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Tic Tac Toe?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Tic Tac Toe? ? Is our weather playing tic tac toe? The forecast predicts three consecutive days of extreme heat! Heat advisories have been going into effect at 10:00 am almost daily. I try to be home from cycling by then; but for now I don’t want to start before it’s fully daylight. My helmet-mounted headlight died; and my backup light can’t be put on my helmet. The light’s bungee won’t fit around the road bike’s handlebars. It’s a good thing I planned shorter, easier rides for this week! If I have to be outdoors, a Solar Fan Hard Hat would be a great addition to my cool rag. This helmet doesn’t seem to be intended for cycling. It doesn’t even have a chin strap; but that built-in, solar-powered fan sounds great. It could keep my head cool while the cool rag keeps my neck from overheating. When the weather plays tic tac toe with the hot days, we need to be prepared! Keep up the Pressure? ? Keep up the pressure?! Who enjoys being under pressure? Let’s look at it this way: we need to keep up the pressure in our bicycles’ tires. A Pro Bike Tool Pump is good for that; especially when you’re on the road, and carrying a floor pump is impractical. The Pro Bike Tool Pump can be used for both Presta and Schrader valves; and can reach 100 psi. Good for road bikes; BMX; and MTBs. Despite being tired of broiling hot weather, I hope the atmosphere will keep up the pressure for a while. It looks like we’ve got high air pressure; and that should help keep that new tropical disturbance away. They say that the recent heat dome is what kept Debby away. If it’s going to reach 100 degrees, I’d rather not have it when the electricity has been knocked 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 How Much Longer August 5, 2024 Plan for Heat August 4, 2024 I Got off Cheap August 3, 2024 Everything in Its Place August 2, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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August Already?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Personal Care /

August Already? ?️ It’s August already?! Where did 2024 go? August means that it’s almost back-to-school time. Locally, school begins on August 12. Until then, there’s still time for some fun in the sun; and that means sunblock. Alba Botanica Kids Sunscreen is broad spectrum, SPF 50; and hypoallergenic. Tested by pediatricians; and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Alba Botanica Kids Sunscreen has a tropical fruit scent; is 100% vegetarian; and water resistant. A good addition to your family’s personal care arsenal. Of course, don’t forget sun protection for yourself. KINeSYS SPF 50 is a clear spray for sensitive skin. Broad spectrum; hypoallergenic; and provides UVA/UVB protection. Available in Fragrance Free (shown);  Kids SPF 30; and others.  When School Starts ? ? ✏️ When school starts, I’ll be very glad that I’m no longer trying to get to work amidst crazy get-to-school traffic! How will your kids get to their classes? I hope they can safely walk, or ride a bicycle. When I was a kid, I had no option other than the school bus; and I wish now I could have ridden a bicycle; or at least walked. And in Grades 1-8, the only lunch option was the school cafeteria. I would’ve been much happier if I could have carried my own lunch! So when school starts, I hope there’s a bike bus on a safe route; with little or no motor traffic. For short distances, a safe sidewalk can let your kids walk if they don’t want to cycle.   My August Plan ✍? My August plan has nothing to do with school; and the more I hear about school these days, the gladder I am that I needn’t worry about it.  So what is my August plan? Keep riding, for sure; and work towards possibly doing RAGBRAI 2025! Would I do better if I actually wrote down a training plan? Maybe; but I do keep some notes about my daily rides. One year I tried a pre-printed training diary, with the idea that it might make it easier for me to keep said notes better organized. Was I wrong; my notes were as disorganized as ever! And a regular spiral notebook has bigger pages, anyhow. Today I worked to keep my heart rate in Zone 2. I think I might be spending too much time in Zone 4; and perhaps that’s why I’m not getting any faster. We’ve got to avoid burnout! 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 August Already? August 1, 2024 Am I Old? July 31, 2024 I Did the Split July 30, 2024 New Approach July 29, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Am I Old?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Am I Old? ??? Am I old? That depends on what you mean by “old”. I remember when 25 seemed unimaginably old; and here I am, with age 25 far behind in the rearview mirror. That doesn’t mean I can’t ride; and in fact, I began after I was 50! But fast? I seem to be stuck at 11-12 mph. Maybe I need to put in more really, really easy rides, so my muscles can recover. Other factors make me ask, am I old? I don’t have arthritic wrists; but I’ve had trouble with bunions. Good thing my shoes don’t bother me much while I’m actually pedaling! Too Old for Cycling? ? But too old for cycling? No way! If you’re an older beginner; and have concerns about balance; a MOPHOTO Adult Folding Tricycle is a possible solution. Maybe I would have been better off with a MOPHOTO when I was starting out. The trike I bought was a single-speed; and the MOPHOTO has seven speeds. At the time, however, I did not forsee that I would become interested in long-distance rides! Getting back to age, you’re never too  old for cycling. One of the many RAGBRAI YouTubes I watched included a brief conversation with a rider who was in his late 90s! So — am I old? Compared to him, I’m still a kid. 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 Am I Old? July 31, 2024 I Did the Split July 30, 2024 New Approach July 29, 2024 Frozen July 28, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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I Did the Split

