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Legs Are Feeling It

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Legs Are Feeling It?? My legs are feeling it today. Maybe some cinnamon would spice them up? Not that I rode more miles than usual; but I used the hybrid instead of the road bike. That made quite a difference. The road bike’s brifters are acting up, especially the right-hand one; so I knew it wouldn’t make sense to use the road bike today. However, the hybrid is considerably heavier; which meant I had to work harder. Of course my legs are feeling it now. Is It Still Summer? ? Is it still Summer? Thank goodness it’s not hot enough for that cool rag; but good grief, afternoons still get up to the 80s! It doesn’t feel like October at all! But I bet when cold weather does arrive, we’ll go from 85 degrees one afternoon, to 45 degrees by the next morning. If my legs are feeling it after the morning’s ride, I’m glad I’m not out there now. I’d be fighting a 21 mph wind on my way 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Legs Are Feeling It October 29, 2024 Not the Chain! October 28, 2024 Have I Derailed? October 27, 2024 On the Edge October 26, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Rainy Day Ideas

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Rainy Day Ideas ? We could all do with some rainy day ideas, other than prancing around outdoors in our bare feet. Before long it might be too cold for such antics, even if we want to do it! Rainy weather might be a good time to hook the bike into the trainer; and try some cadence drills. I’ve tried that before; and certainly find one-legged pedaling awkward. It also tires me surprisingly fast; which might indicate that I need more general leg-strengthening exercises. Not today, though. Day before yesterday I rode almost 30 miles; then yesterday I put in nearly 20 miles. I decided I needed to keep it short and easy today; and I can aim for 19 miles or so tomorrow. Dry Day Ideas ☀️ Dry day ideas are easier for me to invent than rainy day ideas. If it’s raining, I have to steel myself for getting wet (and possibly very cold); trying to tolerate more than 15 minutes in the trainer; or simply doing nothing at all. Dry day ideas can include doing long miles; and if the Natchez Trace were within reach, I might head there: one segment here; and another segment there. It probably would take a week for me to ride the full length of the 444-mile trail; and that means bike packing equipment if I don’t want to go inn-to-inn style. I hope I won’t need to come up with rainy day ideas next week, though. My sister and her husband are coming to visit; and we don’t want our dry day ideas washed 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Rainy Day Ideas October 22, 2024 In versus Out October 21, 2024 Almost! October 20, 2024 What Happens? October 19, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Wind Relief

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Wind Relief ?‍? I actually got some wind relief this morning. Not that I had a wind screen to hide behind; but the wind was less than I expected.  It was a little cooler than yesterday, chilly enough for leg warmers; but I needed to get in a full ride. I had to shortchange myself for two days because of various appointments; and besides, I wanted to see the moon! So the wind relief was most welcome; and cooler weather brings its own relief. There were fewer bugs flying around; and of course I didn’t get as hot. Planning for Winter ☃️ Now I’m planning for Winter. Although this is a warm climate, we can get weather cold enough to threaten pipes; and on such days, I need warm clothes to ride. I also need hand warmers; and I must double check to be sure I’ve got a sufficient supply. Hand warmers are a great boon for cycling when the temperature gets down to the mid-40s or lower. My hands and feet get cold easily, which is a big  nuisance. But the trouble with using hand warmers is, they tend to work their way out of my gloves. Sometimes I don’t even notice it until too late. For wind relief on cold days, I can head to the park to ride laps. I won’t have to slog against the wind for mile after mile. The trade-off is the monotony! But I’ve to to be planning for Winter. I can’t afford to jet ✈️ off and ride where the pros do; so I’ve got to come up with my own plan. 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Wind Relief October 17, 2024 Take the Cake October 16, 2024 Easy 100? October 15, 2024 Fitness Freak? October 14, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Take the Cake

