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What Is This?

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

What Is This? 😮 “What is this?!” was the startled thought that went through my mind at one moment during yesterday’s ride. Life may be a beautiful ride; but it can spring surprises on you; the kind of things that make you ask, WHAT is this? This moment came as I was starting up again after a stop. I was in my lowest gear, which was usual; but as I pushed off, the pedal seemed to offer no resistance! It caused me to veer; and I had to stop and start up again. That was something new; and it occurred to me that perhaps my force efforts are starting to pay off.🤑 It didn’t feel much like it this morning, though. Out-bound, I had a stiff headwind; and at times was getting blown sideways! Am I a sidewinder? Sidewinder? 🐍 I don’t think I want to be a sidewinder; nor any other kind of snake. If I were, I’d have no legs; and then I couldn’t ride a bicycle! But back to the problem of wind. A stiff sidewind is, in its own way, as bad as a headwind of equal strength. If it’s from my right, it persistently blows the mesh cover of my top tube-pouch back over the opening of the pouch; and it’s hard to get out a bite to eat. For a minute, I thought that perhaps I should get a zipper-closure Speedfil; but if I get a new top-tube pouch, I want one big enough for my cell phone as well as my ride food. The Speedfil isn’t quite that large. I think we all have those days when we go out to ride; and the wind hits us; and we think, WHAT IS THIS? Today I was tempted to switch things around, and do “just ride” today; then work on pace tomorrow. After all, they say a training  plan should be “etched in clay” so you can mold it as needed; not “chiseled in stone” so you can beat yourself up with it. All the same, I had to remind myself that I needed this fight-the-wind practice for 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 What Is This? March 20, 2025 More or Longer? March 19, 2025 Switched My Plans? March 18, 2025 I Need a Detective! March 17, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Windy City

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Windy City ? Chicago isn’t the only Windy City on the map. New Orleans is about to become a very windy city! I wonder, does a Thule Yepp Mini Windscreen actually make riding against a headwind any easier? Or does in merely keep the wind from hitting you directly? At the moment, it’s 72 degrees; and it’s blowing at 15 mph. For me, that’s pretty strong. By nine o’clock tomorrow morning, the wind is going to get stronger and stronger. That’s not what Mardi Gras needs; floats and high winds are a bad mix. I believe some parades have been cancelled as a result. This isn’t the first time that high winds have disrupted Carnival. It’s hard on the krewes; parade-goers; and everyone who has worked so hard to prepare for Mardi Gras; but the authorities can’t risk having floats (or, worse, people) gone with the wind. Gone with the Wind ?️ Shall I try to ride outdoors tomorrow? I don’t want to end up gone with the wind (with all due apologies to Margaret Mitchell); but I also want to get my exercise. That won’t be easy while we’re the windy city. According to Weather Underground, conditions tomorrow won’t start to get rough until late morning. Of course, that’s what it says at the moment; but forecasts can, and sometimes do, change rapidly. If I do go for a ride, laps around the park will at least mean that I’m not battling a headwind for miles on the way home. On the other hand, it might be rather crazy there. Tomorrow is Mardi Gras, after all. I’d better be prepared to set up that trainer! I planned to ride easily tomorrow at any rate; and the trainer is good for that. I’ll also be indoors if the weather does get nasty. If New Orleans is to be the windy city tomorrow, I’d rather be at home. 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 Windy City March 3, 2025 Tropical Storms in March? March 2, 2025 All Kinds at RAGBRAI March 1, 2025 Gearing Down February 28, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Tropical Storms in March?

