SpokEasy

SpokEasy

Outdoors

In Order

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

In Order ✔️ Today’s Featured Product! 🎊 ROCKBROS Photochromatic Bike Glasses New!! Garmin Vivosmart®️ 5 For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Even though I’m sitting out RAGBRAI this year, I thought I should be sure my equipment is in order. To be more specific, I wanted to be certain that nothing was developing unwanted growths. Happily, nothing was; and I can check the things again in a few months. Fortunately this place isn’t as damp as the one I rented before; and silica gel packs help. So I expect that everything will stay in order. Waiting for Weather ⚡️ I’ve been waiting for weather all day. It was, in fact, raining this morning; and I needed to walk to Fed-Ex. Fortunately I didn’t need rain boots; but even with an umbrella, I got sort of damp. By early afternoon, I was tired of waiting for weather to go crazy. I finally went to the park for a short ride; and I was surprised that there weren’t more huge puddles on the ground! When I got the wind behind me, I practiced riding on the big ring. I need that to develop better leg strength; and as my rides have been short the last two weeks, I need something to make up for the missing miles! 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

In Order Read More »

Free Way

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Free Way 🛣️ Today’s Featured Product! 🌟 ROCKBROS Water Bottle Cage New!! MERACH NovaWalk W50 For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I got a free way at last. The barricade across the bike path was gone this morning! As it turns out, they were paving a hitherto dirt-and-gravel access road that leads to a mini-industry on the riverbank. Today I let my ride go at >11 miles, because my Camel-Bak wasn’t full. I didn’t take lots of water because I expected that barricade to still be there; and didn’t plan for a 20-miler. I don’t know about riding tomorrow morning. The forecast doesn’t look favorable for outdoor activity; and neither does the next day. But I’ve got a free way, at least for now. Who knows when there will be another closure! Quiet in the Tropics 🌀 At least it’s quiet in the tropics for now. I have to remind myself of that when I get aggravated by local T-storms that dump large amounts of rain. Such storms usually pass quickly; a hurricane can mean hours of punishing wind and ferocious downpour. The thought of a hurricane is when I wish I had a trainer that can hold my hybrid’s rear wheel. I don’t have space in here for an indoor walker, so I don’t intend to get one. I hope I can do a 20-mile ride soon. I’ve missed those long jaunts for almost two weeks! Let’s hope I continue to have a free way.   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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

Free Way Read More »

Listen to the Storm

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Listen to the Storm ⛈️ Today’s Featured Product! 🎇 Cueclip New!! Aeac Smart Watch For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I’m glad I got to listen to the storm from indoors. That’s better than having to hear it while cycling through it; and early this afternoon a Special Weather Statement warned of strong T-storms. I hope RAGBRAI has better weather than this! Riding past fields of corn and soybeans has cyclists just as exposed as riding on top of the levee;  and even if ditches are available, are they long enough for tens of thousands of people get into them? Listen to the storm means staying alert for any weather warnings. About 1:30 pm, there was a Flash Flood Warning. I was gladder than ever to be indoors! Is It Over?🔚 When a storm seems to calm down, I always wonder, is it over? It’s a good thing I rode this morning! As of 2:30 pm, the rain had slacked or even stopped; but the Flash Flood Warning was still in effect. If I still needed to get out for some miles, I would have been most nervous about riding! When I ride now, I watch my cycle computer; and imagine where on my normal riding route I’d be. It gives me some diversion, and helps alleviate the monotony. Oh, and speaking of rain, the hybrid I used to have, had rim brakes. My current hybrid has disc brakes, which do much better in wet conditions. 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

Listen to the Storm Read More »

Stormy Days

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Stormy Days ⛈️ Today’s Featured Product! 🎊 Bodyweight Training for Cycling New!! Junkless Chewy Granola Bar For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! We’ve still got stormy days ahead. When we get rain after a dry spell, it seems to keep on raining. But it’s too warm for a rain suit! Wariness about the weather made me head for the salvage store today. I took public transit there; and called a cab to get home. I think next time I’ll pull along my trailer by hand; most buses can “kneel”, so I should be able to get a loaded trailer onto the bus. I hope stormy days don’t continue to threaten my shopping excursions; but I got extra stuff today, just in case. And what about riding just to ride? Ride Today? 🚲 About 11:30 am, I began to hear the grumbling of thunder. When I looked outside, there was light rain. So, can I ride today? I miss the exercise; but it’s hard to time a ride. The forecast keeps pushing back the time when T-storms are expected; and I’d rather not get caught out in one.  It looks like tomorrow morning will be all right; and I want to get in some miles. Maybe I’ll throw in some hard efforts; I really need that. Intense work is useful if you want to work off a few pounds! 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

Stormy Days Read More »

Heat Relief

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Heat Relief 😮‍💨 Today’s Featured Product! 🚀 Rip Van Wafels New!! Skout Almond Cookie Bars For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! We’re getting a bit of heat relief this week; but I can assure you, I’m not getting it by imbibing hot chocolate! It’s great to have a break from heat advisories; but I still try to avoid riding when the day is hottest. And it’s already quite hot before 9:00 am. Today I rode back and forth over a short stretch of the levee; then went to the park and rode around three times. Over 17 miles total! I need to work back to my regular mileage; and 17 miles is pretty close. Now if only we could get better heat relief! Reminiscing 🤔 I’m watching RAGBRAI videos again; and that has me reminiscing about my ride last July. I wish I’d been able to take notes from day to day; but there was no room in my bags for a journal. I’m even considering what I’ll do if I can make it to the 2027 event. One thing will be, try to get going earlier in the morning; even if that means I can’t buy a meal before I start. Another thing: get at least one larger duffle bag! A pair of 40-liter bags aren’t enough. And, of course, think about training up right now. It would help if we got better heat relief! 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

