Outdoors Archives - Page 43 of 46

Logistics

Logistics ? I’ve talked before about wanting to do RAGBRAI; but oh, the logistics! Even supposing I can train up adequately, I would still have a lot of other work to do! The logistics of a trip to the salvage store can seem quite a lot at times; and doing RAGBRAI would mean a great deal more than that! How do I get to and from Iowa? I’d have to find someone local who is also doing the ride; and pay for gas in exchange for transportation. If that fails, what are the options? It looks like flying is the only one; the map of Amtrak’s routes looks like they only go across the southern part of the state. Or can I take the train to the westernmost station in Iowa; and get bus service to the RAGBRAI start town? Flying raises the question of how to safely transport my bicycle. A good bicycle case is not cheap; and does it make sense to buy one, and use it for perhaps one trip? The week in between getting to and from Iowa has its own logistics. To use a Camel-Bak, or not? They say, chances to refill your water bottles are about 10 miles apart; but if I just use a water bottle, I’d have to stop every mile or so to get my bottle of electrolyte drink. I’m better off taking a gulp of electrolyte drink every few minutes; not every 10 miles. What about carrying food? There’s plenty to eat along the route; but I’d rather have a bite every 15 minutes than ride for an hour and more between towns; stuff myself; then start riding again. Maybe eat bars on the bike, in between breakfast; lunch; and supper? And how about camping? And charging up my cell phone and cyclocomputer? Showering? Washing out my cycling clothes … I feel tired already! 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 Elementor #163126 February 20, 2024 Drop It February 19, 2024 I Scream February 18, 2024 Another Windy One February 17, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Was the Groundhog Wrong?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Was the Groundhog Wrong? ? Was the groundhog wrong? Is that critter a poor weather forecaster? It sure seems like it. Our temperatures this week are more like April than February! Revelers are sure to be happy about that; and it’s also better for riding. I’m happier when I don’t need to don four layers atop; and slacks over leg warmers down below. But that’s what I need to do when the temperatures fall to the 30s; which they sometimes do. I need hand warmers in addition to heavy gloves; and some cold days I wish I had lobster gloves! A strong wind, of course, makes things more difficult. If it starts to rain, I can get truly miserable. The upside now is that I don’t have to dry out at home; only to get wet again riding to work. It also helps that I no longer have to go out at 5:00 am if I’m to be sure of doing a ride. I can wait until the sun is up; and even if it really isn’t warmer, seeing the sunshine makes the cold more bearable. And as it’s early February, we probably have more cold weather in the future. So was the groundhog wrong? I don’t care as much about knowing whether we’ll have six more weeks of Winter, as I do about this year’s tropical storms. We need a groundhog that can predict the severity of hurricane season! 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 One Hundred Dollars? February 6, 2024 Room and Bored? February 5, 2024 Holler ‘Nuff February 4, 2024 Sometimes a Gamble Pays February 3, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Whoo?

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Outdoors / CAL

Whoo? ? Whoo was doing all that hooting around last night? I though it might be a barred owl; but I checked some owl-sound videos. It may have been a great horned owl! For some reason I didn’t think we had them around here; but maybe we do. Birds can produce quite a variety of sounds; so now I wonder which owl I actually heard. It was an owl; that’s beyond doubt. A few times, when I was still riding before daylight, I heard an owl. It was a thrill, every time. Some people think owls sound spooky; but to me hearing them is relaxing. Maybe it’s because those birds’ calls sounds like out in the country — where, I hope, I’d be away from the constant traffic noise of urban dwelling. Whoo-ever that was last night, there was no chance of hearing any “hooters” this morning. I finally took my panniers and rode to the regular supermarket, for the first time since my foot surgery. That meant a certain amount of riding next to traffic; and I guess all that noise keeps owls away. My big hint for grocery runs is, go early if you aren’t comfortable riding alongside heavy motor traffic. Maybe I shouldn’t preach about using lights, as I forgot my tail light 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! 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 Whoo? January 31, 2024 Bicycle Face January 30, 2024 Cozy January 28, 2024 Riding in the Fog January 27, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Riding in the Fog

