SpokEasy

SpokEasy

Outdoors

Off Schedule

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Off Schedule 📅 I’m off schedule. It’s been happening for several weeks: the weather outlook isn’t good; I have an appointment to keep, etc. It can make it tricky to remember what day it is! Today I went off schedule again, and rode to the salvage store. Usually I go there on Saturday; but I want to visit Walmart this Saturday.That is, if the weather hasn’t already become too nasty; but it looks like the main chances for rain are after noon that day. So maybe I’ll be OK. Cloudy or Not? ☁️ The sky can’t seem to decide whether to be cloudy, or not.  For hours, the sun has been dodging in and out. It’s in the mid-60s; but the breeze feels cold. And Sunday night, it’s supposed to get REALLY cold! Below freezing! Such weather is more than off schedule for New Orleans; it’s freakish to the nth degree! Especially as we had a major cold snap only last Winter. I suspect I’ll be missing a few days of cycling. If it’s icy, I know won’t go out; especially not on two wheels. Whether it’s cloudy or not, if we’ve had sleet or freezing rain; and if the temperatures stay very cold; it won’t melt. I’ve got to do some prepping for the Arctic blast — get water ready in a (clean) plastic trash can so I can still “flush” if the water goes out; insulate windows, and so on. What a nuisance! 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

Off Schedule Read More »

Another Cold Blast!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Another Cold Blast! 🥶 We’re expecting another cold blast. To be exact, it’s due Sunday night. Rain is possible before midnight; and with a low temperature of 28 degrees, I suppose snow is possible. Who can say for sure what another cold blast will bring? Some parts of the country could get hit hard, with prolonged power outages possible. That doesn’t sound at all fun. If it were me, I would have to eat cold canned food; and I wouldn’t want to dress for a ride. I’d have to get out of my wraps to do so! Several days with no electricity would be miserable in here. I believe the water heater is gas; but otherwise everything in this place is electric. I couldn’t even heat water to make hot chocolate! Thank goodness I have hand warmers; and some plushy wraps to bundle up in. And even if I can’t heat anything, I do have ample food. Bundle Up 🧥 I didn’t need to bundle up today; the afternoon temperature rose to about 70! The expression “bundle up”, though, makes me think of Pigs in Blankets. Or Mr. Pork Chop. I never got around to trying Mr. Pork Chop; but if I do RAGBRAI again, I hope I can. But that might have to wait until next year. I still don’t have a road bike; but I hope I get one soon. The orthopedic surgeon says my elbow is fully healed; but before getting on a road bike again, I want to do some arm-strengthening! 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

Another Cold Blast! Read More »

Still Blue

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Outdoors /

Still Blue 🔵 “Old Muddy” looking blue The Mississippi is still blue — sort of. It didn’t have quite the same bluish-green appearance as yesterday; but it was still blue. I wish I had thought to take a picture of it then. Today I didn’t work on my pace; I simply rode. It’s not wise to do hard work every single day; from what I’ve read, not even pro cyclists do that kind of training. I do need to put my attention on building up, though; even if I skip RAGBRAI this year. Building Up 🛠️ I’m continuing to work at building up. My daily distances are still only 8-11 miles; but at least once a week, I include hard efforts.  I need that to regain my leg strength! I’m starting to think about long Sunday rides again. Would it be too much, too soon if I pushed for an 18-mile ride? I can do 10 miles or so without trouble; so 18 miles should be quite doable. If I ride at a moderate pace, that is! How soon can I get back on a road bike? Today I tried a few knees-on-the-floor push-ups; and they still make my left arm ache a bit around the elbow. So maybe I’m not quite ready for the road bike; but I hope I will be soon. 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

Still Blue Read More »

