Outdoors Archives - Page 9 of 22

Mistical Mornings?

MISTical Mornings? ?️ We’ve been getting mistical mornings, you could say. Two days ago, I was wondering where the fog was; but yesterday there was a little more mist; and today yet more. There’s another dense fog advisory in effect; and tomorrow’s forecast shows fog until mid-morning. It will be cool enough for leg warmers and a lightweight jacket; and I’ll want my skull cap, too. With a mistical morning predicted, I’m glad I can wait until a little later to ride. Going out at 5 am in dense fog is a bit of a nail-biter! Get Seasonal! ?️ Sometimes I feel like telling the weather to get seasonal; and I might soon get my wish. Tomorrow night it’s supposed to start getting cooler; and that will mean switching to full-fingered gloves. That makes on-bike eating rather awkward; and I wonder how things would go if I were wearing heated gloves! Many of the protein bars I use have chocolate coating; would heated gloves melt that coating before I could get a bite to my mouth? During a ride on a mistical morning, I don’t see as much; and I remember one VERY foggy morning, years ago, when it was still dark as well as very foggy. I was riding on top of the levee; and couldn’t even see the trees on the riverbank! 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 ✍? Mistical Mornings? December 17, 2024 Spring in December? December 16, 2024 What Fog? December 15, 2024 Doesn’t Look Good December 14, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Spring in December?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Spring in December? ? We seem to be getting Spring in December. It got up to the mid-70s today! I bet I’d appreciate it if I were still working; and commuting by bicycle. It’s a big nuisance to have to bundle up for the ride to work; find a way to stow all those layers once you get to work; then re-dress when it’s time to go home. But Spring in December isn’t natural, even for New Orleans. I hope these unusually warm temperatures aren’t a harbinger of severe weather to come. After all, there was a time when unseasonably warm weather was called a “weather breeder“! For all I know, that bit of wisdom was spot on. Enjoy It While I Can ?? Whether this weather is natural or not, I might as well enjoy it while I can. When it’s warmer, my nose doesn’t run nearly as much; and my hands and feet don’t get cold. Riding against the wind is more tiring on cold days; and full-fingered gloves make on-bike eating awkward. Regardless of the temperature, I’d love some Alter Eco SuperDark Chocolate Truffles! They’re 80% cacao; and although I personally don’t care whether they’re gluten free, many people have to avoid gluten. Alter Eco SuperDark Chocolate Truffles have compostable wrappers, too. Tomorrow will be another mild day; and I’d better enjoy it while I can! One of these days we’ll get a frigid blast; and then I’ll be wishing for the heat to return 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 ✍? Spring in December? December 16, 2024 What Fog? December 15, 2024 Doesn’t Look Good December 14, 2024 Christmas Moon December 13, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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What Fog?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

What Fog? ? This morning I wound up asking, What fog? After the forecast yesterday, I was anticipating pea-soup conditions. I’m glad the mist wasn’t like that, or I would have been wishing for Optix 55. Even so, the humidity was high enough that the screen of my Cateye kept getting a film of moisture on it. There was some mist on the river, too; but the moon was clear enough. But not in a position to be casting its light on the water; I guess it’s because of the tilt of the Earth at this season. All the same, it was nice to be able to say, What fog? I included a trip to the supermarket in today’s ride; and now I don’t need to buy any groceries for a while. Head Start ? I got a head start on Xmas feating today; and enough goodies to last two days in the process. The neighborhood pasty shop had cookies called Chinese Christmas Chocolate Spot, or something like that. I got one; and now I don’t need any more candy for a while! That cookie was big! So I’d better do a good ride tomorrow to help burn it off. Why not now? If I ride right now, I’ll have to re-do this past week’s statistics; and I’m too lazy to want to bother with it. Maybe I can go for a walk later. I’ll see what things are like tomorrow morning before deciding whether ride the hybrid or the road bike. There’s more fog in the forecast; and riding in the fog means my poor bike gets all mucky. On the other hand, my road bike is feeling slighted. This past week I used the hybrid most of the time; and the road bike only twice. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL ✍? What Fog? December 15, 2024 Doesn’t Look Good December 14, 2024 Christmas Moon December 13, 2024 What Goes Down December 12, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Christmas Moon

