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Let’s Get Shifty!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Let’s Get Shifty! 💨 Today’s Featured Product! Arctic Zone Titan Guide New!!   Coconut Ropamo Men’s Short-Sleeve For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Let’s get shifty, said the wind today — and proceeded to drive me crazy all the way home from the store. It was blowing out of the North and Northeast at 16-17 mph; that was an unpleasant headwind. And it kept shifting directions! First it would be a headwind; then a sidewind. Now and then the wind would seem to get behind me. Then that dratted wind would be in my face again! So let’s get shifty — multiple gears are a great help when the wind won’t calm down. Calm Down 😌 It looks like the wind will calm down overnight; but it will start to get frisky again late tomorrow morning. I hope I’m back home by then; I had quite enough of fighting headwinds today. The gusts were pretty fierce, too. April is a Love to Ride challenge month; so any participating cyclist hopes the weather will cooperate. But some parts of the USA have been getting terrible weather; and folks there have more than cycling on their minds!   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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I Hung Ten!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

I Hung Ten! 🔟 Today’s Featured Product! Garmin Fenix 7X Pro New!! Baleaf Women’s Half-Sleeve Jersey For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I hung ten today; and without a surfboard! As planned, I rode 22 miles. For once, there was almost no wind. When I checked my average speed after I got home, I saw that it was 10.1 mph! At my turnaround point, I ate a Chocolate Outrage GU-Gel (one of my favorite gel flavors); and reapplied sunblock. Part of the way home, I had a slight tailwind; and that made it easier to get in some work on the big ring. Stiff Legs 🦵🏼 You know how, on some rides, you start out fine; but after a mile or two, you’ve got stiff legs? What to do then? Cut the ride short; or tough it out? Today, I just kept going; but it took quite a while for that stiffness to wear off. I suppose that’s part of developing fitness. As long as there’s not actual pain, you can probably keep on with your ride. But that “no pain, no gain” thing makes absolutely no sense to me. How about the weekend? It looks like the wind will strengthen overnight; and by Sunday afternoon or evening, there’s a chance of rain. I don’t want it to rain on my ride; so I’ll go out early!   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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Hang Eleven?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Hang Eleven? 🏄 Today’s Featured Product! MOPHOTO Adult Mountain Tricycle New!! Bikewa Men’s Rain Jacket For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Hang eleven sounds almost like a surfing term; only they hang ten. I had a surfing-crazy spell when I was about twelve; but I don’t know how I got that idea. There wasn’t an ocean anywhere near our neighborhood! This morning I tried to hang to 11 mph; with only middling success. I kept forgetting to keep an eye on my Cateye; and kept slowing down. Thus I didn’t hang eleven very well. Don’t Speed! ⏩ Don”t speed in fog, they say; especially if you’re driving a motor vehicle. Some years ago, there was a horrible chain collision one very foggy morning; and I think they said that speed was a factor. Riding in dense fog is a bit of a nail-biter; especially if I’m doing hard efforts. Now that I have anti-fog wipes for my glasses, I can at least see better when it’s misty. My plan for tomorrow is a 22-mile ride; but I think I’ll omit hard efforts. If I happen to hang eleven, fine. If I don’t, no big deal. The ride is the main thing! 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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Wind Switch

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Wind Switch 🍃 Today’s Featured Product! GoGo SqueeZ New!! Larabar Kids Bakes Chocolate-Brownie  For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! We had a wind switch today: I had a tailwind most of the way home! Usually it’s the opposite; and I enjoyed not having to battle a headwind for miles when I was starting to tire. The temperature was quite comfortable; no need for a thermal jacket. I expect it won’t be long before I’ll be complaining about the heat. I wonder whether this wind switch is a harbinger of upcoming storms. Or is it just our usual Summer-in-March? Adding Miles 🚴🏿 Today’s wind switch was helpful, because I’m adding miles. I think I’m ready for some back-to-back 20-mile days. Yesterday I rode 22 miles; and today I did 20. Again, I saw some ships: one named Eternity; and one named, oddly, Puna. It wasn’t mistaken identify; the Pena that I saw las week had a black hull. The Puna had a dark green hull. The funnel was different, too. Adding miles is more fun when I see some interesting things; and, of course, when a wind switch lets me have a following breeze! 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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River So Low