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

Tropical Storms in March? ? Tropical storms in March? What would Lewis Carroll’s lapine character think of that? We aren’t in for a tropical storm in the usual sense of the word; but high winds are in the forecast for day after tomorrow. Gusts could reach 45 mph; so here I am, thinking of tropical storms in March. All too soon, we’ll have to watch for hurricanes! And what bad timing this wind threat is! Day after tomorrow is Mardi Gras; a major event in New Orleans. I won’t be surprised if parades are rescheduled or even cancelled because of high winds. Those floats are high-profile vehicles; and strong wind is bad news for them. It’s not good news for my rides, either. It might be time to set up the trainer! Set up the Trainer ? I might have to set up the trainer if I’m to do any pedaling on Tuesday. Unfortunately “riding” in the trainer is hot and tedious. A wearable fan would be great if I have to do it often! I think I’ll have to play it by ear. Tomorrow shouldn’t be too bad; and maybe I can work on my pace. Tuesday? I think I’ll wait and see whether I need to set up the trainer. I prefer a real ride outdoors; but with tropical storms in March, I might have to alter my plans! 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 Tropical Storms in March? March 2, 2025 All Kinds at RAGBRAI March 1, 2025 Gearing Down February 28, 2025 Potpourri February 27, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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All Kinds at RAGBRAI

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

All Kinds at RAGBRAI ?? ? You’ll see all kinds at RAGBRAI; I’ve viewed enough YouTubes about the event to know that. You’ll see all kinds of people; and all kinds of bikes. RAGBRAI participants are of all ages, from under-ten and upwards; and the “rides” vary from road bikes to ellipticals to roller blades! Somebody tell me, is it harder to bike across Iowa; or to skate all the way? “All kinds at RAGBRAI” describes the wide variety of food, too. You’ll find pork chops; corn on the cob; ice cream; pie, pie, pie; and more! But you’ll need food when you’re riding all day, seven days straight. I hope RAGBRAI won’t be plagued by headwinds this year; that, of course, would make the ride all the harder. Plagued by Headwinds ?  I’m plagued by headwinds often enough; so headwinds during RAGBRAI shouldn’t be a surprise. I guess weather is all kinds at RAGBRAI, too! Nobody knows in advance what to expect. In 2023, the event saw a heatwave widely described as “brutal”; the previous year, the weather was quite mild. Some nights were actually cold; so I intend to pack along some cold-weather riding gear: jacket, leg warmers, etc. I sure didn’t need leg warmers when I went out on the road bike this afternoon; it was 77 degrees! Luckily I wasn’t plagued by headwinds this time. There was some wind, but not the kind that threatens to blow me away; and that makes pedaling a major chore. That will change Monday night, though. The wind will get much stronger; and Tuesday could see gusts up to 40 mph! That’s bad news for the Mardi Gras parades! 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 ✍? All Kinds at RAGBRAI March 1, 2025 Gearing Down February 28, 2025 Potpourri February 27, 2025 Nudging the Brain February 26, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Gearing Down

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

Gearing Down ⚙️ Today I practiced gearing down. Sort of. I used the hybrid for a run to Walmart; and stayed on the biggest cog most of the time. It isn’t the same as spinning in low gear on the road bike; but it was better than nothing. A slow cadence in a hard gear feels very different from low-gear, high-cadence spinning. They say it uses a different type of muscle fiber. I’ll be gearing down for the hills on RAGBRAI; that’s for sure. I even contacted RAGBRAI to ask what gradients I can expect; but they won’t know that until about April. The overnight towns have been announced; but not the pass-through towns. Until that’s been determined, things are still up in the air. So is the weather. I hope we’re spared the rough weather that they say could hit the South next week! Rough Weather ⛈️ ⚡️ ?️ I hope RAGBRAI doesn’t encounter rough weather this year. One night during RAGBRAI L, in 2023, rough weather struck on the sixth night (see here at ~12:31); and some tents were blown over. Thank goodness there wasn’t a tornado! Gearing down to ride into a headwind isn’t my idea of fun; but I’ll have to be prepared for it. I get headwinds often enough up there on the levee; and I don’t suppose the open stretches of Iowa roads will be any different. Even if I don’t like it, it’s good training! 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 ✍? Gearing Down February 28, 2025 Potpourri February 27, 2025 Nudging the Brain February 26, 2025 Climbing Legs February 25, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Dry for Now

