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Here Comes the Freeze

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Here Comes the Freeze! ? Oh, boy — here comes the freeze. I won’t want Pickle Ice tomorrow, that’s for sure! The forecast for tonight shows a low temperature of 33 degrees. That’s barely above freezing; and the chill factor will be below freezing! Even though I feel like a sissy when I don’t layer up and go for a ride, I think I’ll “ride” in the trainer tomorrow. This morning my fingers felt cold despite the hand warmers; and my ears kept feeling the breeze despite the helmet liner. Tomorrow will be colder yet; and in fact there’s a freeze warning in effect. That’s why I say, here comes the freeze! Let It Run ? So tonight I must turn on the faucet, and let it run. I wish I could catch that water for my bidons, rather than let it go to waste; but one can’t risk broken pipes.  Oh, wait — I have an idea. Put the 5-quart pot under the faucet; but position it so it’s not covering the sink’s drain. In fact, that will let me get an idea of how much water it costs to keep the pipes from freezing. It looks like tomorrow will be a case of too cold to ride! We didn’t even have a gradual cooling down to these frigid temperatures; as usual, they arrived all of a sudden. When that happens, I don’t get the chance to adjust gradually to the changing weather. At least the threat of rain is over for a day or two; so we don’t have to worry about sleet. In cold weather, my nose is an enormous nuisance; and drives me crazy. I can’t properly blow my nose while pedaling; so — please pardon the disgusting phrase — all I can do is let it run. I’m lucky I don’t have to go to work any more. When we’re all saying, here comes the freeze, it’s VERY hard to get up at 4:30 am to go for a ride in the cold and wind!  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.”  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 ✍? Here Comes the Freeze January 7, 2025 Hibernation January 6, 2025 How to Time It? January 5, 2025 The Wolf Returns January 4, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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How to Time It?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

How to Time It? ⌚️ How to time it over the next few days? We’ve got cold temperatures and stiff winds in the forecast for much of this week; and it looks like tomorrow will be especially blustery. I don’t want to skip too many days of riding; so how to time it to minimize my time spent struggling against the wind? Pedaling round and round the park means less headwind trouble than riding on top of the levee; but the tedium of doing laps makes it hard to get in the desired mileage.  I’m not a big fan of afternoon riding; probably because I spent years riding early in the day. Before I retired, that was the best way to be sure I did get to ride; but now I’m not as pressed for time as I was then. And for the time being, I sure don’t need to worry about excessive heat! Slow Start ? Actually, 2025 is getting off to a slow start. Today I rode fewer than 10 miles; and my legs felt tired besides. Do they need a lube job? I need to decide how to time it for my rides during the week. During the final months of 2024, I was working to bring my long-term mileage total to 70K; and rarely skipped a day. But now that I’ve met that goal, I can work out a schedule that lets me take off one day per week. I don’t want to take off too many days, though; and the weather in the coming week will make that hard. In addition, it’s time I started reintroducing intensity; especially if I have any idea of doing RAGBRAI. That will mean climbing! I suppose last year’s suggested training schedule will do for this  year; but before I decide whether to register for the event, I need to know where the start/finish towns will be. I might be able to manage if I go by Amtrak. How’s that for 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 ✍? How to Time It? January 5, 2025 The Wolf Returns January 4, 2025 Have a Blast! January 3, 2025 Tabula Rasa January 2, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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The Wolf Returns

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Uncategorized /

The Wolf Returns ? The wolf returns, to plague us cyclists — including me — with his windy habits. Maybe strewing some Epic Snack Strips in my wake will distract him, and make the wind ease up? I’m none too happy with the forecast for the coming week. I guess the unusually warm weather has spoiled me, because temperatures down to freezing are a very unpleasant prospect. For a few days it will be windy, with gusts as strong as 30 mph. So it seems that the wolf returns. Sleet? ? Is there sleet on the way? I hope not; but tomorrow night it will fall to 37 degrees; and rain is in the forecast. I’m not sure that’s cold enough for sleet; but I think I’d better not risk going for an outdoor ride, just in case. Neither of my bicycles has tires designed for riding in icy conditions; especially not the road bike. Add strong wind gusts, and it’s a recipe for an unpleasant ride. Tomorrow will be another Spring-like day; but with a chance of showers. The wind will be pretty strong, too. It’s a good day for riding in the park, where I won’t have a headwind mile after mile on the way home! I got quite a headwind on the way home from the salvage store this morning; and I’m not in a hurry for more of it.  My usual plan for a ride in the park is to use the hybrid, so I can have the bike trunk. The trunk can hold my cell phone; poncho; and ride food. The catch is that I have to stop every time I want a bite to eat! 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 ✍? The Wolf Returns January 4, 2025 Have a Blast! January 3, 2025 Tabula Rasa January 2, 2025 2025 Already? January 1, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Have a Blast!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Have a Blast! ? We all want to have a blast; whether it’s popping the cork to bring in the New Year; or having a terrific bicycle ride. That’s the kind of blast that most of us enjoy; but we’re about to have a blast of cold weather! Our current warm temperatures are expected to last through Sunday afternoon; but Sunday night, it’s down to about 37. The following night, the temperature will drop to barely above freezing! For New Orleans, that is COLD! This cold spell will come riding in on some pretty strong wind; and rain is possible as well. As so often happens, Winter is late; but will arrive with a vengeance. Bundle Up! ? So that means that it’s time to bundle up; and that presents its own difficulties. How many layers do I need? Two? Three? Will I need a poncho? Is it better not to ride if it’s both raining and barely above freezing? I don’t need for rain to turn to sleet when I’m far from home! Struggling to ride in icy conditions is definitely not my idea of having a blast. Neither is having to bundle up so much that my movement is restricted. Thick thermal socks can easily make my cycling shoes feel too tight; and tight shoes seem to make my feet get cold faster. As usual, I’ll have to play it by ear. And I might have to ride inside!  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 ✍? Have a Blast! January 3, 2025 Tabula Rasa January 2, 2025 2025 Already? January 1, 2025 New Year’s Eve Bash December 31, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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2025 Already?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

