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It’s Down!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

It’s Down! 😊 Is “It’s down” really something to be elated about? That depends on what “it” is; and in this case, it’s my A1c level. Nine months ago, it was 6.0, which put me in the prediabetes range. A few days ago, my endocrinologist tested it again; and it’s down to 5.6. I’m elated that I’ve gotten my A1c down; but it’s barely below prediabetes. That means I still have to be careful. But cycling, or any exercise, helps. I’m so glad I can ride! However, I think I’ll have to miss out tomorrow; because the forecast predicts severe T-storms. Miss Out 😒 Doesn’t it gall you when you have to miss out on a ride? It sure galls me; I get antsy from the lack of activity. It’s also harder for me to control my appetite when I’m inactive. That’s no way to  ride your way lean! However, it’s unwise to go out in severe weather. Things were bad enough this morning, with the wind getting stronger as I rode home from the salvage store. RAGBRAI, I’m sure, won’t give me top grades for gambling with lightning during training. In fact, that might result in a resounding flunk. As I’ve said, I’ll probably have to miss out tomorrow. I hope we’re spared the kind of weather that other parts of the country just got. In one location, “it’s down” meant a collapsed bridge. There’s been serious flooding in some places. I’ll be glad to miss out on that. 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 It’s Down! April 5, 2025 RAGBRAI Grades April 4, 2025 Wool over My Eyes April 3, 2025 Keep Your Shirt On! April 2, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Keep Your Shirt On!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Keep Your Shirt On! 🎽 Keep your shirt on; especially this Merino Protect Men’s Tee, shown at left. It’s not hot enough yet to go shirtless, I say; and the Merino Protect Men’s Tee keeps you comfy. It’s lightweight; breathable; and wicks moisture away. Odor resistant, too; and easy to care for. Another reason to keep your shirt on, is to prevent sunburned shoulders! I’ve seen numerous videos that show riders in tank tops; and I suppose they must use a lot more sunblock than riders in sleeves. Here is the Merino Protect Wool T-shirt for women. Like the men’s model, it’s breathable; lightweight; odor resistant; and easy to care for. The Merino Protect Wool T-shirt is made of ethically-raised materials. Both of these shirts are available in a variety of colors and sizes. I first heard of merino wool tees when I watched a YouTube about packing for RAGBRAI. I’ve bought one, and tried it on for size; but haven’t worn it for a ride yet. I plan to do so before long; but for now, it can still feel a bit chilly early in the day. Then I want long sleeves!  Where to Ride? 🚴🏿 But where to ride for the next two days? Even if life is a beautiful ride, it doesn’t mean that bicycle rides are always easy! Or fun. It’s very windy just now; and today, gusts were up to 40 mph! Tomorrow and Friday we can expect gusts up to 30 mph; and it’s not fun up there on the levee in such conditions. So, where to ride? Riding laps around the park is monotonous; but at least it means that I can frequently change direction. Then I can alternate headwinds; tailwinds; and sidewinds. That’s better than battling a headwind for mile after mile. Tomorrow morning it will be 74 degrees; but the wind is going to make it seem cooler. That’s a good reason to keep your shirt on; or even wear a lightweight jacket. Or do you prefer the chill? 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 Keep Your Shirt On! April 2, 2025 Stuffing April 1, 2025 Getting Easier! March 31, 2025 What a Forecast! March 30, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Stuffing

