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Too Cold to Ride

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Too Cold to Ride? Is it ever too cold to ride? My inclination is to say, YES!! Here it is, nearly half-past noon; and the temperature is still below freezing. The chill factor is below 20 degrees; and the wind especially is enough to discourage me from riding outdoors. I sure don’t need cold packs right now! At least the threat of freezing rain seems to be past; and the barometric pressure is up. By the way, my little homemade barometer works! But back to the issue of riding in cold weather. According to one social media platform, kids in Finland ride to school in sub-freezing weather; and think nothing of it. I wonder, though, is Finland as humid as New Orleans? One reason that cold weather here seems so miserably cold is the humid climate! So OK, it’s too cold to ride; and that means it’s time to set up the trainer. Tomorrow will be even colder than today; so I need to make a way to get some exercise! 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 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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How’s the Pressure?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

How’s the Pressure? “How’s the pressure?” isn’t only about the psi in  your bicycle tires. It’s also about the barometer reading. If that reading is falling, better pack along the rain gear! I got the idea for the “barometer” pictured above from a YouTube, How to Harvest Oats Like an Edwardian. They discuss how important it is to have cooperative weather in order to have a good harvest; and about 14 minutes into the video, they start talking about barometers. They even show how to make a cheap barometer, as most Edwardian-era farmers — especially small-scale ones — likely couldn’t afford a fancy instrument.  So I decided to try making one. Luckily I had just finished both a jar of kalamata olives, and a bottle of soy sauce. So I had the materials; and all I needed to buy was red food coloring. I made my barometer about two days ago, and have been watching it. I’m trying to see whether the fluid level in the bottle neck is going up or down; and today it looks it might be lower than it was yesterday. I checked NOAA; and sure enough, right now the barometric pressure is 29-something. Yesterday it was 30-something. Of course I still have to pay attention to how’s the pressure in my bikes’ tires; not that I’m likely to get to ride outdoors tomorrow morning. The forecast has changed from a low of 34 to a low of 27 degrees; and on top of that, freezing rain is likely! Even in the afternoon, it will still be below 40 degrees; and wind gusts might reach 35 mph.  So how’s the pressure to get out there and ride, anyway? Fortunately, it’s very low! 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 How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Summer in January January 12, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Wet or Dry?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Wet or Dry? 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.” Sometimes it’s wet … … and sometimes it’s not Wet  or dry is much on my mind the last couple of days. The current forecast shows daily chances of rain from 20-90% through next Wednesday. So, do I take the poncho along, or not? I had it with me this morning, when I rode to the salvage store; but didn’t need it. Because I thought it might rain, I left the trailer at home. I’m still trying not to bring home big loads, anyway; I’ve got plenty of canned stuff to use up. Hurricane season is winding down, too; so it’s less important to keep a good supply of non-perishables on hand. Will tomorrow be wet or dry? The annoying thing about “20% chance of showers” is, it really doesn’t say whether it will rain. However, there’s a much greater chance of rain on Monday; so tomorrow looks like a better day for riding. As usual, I’ve got ride food on my mind. FitCrunch Bars? RXBars? I might not makeup my mind until tomorrow morning. More important than what I take to eat, is that I can keep it from getting soaked if it does rain. No wonder I’ve got wet or dry on my mind.     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 Elementor #153404 November 11, 2023 Back at the Ranch November 10, 2023 Sunday on Thursday November 9, 2023 What’s the Joke? November 8, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Feels Like October

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Feels Like October 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.” * It feels like October at last; now that October is over! Our temperature yesterday morning was about 72; today it was some 20 degrees cooler. I went for a ride, but the wind was rather strong; so I was a sissy and went to ride laps around the park. Before I had ridden one mile, my hands and feet were starting to feel the chill. Maybe I need some Rabbitroom Gloves! My feet were getting cold, too. My intended five laps got reduced to a measly two laps. The sky was overcast; and it began to mist. The wind seemed to be strengthening; and I decided it might be better to go home before it began to pour. Then, of course, it didn’t!? I forget sometimes that learning to deal with adverse weather is part of being a cyclist. Pushing your pace against the wind helps to develop strength and endurance; and it you’re to commute to work or school by bicycle, you must know how to ride in the rain. Tonight is supposed to be even cooler; with a wind advisory in effect until mid-morning tomorrow. I might have to postpone my ride!  Yes, it feels like October — now that November is here!

