SpokEasy

SpokEasy

Outdoors

Harbinger of Winter

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Harbinger of Winter ❄️ Today seemed to be a harbinger of Winter. Soon I’ll need to haul out the hand warmers and warm socks.  The temperature this morning wasn’t really terribly cold; about 51 degrees. The wind, however, made it seem much colder! It was blowing at 15 mph; and gusts were up to 23 mph. Those gusts made it feel like my bicycle was skidding sideways; even though the path was dry. Fighting the wind like that causes me to grip my handlebars more tightly; and at one point I had to remind myself to loosen up because my hands were on the verge of numbness Bundle Up! ? It’s a nuisance to have to bundle up for a ride. You want enough layers to keep you warm; but not so many that you’ll overheat. There seems to be a fine line between the two! The usual advice is that underdressing a little is better than overdressing; but if you go with the former, take along an extra layer in case something forces you to interrupt your ride. Wearing more layers means that I have more pockets; and sometimes I forget what I’ve put into which pocket. When I need to bundle up, it takes longer to prepare for a ride. If I do start to feel too warm during the ride, I’m in a rather tight spot. My Camel-Bak pockets are often stuffed with a cable lock; a tube of Chamois Butt’r; and bathroom tissue. There’s not much room to add clothes. So if I start to feel a little over-warm, I just put up with it. I hope today’s harbinger of Winter doesn’t prophesy weather so bad that we can’t ride. Day after tomorrow begins Winter Wheelers! 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 ✍? Harbinger of Winter November 29, 2024 Day of Doom? November 28, 2024 Anytime Anywhere November 27, 2024 Wet Turkey November 26, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Harbinger of Winter Read More »

Cotton Tale?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Cotton Tale? ? Have you ever heard a cotton tale? Here’s mine: when I was six or seven years old, my father raised a few cotton plants in his backyard garden. I think it was so that we kids could see what growing cotton plants looked like; because it was a one-time thing. Daddy preferred to grow tomatoes that he could eat! Of course it wasn’t nearly enough of a crop to make a T-shirt; and as I discovered, it’s hard to separate the cotton from its seed without tearing it apart. It really makes me respect the folks who had to “seed” an entire cotton crop by hand! This morning I came up with another cotton tale — I mean, a cotton tail. On the way to the salvage store, I saw a rabbit running along; and that white tail was very visible! But Don’t Wear Cotton! ? But don’t wear cotton for riding, they say. It absorbs perspiration; and then doesn’t dry out. That’s not what you want on a cold day; especially if you intend to include hard efforts. Sure, you’ll get heated up during those efforts; but when you slow down, you’ll quickly begin to feel the chill. I’m not feeling much of that just yet. This morning was chilly; but over the next few days it will warm up again. As usual, Winter is taking its time coming in! Even so, I’m hauling out the cold-weather wardrobe! I’ll want to keep it handy for when it really does get cold. 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 ✍? Cotton Tale? November 23, 2024 Cold Turkey? November 22, 2024 Thermal Shock November 21, 2024 Cold Shock November 20, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Cotton Tale? Read More »

Cold Turkey?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Cold Turkey? ? It looks like Thanksgiving Day won’t be “cold turkey”. The weather will be warming up again; and for next Thursday there’s a chance of rain besides. I hope the rain waits until afternoon, so I can go for a ride first. I’ve been working on my diet. The smart watch shown at left won’t help me to cut out sweets cold turkey; but it can do a lot of other things! You can track your heart rate; keep track of time; and so on. Bluetooth connectivity, too. Unfortunately this smart watch doesn’t seem to be for cycling; but some of us swim or go for runs, in addition to riding a bike. If It Rains ?️ Getting back to the weather for Thanksgiving, what shall I do if it rains? Stay home and eat ice cream? Like Butter Pecan and Cookie Dough? Obviously, I should avoid ice cream on a prediabetic diet; but I still love it! It isn’t that I don’t know how to ride in the rain, but I don’t enjoy it; and I’ll have to get out a new poncho. The one I’ve been using for years got a big tear in it a few days ago; and it’s hit the trash bin.  If it rains on my ride, I’ll feel colder; especially if it’s windy. But I hope I don’t end up feeling like cold turkey! 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 ✍? Cold Turkey? November 22, 2024 Thermal Shock November 21, 2024 Cold Shock November 20, 2024 Front? November 19, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Cold Turkey? Read More »