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors / CAL

Christmas Moon ? Strictly speaking, the upcoming full moon isn’t a Christmas moon — it’s ten days early. But it looks like the weather might be on my side. The forecast says, partly cloudy; and that could mean that I’ll have good viewing. The temperature will probably be around 60 degrees; and that’s quite comfortable for riding. Yes, I’ll want leg warmers; and a jacket; and a helmet liner. But that’s a lot better than riding when it’s 40 degrees! Even if the moon isn’t visible, I’ll want to ride. Winter Wheelers is on, after all! I’m trying to get in 100 miles or so per week; and after tomorrow’s trip to the salvage store, I should easily reach that goal with Sunday’s ride. The catch with riding so early is that, once I’m heading back home, I’ll have the sun shining directly into my face! But getting to see the Christmas moon will make it worth the nuisance. Real Christmas Ride ?? Who know what the real Christmas ride will be like. Temperature down to the low 30s? Or 70 degrees? Clear, or rainy? If the latter, I’ll ride the hybrid, and avoid getting my bike all spattered with mud. Windy? I hope not. A strong wind will make riding in the park more sensible; but a real Christmas ride in the park means this: even at 6:00 am, the path in the park will be full of kids trying out their new bicycles. I understand that they’re excited and want to learn to ride; but let’s face it, youngsters wobbling all over the place on bikes can be hazardous! I don’t want to hit them; and I don’t need for them to run into me. That means riding at a snail’s pace! 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 ✍? Christmas Moon December 13, 2024 What Goes Down December 12, 2024 Subsidence December 11, 2024 Gamble Paid Off December 10, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Subsidence

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Subsidece ⬇️ Subsidence as in a sinkhole opening under your house, no thank you! Subsidence as in the wind dying down — oh, please, yes! This morning the wind was quite strong. The sky was clear, so I wasn’t betting on beating the rain back home. But I paid for that by having a hard time controlling the bicycle one-handed; and I was on the more stable hybrid! Even in the park, the wind gusts made riding hard; and as a result, I don’t think I was reaching for that water bottle as much as I needed to. Plan of Attack ? The wind shouldn’t be nearly as strong tomorrow morning as it was today. So, what’s my plan of attack? I don’t think I’ll sound the trumpets and go charging out like I were mad; but I want to do a longer ride than I’ve managed the last two days. I think I’ll work on my pace; and doing a few very hard efforts won’t be a bad idea. That means on-bike food; maybe some Alani Bars. Even though it will be cold (low 40s; that’s cold for me), I’ll want electrolyte drink; and it’s chilling in the fridge right now. I’m divided as to whether I’ll use hand warmers. If I don’t use them, my hands will get cold even if I wear heavy-ish gloves. On the other hand (no pun intended), I don’t want to use up all the hand warmers; and then have us get a freak cold snap, when the temperature drops low enough to threaten plumbing. Not even my heaviest gloves (which are starting to fall apart, anyway) can keep my hands warm then; and I’ll need the hand warmers! Maybe my plan of attack should include double socks, too; my feet get cold easily. Riding in cold weather has its pitfalls; but I’m glad I don’t need to worry about ground subsidence on the bike path. 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 ✍? Subsidence December 11, 2024 Gamble Paid Off December 10, 2024 Drag Chute December 9, 2024 One or the Other December 8, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Gamble Paid Off

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Gamble Paid Off ? My gamble paid off today; and I don’t care whether it’s on Strava! As long as I know I did it, that’s enough for me. I didn’t get to ride until mid-morning. Mindful of the forecast, I decided to ride laps around the park again. It was overcast when I set out; and after about half an hour, the sun began to come out. I had to remind myself that it was probably the calm before the storm; and in fact the wind was gradually getting stronger. During lap four, I decided that it might be better to head home. I was getting hungry; and although I had a few GU-Gels with me, I wasn’t in the mood for them. So I went home; and beat the rain by a couple of hours. It’s nice when the gamble pays off! Effrontery? ? Oh, the effrontery of the weather! It’s most annoying when we go from high 70s one afternoon, to mid-40s the ensuing night. Life might be a beautiful ride; but it’s easier when temperature changes are more gradual! On top of the drastic temperature drop, we’ll have strong wind. I’m already chickening out on a ride on top of the levee. Gusts could be as strong as 30 mph, and that makes bike handling something of a problem; especially when I need to ride one-handed. Gusts seem to have a way of choosing to attack right at such moments. Such effrontery! I was hoping for a ride of 20 miles or so tomorrow; but I won’t want to circle the park for two solid hours. I’ll see how things are in the morning; then plan my attack, so to speak. The gamble paid off today; but will it do so 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 ✍? Gamble Paid Off December 10, 2024 Drag Chute December 9, 2024 One or the Other December 8, 2024 Change of Pace December 7, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Drag Chute

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Drag Chute ? No cyclist wants a drag chute; be it flapping jacket sleeves or a loose poncho. Flapping clothing is a nuisance; and if you’re interested in speed, it can slow you down. I had a drag chute this morning, in the form of a loose poncho. As a matter of fact, that poncho delayed my ride by at least ten minutes. I bought it some years ago, in case I needed it; and in the meantime, the poncho sat around it its store packaging. It’s made of thin plastic; and I guess the long storage period wasn’t very good for it. The plastic was stuck to itself; and while I was struggling to unstick it, I also had to be extremely careful not to tear it. Saturation ? The humidity is at saturation level; and I’m sure to need rain gear when I head out for tomorrow’s appointment. We’re under flood watch until noon tomorrow; and I think I’ll arrange for a taxi ride to the appointment. I can take public transit back home; but I don’t like to arrive at a medical facility soaking wet. That’s a bit too much saturation! I hope I can get in a ride; but it really depends on how hard it’s raining. A poncho can keep some of the rain off; but unless the weather is really cold, you can get very hot under a poncho. And as already stated, poncho = drag chute. T-storms are also possible; and that’s not my favorite riding weather! 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 ✍? Drag Chute December 9, 2024 One or the Other December 8, 2024 Change of Pace December 7, 2024 Remember the Sunblock December 6, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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One or the Other

