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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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Doohickies

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Doohickies ⚙️⛭ Oh, the doohickies we can pick up over years of cycling! Some we really do need, such as a multi-tool. With this gadget, you can tighten loose bolts; and perform other minor repairs out on the road. Other doohickies are just for fun and, strictly speaking, aren’t even for cycling: such as a Bananagrams game for long Summer evenings during a bicycle tour. Wish List ? ? My wish list includes both doohickies and more serious items. A new set of panniers, for one. The ones I have are a good 12 years old; and are definitely showing their age! A new road bike? Not for a long time, I hope. Query: do you know it’s time for a new bicycle after X number of years; or after X miles of riding? Neither one? I want to keep using my road bike as long as it’s rideable! A few days ago I was watching a YouTube; either about RAGBRAI, or some other bicycle tour. Someone had an over-the-rear-wheel rack that could double as a bike stand! It was easy: unload the rack; undo the clamp fastening the rack to the seat post; and swing the rack backwards and under the wheel. Another wish list item that’s starting to tug at the edges of my brain is a drone. If I ever hope to expand my YouTube page, I’ll probably need one. But first, let me earn my pilot’s license! 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 Doohickies August 25, 2024 Wear and Tear August 24, 2024 Start on Empty August 23, 2024 Drone Away August 22, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Wear and Tear

BACK ISSUES, equipment /

Wear and Tear ? Wear and tear seems to catch up with everything, sooner or later. Bicycle chains wear out; tires get worn out; and my panniers are definitely showing wear and tear. Some months ago, one of them was coming apart at the seams. Rather than buy new panniers, I decided to make some repairs. That white dental-floss seam looks kind of weird; but at least I’m getting further use out of the bag. Then, this morning, I saw that one of those panniers has some worn spots on the bottom. They’re small; but are sure to get bigger. How long will it be until they wear through? Now the question is, buy new bags right away; or wait? I know this much: I don’t want to delay the purchase until the bottom of that bag gives way during a ride home from the store! Wear It Out ?‍? Use it up; wear it out; make it do. My mother went very much by that credo; and I still find it hard to shake off. However, there are cases when it’s not the best way to go. Take the aforementioned bicycle chain. A worn chain will wear the gears; and then you’ve got an even bigger (and more costly) repair job on your hands. So keep on top of that chain; don’t wear it out. When it comes to bicycles themselves, I wonder how long my road bike will last. I got it in April 2013; and it has 38,000+ miles on it. How long will it be before daily wear and tear catches up with 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 Wear and Tear August 24, 2024 Start on Empty August 23, 2024 Drone Away August 22, 2024 Siesta August 21, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Drone Away

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Drone Away ? Who wants to listen to someone drone away? It can be most soporific. Like some college professors who go on and on in a monotone; and sound like they aren’t even interested in the subject! But maybe you want to drone away while cycling, so you can record your adventures to enjoy later; or to share them with friends. An X1 Drone with Camera is one possibility. This device weighs under 4.5 ounces, making it easy to pack along. Simple, user-friendly operation means most everybody can use it. You can pre-program flight paths for the X1 Drone with Camera — hover; zoom out; and more. This drone can fly as fast as 15 mph; so I might not be able to ride fast enough to keep up with it! I’ve never tried using a drone before; but this video can help  you get started. I’m certainly not ready to ride one-handed while trying to control an airborne camera, as shown; so I’ll skip it for now. Make More YouTubes? ? A drone of any sort might help me make more YouTubes. I created about eight of them, years ago, using my Canon PowerShot ELPH 180; and I haven’t made any since then. The sound quality of my videos is poor; and except for my very first film, I didn’t know where I’d find a “cameraman”. I had to use a chest strap to hold the camera. On top of that, I didn’t — and still don’t —  know how I’d come up with fresh material for several YouTubes per week; week after week. It’s not as though I were a seasoned coach who has a lot to offer viewers. Neither am I off doing cycling adventures, where I can show new and interesting places. If I can do RAGBRAI next year, maybe I can make some YouTubes from the air — but I must remember that many other riders are sure to have the same idea. That means great potential for numerous mid-air collisions! 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 Drone Away August 22, 2024 Siesta August 21, 2024 New Meaning August 20, 2024 Lost My Touch August 19, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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