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Queen of Hearts

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Queen of Hearts ?   Queen of Hearts would have been a great costume for yesterday’s Mardi Gras celebrations; with or without a FitBit. Today is Valentine’s Day, when a Queen of Hearts outfit would be even more fitting. I’m starting to watch my heart rate again while riding my road bike; but I have an unfortunate tendency to forget to wear my sensor strap. The result is some “heartless” rides! Heart rate training for cyclists is a method of developing strength and speed without getting burned out. From what I see, I seldom reach my maximum heart rate while riding; but then I haven’t been trying to get there! My foot is still a little swollen; and I don’t think it’s quite ready yet for the intense efforts that would let me reach my max heart rate. Too often these days, the height and angle of the sun make seeing my Garmin’s readout screen difficult. There’s too much glare. Should I go back to pre-dawn rides? It’s hard to say. This is the season when the sun is rather low in the sky; and that makes sun-in-my-eyes typical during most rides.  So it can be hard to watch my heart rate while riding. On top of that, I never have figured out how to download my heart rate zones into my Garmin! Therefore I have no idea what my workloads are after any ride. Maybe I need the Queen of Hearts to help me out.    This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL On the Qui Vive February 13, 2024 Pre-Carnival February 12, 2024 Keyed Up Again February 10, 2024 Trigger Finger February 9, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Keyed Up Again

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Keyed Up Again ?️ I’m keyed up again about the upcoming weather. Doesn’t it drive you crazy when that happens repeatedly? This weekend looks to be a repeat of last weekend, with T-storms possible. From which direction will the storms come? I use a compass on my road bike, mostly so I can see when I’m about to turn into a headwind; but that compass doesn’t keep me dry if it starts to pour. It also doesn’t show the barometric reading. I can’t take along my home-made barometer, anyhow; and where would I hang a Fischer Barometer in my apartment? As a renter, I’m not supposed to nail things to the walls! All I can do is watch the forecast; and plan accordingly. NOAA shows that the barometer is dropping; and in fact I can see that on my counter-top rig. So no wonder I’m getting keyed up again. The hour-by-hour forecast doesn’t show rain tomorrow before 10:00 am; but how can I be sure it will wait until then? And will the T-storms delay until then? It’s another case of taking my chances!  This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Trigger Finger February 9, 2024 Wrong Call February 8, 2024 Was the Groundhog Wrong? February 7, 2024 One Hundred Dollars? February 6, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Room and Bored?

BACK ISSUES, equipment /

Room and Bored? ? Sometimes staying indoors much of the day feels like room and bored — even when you hitch your bike into the trainer for an indoor pedaling session. Today I didn’t do even that much; although I did some errands on foot. It was chilly and gray; and the wind felt cutting. Speaking of room, if you own multiple bicycles, storing them can be quite a headache. The StoreYourBoard Freestanding Bike Rack holds up to five bicycles! It has scratch-resistant coating; and PVC-coated hooks that don’t damage the wheels’ rims. Height-adjustable, too — which ought to be useful to a shorty like me. The StoreYourBoard rack holds up to 300 pounds. Use in the home; or in a garage. Even if I adjusted this rack to the lowest height necessary to accommodate my longer bicycle, do I have the strength to lift that bike high enough? I’m not sure. My hybrid probably weights about 35 pounds; and to me, that’s heavy! All the same, this rack is very tempting. It would take up less space than one of my bikes uses now; and since I have just two bicycles, I could hang cycling clothing on the rack instead of more bikes. Gosh, the ideas I do get! See what room and board does to me? “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” “This is a paid link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Room and Bored? February 5, 2024 Holler ‘Nuff February 4, 2024 Sometimes a Gamble Pays February 3, 2024 Prognostication February 2, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Whoo?

