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Back to Square One

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Personal Care /

Back to Square One 🔲 Today’s Featured Product! 🎉 Massage Balls New!! Shimano Oval Traction Chainring For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I sure feel back at square one; and I don’t think anything with coffee will kick-start me. A year or so ago, I went for a Health/Fitness evaluation. Among other things, it tests strength/endurance for so-called floor push-ups; the kind you do with knees on the ground. I had drifted into doing them incorrectly; and then there was the hiatus forced by the accident. Now, as I say, I’m back at square one; but as the saying goes, I have nowhere to go but up! Wall Hugger? 🤗 So, I was shown an alternative to this exercise: wall push-ups. Makes me feel like a wall hugger. Another suggestion was to spend more riding time pushing a hard gear. I had already begun to work on that, anyway; so I’ll keep it up. I also saw the dietitian again. We discussed ride food, as well as what I eat at home: be sure to get sufficient veggies; and include a bit of protein with each snack. That might even help curb my sweet tooth! 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 © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

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Chop Chop Chop!

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

Chop Chop Chop! 🪓 Today’s Featured Product 🌟 Cycling for Beginners New!! Teeter Free-Step Cross Trainer For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I remember my mother using the expression, “Chop, chop, chop!” to mean, Get going! when she wanted us to get something done. I didn’t get to do any such “chopping” during RAGBRAI last July. That famous pink bus was always near the end of a day’s route; and invariably, I had just eaten and wan’t hungry. If I get to do RAGBRAI again, I hope I can try Mr. Pork Chop. The cooked meat cuts aren’t delivered; and they’re cooked on-site only, so I can’t order any to eat at home. Heat Advisory 🌡️ Mondays I usually take off from riding; but the next day I’ll need to chop-chop-chop and ride ahead of the heat. A cool rag helps; but all the same, I like to be home before any heat advisory go into effect. We didn’t get heat quite like this when I was a kid. In particular, I don’t remember overrnight  low temps of 80 degrees until I was at least 20 years old. Now, it’s quite the usual. So it gets harder and harder to keep cool. If only I had a shady path to 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 © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as CAL. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

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Rinse and Repeat?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Rinse and Repeat? 🚿 Today’s Featured Product! 🔥 Bike Wheel Lights New!! Blue Ridge Virtual Bike Ride For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! June 1 always seems like rinse and repeat. One hurricane season after another; year after year. As always, I’m making preparations: canned food; protein bars; bottled water; and so on. Even a spork! And don’t forget items such as soap; shampoo; and bathroom tissue. And masks. All those things that we use daily, but don’t think about when we have them at hand every minute. If it does come to leaving town quickly, I want everything in a box that’s ready to grab. And, if a bad storm threatens, I’d rather not be having a hurricane party. Back to Normal 🚴🏿 Now my riding schedule is back to normal; and I took today off.  It looks like the weather tomorrow morning will be OK for riding; and I’m considering a trip to the thrift shop. I want a 3-ring binder with a 3-inch spine; and this is probably a good time to look for one. School is letting out for the Summer. Wednesday and Thursday don’t look so good; but if I get caught in a downpour, at least the weather is warm. In fact, it’s getting downright hot! And I don’t expect that I’ll melt; so it would be rinse and repeat. 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 © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as CAL. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

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False Alarm Again

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

False Alarm Again 🚨 Today’s Featured Product! 💥 Probar New!! 100 Amazing Cycling Facts For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I got false alarm again today. It drives me crazy when the weather forecast prompts me to ride very short; and then nothing happens! I think I see what they mean about “emotional eating”. My frustration over the weather’s interfering with riding makes me want to chow down ice cream. Or raid the candy jar! At any rate, this morning I headed for the park to ride some laps before wheeling the hybrid to the bike shop. It was already windy; and a few extra strong gusts prompted me to turn back before I’d really gotten started. And Tomorrow? 🌅 I hope the forecast for tomorrow isn’t a false alarm again. It indicates T-storms; and we’re under flood advisory right now.  Somehow I’d rather wake up to a downpour than have to worry about rain and lightning breaking loose during a ride. If it’s already storming before I ride, at least I won’t be starting my ride with the threat of a T-storm hanging over my head. If the weather hadn’t turned warm, I could enjoy some hot chocolate at home. Some folks would prefer a cup of coffee on a stormy morning. It  began to rain at about 5:30 pm; and tomorrow? It’s the old wait-and-see. Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as CAL. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ 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 © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER

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I Broke 100

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

I Broke 100! 💯 Today’s Featured Product! 🎉 BikeHand Foldable Bike Stand New!! Dynacraft Magna Major For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I broke 100 miles this past week! It looks like I’m finally getting back to normal! This morning I rode out 10 miles; and took a break for 5-10 minutes while I chowed down a Clif Builder’s bar; and reapplied sunblock. Then I started back home; and oh, the headwind! I had to keep shifting into my lowest gear; and all that rapid pedaling sends my heart rate way up. It’s quite tiring. But at least I broke 100 miles this week! Just Call Me Granny 👵 “Just call me Granny” kept running through my head as I battled 12 mph headwinds for miles. I felt like such a snail when other riders whizzed past me like I was standing  still! I’m really not a big fan of riding in my lowest gear. It slows me to a crawl; and today my left foot slipped out  of the toe clip. I had to stop; and starting up in the lowest gear is actually tricky. There’s no resistance; and I had to try four times before I could manage to shift into the second cog so I could get the bike moving. The trick was, I needed to shift as soon as I made the first pedal downstroke. I’m glad I was home soon after 10:00 am. The forecast said, showers and T-storms from early afternoon. I don’t want to be another Roy Sullivan! Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as CAL. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Burrito Day?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Burrito Day? 🌯 Today’s Featured Product! 🎇 La Rosarita Traditional Refried Beans New!! VIRIBUS Men’s Hybrid Bicycle For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I guess you could say that today is Burrito Day; after all, it’s Cinco de Mayo. Oh, wait a minute — those things there are enchiladas! Burritos make me think of Ryan van Duzer, who mentions burritos quite often in his videos. I’ve been enjoying some “burros” myself. That’s another reason to call this Burrito Day! I had a pack of refried black beans, along with some tortillas. Delicious! But I think I’d find refried beans too messy on a bicycle tour. I’m already scrutinizing the weekend forecast; and apparently our local weather is aiming for strike three. This is the third weekend in a row of stormy forecasts; and I’m tired of that! Strike Three? ⚾️ Will strike three mean I’m out of a ride? Chances for showers and T-storms begin as early as tomorrow afternoon; and I can’t ride tomorrow morning. I have fasting bloodwork scheduled; and I don’t need to bonk! T-storms are likely on Thursday; and at least through next Monday! We still need rain; but I don’t enjoy having to worry about a storm breaking out when I’m miles from home on a bicycle.     Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as CAL. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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What Happened to Spring?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