Danube Wannabe?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Danube Wannabe? 🏞️ Today our local river looked rather like a Danube wannabe. Instead of the usual brownish shade, it looked almost bluish green. Who knows what caused that. The angle of the sunlight? Something to do with the wind; and how the river carries sediment? Whatever the explanation, Strauss might have liked it! I didn’t have much time to watch the Danube wannabe. I decided to do the same kind of interval work that I did several days ago: one minute hard; one minute easy; five efforts per set, two sets. On the way out, that is. I did another set on the way home;  but I was a bit tired by then. Starting day after tomorrow, we’ve got the chance of rain. The weather will be warmer; but I still don’t like riding in the rain. Riding in the Rain ☔️ As I think I’ve said before, riding in the rain is actually easier if the skies open when I’m already out. Starting a ride when it’s already pouring is harder. Riding in the rain is good training, though; especially if you plan to do bicycle touring. Precipitation is almost a given during a tour; unless, perhaps, you plan a two-wheeled trek across the Atacama! I think I’ll skip that. I’m used to a humid climate; and the Atacama’s aridity would have me shriveling up in no time. I’m also used to seeing a big river as I ride; and I’d miss that — whether the river is acting wanna be Danube or not! 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

Danube Wannabe? Read More »

Is Weather a Woman?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Is Weather a Woman? 👩 Is weather a woman? It seems like it sometimes; it’s fickle! Yesterday the forecast still showed the possibility of snow showers tonight; this morning, it doesn’t. Is the forecast a woman, too? At any rate, one site does indicate possible rain/snow showers; and one doesn’t! Either way, it’s supposed to get cold. I haven’t decided whether or not I’ll ride tomorrow. Combine a temperature below 40 degrees with wind gusts up to 20 mph, and you’ve got a nasty chill factor. Chill Factor 🥶 If the chill factor keeps me indoors tomorrow, it might be a good time to try some new recipes; except that my freezer is already full!  I went for a short ride this afternoon. It was overcast; there was a drop of rain here and there; and the wind seemed to be getting stronger. It made me think of the chill factor! I rode three laps around the park; and might have done a fourth if not for the appearance of four kids on some kind of power bicycles. Those kids were riding rather wildly; and I decided to get out of the park. In fact, I rather hope park security caught up with them and made them settle down. I think they needed to chill out! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

Is Weather a Woman? Read More »

Getting in My Licks

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Getting in My Licks 👅 I must think about getting in my licks tomorrow; and I don’t meant lapping at ice cream — although I love ice cream at any time! I’ve been keeping an eye 👁️ on the forecast; and tomorrow night it’s expected to get cold. There’s even a chance of snow! ❄️ I might not be able to ride Sunday; if we do have some snow, it might leave the roads slippery. No wonder I’m considering getting in my licks while I can. Tomorrow morning it will be cloudy from late morning; but it looks like it probably won’t rain. I wish I didn’t have a 10:00 am appointment; then I could ride early; but I can go out on the bike when I’m home afterwards. Sunday It looks like Sunday will be clear; but also cold. If we get some snow over Saturday night, it might leave road surfaces slick; even if the sun is out. Slick roads mean I don’t dare ride; I don’t have the right tires. What to do if I’m stuck indoors on Sunday? I just did some cooking; and might not want to do any more so soon. Of course I can binge on YouTubes; but I need to wean myself away from that. Maybe I’ll grab a book and read! 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

Getting in My Licks Read More »

Cat on the Phone?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Cat on the Phone? 🐱 I think I’ve got a cat on the phone. Or is it the phone on the cat? Several times lately, I’ve laid down my Cateye; and discovered later that the mileage meter had advanced. What was going on? Yesterday I tried deliberately leaving that bicycle computer near the cell phone; and sure enough, after perhaps an hour, the mileage reading had gone from 13.74 to 15.48! But why does the cell phone do that? My laptop doesn’t seem to have that effect; at least, not when it’s on battery power. I suppose it’s a good thing that my phone isn’t near the Cateye while I’m riding. I’d have no idea what my mileage was; not with the Cat on the phone! That’s even without a crazy forecast to stymie my riding plans.  Crazy Forecast ❄️ Have we got a crazy forecast! Things will be about normal tonight and tomorrow night; but Saturday night there might be rain and snow ❄️ showers! If there’s snow, I won’t dare ride for fear of slick roads. Today I rode to the salvage store; and I had to bundle up. The wind was strong; and I’m surprised that my legs weren’t sore from yesterday’s efforts: yesterday I practiced riding hard for one minute, then easy for one minute; a total of three sets of five hard efforts.  This morning I skipped such tactics. It was enough to just  ride when I had a headwind — gusts up to 30 mph. Tomorrow morning I have physical therapy; so I won’t ride until afternoon. I hope the wind will have calmed down by then! 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

