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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

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

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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Waiting to Pounce

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Waiting to Pounce? 🐈 Do you ever get the feeling that the weather is waiting to pounce? Today was just such a day. When I went riding at about 7:45 am, the sky was mostly clear. There were a few white clouds; but as I rode, more and more clouds gathered. By the time I reached home at about 9:40 am, the sky was mostly overcast.  These Giro Rev shoes might be ready to pounce into cycling action; but they won’t keep me dry if it rains. And it looks like tomorrow will be a very wet day. Indeed, the forecast is for T-storms! Not a Harbinger 🍂 According to the forecast, this rain not a harbinger of Fall; so I won’t be getting out the hot chocolate just yet. Oh, and while I’m thinking about it, hot chocolate is good with a bit of cinnamon in it! So, shall I ride tomorrow; or skip a day? Today I just tried to keep a steady pace; and of course the headwind on the way home made it harder. I also made today’s ride a bit shorter. But riding in the rain? I hope tomorrow’s rain is not a harbinger of a prolonged wet spell! I’ll need practice with riding in the rain, though, if I’m going to do RAGBRAI; participants can’t count on nice, sunny weather all week. The weather is waiting to pounce at any time! 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 Waiting to Pounce October 3, 2024 All Streaks Must End October 2, 2024 Bike Bus October 1, 2024 One Last Lick September 30, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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All Streaks Must End

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

All Streaks Must End 🎬 All streaks must end sometime; whether it’s an unusually good stretch of training rides; winning races; or a spell of no rain. We’ve had less rain than usual for a while, aside from Francine; and amazingly few T-storms. But it looks like that’s about to end. Tomorrow night through Sunday night we’ve got chances of rain and, yes, T-storms. Knowing that all streaks must end doesn’t cheer me up. Riding in the rain isn’t my favorite thing to do; especially when I’m trying to get in long miles. I have a poncho, but it’s really too long for cycling; and it flaps around like crazy in the wind. Not Gene Kelly 🕺 Sure, riding in the rain is entirely possible, especially with the right gear; but I am not Gene Kelly. He was dancing in the rain, anyway. Besides, even the best rain gear can’t protect you from lightning, which is my major concern. I’ve been enjoying the current spell of un-rainy weather; it lets me ride farther while not worrying that rain might catch me at any moment. We also get the opposite: spells when it seems like it will never stop raining; and when I constantly have wet gloves, socks, etc. spread out all over the place. When I get sick and tired of rain, I have to remind myself then that all streaks must end. 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 Facebook Twitter Youtube All Streaks Must End October 2, 2024 Bike Bus October 1, 2024 One Last Lick September 30, 2024 No Leg Warmers Yet September 29, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Nervous Breakdown

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Nervous Breakdown? 😳 All this tropical activity is enough to give us a nervous breakdown! Maybe we can work off those nerves as long as we keep our legs pumping! Joking aside, there’s another tropical system developing right where Hurricane Helene was born. It’s too soon to say how much/fast further development will be; nor where Kirk-to-be might go. Of course I hope New Orleans isn’t in this new storm’s path; but I certainly don’t wish it on Florida. All this watchfulness is enough to give anyone a nervous breakdown! Have I got enough bottled water? And enough canned food? Even worse, will I have to evaacuate? Stay away Kirk! 🌀 So, stay away Kirk! Better yet, disintegrate! Most of all, leave poor Florida alone. We should also think of the islands in the Caribbean that are getting hammered. Here I go again, considering cramming. If that new tropical system strengthens into a serious storm; and heads our way; I might have to miss several days of riding. I’d like to get in some extra miles in case it does come to that. Missing a few days shouldn’t affect my readiness to do RAGBRAI (if I can get to Iowa for the event); but I guess I’ve got an OCD streak. I’m rather hung up on getting my long-term mileage total to 70K by December 31!  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 Facebook Twitter Youtube Bike Bus October 1, 2024 One Last Lick September 30, 2024 No Leg Warmers Yet September 29, 2024 Nervous Breakdown September 28, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Hit and a Miss

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Hit and a Miss 🏏 Today was a hit and a miss; and I don’t mean slinging kettlebell weights around. The hit was pleasant temperatures for riding this morning. It was barely 70 degrees; and the wind wasn’t as bad as the forecast last night indicated. For a change, I had a tailwind on the way home. On the way out, I did a little practice riding in the drops. This is a useful skill; and helpful when you have to buck a headwind. I need more practice at it, so I can reach for a water bottle while in the drops. It also takes practice to get comfortable riding in the drops for prolonged periods. I personally wouldn’t try it during a large group ride, however. It keeps my hands farther from the brakes than I like; and for me it makes quick steering much harder. Last Gasp? 😧 So much for the hit. The miss is that we weren’t impacted by Helene. Those poor folks in Florida weren’t so lucky; and neither were many people who live farther inland. There’s Hurricane Isaac out there, too; but he seems to be heading nowhere. Let’s hope that hurricane season is in it’s last gasp. So yes, it’s possible to get a hit and a miss at the same time. Maybe Quest Chocolate Caramel Pecan bars will be a hit on your next long ride? 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 Hit and a Miss September 27, 2024 Flashback? September 26, 2024 Get Corny September 25, 2024 Still Nervous September 24, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Another Lull

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Another Lull 🥱 We’re enjoying another lull in tropical activity; but we still can’t afford to go to sleep. Hurricanes are still possible! Last week was full of rainy forecasts; and it’s a relief to see that change this week. Another relief is the break from 100º+ heat indices by 10:00 am! I’m starting to push for daily rides of 20 miles; and it’s nice to not need that cool rag! Get the Mileage First 🛣️ Oh, all this talk about getting faster! But maybe I’d better get the mileage first; because speed work will mean reducing the distance. Otherwise I could be risking overuse injuries; and besides, I still hope to bump up my long-term mileage total to 70K by the end of this year. There’s bound to be another lull in my riding after next Wednesday, when I have the second past of my varicose vein procedure. It’s another in-office procedure, with only local anesthetic; but I probably should ride short and easy for a few days afterwards. Naturally that’s the big question for the doctor! But I do want to ride. It’s Cycle September, after all. When there’s a Love to Ride month-long cycling challenge in effect, I try not to miss even one day! 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 Another Lull September 18, 2024 Not My Job September 17, 2024 Trial Run September 16, 2024 Out of Reach? September 15, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Not My Job

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Not My Job 👷🏻 “It’s not my job!” is a frequently used phrase. People say it when they want to avoid doing whatever task is at hand. I’m glad that weather forecasting is not my job; but I was delighted that this morning’s predictions weren’t accurate. At about 5:00 am, I checked an online weather site; and it said, “mostly cloudy”.  And at full-moon time! I decided to ride anyway; and hoped I might get a glimpse of the moon between the clouds. Most of what clouds there were, were down near the horizon. I got a great view of the moon; and the moonlight on the river! It would have been a fitting time to munch on Luna Bars. Where Is Fall? 🍂 But right about this time of year, I begin to say, “Where is Fall?” Here it is, mid-September; and afternoon temperatures are still reaching the 80s! We won’t be wearing jackets any time soon, I guess. Not that I’m eager for freezing days; but I rather like it when it’s cool enough for leg warmers and long sleeves. It means less sunblock to wash off after every ride! I also don’t get so hot while riding. Despite the Summer-like weather, I can tell that Fall is setting in. It gets light later; and dark earlier. But those temperatures make us all ask, Where is Fall? Don’t ask me to detemine that. It’s not my job! 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 Not My Job September 17, 2024 Trial Run September 16, 2024 Out of Reach? September 15, 2024 Borrowing Trouble? September 14, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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