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Stuffing 🧸 Stuffing isn’t only for Thanksgiving turkeys; nor is it only for teddy bears. A long bicycle tour means you’ll be stuffing your bulkier items into small spaces, if at all possible. An eVac Compression Dry Bag can both do that; and keep your — er — stuff dry. These bags are air-permeable as well as waterproof; and come in sizes from 5 liters to 35 liters. At present, I’m trying to figure out what size I’ll need for the sleeping bag I bought for RAGBRAI. I might have to set such thoughts aside for a day or two, though; and think about how best to buck a headwind. Tomorrow and the next day are forecast to be windy. Here comes the wolf! Here Comes the Wolf🐺 Here comes the wolf, yet again. When he’s blowing like crazy, I wonder how much a windscreen actually helps. Maybe it keeps the wind off the rider; but does it make it easier to push against the wind? It seems to me that it would cause greater wind resistance; but I’ve never tried one, so I can’t say for sure. This morning the wind wasn’t too bad; but it was enough for me to feel it. I guess it’s a good thing that I’m not trying to push the pace this week; and I’m glad that I planned to take tomorrow off. Good timing, as here comes the wolf. When he gets to blowing, it wears the stuffing out of me! 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 Stuffing April 1, 2025 Getting Easier! March 31, 2025 What a Forecast! March 30, 2025 You’re a Brick! March 29, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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What a Forecast!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

What a Forecast! ⛈️ 🍃 What a forecast we’ve got for the upcoming week! I wish I had more rain gear. Tomorrow, showers and T-storms are likely; especially in the morning. There could be heavy rain; and even when the storms are past, the ground is liable to be wet. I’ll have to resign myself to getting a wet, muddy stripe up my back. It will probably be windy; with gusts up to 20 mph. Tuesday will be better; but the following two days are going to be windy; and more strong gusts are coming. What a forecast! All this crazy weather is complicating my RAGBRAI prep! Try Try Again 😓 I’m still working to get my Sunday ride up to 40 miles; but I haven’t quite made it yet. Well — try, try again! Today I rode out to the point where the levee bike path is closed. Then I doubled back; and went to the local park to ride some laps. It’s lucky I didn’t start my ride by doing those laps! When I arrived at the park, I saw that some kind of event had taken place. If I had been trying to ride ’round and ’round the park two hours earlier, I likely would have had to leave the park. Some people in those walk/run events tend to wander into the bike lane; and that’s hazardous to both them and the cyclists. It makes me feel nervous. But I did four laps. I had thought of doing five laps; but my legs were starting to tire; the wind was getting stronger; and I felt like I was running low on energy. Thus I decided to head home; and I thought that I can try, try again. I hope the weather cooperates; but gosh, what a forecast we’ve got! 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 What a Forecast! March 30, 2025 You’re a Brick! March 29, 2025 Storms Love Weekends? March 28, 2025 No End? March 27, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Storms Love Weekends?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Storms Love Weekends? ⛈️ Do storms love weekends? It sure seems like it! Yet again, the forecast for Saturday and Sunday is not for pleasant weather. How monotonous that looks in a journal: “T-storm again today.” “Strong wind again”; and so on. This morning I rode to the salvage store because of the forecast. Now I’m having trouble remembering that today isn’t Saturday! It’s amazing how easily my sense of time can get thrown off. I wasn’t sure about going out post-shopping to do some more miles; who knew when things might get nasty? And it seems that storms love weekends. At the same time, I wanted (and needed) to get my mileage count up. Mileage Count 🔢 By early evening I was tired of being cooped up; and decided to go ride a few laps around the park. That would get my mileage count up a little. And even in bad weather, I’d rather ride outdoors than on rollers! Because of the wind, I decided to ride the hybrid for its extra stability. I went to the park instead of riding on top of the levee; I didn’t want to have to battle a strong headwind all the way home. And, I wanted to be fairly close to home if the weather did turn nasty. I didn’t get my mileage count up as much as I really wanted. By my third circuit of the park, the wind was starting to feel cooler; and I thought I could smell rain. It was starting to get dark, too; so I went home. Today’s total mileage was about 20.25. I’ll see what’s happening tomorrow; but I’m not optimistic. Storms love weekends! 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 Storms Love Weekends? March 28, 2025 No End? March 27, 2025 Preppie? March 26, 2025 Team RWB March 25, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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No End?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

