SpokEasy

SpokEasy

Training

Switched My Plans?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Should Have Switched? 🎛️ Maybe I should have switched my plans around. I had decided to take today off of bikes; and work on force development tomorrow. As it turned out, the wind this morning was calm; and tomorrow it will be blowing 10-11 mph. Gusts might be as strong as 25 mph. If I have the wind against me, I can practice riding hard against the wind; and not shift into an ultra-hard gear. But I’m not fond of headwinds at any time! When this happens, I think I should have switched my schedule. I’ll just have to see how it goes tomorrow. I do know I intend to do a shorter ride, since I plan to work on intensity. And sometimes I wish I had a power meter, so I can gauge my progress! Gauge My Progress 📏 With no power meter, I need another way to gauge my progress. I keep regular notes of my ride data: distance; time; and so on. If I want to know whether I’m improving, I should be able to get some idea of how I’m doing — if only I go back over my notes! My average speed, for instance, seems to be stuck at the same place. But can I really gauge my progress by that? Speed is dependent on a variety of factors, such as wind. I also notice that my heart rate is lower for what seems to be the same effort level. Am I really becoming fitter; or am I not putting out enough effort? RAGBRAI is on the horizon; so if I’m making training errors, I’ve got to fix things. Is it time I’ve switched my plans? 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 Switched My Plans? March 18, 2025 I Need a Detective! March 17, 2025 Inching Forward March 16, 2025 Windy City March 3, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Switched My Plans? Read More »

Inching Forward

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Inching Forward 🪱 I’m inching forward with my mileage. Today I rode 33.2 miles; up a mile and a quarter from last week’s Sunday ride. I’m meeting the weekly mileage totals specified in the RAGBRAI training schedule; and I hope to add a few more miles to next Sunday’s ride. I want to keep inching forward by doing long rides two days in a row; as mentioned here at about 6:57 minutes. So far, rides of about 28-30 miles two days on end don’t seem to be a problem; so I’ll keep increasing them. I’m not sure I’ll try to get in a century ride prior to RAGBRAI. It probably isn’t necessary; especially as I don’t think I’ll try to tackle the Karras Loop. Karras Loop ➰ The Karras Loop is an optional loop — a detour, if you will — on one day of RAGBRAI, that lets riders extend the day’s distance to 100 miles. I think I’d be wise to skip it; as a RAGBRAI “virgin”, completing the regular route ought to be enough. It sounds tempting, though! I’m waiting for info to come out about pass-through towns; gradients; and whatever else I need to know. I guess they’ll soon be letting us know what food vendors will be on the route; and I’m making a list of what I want to try. 😋 I’m also starting to do a new exercise: riding up the bicycle access ramp to the top of the levee in a harder gear than I’ve been using. After all,  I need to inch forward in my ability to climb, as well as extending my mileage. I don’t have a Karras Loop handy; but I can work out an alternate. 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 Inching Forward March 16, 2025 Windy City March 3, 2025 Tropical Storms in March? March 2, 2025 All Kinds at RAGBRAI March 1, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Inching Forward Read More »

Tropical Storms in March?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Tropical Storms in March? ? Tropical storms in March? What would Lewis Carroll’s lapine character think of that? We aren’t in for a tropical storm in the usual sense of the word; but high winds are in the forecast for day after tomorrow. Gusts could reach 45 mph; so here I am, thinking of tropical storms in March. All too soon, we’ll have to watch for hurricanes! And what bad timing this wind threat is! Day after tomorrow is Mardi Gras; a major event in New Orleans. I won’t be surprised if parades are rescheduled or even cancelled because of high winds. Those floats are high-profile vehicles; and strong wind is bad news for them. It’s not good news for my rides, either. It might be time to set up the trainer! Set up the Trainer ? I might have to set up the trainer if I’m to do any pedaling on Tuesday. Unfortunately “riding” in the trainer is hot and tedious. A wearable fan would be great if I have to do it often! I think I’ll have to play it by ear. Tomorrow shouldn’t be too bad; and maybe I can work on my pace. Tuesday? I think I’ll wait and see whether I need to set up the trainer. I prefer a real ride outdoors; but with tropical storms in March, I might have to alter my plans! 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 Tropical Storms in March? March 2, 2025 All Kinds at RAGBRAI March 1, 2025 Gearing Down February 28, 2025 Potpourri February 27, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Tropical Storms in March? Read More »

Gearing Down

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Gearing Down ⚙️ Today I practiced gearing down. Sort of. I used the hybrid for a run to Walmart; and stayed on the biggest cog most of the time. It isn’t the same as spinning in low gear on the road bike; but it was better than nothing. A slow cadence in a hard gear feels very different from low-gear, high-cadence spinning. They say it uses a different type of muscle fiber. I’ll be gearing down for the hills on RAGBRAI; that’s for sure. I even contacted RAGBRAI to ask what gradients I can expect; but they won’t know that until about April. The overnight towns have been announced; but not the pass-through towns. Until that’s been determined, things are still up in the air. So is the weather. I hope we’re spared the rough weather that they say could hit the South next week! Rough Weather ⛈️ ⚡️ ?️ I hope RAGBRAI doesn’t encounter rough weather this year. One night during RAGBRAI L, in 2023, rough weather struck on the sixth night (see here at ~12:31); and some tents were blown over. Thank goodness there wasn’t a tornado! Gearing down to ride into a headwind isn’t my idea of fun; but I’ll have to be prepared for it. I get headwinds often enough up there on the levee; and I don’t suppose the open stretches of Iowa roads will be any different. Even if I don’t like it, it’s good training! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL ✍? Gearing Down February 28, 2025 Potpourri February 27, 2025 Nudging the Brain February 26, 2025 Climbing Legs February 25, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Gearing Down Read More »