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Personal Care /

Dry for Now ? It looks like we’re dry for now; or, at least until Thursday. Then there’s a chance of showers again. I hope it doesn’t rain. After two days of riding in the rain, I’ve got damp clothes all over the place; including two pairs of shoes. A DX Boot Dryer would be handy right now, if I had room for one. As I don’t have a boot dryer, I’m stuffing the wet shoes with pages torn from old magazines. I have to change this stuffing as it gets soaked; and it’s rather a nuisance. So I hope the weather stays dry for now! A few months back, I got an unusually long stretch of un-rainy rides; and I guess I got spoiled. That makes it all the harder to go out for a ride when it’s raining; and I have to remind myself of RAGBRAI. The weather should be better tomorrow; and the wind will be less than it was this morning. According to the forecast, we’ll be becalmed! Becalmed ? No sailor wants to become becalmed; but a calm wind is good news for me as a cyclist. And after a good ride, some massage balls can help ease out the kinks in your muscles; especially if you weren’t becalmed. Riding against a headwind is hard work! Roll out the kinks in your muscles using these three balls with various properties: long, soft spikes (orange); medium-firm spikes (yellow); and short, hard spikes (red). Then kick back and relax like this kitty! If it stays dry for now, maybe I can tidy up a bit in here. I don’t dare put things away if they might be damp; this climate is only too good for growing mildew!  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 ✍? Dry for Now February 24, 2025 Rain Daze February 23, 2025 Ride While You Can February 22, 2025 On the Fence February 21, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Rain Daze

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Rain Daze ? Do rides in inclement weather leave you feeling like this?   I think I have rain daze today. The forecast showed rain all day; but by early afternoon, I was tired of hanging around at home, waiting for it to start pouring. By about 2 pm, I had had enough, and decided to go for a short ride; with a detour to the neighborhood supermarket on the way home.  It was raining, but not particularly hard. I pulled on leg warmers; shorts; vest; jacket; and poncho. I wore a skull cap, too; after all, it’s in the 50s. Then I went out for a ride. I guess rain daze isn’t only about the effects of a wet ride; it’s also about the rather depressing effects of a gray day. It can have odd effects on the brain.? When I started my ride, I didn’t feel hungry; so I didn’t think to have a snack. After about half a mile, I realized that I was getting hungry; and I hadn’t brought anything to eat with me. That brought The Bonk to mind; so I decided to make my ride short. I figured I was flirting with the bonk. Flirting with the Bonk ?‍? Flirting with the bonk is risky business; and I rode only one lap around the park. The planned trip to the grocery store meant more time for The Bonk to catch up with me. Rain daze was also catching up with me. Something about gray skies and falling rain is soporific; and I was also getting wet. My poncho’s sleeves don’t go all the way down to the wrist; and my jacket sleeves got soaked. So, of course did the blouse sleeves under it. My leg warmers got wet at least as far up as the knees; my feet got soaked; and my gloves were wet through. There I was, walking into the store, and dripping all over! I got a few groceries; including a Quest Chocolate Caramel Pecan bar. Once clear of the checkout, I made short work of that bar! Then I rode home. Perhaps the most tiresome aspect of rain daze, is the amount of time I spend wringing out and  hanging up wet cycling gear once I’m home. I’m glad this doesn’t happen every day. 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 ✍? Rain Daze February 23, 2025 Ride While You Can February 22, 2025 On the Fence February 21, 2025 Lab Rat February 20, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Ride While You Can

