SpokEasy

SpokEasy

Personal Care

You’re a Brick!

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Personal Care /

You’re a Brick! 🧱 If you’re a brick, your friends are in luck. Then there’s the charging brick; aka the charger block. The one shown here has 4 USB-C Ports and 4 QC USB-A Ports; charge up to 8 devices simultaneously. Output of 200 watts; and the brick is small enough to fit into hand luggage.  I’m considering one of these for RAGBRAI; the charging block that I already have can power only two devices at once. That’s why I’m got a headlamp that uses batteries; so maybe my two-port brick will do. (The main thing will be my bicycle headlight, as I anticipate pre-dawn starts.) Then I can say to the thing, Gee, you’re a brick! But I’ve got other things on my mind today. Where’s the storm? Where’s the Storm? ⛈️ So, where’s the storm? I’m tired of weather forecasts indicating doom and gloom that doesn’t happen. Well, if I do ride, and get caught in the rain, a Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel can dry me off. That’s yet another product I’ve bought for RAGBRAI. It takes up far less space than a typical terrycloth towel. I gave it a “test run”; then put it through the laundry. When it’s dry, I’ll put it away for the big ride! I took a walk a few hours ago to get chain lube from the bike shop; and I asked the shop owner where to lube my bike pedals. My road bike’s left pedal squeaks; and he showed me where to put the oil. I should have told him, Hey, you’re a brick! Then I stopped at the little grocery store for frozen blueberries and almond milk. On the way home, I saw it was looking stormy towards the North; and now the sky is overcast. But still no rain. Where’s the storm? 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 You’re a Brick! March 29, 2025 Storms Love Weekends? March 28, 2025 No End? March 27, 2025 Preppie? March 26, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

You’re a Brick! Read More »

Time Warp?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Personal Care /

Time Warp? ?‍? Am I caught in a time warp? It doesn’t feel like Friday! Maybe it was today’s riding. A friend and former co-worker lives nearby; and we had plans to meet at 9:30 this morning for a walk. I wanted to get in some miles before then, in case it turned rainy in the afternoon. But I didn’t get going until about 7:00; and I needed time to fix and eat breakfast after I got home. Thus I didn’t ride as long as I really wanted to; and got in less than 11 miles. After I was home from walking, I got busy with other things; but by early afternoon I was tired of sitting around. I decided to get on the ball, and went out again, this time on the hybrid; and rode another 9 miles. Two rides in one day upset my sense of time; so no wonder I feel like I’m in a time warp! Get on the Ball! ⚽️  Time warp or not, I’ve got to get on the ball. Not that I’m behind on RAGBRAI training, at least as far as miles go. But I do need to be more diligent about my  off-bike exercises! If all that exercise leaves you with sore muscles, these Massage Balls can provide some relief. Different colors have varying stiffness/spike length. Good for phyio-therapy, relief of plantar fasciitis, aching quads, etc. RAGBRAI, in fact, is why I decided to get these massage balls. I’m bound to have some aching legs; and with these “sea urchins” on hand, I won’t have to stand in line for a massage! At 3 inches in diameter each, they’ll take up far less space than a foam roller. I just have to be careful not to roll myself into a time warp!   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 ✍? Check Your Pockets February 13, 2025 Under-Trained February 12, 2025 Muscle Forgetfulness February 11, 2025 Fog Away! February 10, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Time Warp? Read More »

Spares

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Personal Care /

Spares ? Spares have an important role to play. What happens when you’re on a long ride; and a tire goes flat? Or your bike falls, and the rear derailer hanger takes the brunt? My road bike’s rear derailer hanger seems to be a very vulnerable part! So it wise to keep spares on hand. An under saddle pack lets you carry a spare tube and tools for changing a flat; and has room for a tube of sunblock plus a snack or two. And I now carry a replcement rear derailer with me. As my road bike is over eleven years old, it’s getting harder to find parts for it. Spare Tire? ? A spare tire for a bicycle or a car is fine; and I use tough Gatorskin tires for my road bike to reduce the risk of flats. But a “spare tire” around the belt line is something nobody wants. I don’t mean to be insulting to anyone who’s carrying around excess weight; that’s no laughing matter. It’s possible to shed the extra pounds by cycling; and  Ride Your Way Lean tells how to go about it. Several weight loss plans are included, from a program for losing up to 50 pounds or more; to one that helps you lose 15-35 pounds; and “Shed the stubborn spare tire”, for losing 5-15 pounds. This title is also available in Spanish. I’m not really following any of these plans; but I’m counting the calories, and watching carbs and saturated fat. And continuing to ride, of course. I’m not as lean as I would like to be; but riding can do a lot to prevent the build-up of that spare tire! 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 ✍? Spares December 18, 2024 Mistical Mornings? December 17, 2024 Spring in December? December 16, 2024 What Fog? December 15, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Spares Read More »

Remember the Sunblock

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Personal Care /

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

Remember the Sunblock Read More »