Thermal Shock

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Thermal Shock ? How long will it be, before thermal shock returns? We just got some cold shock; but I know that it might be of brief duration. It could well be in the 80s on Christmas Day! Riding in cold weather certainly has its downside. My nose runs like crazy; and if it’s windy, of course the temperature feels even colder. The upside is that I’m mostly covered; and need sunblock only on my face. I’m glad our brand of thermal shock is nothing like that of Herculaneum. The victims, they say, probably never knew what hit them. But it’s bad enough when you’re out on a bicycle; and the heat index is 100+ degrees! Storm Protection? ? Maybe a good cold front or two will act as storm protection; and push away any further potential hurricanes. If so, being chilly will be worth it. Speaking of weather, it might be fun to track temperature, barometric pressure, and so on with a Fischer Sheraton Weather Station! Early today I rode laps around the park. All morning the wind was 13-14 mph; with gusts as high as 26 mph! I decided to get in some miles on the road bike while avoiding the worst of the wind. It was the lazy way; but I wanted to ride over to Walmart later in the morning. I knew that I’d get the full brunt of the wind then. And I was right. For part of the way, I could barely ride at 5 mph in my granny gear! It looks like the wind won’t be nearly as strong tomorrow. Good thing; I want to get out there and do a good 22 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 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 ✍? Thermal Shock November 21, 2024 Cold Shock November 20, 2024 Front? November 19, 2024 Cop-Out? November 18, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Thermal Shock Read More »

Cold Shock

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Cold Shock ? We’ve got cold shock coming: the temperature is going to drop to the low 50s tonight; with winds of 12-13 mph. That might not be “cold” per se; but according to me, it’s cold shock! Maybe I’ll go out early and ride laps around the park; go home for breakfast; and then ride to Walmart. If I wait until about nine o’clock for the Walmart trip, I ought to miss the rush-hour traffic. Cold weather means that I have to dig out  the leg warmers; skull cap; jacket; and full-fingered gloves. Heavy socks might not be amiss, either. Thank goodness it won’t be raining. Rain only makes the cold and wind feel colder. A Day Off ? Today I took a day off from cycling; but not from cooking. I borrowed a bit from one recipe in The Feed Zone Cookbook; and added some curry powder to today’s concoction. I named it Brassica Curry, because I put cabbage and cauliflower in it. I must add it to my recipe collection soon, before I forget it. I still have big stash of canned food; and making Brassica Curry let me get rid of four cans. Even so, I have lots of canned stuff left. But I have to back off from cooking big batches for a while (today’s recipe yielded about 8 1/2 cups!) because I’m running out of freezer space. I’m lucky that cold shock doesn’t cause the food to multiply itself! 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 ✍? Cold Shock November 20, 2024 Front? November 19, 2024 Cop-Out? November 18, 2024 Weather Plans November 17, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Cold Shock Read More »

Front?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Front? ?   Was this morning’s rain the leading edge of a front? It  wasn’t cold — in the 70s. But tomorrow night, they say it will drop below 50 degrees. That will feel more like November. We’re certainly due for a cold front! Today I had an 8:00 am appointment; and I knew that there might be heavy rain. Possibly lightning, too. I had intended to leave home around seven o’clock; but went out at 6:20 am. It wasn’t raining much where I live; and who could say what things might be like if I waited until 7:00? The light rain didn’t last long! Half a mile or so out, I could see that there was rain ahead. It poured so hard for a while that I could hardly see; especially as it wasn’t yet daylight. Such conditions mean keeping extra alert for other cyclists; and for joggers. If I had been wearing my glasses, visibility would have been even worse. It’s lucky that I’m not terribly nearsighted! And thank goodness there wasn’t any lightning. Bundle Up! ??   Before long I’ll need to bundle up to go riding. Yeah, I know what they say: it’s better to be a little underdressed, than to wear too many layers. However, being cold is misery to me. I’d rather be a little too warm while riding than shiver; and on top of that, my Camel-Bak pockets can’t hold many clothes when they’re already stuffed with a cable lock; tube of Chamois Butt’r, and so on.  It helps a little that I don’t have to ride at 5:00 am any more. No matter how cold it is, seeing sunshine eases the frigidity a bit. Such small psychological boosts are a great help when a cold front blows in. 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 ✍? Front? November 19, 2024 Cop-Out? November 18, 2024 Weather Plans November 17, 2024 Storm Weary November 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Front? Read More »