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

One or the Other! ? ? I wish our weather would settle on one or the other: is it Fall (almost Winter); or is it still Summer? The temperature is see-sawing back and forth. Yesterday morning it was 40 degrees; and this morning it was close to 60! That’s very annoying when you’re trying to plan your rides. It doesn’t have to be epic rides, either — even if you’re only riding to the store, you want to be dressed for the weather. I’ve often heard people complain about these crazy switches between heat and cold; they say, with justification, that “you never know how to dress”. No wonder we all want one or the other! Keep the Layers Handy! ? The only thing we can do is to keep the layers handy. Unfortunately, that means having all sorts of items scattered all over the place. One day I’ll need leg warmers; the next day, I won’t. I’m not about to shove sweaty items of clothing back into storage; so I end up with leg warmers, helmet liners, etc. draped over furniture; the bicycles; and so on, so they can air out. That’s another reason I wish the weather would be one or the other. And what of longer rides, when the forecast indicates a sudden change during the day (aka your ride)? Keep the layers handy, if at all possible. It can get quite miserable if cold rain and wind suddenly begin, and you’re still miles from home. The action of pedaling does only so much to keep you warm, or such is my experience. And I’d rather be a tad too warm, than a bit too cool. If it’s the latter, what happens if you have to stop before you get home? This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL ✍? One or the Other December 8, 2024 Change of Pace December 7, 2024 Remember the Sunblock December 6, 2024 Lost Gamble December 5, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Remember the Sunblock

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Personal Care / CAL

Remember the Sunblock! ☀️ Remember the sunblock! It can save your ride; not to mention your skin. This morning’s ride plan was a few laps around the local park, before heading for the grocery store. Half a mile from home, it suddenly occurred to me that I’d forgotten about applying sunblock. I’m glad I remembered then, even though it meant missing some miles. If I’d been on the road bike, I would have been all right; a tube of sunblock is part of my under-saddle pack’s inventory. But this morning I was on the hybrid, because I wanted to take along a pannier; and I didn’t have any sunblock with me. Just think of what my face would look like now if I didn’t remember the sunblock when I did! Wind Burn? ? I’m not sure how well KINeSYS — or any other sunblock — would help with wind burn. I imagine you’d have to be out for many hours, in very strong wind, before wind burn develops; but that’s not much consolation when you’re out there on a bicycle fighting a headwind. Wind-wise, it looks like tomorrow won’t be bad; but early in the day the temperature will be around 40 degrees. As far as I’m concerned, that’s cold! I’d better dig out the hand warmers. The next day, the wind will be a bit stronger; and after that, it looks like we’re in for several rainy days. It makes Winter Wheelers a much bigger challenge! 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 ✍? Remember the Sunblock December 6, 2024 Lost Gamble December 5, 2024 Growing Gray December 4, 2024 Plugging Away December 3, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Lost Gamble

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

Lost Gamble ? Sometimes a ride is a lost gamble. Like today, for instance. At 8:00 am, the weather site I checked said there was a 40% chance of rain; and I decided that that was a low enough chance for me to go out riding. It was a roll of the dice; but that’s weather for you. I used the hybrid, because it rained last night; and I knew the surface would be wet. Riding the hybrid lets me take along the trunk; and I carried a poncho (still in its store packaging) with me. The sky had me rather nervous; it looked like rain. On the way home, with some five miles still to go, the rain began. I knew that this was a lost gamble! When that happens, I wish I were home and dry; perhaps playing a game of Bananagrams! The rain lasted for about three miles; and the wind seemed to be getting a little stronger. That’s not the most fun thing in cycling! Getting Dry ? There was no getting dry until I could arrive at home. Heck, I couldn’t even keep dry! Yes, I had the poncho; but it’s hard to don a poncho when it’s already raining, and the wind is blowing. So I just kept riding. Once I had gotten damp, my leg warmers didn’t even seem to exist; and my legs felt quite chilly. My socks and shoes got soaked; and was I ever glad of the skull cap! When I at last reached home, getting dry had to wait until I could lube the hybrid’s chain. It was overdue for it; and if I had waited until I could dry myself off, I might not have done it. It’s supposed to clear up overnight; and get much cooler. Below 40 degrees! ? Then more rain early next week. I might get caught up in another lost gamble! 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 ✍? Lost Gamble December 5, 2024 Growing Gray December 4, 2024 Plugging Away December 3, 2024 Let’s Roll! December 1, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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