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SpokEasy

Outdoors

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

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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

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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

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Bungled?

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Bungled? 🫤 Have we had a bungled forecast? So far the flood watch isn’t necessary; or am I getting ahead of things? The forecast still says there will be showers and/or T-storms tonight; and I won’t want to be out there in a Night Cat Tent! Thinking of tents reminds me of the fourth night of RAGBRAI 2025. That was some night! Torrential downpour; and my tent had been pitched in a low spot. I can’t sleep when it feels like I’m lying in a river. But that wasn’t a bungled forecast; as I remember, rain was expected. In a River 🛶 If it pours tonight and tomorrow the way I’m expecting, getting around will seem like wading in a river; and I won’t want to go out. And I’m glad I won’t be flying an airplane! I don’t envy pilots who must take off/land in such conditions. I’m glad I went to the salvage store day before yesterday; or I’d be worrying about the weather. This morning I had physical therapy; and I was half-expecting to walk home in a deluge.  The weather site I checked says, 70% chance of rain. So far it doesn’t seem like it! But weather is capricious; and can change quickly. I’m thankful that I’m not the one in charge of forecasts. 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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Washout Tomorrow?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Washout Tomorrow? ⛆ Will we get a washout tomorrow? Our forecast indicates a flood watch from midnight tonight until mid-morning Saturday. It makes me think that a pair of boots would be welcome. Along with other rain gear, of course. If we do get a washout tomorrow, I shan’t be pleased. I have physical therapy tomorrow; and means a hike of at least one mile. If it’s pouring, I might have to do some wading! Wading 🫠  Wading might be fun if you’re at the beach, and barefoot; but I’m not a fan of wading when I’m trying to walk somewhere. Here, a good rain can result in ankle-deep pools at curbs; and often these pools are too wide for me to hop over. The only way is to walk right through them. Then I get soaked socks and shoes. Given the forecast, I’m not sure I’ll get to ride tomorrow. I got my hybrid back today; but if there’s a washout tomorrow, I might not want to ride! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME 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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Is This London?

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Is This London? 🚊 Is this London? The capital city of England is notorious for fog; and we’ve been getting a lot of fog. Is it because the river is chilled; and the air is warm? But is there upstream snow-melt at this time of year? The weather is still crazy. Today it got up to 80 degrees; and the warmth will persist through Friday. Then, down into the 40s again. Will it get colder as time goes on? Are we going to have another freak snowfall like last January? There’s likely to be rain by the weekend; and I’m considering riding to the salvage store tomorrow. I hope the fog won’t be too dense! If it is, I’ll be wondering whether this is London. Dense 🌫️ With dense fog out there, I’ll sure need ARCHXX Anti-Fog Lens Wipes. They work quite well. My lenses still get wet; but at least I can see through them. How do I dress for a ride in the fog? The forecast says it will be about 64 degrees; so I’ll need some warm clothes. Fog can feel miserably chilly; and I’ll want leg warmers for sure!  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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Planning around the Weather

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Planning around the Weather 💦 ⚡️🥶 I get tired of planning around the weather; especially when it’s unseasonably warm, and who know what will happen next. It’s hard to know what the weather will do, anyway. From Thursday, there’s a chance of rain; and that includes Saturday morning. Maybe I’ll go to the salvage store on Wednesday! Or should I wait for Saturday, anyhow? What, exactly, does “chance of showers” mean? Planning around the weather is tricky when you don’t have a crystal ball. And sometimes, getting good weather is a matter of plain old luck. Crystal Ball 🔮  Sometimes I think a crystal ball would do just as well as modern meteorological forecasts. Even with all the advances made in the science, it seems to me that there’s still a pretty big element of guesswork in weather prediction. I, for one, wouldn’t want the job. It’s hard to learn how to “read” the weather when you’re indoors much of the time; and it probably takes years of experience (and errors!) to become proficient at it.  I don’t have a crystal ball; so I’ll have to keep relying on weather forecasts — and keep on planning around the weather. 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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Sour Grapes

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Sour Grapes 🍇 I can say, “sour grapes” today. The forecast was for fog; and I figured I wouldn’t be able to see the full moon. I was tired anyway; so I didn’t try for a moon viewing. As it turns out, I may have been able to see ol’ Luna this morning, after all; so saying fog probably would have obscured the view is sour grapes! The day became clear and sunny; and it’s close to 80 degrees. Summer in January! As usual, such weather makes me wonder what this year’s hurricane season will be like! Summer in January 😎 I should be used to Summer in January; it’s happened so often! Offhand, I don’t remember what our temperatures were like in early January 2025; but no doubt everyone remembers the late January 2025 snowfall! That was downright freakish. It looks like this weather will continue at least until next Friday. I’ll be hauling out my warm-weather riding gear; but I’d better not put away the leg warmers and jackets yet. It’s sure to get cold again — someday. Today the headwind bothered me; and I made only small effort to work hard. I’ve got to get over that laziness if I’m to regain my fitness!   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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Touched by the Frost?

BACK ISSUES, Food, Outdoors /

Touched by the Frost? 🥶 Have I been touched by the frost? It’s hard to say; although the weather got much cooler last night, it wasn’t quite cold enough for frost. Even if the temperature dropped low enough, the wind was too strong for any frost to form. But the cold seemed to affect me: my elbow was achy during physical therapy this morning. After therapy, I had to go for a follow-up with the oral surgeon. By the time I finished that appointment, it was getting towards noon. Then I needed to head for the bank; New Year’s is coming up; and I might need a bit of extra cash. After that, I got a fancy sandwich for my “New Year’s dinner”. But no chicken today. No Chicken! 🐓 I decided on a sandwich with no chicken; and no, not  because my brain was touched by the frost. There’s a saying that you shouldn’t eat chicken for New Year’s, or you’ll fo backwards in the coming year. You’re supposed to eat pork, so you’ll go forwards. That odd superstition stems from the different ways in which chickens and pigs search for food. A chicken scratches backwards; but a pig roots forwards. A popular January 1 dish around here is ham hocks cooked in blackeye peas. I’d better get in some riding tomorrow. I let it go again today; I wasn’t home from all my appointments and errands until at least noon; and the wind was still strong enough to dissuade me. And, after that huge lunch, my stomach felt too full for vigorous 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Exaggerated Caution?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Exaggerated Caution? ⚠️ Maybe my decision to skip riding today was exaggerated caution. The wind didn’t get really strong until about midday; and it was tiresome staying indoors so much. Tomorrow the wind won’t be quite as strong; but it’s going to be colder. I have both physical therapy and a follow-up with the oral surgeon; so I won’t get a chance to ride until afternoon. Even if I don’t ride, I’ll get in some walking; and the movement should help me to keep warm. Keep Warm ♨️ Another way to keep warm is to wear lots of layers. That’s one of the things about cold weather that annoys me. When I’m doing  a long ride on a cold day, what do I do if I start to feel a bit overheated?  My Camel-Bak pockets don’t have room for storing layers, once I’ve stowed a cable lock; a tube of Chamois Butt’r; and so on. About all I can do is to open the zippers on my jackets. I’m glad, though, that it’s not going down to freezing tonight. My pipes are wrapped; an exaggerated caution, perhaps; but if we do get a cold snap later, I’m prepared! 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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