wind gets very noisy! So-called cat ears help tone down the wind noise on days when it’s warm enough that I don’t need a skull cap. On cold days, that cap does a lot to deaden wind noise. This morning I started out for the salvage store on the hybrid, only to turn back very soon. The headwind was tremendous. Gusts were up to 28 mph; and maybe I had the bad luck to run right into one at the outset. It felt cold, too. I had thought that half-fingered gloves would suffice; but no — my fingers were too cold. On top of that, I knew that a wind from the North meant a headwind on the way home from the store; and somehow I couldn’t face that. So I went and made one lap of the park; then detoured to the nearest grocery store for bananas before returning home. Yesterday I rode over 19 miles; so maybe I was a little tired this morning. Gloomy gray skies and a light drizzle did nothing to help me feel livelier!  Tomorrow I’ll be on the road bike. I can get more aero on “Scottie” when I’ve got the wind against me; and I’ll  probably need to. It’ll be another windy one!   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 Elementor #162978 February 17, 2024 Breakfast on the Roll February 16, 2024 This Is February? February 15, 2024 Queen of Hearts February 14, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Queen of Hearts

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Queen of Hearts 💕   Queen of Hearts would have been a great costume for yesterday’s Mardi Gras celebrations; with or without a FitBit. Today is Valentine’s Day, when a Queen of Hearts outfit would be even more fitting. I’m starting to watch my heart rate again while riding my road bike; but I have an unfortunate tendency to forget to wear my sensor strap. The result is some “heartless” rides! Heart rate training for cyclists is a method of developing strength and speed without getting burned out. From what I see, I seldom reach my maximum heart rate while riding; but then I haven’t been trying to get there! My foot is still a little swollen; and I don’t think it’s quite ready yet for the intense efforts that would let me reach my max heart rate. Too often these days, the height and angle of the sun make seeing my Garmin’s readout screen difficult. There’s too much glare. Should I go back to pre-dawn rides? It’s hard to say. This is the season when the sun is rather low in the sky; and that makes sun-in-my-eyes typical during most rides.  So it can be hard to watch my heart rate while riding. On top of that, I never have figured out how to download my heart rate zones into my Garmin! Therefore I have no idea what my workloads are after any ride. Maybe I need the Queen of Hearts to help me out.    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 Qui Vive February 13, 2024 Pre-Carnival February 12, 2024 Keyed Up Again February 10, 2024 Trigger Finger February 9, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Keyed Up Again

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Keyed Up Again 🗝️ I’m keyed up again about the upcoming weather. Doesn’t it drive you crazy when that happens repeatedly? This weekend looks to be a repeat of last weekend, with T-storms possible. From which direction will the storms come? I use a compass on my road bike, mostly so I can see when I’m about to turn into a headwind; but that compass doesn’t keep me dry if it starts to pour. It also doesn’t show the barometric reading. I can’t take along my home-made barometer, anyhow; and where would I hang a Fischer Barometer in my apartment? As a renter, I’m not supposed to nail things to the walls! All I can do is watch the forecast; and plan accordingly. NOAA shows that the barometer is dropping; and in fact I can see that on my counter-top rig. So no wonder I’m getting keyed up again. The hour-by-hour forecast doesn’t show rain tomorrow before 10:00 am; but how can I be sure it will wait until then? And will the T-storms delay until then? It’s another case of taking my chances!  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 Trigger Finger February 9, 2024 Wrong Call February 8, 2024 Was the Groundhog Wrong? February 7, 2024 One Hundred Dollars? February 6, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Room and Bored?

BACK ISSUES, equipment /

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 /

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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