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Gearing Down

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Gearing Down ⚙️ Today I practiced gearing down. Sort of. I used the hybrid for a run to Walmart; and stayed on the biggest cog most of the time. It isn’t the same as spinning in low gear on the road bike; but it was better than nothing. A slow cadence in a hard gear feels very different from low-gear, high-cadence spinning. They say it uses a different type of muscle fiber. I’ll be gearing down for the hills on RAGBRAI; that’s for sure. I even contacted RAGBRAI to ask what gradients I can expect; but they won’t know that until about April. The overnight towns have been announced; but not the pass-through towns. Until that’s been determined, things are still up in the air. So is the weather. I hope we’re spared the rough weather that they say could hit the South next week! Rough Weather ⛈️ ⚡️ ?️ I hope RAGBRAI doesn’t encounter rough weather this year. One night during RAGBRAI L, in 2023, rough weather struck on the sixth night (see here at ~12:31); and some tents were blown over. Thank goodness there wasn’t a tornado! Gearing down to ride into a headwind isn’t my idea of fun; but I’ll have to be prepared for it. I get headwinds often enough up there on the levee; and I don’t suppose the open stretches of Iowa roads will be any different. Even if I don’t like it, it’s good 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 ✍? Gearing Down February 28, 2025 Potpourri February 27, 2025 Nudging the Brain February 26, 2025 Climbing Legs February 25, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Rain Daze

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Rain Daze ? Do rides in inclement weather leave you feeling like this?   I think I have rain daze today. The forecast showed rain all day; but by early afternoon, I was tired of hanging around at home, waiting for it to start pouring. By about 2 pm, I had had enough, and decided to go for a short ride; with a detour to the neighborhood supermarket on the way home.  It was raining, but not particularly hard. I pulled on leg warmers; shorts; vest; jacket; and poncho. I wore a skull cap, too; after all, it’s in the 50s. Then I went out for a ride. I guess rain daze isn’t only about the effects of a wet ride; it’s also about the rather depressing effects of a gray day. It can have odd effects on the brain.? When I started my ride, I didn’t feel hungry; so I didn’t think to have a snack. After about half a mile, I realized that I was getting hungry; and I hadn’t brought anything to eat with me. That brought The Bonk to mind; so I decided to make my ride short. I figured I was flirting with the bonk. Flirting with the Bonk ?‍? Flirting with the bonk is risky business; and I rode only one lap around the park. The planned trip to the grocery store meant more time for The Bonk to catch up with me. Rain daze was also catching up with me. Something about gray skies and falling rain is soporific; and I was also getting wet. My poncho’s sleeves don’t go all the way down to the wrist; and my jacket sleeves got soaked. So, of course did the blouse sleeves under it. My leg warmers got wet at least as far up as the knees; my feet got soaked; and my gloves were wet through. There I was, walking into the store, and dripping all over! I got a few groceries; including a Quest Chocolate Caramel Pecan bar. Once clear of the checkout, I made short work of that bar! Then I rode home. Perhaps the most tiresome aspect of rain daze, is the amount of time I spend wringing out and  hanging up wet cycling gear once I’m home. I’m glad this doesn’t happen every 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 ✍? Rain Daze February 23, 2025 Ride While You Can February 22, 2025 On the Fence February 21, 2025 Lab Rat February 20, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Ride While You Can

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Ride While You Can ? Sometimes you have to ride while you can; be it cyclocross or merely getting in some miles for the heck of it. This afternoon I decided to do some miles because the forecast for tomorrow isn’t so great. They’re predicting rain again; and some showers might be heavy. The wind will strengthen as the morning goes on; and I’m SO tired of wind! At lest the temperature will be in the 50s, instead of freezing. ? So, to ride, or not to ride? It’s rather annoying to be on the fence like that. If it isn’t raining in the morning, that’ll be great; and and I can go out. Ride while you can! If it is raining in the morning, but not too hard, I think I’ll pull on the poncho and go ride laps around the park. But if it’s pouring, I’ll do some indoor pedaling. I feel like a sissy when I take that course, though; foul weather training is necessary when preparing for an event. Foul Weather Training ?️  Foul weather training means, don the rain gear and get your bicycle in gear. But it’s harder to start a ride when it’s already raining, than it is to get caught in the rain mid-ride. If I’m already out, it’s easier to be philosophical about rain; the only way out is through! If it starts to pour when I’m still indoors at home, beginning a ride takes some self-prodding. I have to remind myself that this might happen during RAGBRAI; and I’ll need to be prepared. And sometimes you have to ride while you can — even in the rain — because other obligations (a job, for instance) mean you can’t ride tomorrow! 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 ✍? Ride While You Can February 22, 2025 On the Fence February 21, 2025 Lab Rat February 20, 2025 More Winter February 19, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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More Winter