What I’m Made Of

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Personal Care /

What I’m Made Of ? ? ? Today I found out what I’m made of! Aside from chocolate and onions and bananas, that is. This morning I saw the exercise physiologist; and it was quite interesting. They did some simple tests: resting blood pressure and pulse; grip strength; and so on.  My body composition is 82.7% fat free mass, which ranked as very good. My waist measurement puts me at low risk of disease. Grip strength — well, my dominant hand scored 59th percentile; but my non-dominant hand was just 25th percentile. Maybe residual weakness from the CMC arthroplasty? And maybe that is why I’m so poor at riding one-handed using that left hand! I’ve got one of those squeeze-ball things around, and I think I’ll dig it out and begin using it. The physiologist tested me on some push-ups (not military-style!); and I was able to complete 16 — score of very good! For curl-ups, I managed 35 — above average! I also got a score of Good for flexibility. Next Up ? OK, so now I know what I’m made of. Next up? The physiologist gave me some exercises to do that should help improve my upper body muscle; and others to give me better leg flexibility. They said to keep riding as usual.  Incidentally, how do I occupy my mind during long rides? Sometimes I’ll let a favorite piece of music play inside my head. It might be amusing to ponder over odd cycling facts. Or, I’ll watch out for birds. Over the years, I’ve seen bald eagles; bluebirds; and even roseate spoonbills! Now and then, when out before daylight, I’ll hear an owl. But what’s next up with the weather? Tomorrow doesn’t look so great. I guess I’ll get wet on the way to see the nutritionist.  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 I’m Made Of November 12, 2024 Your Little Foot November 11, 2024 Gray and Warm November 10, 2024 Park Mode November 9, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

What I’m Made Of Read More »

All Shot Up

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Personal Care /

All Shot Up? ⁍ Today I got all shot up, so to speak: vaccinations for both flu and COVID. Not the most fun thing in the world; but I should be reasonably safe from both illnesses for a year. Who needs sickness to cut into riding time? It looks like my chances for a ride tomorrow might be all shot up, too: showers and scattered T-storms from 7 am onwards. Time to haul out the trainer again! My legs weren’t exactly shot this morning; but after two 20.2-mile days in a row, I thought I needed to take it easy today. So I left the road bike home; and headed to the park on the hybrid. I did three easy laps; with a detour to a farmers’ market ? during the final lap. Oh, Forecasts! ☔️ Oh, forecasts! You’d think that, by now, I’d have learned not to put too much stock in them. Many a time I’ve seen weather predictions change overnight; and maybe I need to adopt a more wait-and-see attitude. As I’ve often stated, my major concern about weather is getting caught in a lightning ⚡️ storm. I feel like I’m too good a target when I’m riding on top of the levee. Maybe I could try riding on the side of the levee; but I don’t feel that my riding skills are up to pedaling on a sloping surface. It might be time to try it! 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 All Shot Up September 3, 2024 With Dinah? September 2, 2024 FOMO Strikes Again! September 1, 2024 Another Missed Call August 31, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

All Shot Up Read More »

Getting More Frequent

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Personal Care /

Getting More Frequent ⏰ Just ride, to be honest, is what most of my rides turn into! But longer rides are getting more frequent; and that means more preparation sessions! I need to get on-bike food ready, and drinks are a must, too; both electrolytes for the ride, and a post-ride recovery drink if I ride long or hard. Needless to say, I take along water. It means quite a load on my back; but I don’t need to get dehydrated. Doing more rides of 19+ miles means that the need for that Camel-Bak is getting more frequent. And if I’m considering RAGBRAI, I need to be used to riding with a load. They say you really don’t need a hydration system such as a Camel-Bak for RAGBRAI; but I’m not at all sure I can manage reaching for a water bottle on the down tube while battling a steep climb!  All Washed Up? ? Post-ride, I need to get all washed up. Before I even take off my cycling outfit, I need to get two or three layers of sunblock off of my skin. It probably isn’t good to leave it on all day; and besides that, I wind up rubbing sunblock all over everything. I do this outdoors, as  I’d rather not wash all that stuff down the drain. Then I need to get my shorts all washed up. Often I’ll use a jersey for several rides before washing it; but shorts are another story. Going for a ride in unwashed shorts easily leads to irritated skin; or even saddle sores. I hope I don’t get all washed up while taking my bike to the shop. It has a flat; and I’m all thumbs at changing tubes. But there’s a 50% chance of rain; so I’ll take the poncho with me! 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 Getting More Frequent August 27, 2024 Clubs Nobody Wants August 26, 2024 Doohickies August 25, 2024 Wear and Tear August 24, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Getting More Frequent Read More »