2025 Already? ? Can you believe it’s 2025 already? How time flies! I went for a ride, or course; and was surprised that there wasn’t much litter from fireworks. Some years the mess left on the bike path is incredible; and bad enough to provoke me to carry my bike through it! It was a bit chilly, in the low 50s; and it’s a shame that Campfire S’mores GU-Gels don’t make me warmer. The wind was a nuisance, too. But now that I’m home, I’m thinking of having some hot chocolate later. It’s 2025 already; and why not celebrate the new year? Blueprints? ⏩ How about some blueprints for the upcoming year’s cycling? Maybe some long-distance rides? Can I still hope to do RAGBRAI? It’s 2025 already; and time flies. For all I know, registration for RAGBRAI is already full. I started thinking about RAGBRAI almost two years ago; and a major hurdle is how to get to and from Iowa. Perhaps by Amtrack? The fare alone wouldn’t be too bad; and from what I could find out, the travel time to Des Moines is less than seven hours. But that’s only half the story. The RAGBRAI route won’t be announce until January 25; and I need to know the nearest train station to that point. Even then, how do I get from the train station to the RAGBRAI start town? Is there a shuttle service? Do I need a bicycle travel case to safely transport my bike? So much to think of! This is why it’s vital to start your blueprints early. You’ll need “wiggle room” to make changes if need be! 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 ✍? 2025 Already? January 1, 2025 New Year’s Eve Bash December 31, 2024 Something Is Rotten December 30, 2024 Rev It Up December 29, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Rein in the Rain

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Rein in the Rain ?️ I wish there were a way to rein in the rain. Even with a poncho, riding in the rain still gets me pretty wet. It’s not only the getting wet; if the weather is at all cool, wet leg warmers feel like no leg warmers. My poncho’s sleeves aren’t full length; and my jacket sleeves get wet from the elbow down. And, if it’s warm weather, a poncho feels smothery! Thank goodness there was someone to rein in the rain as I rode to the salvage store this morning. But the sky was gray; and as I rode, I began to hear thunder. That made me uneasy; especially as it seemed to be getting closer! Backtracking ? The thunder continued to grumble as I waited for the store to open; and I heard more thunder as I shopped. All I could do was to hope that it would pass before I left the store.  I found Alani bars that I can use as ride food; but not the medium cheddar cheese that I wanted. I would have liked to find additional ride food; but maybe next Saturday I’ll be luckier. When it came time for backtracking to home, the shower had stopped; but all the same I got into the poncho. It’s a good thing I did! Nobody did anything to rein in the rain during this leg of my trip; and there were some bands of heavy precipitation. I’m glad they didn’t last long; and I’m glad I’m not backtracking right now! Since I got home, the forecast is saying there’s the possibility of severe T-storms. Now I’ve got one ear cocked for the severe weather alert on my cell phone. Sometimes these predictions don’t come true; but sometimes they 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 ✍? Rein in the Rain December 28, 2024 70K! December 27, 2024 Sparring? December 26, 2024 Merry Christmas 2024! December 25, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Gray Christmas

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Gray Christmas ?? It looks like we’ll have a gray Christmas. The forecast is for rain, and possibly even T-storms!  I guess rain shouldn’t be surprising, as it’s been getting warmer again. And, thank goodness, the hour-by-hour forecast doesn’t show rain before early afternoon on the 25th. I should be able to go for a ride in the morning. So maybe a gray Christmas won’t be all bad. I just hope Santa beats the downpour back to the North Pole! The Feast ? ? ? What shall I have for the feast? My own personal feast, that is; and I plan to do that tomorrow. Not “athlete” food, though; but of course I’ll have on-bike food during my morning ride. Maybe a big stir-fry? I’ve got bok choy that I need to use up; and I can open a can of chicken and include chicken in the stir-fry. Or stir-fried vegetables alongside the chicken and some cranberry sauce? I think I’ll have the feast right after my ride; and that means doing the chopping tonight. Then it will all be ready; and I won’t be doing all that prep work when I’m tired from the miles — I’m planning on 20-22 miles tomorrow! This much is sure: I’ll have plenty of calories to burn off after all the food consumed tomorrow and the next day. I hope the predicted rain waits for afternoons! 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 ✍? Gray Christmas December 23, 2024 Momentum December 22, 2024 I Prefer Overcast December 21, 2024 This Is Friday? December 20, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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I Prefer Overcast

