Outdoors Archives - Page 21 of 46

Big Surprise

Big Surprise 😮 I got a big surprise this morning; almost like having a rabbit suddenly pop out in front of me. The temperature was still 75 degrees; but it felt cooler than that! Is Fall coming so soon? I did go out earlier than usual, at about 5:15 am; so cooler temperatures shouldn’t have been a big surprise. Of course it isn’t as hot before the sun comes up. It’s full-moon time; and I got to see the moonlight on the river. We won’t get to see the eclipse here; but there will be more. And now can I start making Fall plans? Fall Plans? 🍂 I’m not sure exactly what “Fall plans” means, though. Certainly not going back to school; but maybe drawing up a more definite training plan? I know, I know; RAGBRAI 2026 is a long way off. But how long would it take me to train up for a personal century? Before I even consider shooting for a century, I have to ride a few extra miles to see whether the bike path is open again. The mini-park where I could make a pit stop is two miles past the closure; and reaching it would mean riding on a busy road. With a big curve to create a blind spot for motor vehicle drivers! Even with a written plan — Fall plans or otherwise — I’m prone to changing things; and that isn’t necessarily bad. The weather can take an unexpected turn; or I might have a cramp-y muscle that won’t tolerate hard use that day. Roll with the punches, they say! 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 Got Hot!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

I Got Hot! 🥵 I got hot today; and this was a very short ride! However, I didn’t go out until nearly 9:00 am; and it heats up fast. I forgot to wear my cooling rag; so of course I got hot. When I did remember it, I was half a mile from home already. I had some things that I wanted to drop off at the Salvation Army donation center; and that’s just 2.5 miles from here. So I decided to keep going. If I’d had 20 miles planned, I might have gone back home to get that cooling device! And now it’s still 91 degrees. Amazingly, the heat index is just a degree above that; the humidity is rather low for once. I hope it lasts for a while. Still 91 Degrees! 🌡️ Half of me wants to do some easy laps around the park; but it’s still 91 degrees! So the other half says, better not to ride just now. If I got hot this morning, I’ll absolutely broil if I go out this minute. This is the season for carrying electrolyte drink on almost every ride. After about half an hour, plain water simply doesn’t cut it; and endless water without replacing electrolytes means risking hyponatremia. The Tour de France went almost unnoticed by me this year; I was too busy with RAGBRAI. Those poor TdF riders are out there racing when the temperatures are in the 90’s; but I thery’re properly trained for it. I’m not; so when it’s still 91 degrees, maybe I shouldn’t 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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Come on and Rain!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training / CAL

Come On and Rain! ☔️ “Come on and rain!” is what I feel like saying when it’s been overcast all day; and it seems that it’s likely to pour, anyway. The catch with being stuck indoors and waiting for rain is, I want to munch Alter Eco Truffles! An overcast sky is why I made a split-second decision to ride the hybrid today. It let me use the bike trunk, so I could take some rain gear. And it didn’t rain, after all, except for an isolated drop here and there. The sun even broke through for a short time. Mid-afternoon, I received word that it was raining hard only about six miles away; so maybe it’s on the way here. Come on and rain, and get it over with! I don’t want rain tomorrow morning, when I plan to work on simulated hills. It’s flat here; but I’ve gotta pretend sometimes! Gotta Pretend Sometimes 🚵🏽 I’ve gotta pretend sometimes; such as when I want hill practice without any hills. If I want to improve my climbing ability, I have to try, try again. On the way home from the salvage store, I ride up a vehicular access ramp to the top of the levee. I’m riding the hybrid on such trips; and bringing home a load that might total twenty pounds. It’s hard to find a gear on my road bike that simulates this climb; which makes it hard to simulate hills. Maybe I should do “hill” practice on the hybrid? And when I’m back home afterwards, it can come on and 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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Planning around the Weather