No End? 🎬 Will there be no end to stormy weekend forecasts? Friday night and Saturday look especially wet; so it’s time to be sure the rain gear is ready! I’m debating whether to go to the salvage store tomorrow; and play it by ear for Saturday and Sunday. We could be getting T-storms by 10:00 am on Saturday. On the other hand, wind gusts tomorrow might reach 25 mph; and from the Southeast. That means a headwind on the way home. There’s no end to planning for weather! Even if I ride in the rain, though, I have to be sure I have adequate water with me. I don’t want to get parched! Parched 🌵 Getting parched isn’t wise; but it can happen. Today I didn’t ride until late morning; and I hadn’t drunk as much liquid as usual. The temperature was about 80; but after all, I intended to do a short, easy ride. So I didn’t use the Camel-Bak; and didn’t bother with electrolyte drink. I think I would have been better off with them; I felt persistently thirsty. After yesterday’s hard efforts, of course I was rather tired; and today’s experience reminds me: soon I must start taking rides in the heat of the day. Before long, the overnight low temperatures will hover around 80 degrees, anyway; but if I ride early I miss the blazing sunshine. Full sun is an important factor in RAGBRAI prep, so I learn how not to get parched. There’s no end to things to think of. That’s why it’s vital to start RAGBRAI prep early! 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 End? March 27, 2025 Preppie? March 26, 2025 Team RWB March 25, 2025 Blank Again March 24, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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What Is This?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

What Is This? 😮 “What is this?!” was the startled thought that went through my mind at one moment during yesterday’s ride. Life may be a beautiful ride; but it can spring surprises on you; the kind of things that make you ask, WHAT is this? This moment came as I was starting up again after a stop. I was in my lowest gear, which was usual; but as I pushed off, the pedal seemed to offer no resistance! It caused me to veer; and I had to stop and start up again. That was something new; and it occurred to me that perhaps my force efforts are starting to pay off.🤑 It didn’t feel much like it this morning, though. Out-bound, I had a stiff headwind; and at times was getting blown sideways! Am I a sidewinder? Sidewinder? 🐍 I don’t think I want to be a sidewinder; nor any other kind of snake. If I were, I’d have no legs; and then I couldn’t ride a bicycle! But back to the problem of wind. A stiff sidewind is, in its own way, as bad as a headwind of equal strength. If it’s from my right, it persistently blows the mesh cover of my top tube-pouch back over the opening of the pouch; and it’s hard to get out a bite to eat. For a minute, I thought that perhaps I should get a zipper-closure Speedfil; but if I get a new top-tube pouch, I want one big enough for my cell phone as well as my ride food. The Speedfil isn’t quite that large. I think we all have those days when we go out to ride; and the wind hits us; and we think, WHAT IS THIS? Today I was tempted to switch things around, and do “just ride” today; then work on pace tomorrow. After all, they say a training  plan should be “etched in clay” so you can mold it as needed; not “chiseled in stone” so you can beat yourself up with it. All the same, I had to remind myself that I needed this fight-the-wind practice for RAGBRAI! 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 What Is This? March 20, 2025 More or Longer? March 19, 2025 Switched My Plans? March 18, 2025 I Need a Detective! March 17, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Windy City