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Ride While You Can ? Sometimes you have to ride while you can; be it cyclocross or merely getting in some miles for the heck of it. This afternoon I decided to do some miles because the forecast for tomorrow isn’t so great. They’re predicting rain again; and some showers might be heavy. The wind will strengthen as the morning goes on; and I’m SO tired of wind! At lest the temperature will be in the 50s, instead of freezing. ? So, to ride, or not to ride? It’s rather annoying to be on the fence like that. If it isn’t raining in the morning, that’ll be great; and and I can go out. Ride while you can! If it is raining in the morning, but not too hard, I think I’ll pull on the poncho and go ride laps around the park. But if it’s pouring, I’ll do some indoor pedaling. I feel like a sissy when I take that course, though; foul weather training is necessary when preparing for an event. Foul Weather Training ?️  Foul weather training means, don the rain gear and get your bicycle in gear. But it’s harder to start a ride when it’s already raining, than it is to get caught in the rain mid-ride. If I’m already out, it’s easier to be philosophical about rain; the only way out is through! If it starts to pour when I’m still indoors at home, beginning a ride takes some self-prodding. I have to remind myself that this might happen during RAGBRAI; and I’ll need to be prepared. And sometimes you have to ride while you can — even in the rain — because other obligations (a job, for instance) mean you can’t ride tomorrow! 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 ✍? Ride While You Can February 22, 2025 On the Fence February 21, 2025 Lab Rat February 20, 2025 More Winter February 19, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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More Winter

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

More Winter ❄️ We’ve got more Winter coming. There are cold-weather warnings posted for the next two nights; and early tomorrow the chill factor will be well below freezing! It’s good I’ve got some cold-weather clothing; but when it’s that cold, nothing seems warm enough. Leg warmers help; but even with an additional base layer, my legs get cold. A long-sleeved blouse with three layers over it doesn’t keep out the chill.  Would these AmFIB Lobster Gel Gloves keep my hands warmer? Even with hand warmers inside of my gloves, my hands can get pretty cold. Frigid wind on my head gets painful, even when I’m wearing a skull cap. My feet get cold, even with heavy socks. More Winter for us doesn’t often mean sub-freezing temperatures; and when they occur, it’s apt to mean a training disruption for me. Training Disruption ? Cold weather doesn’t have to mean a training disruption; it’s possible to “ride” inside. If only such exercise weren’t so tedious! I got enough of it during the recent cold snap; and now I need to resume it. And we’ve got more Winter. It’s not the end of February yet; but I hope it stops dropping down to freezing. This city isn’t made for it; and I don’t blame anybody for not wanting to buy a lot of polar-rated clothing that they’ll need only a few days per season. Hence a training disruption can easily occur when the mercury drops like a stone. 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 ✍? More Winter February 19, 2025 Another Round February 18, 2025 Roll Over February 17, 2025 Law of Averages February 16, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Another Round

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Another Round ↻ We have another round of frigid weather on the way; although they don’t expect snow this time. Tomorrow and the next day, wind gusts could be as strong as 30 mph. Not exactly what I need during a week when I planned to ease up on my efforts. The forecast has already provoked me to alter my riding plans. I was going to take today off; and do a leisurely ride of 12 miles or so tomorrow. When I saw that rain was expected for Wednesday, I decided to do some riding today; then take tomorrow off instead. I can hunker down and be lazy for a day. With another round of strong wind in store, I’ll probably ride laps around the park again. When I have to fight a headwind is when I wish I had a power meter. They say that power is a much more accurate indicator of your progress than speed, because speed is dependent on factors such as wind and terrain. Hunker Down ?‍? I hope my plan to hunker down tomorrow is justified. It will be a good day to cozy up with a mug of hot chocolate! I don’t have a bicycle mug; but that’s OK. As I’ve said, we’ve got another round of strong wind in store; but it looks like things will calm down later in the week. That’s good for the Sunday ride. Incidentally, I still haven’t shed my Sunday-long-ride mentality. Before I retired, the long ride on Sunday was a must; I couldn’t do a long ride during the week because I was working. But now I can do it most any day; so if I must hunker down for the weather one day, I can ride the 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 ✍? Another Round February 18, 2025 Roll Over February 17, 2025 Law of Averages February 16, 2025 RAGBRAI Practice? February 15, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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