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SpokEasy

Personal Care

Summer Cold

BACK ISSUES, Personal Care /

Summer Cold 👃🏻 A Summer cold is no fun; especially when it hits just as you’re starting the biggest cycling adventure of your life. I first came down with a cold about three weeks into June; and by the time RAGBRAI rolled around, it still didn’t seem quite gone. Now I’m not sure whether I’ve still got the same cold; or whether I’ve caught a new one! A Summer cold is the worst type, they say; and I’m inclined to agree. About halfway through RAGRAI, my throat started to feel dry; and when I tried to talk, it would catch; and make me cough. After I got back home, it continued to happen; so I suppose that my hydration status wasn’t a factor. I visited a doctor after I was back home, to be sure I didn’t have strep throat. Fortunately, I don’t. There’s not much you can do for a cold but wait it out; but that’s tedious! Wait It Out ⏱️ I’ve got a Summer cold; so what can I do while I wait it out? Well, I’m working on drafts for my blogs about RAGBRAI; one for each day of the ride. I’m continually editing them; and I don’t want to start publishing them until all the editing for all seven posts is finished. Would warm tea help me feel better? I don’t know; I’m not crazy about hot drinks, especially when the ambient temperature is at least 80 degrees! As I type this, it’s 91 degrees; with a heat index of 106! I can ride slow and easy while I wait it out; and soon I must start cooking big batches of food to freeze. I didn’t dare leave too  much in the freezer while I was gone, for fear of a possible power outage. But here’s the test: I read this somewhere years ago. Put a cup of water in the freezer. When it’s frozen solid, lay  quarter on top of the ice. Then, when you’re back home, look to see whether the quarter is still on top of the ice. If it is, there was no power outage; and you don’t have to throw food away. It reminds me of how my brother used to joke about cold cash and hot change! 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

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Roll out the Kinks

BACK ISSUES, Food, Personal Care /

Roll out the Kinks 😌 Roll out the kinks with these Massage Balls! You can get a massage in the comfort of your own home! Set of three balls: Orange (long, soft spikes); Yellow (medium-firm spikes); and Red (short, hard spikes). Their tennis-ball size makes them easy to carry; and allows you to target small, specific areas. Great for sore muscles after any ride!  While you roll out the kinks, enjoy some Muscle Milk. Its protein content helps to rebuild your muscles; each serving provides 25 grams of protein; and no sugar. Muscle Milk comes in Chocolate (shown); Strawberry; Cookies & Cream; and S’mores. 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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