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I Took the Plunge!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

I Took the Plunge! ?? I took the plunge! This morning, I registered for RAGBRAI! I also signed up for the PBV (aka Pork Belly Ventures) charter service; and even booked my hotel room for the last night in Iowa before I fly home. It might be too early to book air travel; but that’s on my to-do list for the coming days. Ditto for Bikeflights; and maybe some kind of travel insurance. I’m not quite sure I’ll need it in addition to my regular medical insurance. I took the plunge; and now I’m working on my shopping list. Also, on my packing list. There’s a certain amount of equipment that I’ll need; and it’s amazing how many everyday things I use that I might easily forget. When those items are easy to access at home, I don’t think about them. The Equipment ?️ So, to gather the equipment. I already got a sleeping pad; but I don’t yet have a sleeping bag.  The pad that I have lacks a pillow; but I can take a pillow case and stuff it with clothes. I got one of those quick-dry microfiber towels; and I think I’ll get a washcloth, too. I’ll want to be sure I can clean off the sunblock at a day’s end! There are all those day-to-day things that, as mentioned, I don’t even think about: toothpaste; shampoo; and so on. PBV provides soap and towels with their showers; but I want to bring my own to insure that I have fragrance-free products. Oh, and don’t forget to buy a duffle bag! They say the 40-liter size is good for RAGBRAI. I just might be able to use it as a carry-on; it depends on how easily I can lift the loaded bag over my head! While I’m collecting the equipment, I must keep riding. So far the training plan for RAGBRAI 2025 doesn’t seem to have been published; but last year’s plan gives me some guidelines. After all, I took the plunge; and I want to do all I can to ensure a great First 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 ✍? I Took the Plunge! February 6, 2025 Edging Closer February 5, 2025 What Hills? February 4, 2025 Rikki Tikki Tavi February 3, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Sunshine

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Sunshine ? Yesterday it was snowing; today we’ve got sunshine. If you’re going to be outdoors for more than a short time, don’t forget sunblock and sunglasses. No sense in letting yourself go snow-blind. The temperature is still freezing; and for the next three nights the lows will go below freezing. Afternoons will be int the 40s for the next two days; and I suppose we can expect considerable melting and refreezing of our snow. It’s still cold enough that the sunshine probably won’t melt off the snow right away. The streets and sidewalks will be hazardous; and how can anyone ride a bicycle in that slush? How do you steer? I think I’d find it hard to make any headway at all! In some areas, where weather like this is par for the course during Winter, I’m sure plenty of cyclists can manage. I don’t feel ready to tackle it, unless I could find a fat-tire bicycle to rent.  Eye on the Weekend ?️ I’ve got my eye on the weekend; but not with any notions of doing an epic ride. I want to visit the salvage store; but a lot depends on whether the snow and ice have melted off by then.  I’m especially concerned about the possibility of “black ice”. That stuff is super-treacherous; it can send you it skid before you even see it. Or, if you’re on foot, you can find yourself flat on your back before you know what’s happening! Friday night’s low temperature will be just below freezing, which makes riding to the store Saturday look doubtful, even in sunshine. But I’m keeping an eye on the weekend, and I hope I can go for a real ride on Sunday! Pedaling in the trainer is driving me crazy. 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 ✍? Sunshine January 22, 2025 It’s Snowing!! January 21, 2025 We All Scream? January 20, 2025 Last Chance? January 19, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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We All Scream?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

We All Scream? ❄️ ? We all scream for ice cream? Maybe; but I sure would not want to be eating ice cream at an outdoor café today! Nor within the next few days, either. We’ve got snow predicted for tomorrow; and it will continue to be very cold for several days afterwards. We all scream for hand warmers! Chilly Day Plans ✍? What are your chilly day plans? In a while, I think I’ll hook my bicycle into the trainer, so I can do some pedaling. I’d like to go out for a real ride; but the wind is still 15 mph, with gusts up to 23 mph. The chill factor is below freezing! If we had cold weather like this all Winter every year, I’d need to learn how to deal with riding in it; but we usually don’t have temperatures this low for more than one day at a time. Even low temperatures would be bearable for short rides if it weren’t for the wind. Yesterday it was blowing so hard that I could hardly control my bike! My chilly day plans are to stay indoors if I can. It gets very tedious, though; I’m used to more action than that! I guess we all scream to go for a 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 ✍? We All Scream? January 20, 2025 Last Chance? January 19, 2025 In and Out January 18, 2025 On the watch January 17, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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In and Out