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Outdoors /

Whoo? ? Whoo was doing all that hooting around last night? I though it might be a barred owl; but I checked some owl-sound videos. It may have been a great horned owl! For some reason I didn’t think we had them around here; but maybe we do. Birds can produce quite a variety of sounds; so now I wonder which owl I actually heard. It was an owl; that’s beyond doubt. A few times, when I was still riding before daylight, I heard an owl. It was a thrill, every time. Some people think owls sound spooky; but to me hearing them is relaxing. Maybe it’s because those birds’ calls sounds like out in the country — where, I hope, I’d be away from the constant traffic noise of urban dwelling. Whoo-ever that was last night, there was no chance of hearing any “hooters” this morning. I finally took my panniers and rode to the regular supermarket, for the first time since my foot surgery. That meant a certain amount of riding next to traffic; and I guess all that noise keeps owls away. My big hint for grocery runs is, go early if you aren’t comfortable riding alongside heavy motor traffic. Maybe I shouldn’t preach about using lights, as I forgot my tail light this morning! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL Whoo? January 31, 2024 Bicycle Face January 30, 2024 Cozy January 28, 2024 Riding in the Fog January 27, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Cozy

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Cozy ☕️ It would be nice if I could stay cozy during a chilly-day ride. Jackets and other cold-weather clothing go only so far. This morning the temperature was about 53 degrees; and the wind was about 8 mph. It was from the NW; and that meant a headwind at times, and a sidewind at others. Rarely did I have a tailwind.?  So it wasn’t all that cold; but the humidity level is still high. Damp air makes it feel colder; and of course my nose acted up! How to dress for a ride on a day like today? Vest and jacket; leg warmers; and full-fingered gloves, of course. I didn’t need hand warmers today; but if I lived where it got really frigid, Rabbitroom Rechargeable Gloves would be high on my wish list! After I got back home, I needed to keep cozy indoors. Lately I’ve developed the habit of keeping my leg warmers on after I complete a ride. I don’t have central heating; and when my electric heater isn’t putting out hot air, I can get rather chilly. Leg warmers help me keep cozy! 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 Cozy January 28, 2024 Riding in the Fog January 27, 2024 Weather Wary January 26, 2024 Riding in the Rain January 25, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Riding in the Rain

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Riding in the Rain ☔️ Riding in the rain is rather a mixed bag. On the one hand, it can be exhilarating to be out there for a spirited ride during a downpour: “Take that, Mother Nature!” But on the other hand, a rainy ride can be a frustrating, dis-spiriting slog. I’ve been out there on the road bike when it started raining hard; and the wind got nasty. Wind makes the rain seem even harder that it is; and a headwind makes visibility in rain worse — especially if you wear glasses. If you’ve got a strong sidewind, bike control is more difficult; especially when you must ride one-handed while getting a drink of water. More than once I’ve had to stop entirely to get that drink, because the wind was simply too much. All tbat is before we consider the temperature while riding in the rain. Even in hot weather, it can get quite cold in rainy conditions; and in cold weather, it’s downright miserable. My torso might stay somewhat warm, thanks to a cycling jacket and my own physical effort. If I have warming packs, my hands can stay reasonably warm. But the rest of me? Even if I’m wearing a poncho, I get plenty wet; and my leg warmers, socks, and everything else get drenched. I keep saying I ought to try a rain suit; but I’ve never gotten around to buying one. And if there’s lightning? Better stay home, and pedal in the trainer. 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 Riding in the Rain January 25, 2024 Augusta? January 24, 2024 Bumpy Ride January 23, 2024 Wet Week January 22, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Bumpy Ride

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Bumpy Ride? My hybrid has been giving me a rough, bumpy ride the last week or two. There’s been an endless bump-bump-bump as I pedaled along. Today I went to ride some laps around the park; and I finally stopped to look at the tires. They hadn’t seemed to be leaking; but something just wasn’t right. I spotted what looked like a little green spot on the rear tire; and I didn’t dare try to remove it, lest I cause a flat. At that point, I was only halfway through Lap 1; but I decided it was wiser to cut the bumpy ride short and head for the bike shop. It’s a good thing I did! I got there without mishap; and told them what was going on. It turned out the rear tire was quite badly worn; and they said I’d have had a flat for sure if not for the tire liners. I guess it was time for new tires in any case; the ones I had were about 16 month old. While I was at the shop, I got a new tail light. I don’t remember when I got the one that I already had; but I know it’s  old. Even after an overnight charge-up, it doesn’t stay on for long at all. Tomorrow I might get a rough ride because of the weather. There’s a 50% chance of T-storms; and even without that, riding in the rain can get very unpleasant. For one thing, heavy rain wreaks havoc on visibility. Eyeglasses don’t have windshield wipers! 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 Bumpy Ride January 23, 2024 Wet Week January 22, 2024 Watching the barometer January 21, 2024 Torpor January 20, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Torpor