Heat Relief Read More »

Doggie in the Window?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Doggie in the Window? 🪟 Today’s Featured Product! Zinn Mountain Bike Maintenance New!! Why Bars For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! With the dog days approaching, I’m thinking about the Doggie in the Window. It’s a cute song; but a dog would be too much for me. I’ll have to leave the doggie in the window. We all know the importance of riding early in the day when the weather is very hot; and I try to do that. But what to do when I can’t get out until later in the day? Bring on the cool rag! And I’ve been experimenting with a cooling beanie. I think I might not have gotten it wet enough, because it seemed to dry out rather quickly. I’ll try it again soon. Don’t forget to take lots of water; and remember the electrolyte drink. How did cyclists manage before we had Propel and Gatorade? Like Attracts Like? ⚡️ Sometimes it seems that like attract like!  Yesterday afternoon I began to hear thunder while I was watching a YouTube about tornadoes. Today, I began to notice distant grumbling while watching a video about the notorious 1938 hurricane that slammed New England. Than, just after 2:00 pm, a special weather statement about strong T-storms came through. I’m always glad to be home when that happens! I hope RAGBRAI doesn’t get weather like this. What do they do when lightning gets close? Maybe cower down in a cornfield?   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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

Doggie in the Window? Read More »

Sweet Sixteen?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Sweet Sixteen? 🍭 Today’s Featured Product! 🎇 Flip-Flop Socks New!! ProBar Coffee Crunch For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! This morning felt like sweet sixteen. — I finally rode more than 10-11 miles! Thanks to the barrier across the bike path,  I had to do repeated short segments; but I wanted to do some real distance. After a week of short rides, I figured it wasn’t the best idea to shoot for 20 miles; and in fact my legs were getting tired by the 13-mile mark. So I left it at 16 miles; but that’s better than the mileage I’ve been getting! Hence the comment about Sweet Sixteen. Planning the Weekend 🗓️ I’m already planning the weekend, although it’s only Tuesday. I hope I can ride; but the forecast for Sunday doesn’t look so good. That can change, though; weather is SO fickle! Any ride means electrolyte drink, even in cold weather. Now that it hardly gets below 80 degrees  overnight, it’s even more important. And take plenty of water! I’m also trying to plan a trip to the salvage store on Saturday. There’s a public bus with a stop right by the store; but I’ll need another way to get home with all my loot. How far ahead do I need to schedule with Uber?      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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

Sweet Sixteen? Read More »

Laps

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Laps 🔁 Today’s Featured Product! 🎆 Voltaren  Gel New!! Atlas Real-Food Protein Bars For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I’ve got to be ready to do laps — lots of laps! Yes, that blockade across the levee bike path is still there; and if I’m to get in my miles, I’ll  have to 1) ride back and forth along a short stretch of trail; or 2) circle the park a mind-numbing number of times. I’ve observed riders bypassing that barricade; but I’m reluctant to do it. For all I know, the patrol might be on the lookout for such “crashers”; and if they’re handing out tickets, I don’t want to waste my money on them. How About the Fourth? 🎆 And how about the Fourth? A holiday isn’t quite a special day if I don’t ride; and I’ve already had two days of shortchanged distance this week. I think I’ll ride, but early; and I think I’ll avoid the park. Parks can get very crowded and busy on the Fourth of July. It looks like the weather will be OK for a morning ride; but we might have some atmospheric fireworks later in the day. Maybe that will cool us off a little! 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

Laps Read More »

Treasure Hunt?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Treasure Hunt? 🪎  Today’s Featured Product! 🎺 Lonely Planet Bike France New!! TRUBAR Vegan Key Lime For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I feel sort of like I’ve been on a treasure hunt for the last six months or so. 🤑 Since last December, I’ve been on the lookout for a 2025 penny. The U.S. Mint is stopping production of pennies; and I wanted one, just as a curiosity. Today, I finally got one! Finding a good cycling route — whether for commuting, errands, or fun — might seem like a treasure hunt, too. It depends partly on your location; some cities are much more bikeable than others; and every city has streets that are more heavily traveled than others. We have to scout out such routes! Bargain Hunting 🛍️ Maybe I’ll go bargain hunting tomorrow, depending on the weather. I’m considering hitching up my trailer for a trip to the salvage store. My usual day is Saturday; but this coming Saturday is the Fourth of July; and if the salvage store is open, I’m sure the place will be packed. Besides, when I’m out and about on the Fourth, I’m always concerned about firecrackers. 🧨 Can I be sure the people who set them off will watch where they throw the things?   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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as CAL. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

Treasure Hunt? Read More »

Scorcher!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Scorcher! 🍳 Today’s Featured Product! 🔥 INBIKE  Cycling Gloves   New!! Fast after 50 For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! It’s a scorcher today! Yesterday the forecast predicted a high of 95 degrees for today; and I rode early to beat the heat. I’m glad I did; the heat index was about 93 by 8:00 am. The early start was worth it; because today the moon was in a much better position for viewing than it was yesterday. Sweltering 🥵 By early afternoon it was sweltering — a scorcher! Even though the humidity is a relatively low 56%, I could really feel it. I walked to the grocery store to get a few things; and my cool rag was hardly helping. I’m glad I wasn’t trying to ride my bike in that heat! It would be so easy to overheat; and that’s not good.  Maybe I’m not quite back in proper shape yet. Riding in the heat is part of RAGBRAI; and if the last few days are any indication, I’m not up to  it. So I’ll wait and see how things are next year. 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as CAL. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

Scorcher! Read More »