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

In and Out ↔️ I was in and out the weather window this morning, you might say. When I started out for the salvage store, it was gray and drizzling. After I had gone a mile or so, the drizzle had dwindled to a sprinkle. It’s a good thing I rode to the store when I did! While waiting for the doors to open, I looked towards the West; and thought, Hey, is that rain that I see? It sure was! In a minute or two, it had reached the store; and for a while it rained hard. I was a bit worried about riding back home in a deluge. Fortunately, the worst of the rain was over by the time I left the store; and it didn’t get bad as I was riding home. So you could say that I was in and out the weather window!  What about Tomorrow? ☀️ So, what about tomorrow? I’ll want to get some miles in while I can, especially as today’s mileage wasn’t even 12. I was just toying with the idea of going to ride some laps around the park, when the bike shop called about the Garmin. They close at 3 pm on Saturdays; and aren’t there Sundays and Mondays. From the sound of the weather forecasts, everything might be shut down Tuesday; so I hiked over to the shop. Might as well go while I can! Long story short, the Garmin might need an upgrade. Let’s see whether I can figure out how to do it! Now that I’m back from the shop; and had something to eat; it’s 3:30 pm; and the forecast shows rain in the next hour or so. I think I’ve had enough precipitation for the day. Rain isn’t expected tomorrow; but the wind will be strong enough to make riding tough. I might have to ride indoors; or at least do part of my mileage that way.  Monday and Tuesday will be frigid, with chill factors well below freezing. When you don’t have polar-grade thermal underwear and heated socks for your bicycle rides, that gets downright miserable.  Tuesday could see snow! With rain and snow showers predicted, I’d better not try to ride outside. But before all that, what about tomorrow? I hope I can ride in and out of the weather windows again. 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 ✍? In and Out January 18, 2025 On the watch January 17, 2025 Getting to Know Winter January 16, 2025 Is Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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On the watch

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

On the Watch ? I’m on the watch now. Not even the most sophisticated fitness watch can substitute for bracing against the weather impact that’s headed our way. I’ve been getting ready: checking to be sure the pipes under all sinks are wrapped; seeing to it that the outdoor faucet is insulated; and being sure that I’ve got a good supply of drinking water. Once the cold weather arrives, I’ll have to be on the watch for possible icy conditions on the streets. I probably won’t want to go anywhere; but if I do need to travel, extra caution is warranted. My major concern is that I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled for next Wednesday; and the entire city might be shut down if there’s any snow. This afternoon it doesn’t seem possible that we’ll soon have sub-freezing temperatures! Beginning Sunday night, it will be at or below the freezing point for several nights in a row. That’s all but unheard of for New Orleans; and makes me think of the notorious Year without a Summer. Pooh Bear ? Pooh Bear sure said it — cold toes are a big problem when outdoors in cold weather, on the bike or off. Of course I notice that poor Pooh Bear was barefooted (or should I say bearfooted?); so naturally his toes were getting colder and colder! I bet Piglet’s feet were no warmer than Pooh’s. Maybe I should try tucking hand warmers into my socks, just above my ankles. Or do they make socks that you can plug in; something similar to Rabbitroom Gloves? If I do go out for a ride in subfreezing weather, I’ll have to be on the watch for frostbite; and that’s just one more thing to plague my mind. Maybe I should simply stay indoors! 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 watch January 17, 2025 Getting to Know Winter January 16, 2025 Is Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Another Onslaught January 14, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Getting to Know Winter

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Getting to Know Winter ❄️ It looks like we’ll start getting to know Winter next week; so I’d better keep the hot chocolate mix ready! Sunday night the temperature will drop like a stone, as the saying goes. Wind gusts could be as strong as 30 mph; and that will result in a chill factor far below freezing. There might even be a little snow! For us, that’s a major thrill; but I don’t think I’ll want to ride in it. The danger will be icy-slick spots that are hard to see; and on top of that, can I dress warmly enough? Getting to know Winter involves many factors! How Should I Dress? ? So, how should I dress for a ride in extreme (for me) cold? My hands and feet are always a problem: even with double socks (including one pair of thermal socks), my feet end up feeling like blocks of wood. Hand warmers are helpful; but often my fingers still feel chilled. Of course, I’m familiar with layering; but if snow showers means mostly rain, all of those layers might get wet through. That, plus the wind we’re expecting, could mean I’ll get very cold; perhaps dangerously so. I could wear a poncho; but in a strong wind, a poncho flaps all around; and tugs at me; and makes bike control tricky.  Not to mention the problems of a hyperactive schnozzle. Does everybody have that problem? If so, what do they do about it? Does a balaclava help? Getting to know Winter might mean trying out some new gear! 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 ✍? Getting to Know Winter January 16, 2025 Is Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Another Onslaught January 14, 2025 Overload January 13, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Is Perception Reality?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Is Perception Reality? ? Is perception reality? I’m not sure; but it would be great if perception were reality! Too bad these Ray-Ban Sunglasses don’t let me see what’s real! Today I seemed to be riding more strongly when I went out on the road bike; but without my Garmin, I couldn’t be sure whether that were really the case. Maybe I felt like that only because I rode the much-heavier hybrid yesterday; and I could sense the weight difference. So — is perception reality?  Shivering! ? It looks like we’ll be doing some big-time shivering next week. A text from my sister-in-law mentioned that New Orleans might get snow showers next Tuesday. Such weather is almost unheard-of for us; but if it happens, I don’t think I’ll dare try to ride outdoors. In fact, I might not go outside at all! I haven’t got the right kind of tires for riding in snow/icy conditions. I don’t have cleats for my sneakers; so walking on icy sidewalks is asking for trouble. Even if icy precipitation doesn’t materialize, hand warmers might not keep my paws warm outdoors, unless I use several pairs of them: one set in the palms of my hands; and another to heat up the backs of my hands. And, no matter how much I bundle up, I’m still likely to be shivering. Is perception reality when it comes to just how cold it is? Not always! The forecast predicts strong winds along with next week’s low temperatures; and the chill factor will be something fierce! 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 Perception Reality? January 15, 2025 Another Onslaught January 14, 2025 Overload January 13, 2025 Dead? January 12, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Dead?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Dead? ?  Oh, dear — is my Garmin dead? This morning, it wouldn’t turn on. I thought I might have let it run down; after all, I hadn’t used it for several days. If I forgot to turn it off after my last ride, of course it wouldn’t have any charge left. I tried plugging it in so it could get recharged; and when I do that, the Garmin normally beeps. This time, it didn’t. I experimented with various cable/plug combinations, to no avail. After a few minutes, I gave it up for the time being; and rode without my usual screen. It was a weird feeling; but there was no point in taking along a dead bicycle computer. It’s good thing I’ve done today’s route a number of times before; and I knew how many miles it was. I could only estimate my ride time; but I knew it was roughly two hours. What Next? ⏭️ What next? And I don’t mean the latest addition to my ride-food menu. What’s going to break down next? My chest freezer conked out about six weeks ago; and it’s not even two years old. It would cost less to buy a new one than to repair the “old” one. Now my Garmin isn’t working; and I hope my road bike doesn’t bite the dust next! If it did, should I get another road bike; or a touring bicycle? A touring bike might not make too much sense unless I know I’m going to do a lot of bicycle touring; and I don’t think that’s likely to happen. On the other hand, you never know what’s next! 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 ✍? Easing Up? January 11, 2025 Trashed? January 10, 2025 Here Comes the Freeze January 7, 2025 Hibernation January 6, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Something Is Rotten