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

River So Low 🏞️ Today’s Featured Product! CHENGU Water Bottles New!! Bike On, Bear For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! We’ve got river so low! It’s the time of year for said river to be rising; but so far, it’s not. I’m not sure whether to  be glad; or relieved. River so low could indicate drought conditions upstream. Or is the weather so cold up North that the snowmelt has been delayed?  On the other hand, a high river is not something we want come hurricane season. A hurricane brings the risk of a tidal surge; and we in New Orleans remember Katrina only too well! High Water 🌊 High water in the river can mean I’ll see more wildlife; such as wading birds. Once, some years ago, I spotted some roseate spoonbills! That was a great surprise; but when I looked up roseate spoonbills in a bird guide, I learned that we’re within their range. Today I didn’t notice much wildlife: no rabbits; no eagles. I extended my mileage to 22 miles again, something I began to do a week or so ago. Speaking of high water, we don’t want that in our streets;  but we still need rain! 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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Fog Surprise

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Fog Surprise 😳 Today’s Featured Product!   Garmin Amoled New!! Honey Joy Wiggle Car For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I got a fog surprise this morning. The forecast hadn’t mentioned fog; and I’m glad it wasn’t enough of a mist that I needed anti-fog lens wipes! I’m also glad that there was only one patch of fog.  This was on the way to the salvage store; and while I’m trying to bring home only small loads, I keep going there.  In a way, it’s a bit of a social event. There are certain people that I see there regularly. I don’t know most of their names; but we tell each other hello, how are you, and so forth. On the way home, the fog surprise had dissipated. That’s all to the good; and I hope there isn’t fog tomorrow. More Miles 🛣️ I want to get in some more miles tomorrow; so I’m glad it’s not expected to rain. In fact, the entire week is likely to be sunny. Great for riding; not so great considering that we really need some rain! Plan for tomorrow: long, but moderate effort. And don’t forget the Camel-Bak! Aim for about 22 miles; next week, go for 25 miles. Monday: put in some hard efforts; but do a shorter ride. Tuesday: moderate distance; and then the bike goes to the shop for a tune-up. .And if a fog surprise emerges while the bike is in the shop, I don’t need to worry about riding through it. 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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Sinuses Say No!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Sinuses Say No! 👃🏻 Today’s Featured Product! Venzo Multi-Use Pedals New!!   TLAMEE Kids Bike Helmet For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store!   My sinuses say “No” today. It’s aggravating; but my head feels all stuffed up. Maybe it’s better to skip the ride  for a day. I had thought of going for 22 miles; and here I am, sitting around like a lazybones. The wind is calm; it’s not foggy; and the temperature quickly rose to a comfortable level. It’s great weather for riding; and my sinuses say No. 🙄 Pollen! 🌼 🌸 I saw a newspaper headline that said, we’ve got a very high pollen count. That’s bad news for anyone with allergies! Is that why my sinuses say No today? I hope my head un-stuffs enough for me to ride over the weekend! The bike shop says I may bring in my hybrid for a tune-up next Tuesday; and that means no bike for a day or two. Naturally I want to get in some miles before then! So tomorrow, the trek to the salvage store. The next day, I want to shoot for 22 miles; and Monday I’ll do some miles, too. But I hope the pollen calms down a bit! 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 Add Your Heading Text Here Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. 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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Punch Drunk?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Punch Drunk? 🥊 Today’s Featured Product!   Stop & Go Kit New!!   Xiapia for Toddlers For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Today I feel punch drunk; and not from drinking Gatorade. It’s been one thing after another! First, I had an 8:20 am doctor’s appointment; and I didn’t want to take public transit, because it gets light rather late. So I called a taxi. At 6:55 am! Long story short, the taxi didn’t come; and didn’t come. In the end, I called the taxi company and told them to cancel my order; and I had to call the doctor’s office to reschedule. Now I’ve got to wait two more weeks! Mixed up in all that was a call from the bank about possible fraudulent activity. Luckily everything’s OK; but I hardly needed that on top of the taxi hassle. No wonder I felt punch drunk. I thought going for a ride might help clear my brain; but I don’t think it did. Clear My Brain 🧠 Going for a ride is often a good way to clear my brain; but I felt tired on the bike. I was developing an edge of hunger as I set out; so maybe that’s it. I had half a protein bar with me, luckily. When I arrived back home, I found an “undeliverable” piece of mail in my mailbox; and had to call to get a corrected address! And my Internet response this morning was so slow, it made molasses in Januray look like greased lightning, as I observed to at least one person. My head feels stuffy; so maybe I’ve got some allergies going. I hope I don’t feel so punch drunk 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR Add Your Heading Text Here Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. 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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Pace Car?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Pace Car? 🚙 Today’s Featured Product! Beautiful Ride Zip Bag New!! Cycling Facts for Kids For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I felt like a pace car this morning. When I got on the levee, I saw two ships. One was abreast of my position; the other was perhaps a mile astern. The nearer ship was the Pena; and I’ve been trying to find out where she came from. Anyway, as I rode, I could see that the Pena was continually about level with me; even though I wasn’t going very fast; I averaged 9.6 mph during the first half of my ride. No wonder I felt like a pace car! Evidently there are places where the shipping channel is very close to the bank. At one point, the Pena was so close that I almost felt that I could reach out and touch her! Of course I wanted to see the second ship; and I got the change while I was taking a break. Second Ship 🚢 The second ship passed while I was taking a break. I hadn’t eaten much before beginning my ride; so it was time for a snack. I chowed down half a Clif Builders Protein bar; and one GU-Gel. The second ship was the Yasa Begonia. I watched her sail past while I finished my snack; and reapplied sunblock. Then I headed home. Today my legs felt stronger; and I’m not sure whether they’re really stronger; or whether it was because there was almost no wind this morning. Whichever it was, I enjoyed the sensation. Even if I’m not a real pace car! 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 Add Your Heading Text Here Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. 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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Irish for a Day

