SpokEasy

SpokEasy

Personal Care

Hoping for a Change

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Personal Care /

Hoping for a Change 🌧️ I’m sure hoping for a change; both weather-wise, and for me. I’m really tired! This is the first cold I’ve had in ages; and maybe I simply forgot what having a cold feels like. Unfortunately there’s no rushing the recovery; but I’ll be glad when I can get back to my usual mileage. I think everyone here is hoping for a change in the frequent forecasts for rain and T-storms. Few of us cyclists are eager to get caught in a T-storm; and when such weather is predicted by early afternoon, I prefer to be home ahead of the storms. Alas, that means cutting my rides short. If only I could cruise at 20 mph! Then I could get in my miles before 11:00 am. Neck Check 👔 Incidentally, remember to do the neck check when you don’t feel so hot, but still want to ride; or don’t want to miss out on your training. I believe it was in The Cyclist’s Training Bible that I found the discussion of the neck check. Are your symptoms above the neck? Scratchy throat; stuffy head; but no fever, and no chest discomfort? It’s probably OK to go for a ride; but take it easy until your symptoms abate. But do you have below-the-neck symptoms? Chest congestion? Nausea? Fever? Do. Not. Ride. You’re risking much more serious illness by doing so. I’d sure be hoping for a change, though; and soon! 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

Hoping for a Change Read More »

Til Next Year

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Outdoors, Personal Care /

Til Next Year 📅 Good grief, I’ve got enough sunblock to last me til next year! In my zeal to have enough for RAGBRAI, I’ve been buying it often; and it would seem that I’m overstocked. I have a variety of brands; with SPFs ranging from 50 to 70. I’ve been looking for tubes of the right size to fit into my under-saddle pack; and I’ll concentrate on using the awkwardly-large tubes before I head for Iowa. I don’t think I need to worry about running out any time soon; as I said, I’ve got enough to last til next year! But all the sunblock in the world isn’t much use if I consistently forget to apply it to certain areas. I tend to forget my neck, especially in the back; and one YouTube I watched about RAGBRAI mentioned, don’t forget to put sunblock on the backs of your fingers. Otherwise they could become badly blistered. In the Back 👈 Back to Basics sounds like things to do in the back yard: gardening; hanging out the laundry; and so on. Will I be in the back of the pack during RAGBRAI? I won’t know until I’m in the thick of it; and even if I am in the back, what of it? They say Iowa has 15 hour of daylight during July; and just so I get to the overnight town by 6 pm, I’m good. I hope to get to the end towns earlier than that, though; especially if I have to set up my own tent. Today I tried to do some pace work; and had problems because of the headwind. I also noticed my right-hand brifter creaking as I shifted to larger gears; and that makes me uneasy. Is a cable getting caught? I’d better ride the hybrid until I can get that checked out. For sure, I won’t wait til next year. 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 ✍🏻 Til Next Year May 26, 2025 Test Aborted May 25, 2025 Snap May 24, 2025 Tent? May 23, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Til Next Year Read More »

Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Personal Care, Training /

Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis 😓 Cycling with rheumatoid arthritis is definitely possible; I’ve been doing it for four years or so. Exercise, in fact, is recommended for people who have RA. I’m glad my case is mild; and that I don’t need to bother with stuff like Voltaren Gel. My own experience of cycling with rheumatoid arthritis has been generally positive. I do remember one ride on a cold day when it started to rain; and I had one finger joint that began to hurt from the chill and wet. Raindrops hitting it didn’t feel any too good, either. About two weeks ago, my elbows began to act up. Not that they’re hugely swollen, but they are a bit swollen; and are a little tender and warm to the touch. As long as they don’t bother me when I’m on the bike, I’ll keep on riding. Elbows 💪 How often were we, as children, admonished to keep our elbows off the table? Enough, I suppose, that some kids wished they didn’t have to eat at the table; and longed instead to grab something to eat in the Feed Zone. My RA elbows aren’t causing much trouble; and I hope it stays that way! I’ve contacted the exercise physiologist; and they say I may keep riding and training for RAGBRAI. Just back off a little if something starts to hurt. I’m backing off from the high mileage this week; I think I need the break. Maybe I can do some shorter rides in the heat; I need that kind of conditioning for RAGBRAI. fI can test my cooling vest, too; but I hope it’s not too long!   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 Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis May 19, 2025 Snowball? May 18, 2025 Bailout Plan May 17, 2025 Chameleon May 16, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis Read More »

Weather Window

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Personal Care /

Weather Window? 🪟 I got a weather window today! 😊 Last night’s forecast had me expecting a downpour with lightning for this morning; but overnight the forecast changed. That’s happened quite often; and I was able to ride to the store. I guess the bad weather got itself out of the way overnight. I heard that one nearby location had had a tornado; or possible tornado. And there’s still the chance of rain and T-storms over the next few hours. I’m glad I don’t need to worry about a weather window for the rest of the day. And here comes the sun for tomorrow. Good thing; I want to get in some real miles. Here Comes the Sun ☀️ Here comes the sun again; and with it, the need for sunblock. Sometimes I wonder exactly how much of the stuff I need. Do I need to apply so much that my skin is white from it? Is it necessary in foggy conditions? If it’s actually raining, can I skip the sunblock? The rain is apt to wash it off, after all. Sunblock gets messy; but some years ago, I made the gratuitous discovery that sunblock is good for getting off grease! If I don’t want to slather sunblock all over myself, there are sun sleeves and leg sleeves. Yes, here comes the sun; but a sunny weather window means taking precautions. Especially when I want to do a long ride! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL A-riding I Will Go May 2, 2025 Vesti la Giubba? May 1, 2025 Lapping It Up April 30, 2025 Vested Interest April 29, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Weather Window Read More »

Vested Interest

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Outdoors, Personal Care /

Vested Interest? 🦺 Could you say that I have a vested interest in RAGBRAI? Maybe; I don’t expect to earn any money that way. But I’m weighing the possibility of getting an Ergodyne Chill Cooling Vest for the ride. This morning I was checking a news site; and it included an article about a hot, dry Summer coming up. Does that include Iowa? I read some of the comments about the Ergodyne Chill Cooling Vest; and one of them pointed out that this vest cools only as long as it stays damp. No surprise, really; the same is true of a cool rag. But this vest can keep cooling for up to five hours; and I should have ample opportunities to “recharge” this vested interest if I decide to take that option. I can re-wet the vest every time I stop in a town and refill my water bottles. Our weather is heating up fast, too; so it’s time for me to start at getting acclimated. And see how well a cooling vest works for me. Heating Up ♨️ By this time of year, it’s usually heating up; and on the one hand, it’s a relief to not need full-fingered gloves and other cold-weather gear. The flip side of that coin is, I have to be much more on guard against sunburn. It’s rather a bother to have to reapply sunblock every 80 minutes. Maybe I should work up a vested interest in the manufacturer, and buy stock in the company? Or invest in leg sleeves? Yes, it’s heating up; but I expect leg sleeves are like sun sleeves for the arms: once you get active; and they start to get sweaty; they have a cooling effect!   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 ✍🏻 Vested Interest April 29, 2025 Murky Waters April 28, 2025 At Ease! April 27, 2025 Why? April 26, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Vested Interest Read More »

You’re a Brick!

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 »