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Something Is Rotten? ? It seems that something is rotten; and I’m not talking about the State of Denmark. I’m having trouble with my laptop; and it’s making it impossible for me to work on my Store. I wasn’t sure whether the problem was with the website itself; or my laptop’s system. Long story short, it might be several days before I can get things ironed out; so no wonder I think that something is rotten. Maybe ice cream will make me feel better, emotionally if not physically. I really do not need to be eating ice cream, candy, and so on. I’m continuing to work at minimizing such treats. Something to think about as we head into 2025! Frozen ? As if computer prohlems weren’t enough, my gears got frozen this morning; and I have no idea why. I had to stop pretty suddenly; and I was on the big ring. When I tried to turn the pedals by hand to get back on the small ring, they refused to budge. It took me a good 10 minutes of struggling to move the chain by hand before I could get moving again. Incidentally, that showed me that I need a good chain-cleaning system; that supposedly clean + lube stuff doesn’t seem to clean. Or am I using too little of it? So tomorrow I’ve got to ask the bike shop what might have made those gears get frozen. And I’ve got to get a chain-cleaning kit. I used to have one years ago; and switched to the self-cleaning lube because I didn’t know where I could dispose of dirty, oily water. I’m glad my fingers didn’t get frozen as I was working; and it’s going to be on the warm side again tomorrow.  It looks like New Year’s Eve will be foggy; but that won’t stop folks from getting out there with the firecrackers. I stay home and away from all that noise and commotion. I want to save my energy for a January 1 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 ✍? Something Is Rotten December 30, 2024 Rev It Up December 29, 2024 Rein in the Rain December 28, 2024 70K! December 27, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Rein in the Rain

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Rein in the Rain ?️ I wish there were a way to rein in the rain. Even with a poncho, riding in the rain still gets me pretty wet. It’s not only the getting wet; if the weather is at all cool, wet leg warmers feel like no leg warmers. My poncho’s sleeves aren’t full length; and my jacket sleeves get wet from the elbow down. And, if it’s warm weather, a poncho feels smothery! Thank goodness there was someone to rein in the rain as I rode to the salvage store this morning. But the sky was gray; and as I rode, I began to hear thunder. That made me uneasy; especially as it seemed to be getting closer! Backtracking ? The thunder continued to grumble as I waited for the store to open; and I heard more thunder as I shopped. All I could do was to hope that it would pass before I left the store.  I found Alani bars that I can use as ride food; but not the medium cheddar cheese that I wanted. I would have liked to find additional ride food; but maybe next Saturday I’ll be luckier. When it came time for backtracking to home, the shower had stopped; but all the same I got into the poncho. It’s a good thing I did! Nobody did anything to rein in the rain during this leg of my trip; and there were some bands of heavy precipitation. I’m glad they didn’t last long; and I’m glad I’m not backtracking right now! Since I got home, the forecast is saying there’s the possibility of severe T-storms. Now I’ve got one ear cocked for the severe weather alert on my cell phone. Sometimes these predictions don’t come true; but sometimes they do!   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 ✍? Rein in the Rain December 28, 2024 70K! December 27, 2024 Sparring? December 26, 2024 Merry Christmas 2024! December 25, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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