Clubs Nobody Wants

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Personal Care /

Clubs Nobody Wants ♣️ There are clubs nobody wants to join; but sometimes we end up in the bunch despite our best efforts to the contrary. We might develop overuse injuries; get sunburned; bonk; or develop saddle sores. I’ve never had saddle sores to the extent that this rider did (see about 32 minutes in); thank the cycling gods for that. Saddle sores are one of those clubs nobody wants to join! I hope that doesn’t happen to me if I do RAGBRAI. Quitting the Club ? But what should you do if saddle sores happen? So far I’ve been quite lucky; but I did have some trouble a few weeks back. After a ride of about 20 miles, I had a spot in each groin that was rubbed raw. I think the problem was old shorts; and I’ve discarded that pair. For about a week, I used antibiotic ointment; and when indoors at home, I hung around with nothing on below the waist. The sores cleared up quickly; but out on a long tour or multi-day race, this would be a much bigger problem. Quitting the club at that point might be difficult or impossible! How do you avoid those clubs nobody wants? Chamois Butt’r helps prevent saddle sores; and I always have it on hand. Even so, sometimes sores happen! Sunblock keeps me out of the sunburned club; and I eat during rides longer than 12 miles or so. That keeps me out of the bonk club! To avoid the overuse injury roster, don’t push hard gears too soon; and don’t try to ramp up the mileage too fast. You don’t want to make cycling such a list of ailments that you’ll be quitting the club, and missing out on riding! 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 Clubs Nobody Wants August 26, 2024 Doohickies August 25, 2024 Wear and Tear August 24, 2024 Start on Empty August 23, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Clubs Nobody Wants Read More »

August Already?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Personal Care /

August Already? ?️ It’s August already?! Where did 2024 go? August means that it’s almost back-to-school time. Locally, school begins on August 12. Until then, there’s still time for some fun in the sun; and that means sunblock. Alba Botanica Kids Sunscreen is broad spectrum, SPF 50; and hypoallergenic. Tested by pediatricians; and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Alba Botanica Kids Sunscreen has a tropical fruit scent; is 100% vegetarian; and water resistant. A good addition to your family’s personal care arsenal. Of course, don’t forget sun protection for yourself. KINeSYS SPF 50 is a clear spray for sensitive skin. Broad spectrum; hypoallergenic; and provides UVA/UVB protection. Available in Fragrance Free (shown);  Kids SPF 30; and others.  When School Starts ? ? ✏️ When school starts, I’ll be very glad that I’m no longer trying to get to work amidst crazy get-to-school traffic! How will your kids get to their classes? I hope they can safely walk, or ride a bicycle. When I was a kid, I had no option other than the school bus; and I wish now I could have ridden a bicycle; or at least walked. And in Grades 1-8, the only lunch option was the school cafeteria. I would’ve been much happier if I could have carried my own lunch! So when school starts, I hope there’s a bike bus on a safe route; with little or no motor traffic. For short distances, a safe sidewalk can let your kids walk if they don’t want to cycle.   My August Plan ✍? My August plan has nothing to do with school; and the more I hear about school these days, the gladder I am that I needn’t worry about it.  So what is my August plan? Keep riding, for sure; and work towards possibly doing RAGBRAI 2025! Would I do better if I actually wrote down a training plan? Maybe; but I do keep some notes about my daily rides. One year I tried a pre-printed training diary, with the idea that it might make it easier for me to keep said notes better organized. Was I wrong; my notes were as disorganized as ever! And a regular spiral notebook has bigger pages, anyhow. Today I worked to keep my heart rate in Zone 2. I think I might be spending too much time in Zone 4; and perhaps that’s why I’m not getting any faster. We’ve got to avoid burnout! 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 August Already? August 1, 2024 Am I Old? July 31, 2024 I Did the Split July 30, 2024 New Approach July 29, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

August Already? Read More »

Tired of Sitting

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Personal Care /

Tired of Sitting ? I sure got tired of sitting today; and I don’t mean on a bicycle saddle! I had some appointments this morning; and wasn’t sure about the bicycle parking situation there. So I decided to use public transit; and I was sitting on the bus; and sitting in waiting rooms. Then, when I got home around 10:30 am, there was more sitting on a chair! By then it was about 93 degrees; and a heat advisory was in effect. I also felt tired; and thought I’d skip riding again today. ?  Would I get tired of sitting if I did a long bicycle tour? Who knows; maybe I would, especially if I developed saddle sores. I use Chamois Butt’r; (also available in Her’); but I expect problems could arise if you ride for seven days — literally! — on end. Nobody wants saddle sores to ruin a ride; so here are some tips. So far I’ve been lucky, and had only one sore; developed when I took a ride on my then brand-new road bike. It still had the stock saddle on; and that saddle was both too flat and very hard! Had to Get Out ➡️ It rained for a while about 3 pm; and then the upstairs neighbor started practicing drums! Again, I was tired of sitting; and with that percussion going on, I had to get out for a while. The rain had cooled things off a bit; and I decided to go ride around the park a few times. The sun was dodging in and out; and while it was out, I saw some intensely black clouds around. That made me a bit uneasy. Getting to my route meant riding over railroad tracks; and as I approached the crossing, I heard the rumble of a locomotive.  I was unable to get a break in the traffic; and had to wait for that train to clear the crossing. My route ran alongside the tracks for almost a mile; and wouldn’t you know, that dratted train stopped and blocked the way! I would have waited longer for it to move on, but it started to thunder; so I went back home. I wanted to fix a sandwich; but the drumming hadn’t stopped yet. And it was right over my kitchen! So I had to get out. ? 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 #174729 June 26, 2024 Big Uneasy June 25, 2024 When You’re Broiling June 24, 2024 Camel Or Not? June 23, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

Tired of Sitting Read More »