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Riding in the Fog ?️ I was riding in the fog today; especially on the way home from the salvage store. When I left home it was still raining; but often fog is worse than rain. I don’t have a pair of these anti-fog goggles; and regular glasses quickly become so wet and misty that I’m riding blind. Of course I could get some anti-fog spray; but I took the lazy way out and didn’t wear my glasses (although I did take them with me). Fortunately it wasn’t raining as hard as I feared; although it apparently poured last night. I wore my poncho, partly for warmth; and for a change, there was hardly any wind. While I was pedaling back home, the rain had stopped; but I saw that the fog had increased a good deal. What do you do when riding in the fog? For me, the first rule is to slow down; especially if it’s dark. Light up your ride, too. A headlight atop your helmet is better than one mounted on the handlebars, because you can point it in any direction by turning your head. Stay alert! That’s a good rule at any time; but especially during inclement weather. People and things can emerge from the mist all of a sudden! I won’t be riding in the fog tomorrow; but it’s going to be cold again! And windy. I wish it would stay either warm or cold; not change every few days! 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 Wary January 26, 2024 Riding in the Rain January 25, 2024 Augusta? January 24, 2024 Bumpy Ride January 23, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Wet Week

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Wet Week? We’ve got a wet week coming, with showers and even T-storms through Saturday. It will be warmer this coming week than it was over the weekend; and that’s going to make it a little easier to poncho up and brave the elements. But I hope a wet week doesn’t become an interminable wet month or two. Constantly getting caught in the rain gets very tiresome, and very quickly. And T-storms in January seems quite odd. I hope it’s not a harbinger of a bad hurricane season! I was a bit concerned over rain this morning; and I didn’t feel like fighting the wind up there on the levee. Although the temperature was about 54 — much warmer than yesterday — the wind was still rather strong; and it had an unpleasant bite to it. Such a wind makes me sniffly; and if I had ridden on the levee, I’d have had it in my face for about 5 miles coming back home. So I chowed down an A.M. RXBar, and headed for the park to ride laps. Even there I could get in some practice riding in the drops; and a bit of pedaling out of the saddle. It’s been a while since I could do that, because for some time after the lapiplasty, the underside of that toe was too sensitive to pressure. But it feels a lot better now!? Despite the wet week, I hope I can ride a lot over the next few days. 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 Wet Week January 22, 2024 Watching the barometer January 21, 2024 Torpor January 20, 2024 Here It Comes Again January 19, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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IS This Winter?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

IS This Winter? IS this Winter; or not? We had two consecutive days with temperatures that didn’t get much above freezing all day. I was tempted to use hand warmers all day! Then this morning it was a relatively balmy 49 degrees! The downside is that it’s overcast; there’s a 30% chance of rain this afternoon; and there’ll be patchy fog tonight. And another hard freeze is in the forecast for tomorrow night! It’ll be a cold ride to the salvage store Saturday morning. It makes me wonder whether to take the trailer; or stick to panniers. On the one hand, the trailer will slow me down; and when it’s very cold I like to have a bit more speed. On the other hand, the work involved in hauling that trailer will warm me up. By Monday morning it will be in the low 60s. IS this Winter? Everybody complains about the constant switch from cold to warm; and to cold again. My major peeve about that is, I have all sorts of riding clothes all over the place. As people say, you never know how to dress. I know they say that, for exercising, it’s better to start out a little underdressed. According to that theory, you’ll soon be at just about the right temperature soon after you begin your workout. But I’d rather be a bit too warm. Besides, what if something interrupts your ride; and you can’t get indoors? I, for one, would be miserably 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 Elementor #159350 January 18, 2024 Bad Vibes? January 17, 2024 Pedals not Petticoats January 17, 2024 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Too Cold to Ride