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

I Prefer Overcast ☁︎ I prefer overcast to the conditions I got today! Because of the season, the sun is lower in the sky; and while I was riding home from the salvage store, it was shining directly in my eyes much of the way. Not even the best sunglasses can help with that! On top of the sunlight, the cold wind made my eyes sting and water; and the combination meant that I was almost riding blind. I had a strong headwind, too. That meant a lot of rapid pedaling in my lowest gear; and I wonder what that did to my heart rate. The wind has died down a good bit; and it shouldn’t be as bad tomorrow. We’ll have another clear day, though — with the glaring sunshine in my eyes. I prefer overcast! Christmas Week ? It’s hard to believe that Christmas week begins tomorrow. Where did 2024 go? If you still have presents to wrap, this Road Bike Gift Wrap makes for colorful gift-giving! Unless something comes up at the last moment, I’m done wrapping and shipping gifts; and my mind is on finishing up my cycling year with a strong showing. Ten more days left to put in miles; and I’d better try to get in a bit extra tomorrow.  A friend who moved away a year or so ago, will be visiting in town; and we’re going to get together at a coffee shop Monday. That might mean doing a shorter ride; or going out much earlier than usual. I’ll want to get in some miles, after all. By Tuesday night the weather might turn rainy; and there’s a chance for rain on Christmas Day — even T-storms! I hope to get in a few miles even on Christmas; but I’m going to visit old friends of the family. Depending on what time my ride will arrive, there might not be time for much riding. Christmas week can be a busy time! I guess Santa will be busy handing out kids’ bikes. That means that the bicycle path in the park will be plenty busy on Wednesday 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 ✍? I Prefer Overcast December 21, 2024 This Is Friday? December 20, 2024 Head Start December 19, 2024 Spares December 18, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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This Is Friday?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

This Is Friday? ? This is Friday? And no, I’m not talking about frying an egg. This morning I went to Whole Foods; something I usually don’t do during the week. As a result, I keep thinking that today is Saturday! But I found a new kind of bar to try; and despite forgetting to bring along my shopping list, I remembered everything but peanut butter. Now I have to keep reminding myself that this is Friday, so I don’t forget to go to the salvage store tomorrow. It’ll be a chilly ride; the forecast says is will drop below 40 degrees tonight! But after all, it’s December. Double Dose ? So I might want a mug of hot chocolate when I get back from the store. It’s going to be windy as well as cold; and a Northeast wind, wouldn’t you know. That means the only-too-usual headwind on the way home! I’m glad the wind wasn’t too bad today. I got a double dose of riding — two laps around the park added to my trip to Whole Foods was under eleven miles; so after I got home, I went out on the road bike and did 12.6 more. I needed that double dose to fill in my mileage! 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 ✍? This Is Friday? December 20, 2024 Head Start December 19, 2024 Spares December 18, 2024 Mistical Mornings? December 17, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Head Start

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors /

Head Start ? I’ve gotten a head start on Christmas 2025; and I do mean I jumped the gun big time. Today I bought greeting cards for next year! They would have cost less if I had waited to buy them until December 26; but I figured there wouldn’t be much left by then. And now that I have the cards, I don’t need to worry about finding them in the stores when Christmas rolls around next year. It’s often good to get a head start on things. It sure beats frenzied, last-minute preparations! Especially for major undertakings, when a snowball effect is common. You know how each additional thing that you think of, makes you think of at least one further thing!  Like a helmet cover to add to your rain gear. Sometimes I wish I  had one; but then I remember, I use a helmet-mounted headlight. I’m afraid the heat of the light would melt the helmet cover! Winding up the Year ? It’s time to be winding up the year. I’ve recorded my rides regularly, as I’ve done almost since the very start. With only 12 more days left of 2024, I’ll want to get in some good miles. It won’t give me a head start on 2025, though. How about tomorrow? I’m thinking of using the hybrid to ride laps around the park, so I can make a trip to Whole Foods. Might as well kill two birds with one stone, as they say, and do my ride on a bicycle that lets me carry loads. If I do a ride on the road bike first, I might get home and then decide to stay put! There’s a chance of rain and even T-storms on Christmas Day! I hope that doesn’t persist too long. I don’t want to be winding up the year with a dismal mileage showing. 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 ✍? Head Start December 19, 2024 Spares December 18, 2024 Mistical Mornings? December 17, 2024 Spring in December? December 16, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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