Cat on the Phone? Read More »

Stay In

1 Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Stay In 🏡 I decided to stay in this morning. It was chilly and overcast; and when I checked the weather report, it said,”light rain”. I simply don’t feel like going out in it; and it would be a good time for a nice book. Unfortunately, I don’t have a cozy fireplace. It’s supposed to clear up a little as the day goes on; and I plan to go for a ride then. I had thought of riding to the store today; but it can wait. There’s nothing that I have to have right away. Maybe today I can do some work on my pace; but I’m still doing quite short distances; about half of what I was doing before the accident. Work on My Pace 🐌 🦌 It will be a good idea to work on my pace. Stepping up the intensity a little should help me to shed the extra pounds that I’ve gained. As long as I stay in, that won’t happen! I’ve still got some lingering thoughts about RAGBRAI; but I guess it won’t happen this year. My left arm doesn’t seem ready for using a road bike; and I gotten a new one yet. From what I saw of the event last July, a hybrid isn’t suitable for RAGBRAI. Not for me, at least; unless I could either 1) get some super-low gears for the hybrid that I have; or 2) develop some SUPER-strong legs.  Even if I got those gears, it might cost more to ship a hybrid than a road bike, as the hybrid is considerably heavier. Enough about that. How do I work on my pace? Easy in theory; short bursts of hard efforts, with easy or moderate pedaling in between. But no always so easy to do!   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

Stay In Read More »

Ordinary Athlete

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Ordinary Athlete 🧑🏼‍🍳   For the ordinary athlete, The Everyday Athlete Cookbook is great. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to enjoy good food! The Everyday Athlete Cookbook includes recipes for pre- and post-ride meals; plus nutritious snacks. These recipes are easy to prepare; and you’ll find information on preparing plant-based and dairy-free foods. Your kitchen can become a lab! Now that I’m cooking again, I’m experimenting with foods — such as different combinations of legumes. Cooking Again 🥘 It’s a relief to be cooking again, rather than buying microwave meals. Some of them are actually quite tasty; but they’re rather expensive. Cooking again means washing pots again; but I’m not throwing away the packaging that comes with pre-prepared foods. It’s also good to be riding again. Today, though, I waited until afternoon. The wind was pretty strong today; and that makes it feel colder. It was also from a direction that made me feel like I had a headwind most of the time. That gets pretty frustrating; but on the other hand, riding against the wind is useful for building strength! 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

Ordinary Athlete Read More »

Clear Up!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Clear Up! 🌞 I wish it would either clear up, or pour. It isn’t going to snow; so a persistently gray sky makes for a gloomy day. If snow were on the way, the overcast would mean some snow-fun is coming. Despite the flood watch, we haven’t had much rain here; although who knows what things might  be like ten miles away. As of 11:00 am, there’s a T-storm right about there; and if it’s headed in our direction, I’s better not to be out on a bicycle. It looks like it might clear up in a few hours; or at least the rain risk will be past. Maybe I can go for a ride then. But it’s supposed to start getting cooler; and tonight the forecast is for a low below 50 degrees. Below 50 🥶 Below 50 degrees  is cold, as far as I’m concerned. Add winds of 10-15 mph; and gusts up to 30 mph; and I’ll need to bundle up. Right now it’s overcast; and 70 degrees. A T-storm is still likely; and I don’t want to get caught in one. At the same time, I’m tired of sitting around indoors. What a dilemma! It will be late afternoon by the time the rain threat is over; and by then the temperature might be dropping. Maybe I’ll just poncho up and go for a 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

Clear Up! Read More »