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Windy City ? Chicago isn’t the only Windy City on the map. New Orleans is about to become a very windy city! I wonder, does a Thule Yepp Mini Windscreen actually make riding against a headwind any easier? Or does in merely keep the wind from hitting you directly? At the moment, it’s 72 degrees; and it’s blowing at 15 mph. For me, that’s pretty strong. By nine o’clock tomorrow morning, the wind is going to get stronger and stronger. That’s not what Mardi Gras needs; floats and high winds are a bad mix. I believe some parades have been cancelled as a result. This isn’t the first time that high winds have disrupted Carnival. It’s hard on the krewes; parade-goers; and everyone who has worked so hard to prepare for Mardi Gras; but the authorities can’t risk having floats (or, worse, people) gone with the wind. Gone with the Wind ?️ Shall I try to ride outdoors tomorrow? I don’t want to end up gone with the wind (with all due apologies to Margaret Mitchell); but I also want to get my exercise. That won’t be easy while we’re the windy city. According to Weather Underground, conditions tomorrow won’t start to get rough until late morning. Of course, that’s what it says at the moment; but forecasts can, and sometimes do, change rapidly. If I do go for a ride, laps around the park will at least mean that I’m not battling a headwind for miles on the way home. On the other hand, it might be rather crazy there. Tomorrow is Mardi Gras, after all. I’d better be prepared to set up that trainer! I planned to ride easily tomorrow at any rate; and the trainer is good for that. I’ll also be indoors if the weather does get nasty. If New Orleans is to be the windy city tomorrow, I’d rather be at 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 Windy City March 3, 2025 Tropical Storms in March? March 2, 2025 All Kinds at RAGBRAI March 1, 2025 Gearing Down February 28, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Tropical Storms in March?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Tropical Storms in March? ? Tropical storms in March? What would Lewis Carroll’s lapine character think of that? We aren’t in for a tropical storm in the usual sense of the word; but high winds are in the forecast for day after tomorrow. Gusts could reach 45 mph; so here I am, thinking of tropical storms in March. All too soon, we’ll have to watch for hurricanes! And what bad timing this wind threat is! Day after tomorrow is Mardi Gras; a major event in New Orleans. I won’t be surprised if parades are rescheduled or even cancelled because of high winds. Those floats are high-profile vehicles; and strong wind is bad news for them. It’s not good news for my rides, either. It might be time to set up the trainer! Set up the Trainer ? I might have to set up the trainer if I’m to do any pedaling on Tuesday. Unfortunately “riding” in the trainer is hot and tedious. A wearable fan would be great if I have to do it often! I think I’ll have to play it by ear. Tomorrow shouldn’t be too bad; and maybe I can work on my pace. Tuesday? I think I’ll wait and see whether I need to set up the trainer. I prefer a real ride outdoors; but with tropical storms in March, I might have to alter my plans! 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 Tropical Storms in March? March 2, 2025 All Kinds at RAGBRAI March 1, 2025 Gearing Down February 28, 2025 Potpourri February 27, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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All Kinds at RAGBRAI

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

All Kinds at RAGBRAI ?? ? You’ll see all kinds at RAGBRAI; I’ve viewed enough YouTubes about the event to know that. You’ll see all kinds of people; and all kinds of bikes. RAGBRAI participants are of all ages, from under-ten and upwards; and the “rides” vary from road bikes to ellipticals to roller blades! Somebody tell me, is it harder to bike across Iowa; or to skate all the way? “All kinds at RAGBRAI” describes the wide variety of food, too. You’ll find pork chops; corn on the cob; ice cream; pie, pie, pie; and more! But you’ll need food when you’re riding all day, seven days straight. I hope RAGBRAI won’t be plagued by headwinds this year; that, of course, would make the ride all the harder. Plagued by Headwinds ?  I’m plagued by headwinds often enough; so headwinds during RAGBRAI shouldn’t be a surprise. I guess weather is all kinds at RAGBRAI, too! Nobody knows in advance what to expect. In 2023, the event saw a heatwave widely described as “brutal”; the previous year, the weather was quite mild. Some nights were actually cold; so I intend to pack along some cold-weather riding gear: jacket, leg warmers, etc. I sure didn’t need leg warmers when I went out on the road bike this afternoon; it was 77 degrees! Luckily I wasn’t plagued by headwinds this time. There was some wind, but not the kind that threatens to blow me away; and that makes pedaling a major chore. That will change Monday night, though. The wind will get much stronger; and Tuesday could see gusts up to 40 mph! That’s bad news for the Mardi Gras parades! 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 ✍? All Kinds at RAGBRAI March 1, 2025 Gearing Down February 28, 2025 Potpourri February 27, 2025 Nudging the Brain February 26, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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