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Too Cold to Ride? Is it ever too cold to ride? My inclination is to say, YES!! Here it is, nearly half-past noon; and the temperature is still below freezing. The chill factor is below 20 degrees; and the wind especially is enough to discourage me from riding outdoors. I sure don’t need cold packs right now! At least the threat of freezing rain seems to be past; and the barometric pressure is up. By the way, my little homemade barometer works! But back to the issue of riding in cold weather. According to one social media platform, kids in Finland ride to school in sub-freezing weather; and think nothing of it. I wonder, though, is Finland as humid as New Orleans? One reason that cold weather here seems so miserably cold is the humid climate! So OK, it’s too cold to ride; and that means it’s time to set up the trainer. Tomorrow will be even colder than today; so I need to make a way to get some exercise! 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 Too Cold to Ride January 16, 2024 How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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How’s the Pressure?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

How’s the Pressure? “How’s the pressure?” isn’t only about the psi in your bicycle tires. It’s also about the barometer reading. If that reading is falling, better pack along the rain gear! I got the idea for the “barometer” pictured above from a YouTube, How to Harvest Oats Like an Edwardian. They discuss how important it is to have cooperative weather in order to have a good harvest; and about 14 minutes into the video, they start talking about barometers. They even show how to make a cheap barometer, as most Edwardian-era farmers — especially small-scale ones — likely couldn’t afford a fancy instrument. So I decided to try making one. Luckily I had just finished both a jar of kalamata olives, and a bottle of soy sauce. So I had the materials; and all I needed to buy was red food coloring. I made my barometer about two days ago, and have been watching it. I’m trying to see whether the fluid level in the bottle neck is going up or down; and today it looks it might be lower than it was yesterday. I checked NOAA; and sure enough, right now the barometric pressure is 29-something. Yesterday it was 30-something. Of course I still have to pay attention to how’s the pressure in my bikes’ tires; not that I’m likely to get to ride outdoors tomorrow morning. The forecast has changed from a low of 34 to a low of 27 degrees; and on top of that, freezing rain is likely! Even in the afternoon, it will still be below 40 degrees; and wind gusts might reach 35 mph. So how’s the pressure to get out there and ride, anyway? Fortunately, it’s very low! 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 How’s the Pressure? January 15, 2024 Icicle on Wheels? January 14, 2024 Turning the Tables January 13, 2024 Summer in January January 12, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Wet or Dry?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Wet or Dry? 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.” Sometimes it’s wet … … and sometimes it’s not Wet or dry is much on my mind the last couple of days. The current forecast shows daily chances of rain from 20-90% through next Wednesday. So, do I take the poncho along, or not? I had it with me this morning, when I rode to the salvage store; but didn’t need it. Because I thought it might rain, I left the trailer at home. I’m still trying not to bring home big loads, anyway; I’ve got plenty of canned stuff to use up. Hurricane season is winding down, too; so it’s less important to keep a good supply of non-perishables on hand. Will tomorrow be wet or dry? The annoying thing about “20% chance of showers” is, it really doesn’t say whether it will rain. However, there’s a much greater chance of rain on Monday; so tomorrow looks like a better day for riding. As usual, I’ve got ride food on my mind. FitCrunch Bars? RXBars? I might not makeup my mind until tomorrow morning. More important than what I take to eat, is that I can keep it from getting soaked if it does rain. No wonder I’ve got wet or dry on my mind. 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 Elementor #153404 November 11, 2023 Back at the Ranch November 10, 2023 Sunday on Thursday November 9, 2023 What’s the Joke? November 8, 2023 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Feels Like October

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Feels Like October 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.” * It feels like October at last; now that October is over! Our temperature yesterday morning was about 72; today it was some 20 degrees cooler. I went for a ride, but the wind was rather strong; so I was a sissy and went to ride laps around the park. Before I had ridden one mile, my hands and feet were starting to feel the chill. Maybe I need some Rabbitroom Gloves! My feet were getting cold, too. My intended five laps got reduced to a measly two laps. The sky was overcast; and it began to mist. The wind seemed to be strengthening; and I decided it might be better to go home before it began to pour. Then, of course, it didn’t!? I forget sometimes that learning to deal with adverse weather is part of being a cyclist. Pushing your pace against the wind helps to develop strength and endurance; and it you’re to commute to work or school by bicycle, you must know how to ride in the rain. Tonight is supposed to be even cooler; with a wind advisory in effect until mid-morning tomorrow. I might have to postpone my ride! Yes, it feels like October — now that November is here!

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