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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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Outer Zones?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Training /

Outer Zones? 🛰️ Outer zones sounds like a satellite at the farthest reaches of the solar system, still orbiting around. Incidentally, I remember there was a cookie called “Orbit” when I was  kid; but I haven’t seen Orbits in decades. I wish they were still around! My outer zones are heart-rate zones 4 and 5; and it’s been a couple of weeks since I last did efforts that got my heart rate up there. Today I resumed these efforts. I began by doing 90-second spurts, with about 90 seconds of rest in between. After three efforts, I rode easy for 10 minutes; then started over. By about the fourth set, I had to reduce these “sprints” to 60 seconds; I was getting tired. In addition, I was having trouble shifting to the big ring. The brifter didn’t seem to be working right; so now my road bike is in the shop again. I guess the derailer needs adjusting; so now my ride plans are derailed (so to speak) for a few days. Derailed 🛤️ Doesn’t it aggravate you when your ride schedule gets derailed? But better now than right before RAGBRAI. If that happened, my big riding vacation might be derailed! My plan for tomorrow is to ride short and easy; and day after tomorrow, to try a ride in the middle of the day. It will get well into the 80s; and I need some practice riding in the heat. I can even try out that cooling vest! Such high-tech is outer zones for me; but I need to expand my horizons if I’m to tackle day-long rides in hot weather. Using these things isn’t “cheating”; and if cooling devices let me push the outer zones, why not use them? 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 Outer Zones? May 13, 2025 Just As Well May 12, 2025 Looks Are Deceptive May 11, 2025 In the Clear May 10, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Vested Interest

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Outdoors, Personal Care /

Vested Interest? 🦺 Could you say that I have a vested interest in RAGBRAI? Maybe; I don’t expect to earn any money that way. But I’m weighing the possibility of getting an Ergodyne Chill Cooling Vest for the ride. This morning I was checking a news site; and it included an article about a hot, dry Summer coming up. Does that include Iowa? I read some of the comments about the Ergodyne Chill Cooling Vest; and one of them pointed out that this vest cools only as long as it stays damp. No surprise, really; the same is true of a cool rag. But this vest can keep cooling for up to five hours; and I should have ample opportunities to “recharge” this vested interest if I decide to take that option. I can re-wet the vest every time I stop in a town and refill my water bottles. Our weather is heating up fast, too; so it’s time for me to start at getting acclimated. And see how well a cooling vest works for me. Heating Up ♨️ By this time of year, it’s usually heating up; and on the one hand, it’s a relief to not need full-fingered gloves and other cold-weather gear. The flip side of that coin is, I have to be much more on guard against sunburn. It’s rather a bother to have to reapply sunblock every 80 minutes. Maybe I should work up a vested interest in the manufacturer, and buy stock in the company? Or invest in leg sleeves? Yes, it’s heating up; but I expect leg sleeves are like sun sleeves for the arms: once you get active; and they start to get sweaty; they have a cooling effect!   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 ✍🏻 Vested Interest April 29, 2025 Murky Waters April 28, 2025 At Ease! April 27, 2025 Why? April 26, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Or Leave It?

BACK ISSUES, equipment /

Or Leave It? ⏩ Take it, or leave it? That’s the question when planning to travel; whether to RAGBRAI or something else. How much can I fit into a duffle bag? How much will it weigh? I also need to consider what might set off alarms at the airport; e.g. my cable lock. I’ve been debating whether to take it or leave it; but nobody want to set off alarms. So I guess I’ll leave the cable lock at home. By more than one account, a bike lock really isn’t necessary on RAGBRAI, anyway. Everyday Stuff 🪥 🧼 And then there’s the everyday stuff: soap; toothpaste; towel, and so on. I don’t realize how much I take their presence for granted when I’m at home; but they’re not a take it or leave it question. Especially when you’ll be on a bicycle tour and might not be able to get such items. If your tour is RAGBRAI, the sheer number of riders explodes the population of the small towns on the route; and I’ve got a hunch that stores sell out of these things in a hurry.  Everyday stuff gets very important, very fast if you’ve forgotten to bring it. I know I won’t want to go a week without being able to clean myself up! I’d rather take these things from home than have to make a frantic search for them. Such a frenzy would take a lot of the fun out of the tour! 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 Or Leave It? April 25, 2025 Not So Hot April 24, 2025 Longer and Longer April 23, 2025 Dress Rehearsal April 22, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Dress Rehearsal

