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Weather Plans

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Weather Plans ☔️ How can I make weather plans? Who can control the weather? Often enough, I’ve wished that I could control the weather. If that were possible, it wouldn’t rain during the day; and the wind would always be calm. There would never be heat advisories by 10 am, either.  I’ve got to make some weather plans for this week! The long-term forecast predicts heavy rain and even T-storms for the day after tomorrow — wouldn’t you know, the day that I plan to ride my bicycle to a doctor’s appointment. Alternatives ↔️ I’d better have some alternatives lined up, in case I can’t ride Tuesday morning. Not that I need to make a huge deal about it. If the weather is really bad — namely, if there’s a lot of lightning — I’ll just call a cab to go to my appointment. The distance is less than three miles by my bicycle route; so a cab shouldn’t cost too much. If it comes to taking a cab to get there, I can take public transit back home. Life Behind Bars means weather plans and alternatives. For example, if it’s pouring, do you go out anyway; or ride indoors? If the former, what’s the best rain gear for you? In cold weather, how do you dress? There are other times when alternatives must be considered. What other route can you take if your usual path is closed? What to take along as ride food? It’s hard to get out and ride when it’s pouring; so I always hope that I’ll get clear weather! That’s especially true of rides long enough that I’ll be eating on the bike. I don’t want my ride food to get wet!   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 Weather Plans November 17, 2024 Storm Weary November 16, 2024 Brief Fall November 14, 2024 With New Eyes November 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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With New Eyes

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

With New Eyes 👀 Now I’m seeing the world with new eyes; although not through Celestron Binoculars . I got my new eyeglasses today. This time, I got the transitional lenses; but I can’t say yet how well they respond to bright sunlight. The sky was overcast when I walked over to the optical shop. Those Celestron Binoculars would let me see things with new eyes, I’ll bet. They’re great for astronomy; and also for bird-watching. My Personal Feed Zone 🍽️ I’m looking at my personal feed zone with new eyes, too: this morning I had my session with the dietician. We discussed my exercise habits and my calorie needs; watching carb intake; and so on. Carb-wise, this dietician says the same thing as the sports nutritionist of several years ago. Limit total carbs to 200 grams per day. That might sound like a lot; but many a day I ride for almost two hours, sometimes more; and the exercising body’s preferred fuel is glycogen. Of course we talked about protein intake; and I’ve got to limit “sat fat”, as I call saturated fat. The dietician gave me some material about smart shopping and meal planning. I told them about some of the recipes I invented. Often I wish my personal feed zone could include more items from Feed Zone Portables. I’ve tried making rice cakes; but I think I did something wrong. Too much cook water for the rice, maybe. My cakes came out sticky and gummy; and too soft for on-bike use.  Repeated appointments this week are cutting into my cycling time; and the weather hasn’t been the most cooperative. But it’s clearing up; and tomorrow night it will start to really feel like Fall. 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 With New Eyes November 13, 2024 What I’m Made Of November 12, 2024 Your Little Foot November 11, 2024 Gray and Warm November 10, 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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Flashback?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

Flashback? 💥 Ever have a flashback? Maybe our subconscious minds think we need more spice in our lives! I’ve been retired for well over a year; and have very seldom dreamed about being back at work. Then this morning, I shut off the alarm clock; and fell back asleep. The ensuing dream was quite nightmarish! It wasn’t about crashing my bicycle, either. I was trying to clock out at tne end of the day; something we could do at our desks. Suddenly I couldn’t remember how to do it; and my computer screen showed what looked like something out of a Far Side comic. I couldn’t get it to close; and suspected malware. Time was flying; and I just wanted to go home! .Some flashback that was. I’m glad it wasn’t real! Big Difference ◑ What a big difference there is between our weather; and conditions in the northeastern Gulf! Hurricane Helene continues to plow towards Florida; but here it’s a clear day. Maybe I’m suffering a flashback to previous hurricanes, because I’m still a bit apprehensive about Helene! There’s more breeze today than we’ve been getting; and I decided to take the hybrid for some casual laps around the park. Riding easily for a day once a week is good recovery; and I thought it would be better to take it easy today, anyway. Yesterday I had the second part of my radiofrequency ablation, and my leg still feels rather sore. Oh, I forgot — do you want the buzz of coffee before a ride; but don’t have time to enjoy a cup? That’s It Coffee Bars to the rescue! Try Double Espresso (shown); Mocha; Vaniilla; or the Variety Pack. 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 Flashback? September 26, 2024 Get Corny September 25, 2024 Still Nervous September 24, 2024 Not so Belle? September 23, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Get Corny