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

I Did the Split ?? Today I finally did the split ride that I planned over a week ago. First, I hung the panniers on the hybrid, and took a trip to Walmart. There really wasn’t much that I needed; but the drug store doesn’t seem to have any cool rags. I think it’s a good idea to have an extra one handy. I can use them alternately; or I can put away the new one in case I get to do RAGBRAI next year. The countdown has already begun! After I got home from the store, I went out on the road bike. I did only a short ride (under 11 miles), as it was getting hot; with a heat advisory starting at 11:00 am. But a double ride now and then doesn’t hurt.  And can I say, I did the split in the gym? Not anymore, I can’t! Showing my age, I guess. Heat Index ? The heat index has shot upwards again. Otherwise, I might have stayed out longer on the road bike! We’re all tired of heat; and I do get weary of slathering on the sunblock! I like it when it’s just cool enough for long sleeves and leg warmers; then I need sunblock only for my face.       Sun sleeves do help keep you cooler. When I rode to Walmart, it was still quite early; and already 80-some degrees. Naturally I got quite sweaty during the ride; and so, of course, did my sun sleeves. While I was in the store, my arms were getting downright cold! I’ll be glad when the heat index goes down. How much longer until that day? We’ve still got August and September, at least! 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 New Approach July 29, 2024 Frozen July 28, 2024 Success! July 27, 2024 Wait Til Morning July 26, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Frozen

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Food /

Frozen ? Nobody likes to get frozen. So hand warmers come in handy during frigid weather. If the rest of me is chilled through, at least I can keep my fingers warm. But what do I do in this hot weather?  A number of sources that I’ve read say, get cool fluid if possible. Cool liquids are absorbed more easily by the body; but when it’s been hot for weeks, my cold tap produces only warm water! Last Thursday, I though of something else that I had read: to freeze your electrolyte drink the night before a ride. I tried it; and it did keep my drink cooler for a while. I think I’ll keep on doing it; that is, if there’s room in the freezer. Last night there wasn’t! Different Kind of Ride ? I did a different kind of ride today. Instead of putting in long miles on the road bike, I did a shorter ride on the hybrid. There was a 50% chance of rain, so I wanted to take along the poncho; and I also wanted to stop at the ATM. I thought the hybrid was better for that, because I could use the trunk. So there I was, with Camel-Bak and a bike trunk. I did consider shooting for 25 miles; but on the hybrid I’m slower, because it’s heavier than the road bike. On top of that, I didn’t feel like hurrying today; and I became concerned that I would run short of water if I pushed for 25 miles. I have no handlebar bag for the hybrid, and I had to stop and dismount every time I wanted a bite to eat. That’s definitely a different kind of ride! On top of all that, it was getting very hot. It was already about 84 degrees when I set out around 7:30 am; and of course the temperature kept climbing. So I decided to leave the ride early. Now — where’s those T-storms they were talking about?   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 Frozen July 28, 2024 Success! July 27, 2024 Wait Til Morning July 26, 2024 Second Guessing July 25, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Shoo In

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Shoo In? ? It would be great if every new shoe were a shoo in! But that doesn’t always happen; and we have to work through the tight-new-shoes spell that often comes with new footwear. We hope that this doesn’t result in blisters; but if it does, Orajel 3X helps relieve the pain. I hope that I won’t need any such measures; I’m going to start using the new shoes I bought not long before my bunion surgery. They weren’t exactly a shoo in: when I bought them, the bunion made them painful to wear. I reasoned that I would be able to tolerate the shoes once my foot was fully recovered after the surgery. That sure took a long time! For weeks, I didn’t even try them on.  But today I tried again; and I can wear them without too much discomfort. In the Nick ⏱️ Being able to tolerate those new cycling shoes has come in the nick of time. For about a week, my left foot has been coming unclipped on its own; and today, for the last few miles, I couldn’t get it to clip in at all. I figured I needed new cleats; and I hope the pedals themselves aren’t worn out. They’re about 12 years old; so that’s not impossible. Then I looked at the shoe soles. The left one is starting to come to pieces! That shouldn’t be a surprise, as those cycling shoes must be at least three years old. So I wore the new pair indoors for a while; and they feel much better than they used to. Maybe now they’ll be a shoo in. 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 Shoo In July 8, 2024 Off the Hook July 7, 2024 RAGBRAI Equipment July 6, 2024 RAGBRAI with Diabetes July 5, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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RAGBRAI Equipment