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Irish for a Day 🇮🇪 Today’s Featured Product! CyclingDeal Stabilizer Wheels New!! Burley Kazoo Trailercycle For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! We’re all Irish for a Day! The rest of the year, I’m not; as far as I know, my ancestry doesn’t include anyone from the Emerald Isle. The wind has died down somewhat; but this morning the chill factor was in the 30s. I waited until almost nine o’clock to ride; and even then I did only three laps around the park. It sure makes me feel lazy! But at least, by that time, the sun was high enough in the sky to provide some warmth. I’m wearing a shamrock pin that I bought eons ago; I’m Irish for a day, after all! But I didn’t wear it while cycling; it would have been hidden under all the layers I was wearing!  Berth Order? 🛏️ Yesterday the wind provoked me into staying indoors, and I used some of the time to get into berth order; namely, putting fresh sheets on the bed.   Yeah, I know — it’s a bad pun. The English language is full of points for such verbal gymnastics. I’ve no doubt that non-native speakers of the language find it most confusing! Tomorrow it will still be in the mid-40s in the morning; but the wind will be almost calm. I’m planning a ride of 20-22 miles; but the next day I have an appointment in the morning. It might be 11:00 am by the time I get out on the bike; so I’m glad it’s not going to be hot! Oh, yes — does Irish for a Day mean I should be eating corned beef and cabbage? 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 Add Your Heading Text Here Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. 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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