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Torpor “Torpor” certainly describes my state today. This morning the temperature was barely up to freezing; and the wind chill factor was 24 degrees! I couldn’t face up to riding to the salvage store; but I hope I’ll get out for a ride later, after it’s a little bit warmer. I can always hook up my road bike to the trainer; but “riding” in that trainer isn’t at all fun. When I ride outdoors in this cold, I’m prone to using the hybrid; its step-through design makes it easier to mount when I’m bundled up. How should cyclists deal with frigid weather? Naturally that varies a great deal, because we all have very individual tolerances for cold. Some riders might be out there in short-sleeved jerseys and bare legs; and I’ll be wearing leg warmers, a jacket, and a helmet liner! I still haven’t gotten around to digging out my base layer. Part of me wonders what the point would be, thanks to the crazily fluctuating temperatures! Tonight will be another freezing one; but then it will warm up to the mid-60s by Monday afternoon! So what’s the point of keeping a base layer handy? I’ll just keep on with my vest and cycling jackets. And leg warmers and helmet liner. All those clothes don’t keep torpor entirely at bay; but as long as I’m moving, I can keep from freezing. 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 Torpor January 20, 2024 Here It Comes Again January 19, 2024 IS This Winter? January 18, 2024 Bad Vibes? January 17, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Icicle on Wheels?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment /

Icicle on Wheels? Does “icicle on wheels” refer to the bicycle; or to the rider? It could be either; or both. We’ve got a deep freeze on the way. Tuesday night it’s going to drop to the low 20s; and for New Orleans, that’s freakishly cold! I’m not sure I’ll be able to get up the courage to ride Wednesday morning; but if I do, I’ll be an icicle on wheels. It’s not only the low temperature I’ll have to deal with; the wind will be 10-15 mph. That means a chill factor of 12 degrees or lower! I don’t own any super-thermal cycling clothing for riding in super-cold weather; and that means plenty of layers. I’ve got some kind of undershirt around here; and I must dig it out. I’ll want the sleeves from a cycling jacket that I kept when the jacket’s zipper went kaput. My arms get cold easily; and those sleeves are a big help. Hand warmers on such a cold day are a no-brainer; as are heavy gloves. By the time I’m bundled up enough to go out, I might not be able to move! In addition to the low temperatures, rain is likely Monday night. The forecast doesn’t mention sleet; but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. A little sleet shuts down this entire city! It’s so rare that people don’t know how to drive in it; and the overpasses don’t do anything to help in such weather. Low tonight, 47 degrees. I’d better ride tomorrow; and Tuesday, too, if I can. Then come Wednesday, I can stay in if necessary. I don’t want to turn into an icicle on wheels. 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 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Summer in January January 12, 2024 Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Summer in January

BACK ISSUES, equipment /

Summer in Janurary We’ve got Summer in January. It’s 75 degrees this afternoon! Have we swapped places with Australia? I’ll want one of these Mission Cooling Neck Gaiters if this keeps up; but it looks like we don’t have to worry about that. By 3 pm or so, the temperature is supposed to start falling; and then it’s down to 37 degrees tonight. Apparently our weather can’t decide which season this is. I wish it would; and then we wouldn’t have to keep clothes for both hot weather and cold weather lying all over the place. Summer in January is a nuisance! With temperatures in the 30s, I’m going to want hand warmers for the ride to the salvage store tomorrow. Thank goodness the wind is expected to die down; or I’d have a tough time of it. Right now we’re getting gusts up to 28 mph! Tomorrow, cold-weather gear will definitely be my clothing of choice: leg warmers; helmet liner; heavy gloves; probably two jackets; and thermal socks. And the aforementioned hand warmers! It will be a little warmer Sunday, although still cold. Maybe it’s time to push my distance up 15 miles now? The effort would warm me up; except for — perhaps you can guess — my nose. But at least that tells me that Summer in January is over. 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 Pedal or Walk? January 11, 2024 Swiss Cheese? January 10, 2024 Bucking the Wind January 9, 2024 Holding My Breath Again! January 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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