BACK ISSUES, equipment /

Dress Rehearsal? 👗  I feel like I’m in dress rehearsal mode today. I’ve got both my duffle bags out; and I’m experimenting with packing them. At one time, I had an idea that I might be able to fit everything into one bag; but it’s become obvious that this is mere fantasy. Even with the compression stuff sack, the sleeping bag (blue layer only!) takes up about one-third of one duffle bag; and the sleeping pad that I got doesn’t compact well. Thus it’s rather a space hog. I’m packing gallon-size zip-top plastic bags with things that I need to take to RAGBRAI, e.g. clothes; and I’m refining my lists of what to put into which bag when it’s really time to pack. What Goes Where? 🧳   With two bags to pack, what goes where will be important. This dress rehearsal will help a lot; and what goes where might turn out to be unconventional! For instance, is it OK to put GU-Gels in your checked bag? Answer: yes, it is; and I’m taking along enough for two or three per day of RAGBRAI. That might be too many for the carry-on. A full tube of Chamois Butt’r is too big for the carry-on; so it has to go into the checked bag.  Hand warmers are permissible, too … wait a second! Hand warmers for RAGBRAI? Yes, indeed. It can get chilly, despite its being late July; so I want to be prepared. If it’s a no-no in my carry-on, it will go into the checked bag. Goodness knows, I might end up putting the sleeping bag into my carry-on! I’m glad I’ll be shipping my bicycle. 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 #198562 April 22, 2025 In a Flash April 21, 2025 Down the Bunny Trail April 20, 2025 Serenade April 19, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Pack It In

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Pack It In 🛄 eVac Compression Dry Bag I’m starting to practice how to pack it in for RAGBRAI. It won’t do to wait until the day before I leave for Iowa to try to figure it out! A while back, I ordered my first duffle bag — a gray one. I soon realized that one bag very likely won’t fit everything that I need to take; so I got a second one. I chose orange for the color of this bag — I want one to be my check-in bag; and if both of my bags are the same color, I know I’ll get them mixed up. A few months ago I got a sleeping bag, although not the two-person kind shown here. Later I bought a compression stuff sack to pack it in; and it proved to be too small. But I found a way around that, thank goodness. My sleeping bag has layers that fasten together with zippers; and these layers can be completely removed from each other. That allows you to adjust to various temperatures. I know from watching videos that RAGBRAI can get very hot; but sometimes overnight low temperatures can drop to the 50s! The blue layer of my sleeping bag might be sufficient; and that will fit easily into my compression stuff sack. The warmer orange layer fits, too. If I want to bring both layers, one can go in my carry-on.  Meanwhile, I’ll do my best to carry on with my riding! Carry On 🚴🏿   But I hope the weather lets me carry on, with or without panniers. Things are expected to get stormy by Sunday night; and Monday looks stormy, too. I might have to pack it in; but I hope it doesn’t come to that. At least tomorrow morning should be OK; and I can carry on with my usual trip to the salvage store. 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 Pack It In April 18, 2025 Egg Hunt April 17, 2025 Morning Machine? April 16, 2025 Rearview April 15, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Rearview