Cop-Out?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Cop-Out? ? Was today’s ride a cop-out? Instead of riding on the levee, I went to the park to ride laps. I didn’t feel like fighting the wind; but I did need to get some miles in while I could. Goodness knows what conditions might be like tomorrow morning! The forecast predicts “heavy thunderstorms” right about the time I’ll need to be riding to an appointment; and if things are really bad, I won’t want to be up there. It sounds like a cop-out; but who wants to get struck by lightning? Skidding? ⇢ I pulled a cop-out on my diet, too: I met with some friends at a Chinese restaurant for lunch. I got the moo goo gai pan combination lunch plate, which is one of the lighter options on the menu. Even so, that meal likely takes care of my carb allowance for the day! I’m sure skidding, aren’t I? If I went for a ride now, I could burn off some of those calories and carbs; but the sky has become completely overcast. The wind is strengthening, too; and I find myself waiting for the outbreak of bad weather at any minute. I don’t think it’s supposed to rain during the next few hours; but around here, you simply can’t tell. So for tomorrow morning, all I can do is hope for the best. If it’s raining, that might even spur me to ride faster — and get some needed interval training! 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 ✍? Cop-Out? November 18, 2024 Weather Plans November 17, 2024 Storm Weary November 16, 2024 Brief Fall November 14, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Cop-Out? Read More »

Weather Plans

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors /

Weather Plans ☔️ How can I make weather plans? Who can control the weather? Often enough, I’ve wished that I could control the weather. If that were possible, it wouldn’t rain during the day; and the wind would always be calm. There would never be heat advisories by 10 am, either.  I’ve got to make some weather plans for this week! The long-term forecast predicts heavy rain and even T-storms for the day after tomorrow — wouldn’t you know, the day that I plan to ride my bicycle to a doctor’s appointment. Alternatives ↔️ I’d better have some alternatives lined up, in case I can’t ride Tuesday morning. Not that I need to make a huge deal about it. If the weather is really bad — namely, if there’s a lot of lightning — I’ll just call a cab to go to my appointment. The distance is less than three miles by my bicycle route; so a cab shouldn’t cost too much. If it comes to taking a cab to get there, I can take public transit back home. Life Behind Bars means weather plans and alternatives. For example, if it’s pouring, do you go out anyway; or ride indoors? If the former, what’s the best rain gear for you? In cold weather, how do you dress? There are other times when alternatives must be considered. What other route can you take if your usual path is closed? What to take along as ride food? It’s hard to get out and ride when it’s pouring; so I always hope that I’ll get clear weather! That’s especially true of rides long enough that I’ll be eating on the bike. I don’t want my ride food to get wet!   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 Weather Plans November 17, 2024 Storm Weary November 16, 2024 Brief Fall November 14, 2024 With New Eyes November 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Weather Plans Read More »

Storm Weary

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Storm Weary ? I sure am storm weary; and I’m sure I’m not alone. One hurricane after another is wearing us out; and poor Florida in particular has taken a beating this season. The remnants of Tropical Storm Sara could bring us heavy rain by Monday night. It doesn’t sound like fun. Tomorrow’s weather should be pretty good; so at least I can enjoy that. Tuesday morning I might get wet riding to an appointment. I just hope there isn’t any lightning! But just thinking about it makes me storm weary. Next Week ?️ Next week I think I’d better get back to including some intensity work in my rides. I’ve been focusing solely on mileage; and maybe I’ve been at it for too long.  The Cyclist’s Training Bible is full of advice on how to train, including how to practice intervals to help develop better speed; but here’s the caveat for a rider like me: this book is oriented towards cyclists who are training for racing. That’s not me; I don’t think I’ve got the competitive streak required for racing.  Improving my pace is a good idea, though, if I want to do longer and longer weekday rides. Otherwise I’ll spend more and more time riding; and let’s face it, there are other things I want and need to do besides ride a bike! I’ll try a little intensity work next week; and see how it goes. I hope the weather doesn’t give me too much trouble; I’m storm weary enough as it is. 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 Storm Weary November 16, 2024 Brief Fall November 14, 2024 With New Eyes November 13, 2024 What I’m Made Of November 12, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Storm Weary Read More »

Brief Fall

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Brief Fall ? We’ve got a brief Fall coming. Down below 60 degrees tonight. It’s incredible! So tomorrow’s ride will involve leg warmers; skull cap; and even long-fingered gloves. As the week progresses, the weather will get warmer again. Then I’ll have to set aside the cool-weather cycling gear until the next cool spell. I’m glad to be able to ride year-round; but these seasons of constantly changing temperatures drive us all crazy. Moonlight ? Even if tomorrow morning is chilly, I’ll get to see some moonlight. The weather should be clear; and the big problem will be dragging myself out of bed in time. Maybe I can have some hot chocolate when I get back home! So far it’s been too warm to indulge in it; and this brief Fall is a chance to enjoy it. Even on the coldest days, though, I don’t want my hot chocolate much over lukewarm. Some “hot” chocolate, huh? How about music for a moonlight ride? The famous Beethoven sonata is an obvious choice; not that I can take along a piano on a bicycle! 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 Brief Fall November 14, 2024 With New Eyes November 13, 2024 What I’m Made Of November 12, 2024 Your Little Foot November 11, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Brief Fall Read More »