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Take the Cake ? Does layering take the cake? Dressing for a ride on a cold day can certainly make me feel like a layer cake! Layers are important for keeping warm during a cold-day ride; and it’s also important to be able to remove layers as you heat up. This morning it felt pretty cold: 62 degrees, which was quite a change; and a stiff wind. I stayed off of the levee, mostly because of that wind; but tomorrow I’ll want to be up there. It’s full moon time! There I go, being a lunatic again. ? I really do take the cake, don’t I? But tomorrow morning’s temperature is expected to be about 55 degrees; and with a NE wind of 10-15 mph. Time to start bundling up! Building the Cake ? A base layer is a good place to begin building the cake; especially once the temperature starts to fall below 50 degrees. I have a base layer; but it’s buried in a cedar chest. I’ll have to dig it out soon. I have a vest that’s actually an ancient cycling jacket without the sleeves; and I have two jackets of differing weights. If the vest and both jackets are still not enough, I have an ancient (older than the vest!) windbreaker to pull on over all the rest. Then there are gloves and skull caps, and so on. Building the cake can be rather time-consuming. I’ll think I’m finished, and ready to ride; then I’ll have to pull off one or more layers because I put my keys into a pocket; and said pocket has gotten covered up. Winter can be a real drag! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Take the Cake October 16, 2024 Easy 100? October 15, 2024 Fitness Freak? October 14, 2024 Smog? October 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Fitness Freak?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Fitness Freak? ?? Are the tropics a fitness freak? It sure seems like it, with the way they’re staying active. Remind me not to give them a Nordictrack Commercial Studio Cycle — or any other fitness equipment, either! I don’t suppose I count as a fitness freak. If I did, I’d never stop working out. When not riding a bicycle, I’d be doing weight workouts; or bodyweight exercises; and who knows what all else. On top of the physical exertion, I’m sure that, as a fitness freak, I’d be anxiously — even painfully! — watching calories in vs calories out. And freaking out if I eat even 10 more calories than I burn! That’s not for me, thank you very much. No Comet in Sight ☄️ I rode early today. I rather hoped to spot the comet that’s been in the news; but there was no comet in sight. Not even a Joystar kids’ bike! Quite possibly I wasn’t looking in the right place; or was out at the wrong time. Even if my timing was right, the light pollution is terrible. It makes ordinary star-gazing almost impossible; never mind finding a faint “dirty snowball”. Although I didn’t find the comet, I had a good ride. This morning I took it slow and easy, to recover from yesterday’s ride. I heard a katydid; and even an owl ?! I love that stuff; so maybe I should ride before sunup more often? Or would that make me a fitness freak? 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Fitness Freak? October 14, 2024 Smog? October 13, 2024 Fall? October 12, 2024 Hydration Ideas October 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Smog?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Smog? ?️ Have we got a smog problem here? We don’t have (yet!) the kind of smog that means bad visibility, and the need for lights at midday; but we apparently have the kind that gives the sky a ugly grayish tinge. The sight cast rather a blight on my ride today. It was great weather for cycling: temperature in the mid-60s; no rain; and almost no wind at all. Seeing that dirty-looking sky was rather depressing. Otherwise, it was a good ride! Not So Fast ? I felt stronger today; but fast? Well, not so fast. My average overall speed was only 11.69 mph. A racer I am not! There was, however, a stretch of just over 7 miles when I averaged over 13 mph; and that’s better than usual. The Sunday ride isn’t supposed to be about speed, though. It’s about endurance; and once again, I cut the ride a bit short. I was aiming for 30 miles, and stopped at 25.6. The primary reason was, I would have needed to reapply sunblock in about 10 minutes; and didn’t feel like bothering with it. Like I’ve said before now, I’m lazy! I intended to ride tomorrow after my 9:00 am doctor’s appointment; but I see that there’s an Air Quality Alert in effect for tomorrow, starting at 6:00 am. I don’t have respiratory problems; but maybe I should get up super early, and ride at 5:00 am? And, could ozone be why the sky looked discolored this morning? 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Smog? October 13, 2024 Fall? October 12, 2024 Hydration Ideas October 11, 2024 Not Another One? October 10, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Fall?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Fall? ? Almost hot-chocolate time? Gosh, is Fall actually coming? Just a few days ago, the season seemed most reluctant to arrive; and then, this morning, it was only 63 degrees! It actually felt more like October than Summer. But it’s not time for hot chocolate yet! Afternoon temperatures still reach the 80s. It was cool enough for me to wear arm warmers for the ride to the salvage store. I’m glad I went there, because I found some good stuff. The grab-bag bins yielded some protein bars that I can use for ride food; and I found Laughing Cow. I actually got a rather small load, because I bought a  pack of bathroom tissue; and that stuff is a space hog! I rode at a leisurely pace for this trip; but did make one brief effort to ride 1 mph faster than I’d been going. It was better than nothing; and not every ride has to be “training”. Planning ? Now I’m planning next week’s rides; or trying to. It’s going to be pretty crazy, with doctor’s appointments three days in a row! Monday’s is at 9:00 am. Maybe I can ride the hybrid to the appointment, wearing cycling shorts; and do my real ride immediately afterwards. I can carry my stuff in the trunk. It won’t be too hot to ride by 10 o’clock; although cycling shorts at the doctor’s office might raise an eyebrow or two. Tuesday’s appointment is even earlier: 8 am. Another “post-doctorate” ride, I guess. And the day after that, I have a follow-up on the varicose vein procedure. I hope that’s the last of it! Planning gets tricky when there’s so much going on. At least, now that it feels more like Fall, riding later in the day won’t have me melting! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Fall? October 12, 2024 Hydration Ideas October 11, 2024 Not Another One? October 10, 2024 Kicking and Screaming October 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Kicking and Screaming