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Planning around the Weather 🌧️ Don’t you get tired of planning around the weather? I sure do; but sometimes there’s no alternative. It’s what I’m doing now; and maybe I could plan better if I had a barometer! Wednesday I looked at the forecast for the weekend; and started planning around the weather. It looked like Saturday would be bad; so I made the trip to the salvage store yesterday. That trip went fine. The forecast didn’t predict rain before 11:00 today; so I went for a ride. The sky looked quite stormy already; and I was rather nervous about what this might portend. It began to drizzle just before I reached my turnaround point. Luckily it didn’t start to rain hard; and thank goodness the lightning didn’t start to fire up! For a while now, I’ll have to play it by ear. as the saying goes. Forecasts aren’t always reliable, as I’m sure we all know. By Ear👂🏻 Playing by ear, or course, makes me think of music. Playing by ear when it comes to cycling is more difficult; and most annoying. Conditions might seem favorable at, say, 7:00 am; but if rain and T-storms are in the forecast, I don’t know when they might arrive. I might go out for a ride when things are calm, or even sunny; only to get caught in a downpour 45 minutes later! Planning around the weather isn’t easy when said weather is so capricious! I keep expecting it to pour this afternoon; and so far it hasn’t happened. And what about tomorrow? I guess I’ll ride if it’s not storming; but I’ll keep it short, and stay close to home. I’ll ride by ear, too — if I start to hear thunder, it’s time to head 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Shuffle

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Shuffle 🔀 Sometimes I need to shuffle without having a deck of cards handy. The riding schedule needs to be shifted around at times; such as now. The forecast for the weekend looked pretty stormy; so I decided to make my visit to the salvage store this morning. I won’t want to try the trip if it’s storming! But I couldn’t find everything I wanted, and am debating whether to ride to the regular supermarket tomorrow; or to order online. I also need to shuffle things around in my cupboard, so the older items are at the front. That’s a drag, though — taking everything out, and then putting it back in! Drag 🥱 The upcoming Labor Day weekend looks to be a drag, and I don’t mean hauling stuff by tractor. The forecast shows constant chances of rain and T-storms. I suppose many folks will have to shuffle their plans from outdoor picnics to indoor munching; and I’m glad I don’t have my heart set on a backyard BBQ! The weather will, naturally, have some impact on my cycling plans. That’s a drag, too. I need to get back to my regular mileage, and start working to improve my pace. If I’m to do RAGBRAI again next year, the time to start working is now. 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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Heat of the Day

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Heat of the Day ☀️ Is it really a good idea to go out in the heat of the day? I try to avoid it; but today I had a 10:00 am appointment. For almost two months, I seem to keep getting colds; and I wanted to consult with my primary-care physician about it. Of course I don’t want to get too sweaty and stinky before visiting any doctor; so I skipped riding this morning. The doctor thinks this is could be an allergy problem; and he’s having me use a nasal spray along with an oral medication. I hope it helps! But did I have an allergic reaction to all that corn in Iowa? By early afternoon, the lack of activity was getting to me; so I went out in the heat of the day. I used the Camel-Bak, and took along electrolyte drink. I also kept it short and easy, just over 11 miles; and I rode in the park, where I can get some shade. Get Some Shade 👒 We all want to get some shade; especially in the heat of the day. A Tontron Helmet Visor can provide more shade than a regular helmet visor; but I have reservations about using one. It looks to me like the Tontron would create a lot of resistance in a headwind! Today I rode the hybrid; and mostly in low gear. I’m still working on my pedaling mechanics; and am at the aggravating stage where neither the old way nor the new way feels quite right. But I’m not training up for anything big at present; so I can afford to take my time. 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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Shorter but not Cooler