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Coming at Last

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Outdoors /

Coming at Last? 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.” * Is Fall coming at last? At midday today, it was only 72 degrees! Compared to what we’ve been getting, that’s cool. It’s rather windy as well. Tonight, down to the low 50s; and Tuesday night, it’s supposed to drop to the mid-40s! Time now to be eyeing cycling jackets, and other cold-weather clothing as well. Riding through the Winter drives me crazy, though. We can get crazy fluctuations in temperature; and it’s annoying to have all kinds of stuff floating around: gloves in several weights; thermal socks; leg warmers; and so on. In a way, dressing to ride in Summer is far easier. I know it will be hot; and I don’t have to worry that I’ll embark on a ride with too few layers. If Fall is coming at last, we ought to get some relief from the heat. We had a prolonged spell of extreme hot weather, when the heat index got over 100 degrees every day. I was glad to see that end; but it’s still very dry. We’re turning into a desert at the rate we’ve been going; and I hope we get the rain that’s predicted for tonight and tomorrow morning. Just not while I’m out cycling!

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Eclipse

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Eclipse I nearly forgot about the eclipse yesterday! We’re outside the areas for the best viewing; and I wasn’t even thinking about it. Then, about 12:15 pm, I went out on an errand. I noticed funny little crescents of light on the sidewalk where the trees’ shadows fell — and then I remembered about the eclipse. When I got back home, I got out two small pieces of paper; and punched a hole in one of them. Then I went back outside to “see” the eclipse. I discovered that I had to turn so that the sun was at my back for my “viewer” to work. I took a pic of the light crescents with my cell phone; but to my great chagrin, I can’t figure out how to download it to my laptop. That’s what comes of my being such a technophobe! Today it’s been mostly clear. I rode nearly 20 miles this morning, fueled by a FitCrunch bar and Biosteel. The wind was rather a hassle, which is only too common. I didn’t try to hurry; I just tried to ride steadily. That’s what the Sunday long ride is supposed to be about, anyway. But I’m still quite  a long way from 40-mile rides! On the way back home, I did get a good tailwind for a bit. Especially in the final mile, I really got moving — and hit 21.73 mph!?

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Give It Up

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Outdoors /

Give It Up I might as well give it up when it comes to seeing the comet. There’s simply too much light pollution around here. The time frame for spotting it is nearly past, too. I hope I never have to give it up when it comes to cycling. For one thing, I really need the exercise! With Fall — and, we hope, cooler weather — approaching, it’s time to get that cold-weather cycling wardrobe ready. With the right clothes, there’s no need to go into hibernation for the Winter! When the morning temperatures are still around 70 degrees, a long-sleeved blouse often suffices; but as it drops below 70, I’ll need a jacket.  The jacket shown has elastic cuffs; but I prefer one with velcro sleeve openings. It’s easier to get it on even after I’ve donned heavy gloves. Keeping my hands warm during cold-day rides has always been a problem for me. Not even heavy gloves do the trick. Two seasons ago, I began using hand warmers; and they help a lot. Unfortunately my feet still get cold, even with thermal socks. That doesn’t automatically mean that the socks aren’t any good; I just get cold easily. Once the temperatures start falling below the mid-60s, I want leg warmers. They’re far less binding than regular slacks; and if it warms up during a ride, leg warmers are easily removed. They also take much less space in a Camel-Bak pocket than a pair of jeans. Keeping your head warm is very important; we hear all the time that we lose a lot of body heat through our heads. A helmet liner works well; and is especially useful if your helmet is well ventilated. Jacket, gloves, leg warmers, and helmet liner are just a few of the items that come in handy when the mercury begins to drop. The problem is, none of it keeps my nose from running!