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Rearview 🔙 Is a rearview mirror on a bike a good thing? I use one on the hybrid; but not the road bike. For years I had a handlebar-end mirror on the road bike; but it sure had its drawbacks! It was tricky to get that mirror in the correct position to begin with; and reaching for the bottle on the down tube usually knocked the mirror out of line. Then I was right back where I started. Another problem was that, when I rode early in the day, the sun shone right into the mirror; and reflected blinding light right into my eyes. How could I get a good rearview that way? I was sure that riders coming up from behind were also getting blinded; and I figured that wasn’t right. Over time, the mirror’s mount got loose; and a few months ago, I finally gave up on it. But will I need a rearview mirror during RAGBRAI? I don’t have a pair of extra eyes in the back of my head, after all. Extra Eyes 👀 If I go for an Accmor Bike Eyeglasses Mirror, you might say that I have extra eyes. These mirrors are lightweight at 9 grams, or about 0.38 ounces; and provide a rearview when you need it. But around here, I’d still have the problem of reflected sunshine on most of my rides; and I don’t have extra eyes if I burn out the ones I have. And, would even those nine grams weigh too heavily on my nose? One thing I remember from what little group-riding experience I’ve had, is: don’t worry to much about the riders behind me. The cyclists alongside and in front are the ones I need to watch. Looked at from that point of view, maybe a rearview mirror isn’t necessary. 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 Rearview April 15, 2025 Dead Heat April 14, 2025 Stacks April 13, 2025 Horning In? April 12, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Dead Heat

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors, Training /

Dead Heat? ♨️ I thought of “dead heat” when I rode today. It was already at least 2:00 pm when I went out; and it was 76 degrees. Just coming out of Winter, that’s quite warm; but it’s time I started doing rides in the hotter part of the day. I’ll need at least one such ride per week. Having the sun overhead makes it seem even hotter; and I’m used to riding early in the day, when the sun is lower in the sky. But during RAGBRAI, I’ll be riding more than 20; or 30; or even 40 miles most days. Luckily I won’t need to worry about getting caught up in the dead heat of a race; but I won’t be able to avoid riding in bright sunshine. And it could get very hot! So, I’m considering ways to take the edge off of the heat. Take the Edge Off 🔪 A cooling rag really does help take the edge off of the heat; and I definitely plan to take one to RAGBRAI. Or maybe even two! I can use one during the day’s ride; and one to drape over my head if it’s hot in my tent at night. I won’t want to be in a dead heat while trying to sleep! A fan would be nice; but a fan would be one more thing to 1) take up space — and add weight! —  in my luggage; and 2) another thing to keep charged up. So I’m looking for another way to keep cool. A cooling rag should at least take the edge off! 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 © 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 INTERPRETER

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Horning In?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Horning In? 📯 As a rule, horning in is something we don’t want. It can be most annoying; but this morning was a time when it was nice. I went for a short, early ride to get my moonlight-on-the-river fix; and heard an owl. I’ve heard that kind of hooter before; but didn’t know what kind of owl it was. It didn’t sound quite like a barred owl; and it certainly wasn’t a screech owl. I finally googled “hear Louisiana owls”; and now I’m sure that I heard a great horned owl. For some reason, I thought we didn’t have them here; but evidently we do! Sometimes horning in is actually a good thing. Mornings are still cool; but when I’m out before dawn, I see flying insects. It’s getting buggy! Getting Buggy 🪲 🦟 Now that it’s getting buggy, eyewear for cycling is a good idea; and would be even if you don’t need visual correction. It’s not fun to have a gnat or tiny moth land in your eye; and a corneal abrasion is no joke! ROCKBROS Photochromatic Bike Glasses mean that you don’t need to bother with both a pair of clear lenses; and a pair of sunglasses. No having to stop when you want to swap from clear lenses to dark ones. And my Ray-Ban Sunglasses, I eventually discovered, are too wide for my face. I was riding over a very bumpy street surface; and with each bump those glasses went flying. I had to continually grab them to shove them back on my nose; and after that, I used a retainer. But the catch is, I had to take my helmet off in order to take that sunglasses-retainer combo off! The next time I had an eye exam, I opted for a pair of new glasses with photochromatic lenses. It’s great to have only one pair of optics to deal with! 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 Horning In? April 12, 2025 Trampoline? April 11, 2025 Jump Start April 10, 2025 Delays April 9, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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