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Shorter but Not Cooler ♨️ Our days are now shorter; but not cooler. At least, not by more than a few degrees. I still very much need the Camel-Bak for rides over a few miles; and I need to take electrolyte drink along. We’ve actually had a few consecutive days without a heat advisory; and that’s a relief. Even so, I try to ride early. We still have many daylight hours, even though the days are shorter (but not cooler!) Continuing heat and humidity means we’re still nervous about possible hurricanes. That won’t end for about three months! Still Nervous 😟 Of course I’m still nervous about what the tropics might do. Tropical Storm Fernand is heading for nowhere; but today I saw an online article that said the Gulf might start to fire up soon. So shorter-but-not- cooler days won’t help inhibit storm formation! I’m still not back up to my regular mileage; and if tropical storm conditions become a threat, I’ll miss even more riding. Unfortunately I just don’t feel quite right; so it’s probably wise not to ride too long and/or hard. I see the doctor tomorrow; and I hope we can figure out what’s going on. 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 ✍🏻 Shorter but not Cooler August 26, 2025 Empty Again August 25, 2025 Cooling Trend? August 24, 2025 Not So Fast August 22, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Cooling Trend?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Cooling Trend? 🥶 Have we got a cooling trend? At noon, it was only 91 degrees; and the heat index was below 100! That’s not as hot as it’s been; and any cooling is welcome. It’s more comfortable to ride when the heat lets up a little; but real Fall is at least a month away. I have to create my own cooling trend by wearing a cooling rag. I don’t know how I got along before I had it! Thinking of “cooling trend” makes my thoughts turn to Winter. Who know what might happen: will we have a freak snowfall? Will it be 30 degrees one day; and reach 80 degrees the next? Is weather everywhere as variable and unpredictable as ours? In a way, things are much easier during Summer: we know it will be hot! Winter ❄️ Winter will arrive eventually; and when it does, I have to haul out the cold-weather gear. I get tired of having arm warmers; leg warmers; gloves; and so on, hanging all over the place. But one day I’ll need them; the next day, I won’t! People understandably complain about the crazy variables in temperature, saying that we never know how to dress. One of the tricky aspects of Winter rides is layering. And if I need to remove a layer, where do I put it? My Camel-Bak pockets are already full with a cable lock and a tube of Chamois Butt’r; plus I carry some toilet paper just in case. There’s not much room for anything else. If I start to feel overheated, the best I can do is to partially unzip my jacket; and create a bit of a cooling trend! 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 ✍🏻 Cooling Trend? August 24, 2025 Not So Fast August 22, 2025 Feeling the Heat August 20, 2025 Weakening August 18, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Weakening

BACK ISSUES, Food, Outdoors / CAL

Weakening 😩 Nobody wants weakening in their training scheme. We all like to get stronger and stronger, right? With the hope that Clif Builder’s bars will help! Who wants to be “weak as water”? Sometimes I’m glad to see weakening, though. Hurricane Erin’s winds have dropped from 160 mph to 140 mph; but she’s still a powerful storm. She’s not expected to cross Florida and enter the Gulf. That’s good news for us; but the East coast could be in for a rough time. I sure feel for those in the storm’s path. Keep Going 🚲 Meanwhile, all I can do is keep going. I’m easing back into my regular riding schedule; and nudging my diet back on track. Continuing to ride in the mornings is a wise idea. It’s a bit cooler then; and there’s a lower chance that I’ll get caught in a T-storm. Yesterday evening we had a humdinger of a T-storm; complete with heavy downpour and some very close lightning. The power kept going off; and that played havoc with my Internet connectivity. I couldn’t keep going with blogging; or social media; or watching videos. As I type this, I hear the mutter and grumble of thunder again. I hope the storm undergoes weakening before it gets here. I don’t want a repeat of last night! 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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On Guard

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

On Guard! 💂🏻 We’ve got to be on guard. The NHC site shows that Erin is now a full-fledged Category 5 hurricane! Erin is still in the Atlantic; but her movement has shifted back onto a westward track. For the moment, anyway; it looks like they expect Erin to curve northwards; then to the Northeast. Then there’s the question: will Erin actually do that? Or will she switch tactics and get into the Gulf? It’s too soon to tell; but let’s be on guard. I’m glad I have no travel plans! If RAGBRAI were in a week or two, instead of two weeks past, I’d be very worried that Erin would ruin things. As if daily uncertainties about weather weren’t enough! Daily Uncertainties 🤔 Daily uncertainties about weather are enough, without having to be on guard against hurricanes. There’s always the big question of what to take along for ride food. Not Ben’s Original Street Food; I can’t ride no-handed at all, much less while eating out of a bowl! But I’ll occasionally have a serving of Ben’s at home. So, what shall I take for on-bike food for my next ride? It’s so hot that the coating of bars gets very soft and messy. Meat snacks make me too thirsty; and tend to be too hard to chew while pedaling. Such daily uncertainties make me wonder when I should plan an off-bike day. I usually take one day off each week; and if one day looks particularly likely to get bad weather, I can plan to skip the ride that day. My schedule is far more flexible now that I’m retired; and if I can’t do a long ride on Sunday, I can do it another 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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