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Costa Rica

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Costa Rica 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.” Costa Rica has a number of cycling tours to offer, with durations of six to fifteen days. These tours rely quite heavily on the mountain bike; and you’d better get your biceps in shape for the white-water rafting! The 8-day Coast-to-Coast tour crosses the country from East to West. You’ll ride past villages and farms; fields of sugar-cane; and banana plantations. There’s even a volcano along the route; and coffee plantations as well.. If you want a longer Coast-to-Coast tour, there’s the 15-day route. This tour is physically challenging — you’ll engage in mountain biking; kayaking; and white-water rafting. Included is a bicycling climb over the Continental Divide. For a 10-day jaunt, you can undertake the Pacific, Arenal & Caribbean Coast tour. It includes cycling and river rafting; and hikes to view waterfalls. You can take a soak in the Arenal area’s hot springs to ease out those kinks in your muscles. These are only three of the tours available; and I must say that they all sound strenuous. I don’t even have a mountain bike; but maybe my hybrid would do? Costa Rica can get very wet, especially in the southern part of the country. In that warm climate, you might be able to get through the rain without a poncho, unless you’re at  high altitude. January through March is the dry season; so I, for one, would prefer to schedule a tour during that time. The average annual temperature is 89 degrees; and having a way to keep cool sounds like a wise precaution. From beaches to mountains; white-water to coffee growing areas, Costa Rica offers a wide variety of adventures! 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 Here Comes the Chill December 28, 2023 Frumenty December 27, 2023 Twelve Days December 26, 2023 Season’s Greetings! December 25, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Cote-de-Velo

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Côte de Vélo? Côte de Vélo is another of my bad jokes. I thought of roller coasters yesterday when I went for a ride, and ended up doing lots of coasting. That led me to think of Bicycle Coast! I don’t know what was wrong with me, but my legs seemed very tired; and my stamina was poor. Maybe my legs need more massaging, much more often. That foam roller spends too much time occupying space on the shelf! I rode not quite 20 miles, instead of the 25 miles I was aiming for. Maybe I needed to eat more? So today I skipped riding. I didn’t spend the day on a park bench amidst Autumn leaves, though. It’s still very hot here; and except for two very short walks, I’ve been staying indoors where I can stay cool. Autumn makes me think of hot chocolate; but on a day like this, I say, perish the thought! Right now, at 4:00 pm, it’s 100 degrees! Tomorrow looks like more of the same. When will this end? I’ve got to ride early again; and hope it doesn’t turn into more côte de vélo. Being hot doesn’t help with that; and yesterday I forgot to wear my cooling band around my neck. Did that omission make such a difference? I must remember it tomorrow. So far, no hurricane trouble. If this heat is keeping them away, maybe the trade-off is worth it. But this is August; and hurricane season has nearly four months left! In fact, September is considered peak season. Thus we can’t let our guard down. I’m stocking gallon jugs of water, just in case. Many a weekday ride sees me wearing my Camel-Bak; and taking along electrolyte drink. It’s already so hot by 7:00 am that I need it. Ride at 5:00 am? That’s a possible solution; but unless I’m after a view of the full moon, I’d rather sleep a little later!

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More Heat

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

More Heat! We’ve got more heat coming; in fact, it looks like our heat machine is about to crank up a notch or two. It makes me wish that anything with “ColdStone” written on it can cool me off. I’ve been using my sun sleeves when I ride, so I don’t have to use up my sunblock so fast. Those sleeves keep my arms a little cooler; but I haven’t used my leg sleeves yet. I’m keeping them for when my Sunday long rides get back up to 40 miles. Once I’ve got both arms and legs sun-protected, I’ll have less sunblock to wash off post-ride! Here I am, complaining about “more heat” before July is over. August and September tend to be our hottest months; and the heat can into persist into November or later. It makes rides harder when I don’t get going until at least 7:30 am. I started using a hydration system for water, so I can put an electrolyte drink in my water bottle. That’s important, as I’m starting to extend at least one weekday ride to 20 miles or so. I have no idea whether I’ll really get to do RAGBRAI next year; but if I do, I must be able to ride more than 12-15 miles per day! In fact, RAGBRAI averages something like 40 miles per day; and there’s also climbing to contend with. RAGBRAI also means riding through the day; and Iowa can get as hot as New Orleans. So if I can do that ride, I’d better bring along several pairs each those arm and leg sun-protection sleeves. And I hope it’s not as humid there as it is here! I’ve been enjoying not having to rise at 4:30 am to ride; but  maybe I should resume my pre-dawn rides until Fall? It would spare me so much riding in the heat! Incidentally, I’ve noticed that it doesn’t get light so early in the morning; which means that the days are already getting shorter. But they sure aren’t getting any cooler!

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