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

More Winter ❄️ We’ve got more Winter coming. There are cold-weather warnings posted for the next two nights; and early tomorrow the chill factor will be well below freezing! It’s good I’ve got some cold-weather clothing; but when it’s that cold, nothing seems warm enough. Leg warmers help; but even with an additional base layer, my legs get cold. A long-sleeved blouse with three layers over it doesn’t keep out the chill.  Would these AmFIB Lobster Gel Gloves keep my hands warmer? Even with hand warmers inside of my gloves, my hands can get pretty cold. Frigid wind on my head gets painful, even when I’m wearing a skull cap. My feet get cold, even with heavy socks. More Winter for us doesn’t often mean sub-freezing temperatures; and when they occur, it’s apt to mean a training disruption for me. Training Disruption ? Cold weather doesn’t have to mean a training disruption; it’s possible to “ride” inside. If only such exercise weren’t so tedious! I got enough of it during the recent cold snap; and now I need to resume it. And we’ve got more Winter. It’s not the end of February yet; but I hope it stops dropping down to freezing. This city isn’t made for it; and I don’t blame anybody for not wanting to buy a lot of polar-rated clothing that they’ll need only a few days per season. Hence a training disruption can easily occur when the mercury drops like a stone. 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 ✍? More Winter February 19, 2025 Another Round February 18, 2025 Roll Over February 17, 2025 Law of Averages February 16, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Another Round

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Another Round ↻ We have another round of frigid weather on the way; although they don’t expect snow this time. Tomorrow and the next day, wind gusts could be as strong as 30 mph. Not exactly what I need during a week when I planned to ease up on my efforts. The forecast has already provoked me to alter my riding plans. I was going to take today off; and do a leisurely ride of 12 miles or so tomorrow. When I saw that rain was expected for Wednesday, I decided to do some riding today; then take tomorrow off instead. I can hunker down and be lazy for a day. With another round of strong wind in store, I’ll probably ride laps around the park again. When I have to fight a headwind is when I wish I had a power meter. They say that power is a much more accurate indicator of your progress than speed, because speed is dependent on factors such as wind and terrain. Hunker Down ?‍? I hope my plan to hunker down tomorrow is justified. It will be a good day to cozy up with a mug of hot chocolate! I don’t have a bicycle mug; but that’s OK. As I’ve said, we’ve got another round of strong wind in store; but it looks like things will calm down later in the week. That’s good for the Sunday ride. Incidentally, I still haven’t shed my Sunday-long-ride mentality. Before I retired, the long ride on Sunday was a must; I couldn’t do a long ride during the week because I was working. But now I can do it most any day; so if I must hunker down for the weather one day, I can ride the next. 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 Round February 18, 2025 Roll Over February 17, 2025 Law of Averages February 16, 2025 RAGBRAI Practice? February 15, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Law of Averages

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Law of Averages ? The law of averages crops up everywhere, including cycling. What was my average speed? For riders in training for racing, there’s the question of average power output. I’ve got my eye on that law of averages; I’d like to improve my average speed before RAGBRAI rolls around. Today I didn’t seem at all successful, thanks to the wind. Almost all the way outward-bound, I had a headwind that averaged about 18 mph; and gusts were as high as 29 mph! My average speed over 25.9 miles was little more than 9 mph; and I’m surprised I was that fast. On the other hand, it’s true that I wasn’t trying to push the pace; and my heart rate stayed in the middle zone most of the time. Has my fitness improved? Maybe so; and it’s time for me to think of a little do-si-do! Do-si-Do? ? One YouTube I watched about RAGBRAI training recommends back-to-back long rides. Sort of reminds me of do-si-do in square dancing! Here comes the law of averages again. This video says, work up to doing two days in a row each training week of the average daily distance on your upcoming RAGRAI. This year’s RAGBRAI will average about 58 miles per day; so I’ve got a ways to go. Today I had intended to push for 30 miles; but considering the effort I had to put out, I decided to shorten it a little. But I’ve begun to do a Monday ride close to the same distance as the Sunday ride. Tomorrow’s ride will be another tough one, though. The wind will still be quite strong. I’ve read in many a book and website, that riders over the age of 40 should back off every third week: ease up on the intensity; skip the super-hard efforts, and the like. This is a third week; so I won’t be pushing the pace tomorrow! 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 ✍? Law of Averages February 16, 2025 RAGBRAI Practice? February 15, 2025 Time Warp? February 14, 2025 Check Your Pockets February 13, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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RAGBRAI Practice?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