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Kicking and Screaming? ? Fall seems to be kicking and screaming in protest. Night temperatures are starting to drop to the mid- to upper sixties; but it still doesn’t truly feel like Fall. I guess I won’t need a Quest Barrier Jacket any time soon. When it’s 67 degrees, I feel a bit chilly at the start of a ride; but I soon warm up. I do want my arms covered; but I don’t yet need to layer up.  It’s a relief to not need the cool rag; and an even bigger relief to not end up dripping with sweat. Cooler weather makes it more comfortable to do hard efforts on the bike. This morning I tried 3-minute pushes, attempting to stay at 14-15 mph. It went pretty well when the breeze was at my back; but as always, such work going into the wind was another story! Continuing to Watch ? I guess I’m not alone in continuing to watch Milton: hurricane season is apparently kicking and screaming in protest on its supposed way out. October is getting rather late for hurricanes, but there was just Helene; and now Milton is on track to ravage poor, long-suffering Florida. Milton isn’t expected to impact us; but I’m glad I bought some tap lights when it looked like Helene was going to head our way. If a freak turn does bring us tropical storm/hurricane conditions, I’ll want those lights. So I’m continuing to watch that storm. It’s sort of like the old saying, the watched pot doesn’t boil. Call me superstitious if you like; but maybe if I keep my eyes on Hurricane Milton, he won’t come! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Kicking and Screaming October 8, 2024 Fortune Cookie Advice October 7, 2024 Another Week October 6, 2024 Milton the Monster October 5, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Milton the Monster

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Milton the Monster? ? Are we going to have Milton the Monster out there in the Gulf? Decades ago, there was a Saturday morning cartoon program called Milton the Monster Show; but I never watched it. This Tropical Storm Milton, however, warrants close observation. It looks like he’ll stay away from here; but we still can’t let our guard down. Maybe the Hornit Mini Nano includes a sound that will make a tropical storm head the other way! Poor Florida could certainly use it. Those folks are still reeling from the impact of Helene. If Milton leaves us alone, we’re happy; although we empathize with anyone in the storm’s path. New Orleans certainly knows what it’s like to be hit by hurricanes. Falling Behind ? I’m falling behind in my mileage; and not because of midlife issues. There was at least one day when the weather looked very uncertain; and I didn’t want to get caught out in a T-storm. I made the ride that morning very short. Late this morning it was still overcast; and I didn’t feel like going out. I used the trailer for today’s trip to the salvage store; and of course the extra drag meant extra effort! Ergo I was rather tired when I got back home. I hope I can get in about 25 miles tomorrow. I don’t like falling behind; and my sister is coming to visit in a few weeks’ time. I might not get to ride as much while the visit lasts; so let’s get in some miles now! Especially as I don’t trust Milton the Monster to not make any crazy turns! 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Milton the Monster October 5, 2024 Could Have Ridden Longer October 4, 2024 Waiting to Pounce October 3, 2024 All Streaks Must End October 2, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Could Have Ridden Longer

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Could Have Ridden Longer! ⏩ I could have ridden longer this morning; and enjoyed more of life behind bars. But the weather looked quite uncertain; and I knew that it was pretty sure to rain at some point. On top of that, I wanted to make a detour to the store. My legs felt rather tired; so I just rode the hybrid to the park and did three laps. Sometimes you need to listen to your body when it says, “I don’t wanna ride long (or hard!)” Then I headed for the store, and got the onion that I needed. ? I was back home at about 9:15 am; and I don’t think the rain started until at least 10:00. I could have ridden longer; but now I don’t want to go out. I’m still expecting the lightning ⚡️to break out at any time. Stormy Rides ⛈️ What do pro cyclists do when it’s time for a training ride; but there’s a fierce T-storm roaring overhead? Do they go out to ride anyhow; or do they ride inside? Stormy rides, after all, can be very nerve-wracking! I guess this answers my question. Or does it? Read about the Tour de France, and you’ll see that those cyclists ride through rain; T-storms; hail; and even snow! If you can’t avoid riding in the rain (such as on a long bicycle tour; commuting to work or school; or even a race) what can you do to make riding a bit safer? One suggestion I’ve read is to slightly deflate your tires: e.g. if you typically use 100 psi, then make it 90 psi in the rain. This increases the “contact patch” of your tires a little, improving traction. Most of us won’t be racing; and on a rainy day, slow down; especially when going through corners. Extra caution is well warranted during stormy rides. I looks like I can stay dry during my usual weekend rides. That’s a good thing, because I don’t want to cut a ride short and then realize that I could have ridden longer. 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; and I hope I can provide a bit of inspiration.   Along the way, I got into blogging; presenting my kitchen experiments; and even setting up a store. You can visit my Facebook page here; or check into my Twitter (aka X) page, Cyclo_Pathy. 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 ✍? Facebook Twitter Youtube Elementor #183554 October 4, 2024 Waiting to Pounce October 3, 2024 All Streaks Must End October 2, 2024 Bike Bus October 1, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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