What Happened to Spring? 🌸 Today’s Featured Product! Tommaso Men’s Montagna 200 New!! SIS GO + CAFF Berry For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Can someone tell me what happened to Spring? Not that it’s cold enough for Rabbitroom Gloves; but last might it suddenly dropped to the 50s! The weather will warm up again over the next few days; but today it’s chilly and drizzly. Gosh, what happened to Spring?  Wind gusts could reach 30 mph; so I’m not riding. I don’t want to get blown off the levee! The wind is from the North, so I’d have against me on the way home; and I get so tired of that! Upcoming Week 📅 What shall I do for the upcoming week? I must plan some hard efforts; and at least one ride of 22 miles or so. I slacked off today because of the weather. When I do a ride of 20 miles or more, I stop halfway through to 1) reapply sunblock; and 2) have a snack. These snacks are a good opportunity to try any new ride foods that I find. Yesterday at the salvage store I found 12-count boxes of Clif Builders protein bars; and I must try one soon. They’re chocolate chip cookie dough flavor; and that’s usually a good one! Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as CAL. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Look at the Bear!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Look at the Bear! 🐻 Today’s Featured Product! Mimoke Truing Stand New!! Kodiak Protein Balls For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! “Hey Ma, look at the bear!” first came my way when we visited the Great Smokies, when I was a kid. There are black bears there; but I never dreamed that I’d one day be eating something named for a bear. There don’t seem to be any bears in the wild here; thank goodness for that. Bicycles don’t make much noise to alert a bear; and you don’t want to surprise one of those animals. It’s especially dangerous to get between a sow bear and her cubs! I don’t want to be out cycling, and have to holler, Look at the bear! I’ll take the armadillos; rabbits; and bald eagles.   Spring Bear? 🧸 Maybe we feel as hungry as a Spring bear after a long ride. Kodiak Protein Balls make a delicious snack! I found boxes of the mix at the salvage store last Saturday; and got one to try.  This morning I mixed it up; and the results are quite good. I hope to get the mix again sometime; and try using maple syrup instead of honey. I bet cinnamon would be a good addition. Or cashew butter instead of peanut butter. This is starting to sound like Hoppin’ John — open to infinite variations! Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as CAL. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Not Waiting to Spring

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Not Waiting to Spring ⚡️ I’m definitely not waiting to spring today. I feel tired and sleepy; and I’m not sure coffee bars would help. Especially as I’ve never liked coffee! It’s chilly, in the mid-50s; and overcast. That alone has me not waiting to spring! If I weren’t tired, I’d go for a ride now anyway, and skip tomorrow; because tomorrow there’s supposed to be more wind. I’m sure you all know by now how I feel about wind! But after all, I’m trying to get back into my pre-accident riding schedule; and Mondays were typically my off-bike day. Maybe I’ll go for a walk later, though.   Food! 🍫 🥘 🧑🏼‍🍳 It’s Carnival Time; and that sounds like street food. There’s food everywhere in New Orleans; but if I were at a parade, I wouldn’t want to try to eat while trying to manage myself in the crowds. I’d rather enjoy my food peacefully, at home. Or practice eating on the bike; a skill necessary for long-distance aspirants. I hope it’s not long before I can get back to that; and putting in 20-milers several times per week (along with shorter rides) is a step in the right direction. TODAY’S FEATURED PRODUCT Mastering Mountain Bike Skills NEW!! Ambrosia Planta 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Carnival Feast

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors, Training /

Carnival Feast 🥪 I decided to have my Carnival feast today — or part of it. Next Tuesday is Mardi Gras; and I figure that any eatery that’s open will be mobbed. That’s not exactly my cup of tea. So I went to a shop that’s just a few minutes’ walk away; and got a sandwich. Those sandwiches are enormous — a foot long — and come with a serving of rosemary roasted potatoes. That’s at least two meals; more often three or even four. I’ll need to do a twenty-miler tomorrow to compensate for this Carnival feast, even though I ate only one-quarter of the sandwich (along with the potatoes). Today I did a short and easy ride, under 9 miles. I don’t think I’m quite ready to do 20 miles every day. Short and Easy 😴 Short and easy is important after a long ride, especially when you’ve been away from long rides for several months. Soon, though, 20-mile rides will become the norm again; and I’ll be glad of that.  I want to get in another such ride tomorrow, because I’ll continue my Carnival feast: another piece of the sandwich; and I’m very tempted to get some ice cream, too!  Calorie-burning isn’t the only reason to get in some long miles tomorrow. Sunday’s weather doesn’t look so great for outdoor activity; and Saturday I want to ride to the salvage store. That’ll be a short and easy 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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