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

Get Corny! 🌽 I decided to get corny today; and I don’t mean those nasty things that appear on the toes sometimes. Many a video about RAGBRAI mentions corn on the cob; and if I do RAGBRAI, I’ll want to have it at least once. But if I wanted to know how well I’ll tolerate riding on such a food, I had to try it. That meant that I had to get corny; and try eating an ear of corn before this morning’s ride. It went OK; but I admit that I prefer a banana and peanut butter as a pre-ride snack. I also don’t know how big the RAGBRAI “ears” are! The ear that I ate today was six inches long; but I might find something much bigger up there in Iowa! With so much other food along the RAGBRAI route, will I even have enough room for the whole thing? Still Wary 👀 I’m still wary about Hurricane Helene. Hurricanes are nothing to get corny about! The storm’s predicted path hasn’t changed; but I don’t dare relax until she goes ashore. You never know what a hurricane might do! Things are going to be a bit breezy here tomorrow and Friday; and I don’t know whether or not we can thank the hurricane for that. I think I”ll ride in the park tomorrow; and use the hybrid. This afternoon I had the second part of my radiofrequency ablation; and although the doctor gave me the green light to ride, I might not want to fight the wind on top of the levee! 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 Get Corny September 25, 2024 Still Nervous September 24, 2024 Not so Belle? September 23, 2024 Cramming September 22, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR 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 Get Corny September 25, 2024 Still Nervous September 24, 2024 Not so Belle? September 23, 2024 Cramming September 22, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Cramming

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

Cramming 📘 Looks like I might need to do some cramming in the next few days. I don’t mean last minute, frantic studying prior to a final exam; nor stuffing myself with food. A new system has developed off of Central America; and it has the potential to affect the northern Gulf coast later this week. Therefore I want to get in all the riding I can, in case I can’t ride after Wednesday or Thursday. Hence my comment about cramming. Not that I need a long ride tomorrow. I actually was planning a short, easy ride after this past week’s mileage. But if a hurricane is a possibility, I want to ride all I can, while I can! What to Do? 🤷‍♀️ So, what to do? I’m just feeling back to normal post-Francine; and have only begun to restock my freezer with home-cooked food. Now we have to worry about getting hit by another hurricane? And possibly the need to evacuate? Again, what to do? I dare not get that freezer too full. That’s cramming that I’d be wise to avoid at this point; I don’t want to lose another seven quarts’ worth of meals. Maybe I should make tomorrow’s ride a trip to the supermarket for crackers? Oh, as to cramming on the  bike — it’s better not to stuff yourself; especially if you’ve got hard efforts coming up. And as always, what should you eat? This video is quite helpful! 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 Cramming September 22, 2024 RAGBRAI Menu September 21, 2024 Calm Weekend September 20, 2024 Restocking September 19, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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RAGBRAI Menu

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

RAGBRAI Menu 🥘 🌽 🥓 The RAGBRAI menu is quite expansive. The more YouTubes I watch about the event, the more foods there seem to be! If I do RAGBRAI, I’ll want to try many of them. The  “breakfast town” is often some 10 miles away from the overnight town; so I’d better bring some ride foods with me. I could already be hungry when I get up; and I don’t need to start the day by bonking! A few GU-Gels might be enough to tide me over. But what shall I have for my real breakfast? Something from Casey’s? Videos about RAGBRAI mention Casey’s quite often; and breakfast pizza sounds interesting. Or Chris Cakes? IF I can catch them on my plate!  Farm Kids Breakfast is mentioned many times as well. Gosh, look at all that food. And this is only breakfast! There’s a lot more to come as we eat our way across Iowa. Food, Food, Food! 🌯 🍕 🥧 And the RAGBRAI menu continues with food, food, food. I might not need to bring along, say, MET-Rx Bars. In fact, with so many places to stop and eat along the way, I fear I’ll get too stuffed to ride with my stomach feeling comfortable! Although I’m not a big meat-eater, I think I’d want to try Mr. Pork Chop. I hope I remember to pack along a big square of aluminum foil and a plastic food bag. They say that those chops are huge; and I have serious doubts that I can eat one in a single sitting. Somebody tell me, if I keep part of that pork chop for later in the day, will it still be safe to eat? Ice cream! I’ll want to at least taste it, even if I don’t eat an entire serving. After all, I do have prediabetes; and need to minimize sweets. Or will the calorie burn of doing RAGBRAI balance out that ice cream? Of Course 𝚷 What more is on the RAGBRAI menu? Oh, of course 𝚷 — er, I mean, pie.  The very first video I watched about the event had me thinking that the ride should be called RAG-pie! Some videos mention Amish pie; and I’d love to try shoofly pie. Strawberry-rhubarb pie seems to be popular. Oh, and sweet corn dipped in melted butter — giant dill pickles — walking tacos — watermelon — after RAGBRAI, I might need to pedal all the way home to New Orleans to burn off all those calories! 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 Menu September 21, 2024 Calm Weekend September 20, 2024 Restocking September 19, 2024 Another Lull September 18, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Restocking