RAGBRAI Practice? ? Think of a strong headwind as RAGBRAI practice! This morning I rode the hybrid to the salvage store; and by the time I headed back home, the wind was 18 mph; gusts were as strong as 25 mph. For the last mile or so in particular, I had a headwind! I was in my granny gear; and my speed had dropped to 6 mph. And believe me, that was slow! I was passed by three joggers who quickly left me far behind! When I had a half-mile or so to go before I could get down from the levee, I was tempted to stop riding and push the bike. I had to remind myself that this was good RAGBRAI practice. Oh, and don’t ride tonight. Don’t even think of it! Don’t Ride Tonight! ⚡️ I say, don’t ride tonight; because the forecast is for severe T-storms. RAGBRAI practice doesn’t have to include deliberately riding out into a storm; and I hope RAGBRAI 2025 doesn’t run into any! As of 3:00 pm, it still isn’t completely overcast; but a wind advisory went into effect at 11:00 am. I’m glad I was home before that happened. Don’t ride tonight, unless perhaps it’s early evening. Storms are expected to start moving in around 10:00 pm. Tomorrow the wind will still be pretty strong, although the rain should be over. To ride; or not to ride? It will be good RAGBRAI practice if I do. 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 ✍? RAGBRAI Practice? February 15, 2025 Time Warp? February 14, 2025 Check Your Pockets February 13, 2025 Under-Trained February 12, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Fog Away!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Fog Away! ?‍?️ Thank goodness whoever controls our weather took the fog away this morning! Yesterday morning the fog was terrible; and I was lucky that I’d brought along a cloth handkerchief. For or five times, I had to stop and dry my glasses; and I wished I had ARCHXX Anti-Fog Lens Wipes. I must get some to take along on RAGBRAI in case of misty mornings. I think these wipes will be easier for travel use than a bottle of spray lens cleaner; they’re not likely to spill the way a liquid can. They’re ammonia-free, too; and that’s a plus. I hate the smell of ammonia! But the main thing is keeping the fog away; if not from the atmosphere, then away from my glasses! Rain or fog, anti-fog treatments should help keep those lenses clear. Rain or Fog? ?️ ?‍?️ But which is worse: rain, or fog? I’m not sure I can make up my mind about that. Visibility certainly is likely to be a much greater problem in heavy mist; but a heavy downpour also makes it hard to see.  Today the mist seemed to be largely confined to the river; and except for a few drops here and there, the rain stayed away. There was more wind than there was yesterday; and it was mostly a headwind, ? wouldn’t you know. Maybe yesterday’s lack of wind was why the fog was so bad; and the wind this morning blew the fog away. 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 #192866 February 10, 2025 Pedals Wear Out! February 9, 2025 RAGBRAI hydration February 7, 2025 I Took the Plunge! February 6, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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I Took the Plunge!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

I Took the Plunge! ?? I took the plunge! This morning, I registered for RAGBRAI! I also signed up for the PBV (aka Pork Belly Ventures) charter service; and even booked my hotel room for the last night in Iowa before I fly home. It might be too early to book air travel; but that’s on my to-do list for the coming days. Ditto for Bikeflights; and maybe some kind of travel insurance. I’m not quite sure I’ll need it in addition to my regular medical insurance. I took the plunge; and now I’m working on my shopping list. Also, on my packing list. There’s a certain amount of equipment that I’ll need; and it’s amazing how many everyday things I use that I might easily forget. When those items are easy to access at home, I don’t think about them. The Equipment ?️ So, to gather the equipment. I already got a sleeping pad; but I don’t yet have a sleeping bag.  The pad that I have lacks a pillow; but I can take a pillow case and stuff it with clothes. I got one of those quick-dry microfiber towels; and I think I’ll get a washcloth, too. I’ll want to be sure I can clean off the sunblock at a day’s end! There are all those day-to-day things that, as mentioned, I don’t even think about: toothpaste; shampoo; and so on. PBV provides soap and towels with their showers; but I want to bring my own to insure that I have fragrance-free products. Oh, and don’t forget to buy a duffle bag! They say the 40-liter size is good for RAGBRAI. I just might be able to use it as a carry-on; it depends on how easily I can lift the loaded bag over my head! While I’m collecting the equipment, I must keep riding. So far the training plan for RAGBRAI 2025 doesn’t seem to have been published; but last year’s plan gives me some guidelines. After all, I took the plunge; and I want to do all I can to ensure a great First 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 ✍? I Took the Plunge! February 6, 2025 Edging Closer February 5, 2025 What Hills? February 4, 2025 Rikki Tikki Tavi February 3, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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He Saw!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

He Saw! ? Well, he saw! Our local groundhog says we’ll have six more weeks of Winter. It was a bright, sunny day; a good time for Ray-Ban Sunglasses. The temperature before I began my ride was 43 degrees; and I wore two layers on my legs. I forgot how fast it’s been warming up these days; and I was almost too hot before I got back home. Our high temperatures will continue to rise into the 70s for the rest of the week. Time to bring out the warm-weather gear! That groundhog — he saw his shadow; but it looks like the shadow was wrong. Extension ?? Extension sounds like stretching — like you can do with Fit Simplify bands. Set of five bands of varying resistance levels lets you start easy, and work your way up. I decided it’s time for some ride extension; namely, more miles. Today I put in 26 miles; and I think I’ll leave the Sunday long ride at that for about two more weeks. Weekday rides can go up to 21 miles. I’ve got RAGBRAI in mind; and it doesn’t hurt to take a good look at the training plan. My weekly total is often 100+ miles; so the biggie for me is developing my climbing ability. This year’s RAGBRAI is relatively short. I can’t remember exactly what the daily distances are; but I think one day is close to 80 miles; and another day is under 40 miles. The upcoming Spring-like weather will be good for riding. Maybe it’s just as well that what he saw (i.e. the groundhog’s shadow) was wrong. 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 ✍? He Saw! February 2, 2025 Predict the Groundhog February 1, 2025 Deep End January 30, 2025 Out of Shape January 29, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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