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

RAGBRAI Equipment ? When it comes to RAGBRAI equipment, I wish I had a crystal ball to tell me exactly what I’ll need. Packing too much isn’t good; but neither do you want to omit something that you really need. Take along a tent? That depends. If you use, say, Pork Belly Ventures, you don’t need to lug one along. If I ride RAGBRAI next year, that’s what I plan to do. Especially as a first-timer (“virgin”, as RAGBRAI newbies are called), I don’t want to have the hassle of setting up a camp each night. What other RAGBRAI equipment is there? Plenty, as I’ve been finding out!  Charger blocks, for one thing. There are many available; and I don’t know one from the other. ? Packing Your Bag ? OK, so your’re packing your bag for RAGBRAI. What all to take? Let’s suppose you’re using a charter service, and don’t need to pack a tent. But what else? Some items are easy to forget, because we use them daily without a thought; and they’re always there (for example, shampoo). There are things that are easy to forget because we don’t need them in day-to-day at-home life; and we don’t think about them! That’s why a packing list is so important. And don’t forget to check it twice! Last year’s RAGBARI was unusually hot; but the event a year or two previously saw cooler-than-usual temperatures. Some nights got down into the 50s! So you’ll likely want a sleeping bag. But suppose it does get as hot as RAGBRAI L? A personal fan or cooling towel helps to keep your body temperature down a bit. What else?  There are too many items to list here; but I’d say that keeping comfortable is high on the list. When packing your bag, don’t forget that! L 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 RAGBRAI Equipment July 6, 2024 RAGBRAI with Diabetes July 5, 2024 Happy Fourth!! July 4, 2024 Green Light July 3, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Glutes and Quads

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Glutes and Quads ? Glutes and quads are important for the cyclist. No, I’m not suggesting that we take up ballet; but it seems to me that these exercises ought to be helpful. Incidentally, if we did start ballet classes, I bet we’d need TONS of hamstring stretches. We hear all the time that cycling causes the hamstrings to shorten and tighten; and that wreaks havoc on extension!  Fit Simplify bands are good for this sort of thing. They come in five different weights, from X-Light to X-Heavy. You can progress from one weight to the next as you strengthen your glutes and quads. Handy storage bag included. Building Back Up ? I’m building back up now; or trying to. Today I used the road bike; and put in 12.4 miles. I did some efforts at pedaling 15 mph or over; but made them much shorter than usual.  When you’re building back up, you need to rein yourself in a little! Unfortunately, I forgot to wear my heart-rate strap. That’s what comes of using the hybrid several days in a row! Also, I don’t have a FitBit; so I can’t be sure exactly what my heart rate was. How did my hand do? I could hold the handlebar on the hoods without aggravating it; but using the brifter is still uncomfortable. It’s a good thing I wasn’t shifting gears all the 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 Glutes and Quads June 28, 2024 I Wanna Ride! June 27, 2024 Tired of Sitting June 26, 2024 Big Uneasy June 25, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Big Uneasy

BACK ISSUES, equipment /

BIG UNEASY ? New Orleans is the Big UNeasy this time of year. With hurricane season in progress, we’re on tenterhooks! Who know when a bad storm might head our way? In case one does, an Emergency Crank Weather Radio is a good tool to have; especially if you stay in town. It would be great if you could charge it up by hooking it to a bicycle! For less  powerful hurricanes, staying put means avoiding the crush of evacuating; although an electricity outage is all but certain . No using laptops and cell phones except in an emergency; and probably no getting out to ride for at least a few days. How tedious! But we don’t always know until quite late how bad a storm might be. To go, or to stay? No wonder we’re the Big Uneasy! On top of that, fleeing for every hurricane that comes near can lead to evacuation fatigue. Scram ?? For a storm above Category 2, it’s probably better to get out; aka scram. I’m tempted to think that it would be fun to make the evacuation a bicycle tour; but I’d have to leave town at least a week prior to expected landfall. Plus, I don’t know of a safe way to do it. Riding a bicycle along a busy interstate highway is suicidal! And I don’t have a touring bicycle such as the SixThreeZero, either; but the hybrid that I already have ought to suffice. The SixThreeZero does have seven speeds, and a built-in rack. But that soft foam saddle? I’d want something firmer, especially if I needed to trek several hundred miles. If only there were a way to make a hurricane scram! Then I could stay put; and continue to train for next year’s RAGBRAI. 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 Big Uneasy June 25, 2024 When You’re Broiling June 24, 2024 Camel Or Not? June 23, 2024 Loose Change? June 22, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Loose Change?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Loose Change? ¢ Penny-Farthing makes me think of loose change. It also makes me think that riding one at all takes some doing. And riding a penny-farthing all the way across the USA? Wow! Although a solid-tire bicycle won’t need a pump! Danny Davis rides to raise autism awareness; and also to get special bikes to special kids. My nephew is on the autism spectrum, so this is interesting to me. I myself have Asperger’s; but didn’t know it until well into adulthood! Oh, and loose change?  Maybe it’s a good thing a penny-farthing isn’t loose change; or it would probably fall apart as you’re riding it! As to the penny, don’t throw your pennies away. They add up! Can’t Wait to Ride! ?? I can’t wait to ride again — really ride, I mean. Easy pedaling around the park isn’t much riding, although it’s better than nothing at all. This morning I bummed a ride to the salvage store, because I don’t think my hand is ready for me to be riding alongside a 3-lane highway. I might need to make some sudden moves and/or do hard braking; and that still doesn’t feel good. When I can get back to my usual cycling, I’ll start working to increase my daily distances; and leave pace development on the shelf for a bit. They say it’s better not to try to work on both increased mileage and greater speed at the same time. It will take at least a few day for me to get back into the groove, anyway.  But I miss riding; and I can’t wait to ride again!  

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