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food /

Restocking 🥫 I’ve begun restocking; not in the sense of canned/packaged foods such as “refritos“; but stuff for the freezer. Today I began with the aptly-named Post-Francine; and I must make some more bean-and-rice big batches to freeze. The food that I lost included stuff that I was saving for a garbage soup. I’m starting over, with tomato juice and bean-cooking liquid left from today’s project. I’ll add to that soon enough. Speaking of restocking, my stash of canned goods is nowhere near to running out; but I don’t want to let stores get too low. Hurricane season isn’t over yet! Maybe I’ll get a few more things at the salvage store day after tomorrow. Keep Riding! 🚲 Despite the need to get busy in the kitchen, I need to keep riding. Cycle September has eleven days left; and I’m trying not to miss any days! More and more often, my weekday rides are 19-20 miles. On the whole, this is getting easier; but I’m considering doing a shorter ride tomorrow. My legs have felt rather tired the last day or two; so I think it’s wise to ease up for a day. I don’t need to burn 🔥 myself out!  What do you do if you feel tired during a ride; but home is miles away? Shift to an easier gear; and don’t try to hurry. Often you’ll get a second wind; and that lets you get home just fine! 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 Restocking September 19, 2024 Another Lull September 18, 2024 Not My Job September 17, 2024 Trial Run September 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Borrowing Trouble?

BACK ISSUES, Food /

Borrowing Trouble? 🏦 Am I borrowing trouble? Tropical Storm Gordon is out there; and I think that he needs watching. At present, he’s heading for Hispaniola/East Cuba. If he gets past those islands without falling apart, I don’t think it’s impossible for Gordon to get into the Gulf; and if he does, who knows where he might go. We sure don’t need another hurricane. It’s only a few days since Francine blew through; and I’m in no hurry for another 36-hour power outage. Or am I borrowing trouble? I know this, the prospect of more time cooped up indoors makes me want ice cream! Or cake. Clearing Out 🧹 I’ve been busy clearing out both refrigerator and freezer; and that means I have to discard a lot of the stuff that I cooked and froze!  So, how soon should I get busy in the kitchen again? I don’t want to cook more food until I can empty and wash all the containers that had food in them; and now I’m nervous about Gordon! Why risk having to discard quarts of food again so soon? I think I can keep my cheeses; and the apples and carrots. Probably the celery, too; and I  hope the corn on the cob is all right. At least I can be sure that my ride food is all right; it wasn’t in the fridge! 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 Borrowing Trouble? September 14, 2024 Francine September 13, 2024 Hurricane Update September 11, 2024 Vanguard? September 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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With Dinah?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

With Dinah? 🥘 Was I with Dinah, as the song says? No; although I was in the kitchen. I wasn’t using a cookbook, either; I was concocting another Hoppin’ John variation to add to the SpokEasy Recipes page! Today being Labor Day, I named my new recipe Labor Day Quinoa Mix. Why quinoa? Sometimes I want a change from rice; and maybe someday I’ll try barley. Or cracked wheat! If I were with Dinah, though, I wonder what she’d think of all the crazy stuff I dream up. Good Weather ☀️ We had good weather today, which was lucky for folks who wanted to enjoy the outdoors. I went for a 20-mile ride; and of course some people were busy with barbecuing! At one point, I could smell the starter fluid that people use to get the fire going. I’d prefer to use fat pine; starter fluid stinks. Today’s ride was pretty casual; and I didn’t bother with any attempts at speed. On the way home, of course I had a headwind; and keeping a steady pace was quite hard. Tomorrow I plan to take it easy: a short ride on the hybrid, including a visit to the farmers’ market; and I have an appointment to get myself “armed” against flu and COVID.   Good weather is predicted for tomorrow morning; but it will be stormy again by mid-week. And we’ve got to keep watching the tropics!   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 With Dinah? September 2, 2024 FOMO Strikes Again! September 1, 2024 Another Missed Call August 31, 2024 In the Nick August 30, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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