Potpourri

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Potpourri ? A training plan can seem like potpourri — it’s quite a mix of things. From what I’ve always read about it, training needs to incorporate several elements; and if you’re working towards an event, this is even more important. Got a long event (e.g. RAGBRAI) on your calendar? You’ll need to train for endurance by doing progressively longer rides; but you’ve also got to prepare for Iowa’s hills! For me, that means working to push hard against a hard gear; there aren’t hills here. And don’t forget to practice spinning in a low gear. I’ve got to start doing that, too! And when climbing, I’m apt to be in a very low gear; but the gradient makes pedaling feel hard! Hard on my legs and also hard on my cardiovascular system. So I also need, at some point, to work to increase my tolerance for riding at or near my maximum heart rate! See why I say that training is like potpourri? But be careful to avoid burnout; some days you need to just ride. Just Ride ?‍♂️   A good day for “just ride” is when I visit the salvage store on Saturday. I don’t need to  hurry; so if I have a headwind, I don’t have to work hard. It can be hard to remember to “just ride”, though. I think I’ve gotten too used to working to push the pace! But easy rides are part of the potpourri that is cyclist training. No matter how serious you are about riding and training, don’t forget to just ride for fun sometimes! 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 ✍? Potpourri February 27, 2025 Nudging the Brain February 26, 2025 Climbing Legs February 25, 2025 Dry for Now February 24, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Potpourri Read More »

Nudging the Brain

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Nudging the Brain ? Is cycling a way of nudging the brain? Or does the Mind Diet Cookbook work better? I was thinking of taking a day off from riding today; but by mid-afternoon, I decided to do a short, easy spin on the hybrid. My legs were feeling restless; and I couldn’t think of a blog topic. My brain was a blank slate! I thought a ride might be a way of nudging the brain. Maybe I would see or hear something that would give me a good blog idea! Unfortunately I didn’t notice anything of particular interest; and it was hard to ride easily. I kept wanting to push the pace! So I didn’t dare ride long; and I came home with my mind still a blank slate. Blank Slate ? A blank slate of a mind is quite annoying. How can one get anything done? Especially if you can’t come up with a way of nudging the brain! My plan for tomorrow’s ride is another session of working to push the pace. That means riding against a harder gear than usual. Incidentally, I’m glad I have a compact crankset. That should make RAGBRAI‘s hills a bit easier. I even asked my bike shop whether it would be possible to get a triple crankset. They say, yes; but it wouldn’t be a quick and easy fix. So I’ve got to develop a good set of climbing legs with what I’ve got. Day before yesterday, I did 5-minute pace efforts; and next week I’ll push for 6 minutes. I’ll hold it at 6 minutes the week after that, before adding a little more time to these efforts. I also need to add a few miles to my distance. It isn’t too soon to put that on the schedule … looks like I’m filling up that blank slate after all! 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 ✍? Nudging the Brain February 26, 2025 Climbing Legs February 25, 2025 Dry for Now February 24, 2025 Rain Daze February 23, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Nudging the Brain Read More »

Climbing Legs

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Climbing Legs ?? I’m working to develop a pair of climbing legs. I’ll sure need them five months from now; and those months will fly by. Yes, I’ll need climbing legs for RAGBRAI; but for me, the most worrisome aspect of RAGBRAI’s hills is gradient. That’s why I’m working to develop better force (aka strength) on the bike. Not so easy when you live where it’s flat. So, one day a week, I do a force development workout.  I ride comfortably for 10 minutes or so, to get warmed up; then put in short efforts at pushing hard against a hard gear. Today I did 45-second interevals; and next week I’ll try for 50-60 seconds. Every third week, I take a break from this intense work; that’s recommended for riders over 40 years of age. However, I seem to have a way of changing my workout plans. Looks like I’m velut luna! Velut Luna ? Weather forecasts are also velut luna, as it says in Carmina Burana. After a lifetime here, I still can’t tell what the weather will do. Aren’t I illiterate? Yesterday the forecast predicted more rain tomorrow afternoon; now it says mostly sunny, after patchy fog in the morning. Well, I’ll be glad if it does not rain! I’m still not completely dried out from two days of wet rides! The ride plan for tomorrow is short and easy. Going hard every day is not the way to develop climbing legs, because you’re likely to burn out. Unfortunately it’s easy to get carried away; especially if you happen to be velut luna. 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 ✍? Climbing Legs February 25, 2025 Dry for Now February 24, 2025 Rain Daze February 23, 2025 Ride While You Can February 22, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Climbing Legs Read More »

Ride While You Can

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Ride While You Can ? Sometimes you have to ride while you can; be it cyclocross or merely getting in some miles for the heck of it. This afternoon I decided to do some miles because the forecast for tomorrow isn’t so great. They’re predicting rain again; and some showers might be heavy. The wind will strengthen as the morning goes on; and I’m SO tired of wind! At lest the temperature will be in the 50s, instead of freezing. ? So, to ride, or not to ride? It’s rather annoying to be on the fence like that. If it isn’t raining in the morning, that’ll be great; and and I can go out. Ride while you can! If it is raining in the morning, but not too hard, I think I’ll pull on the poncho and go ride laps around the park. But if it’s pouring, I’ll do some indoor pedaling. I feel like a sissy when I take that course, though; foul weather training is necessary when preparing for an event. Foul Weather Training ?️  Foul weather training means, don the rain gear and get your bicycle in gear. But it’s harder to start a ride when it’s already raining, than it is to get caught in the rain mid-ride. If I’m already out, it’s easier to be philosophical about rain; the only way out is through! If it starts to pour when I’m still indoors at home, beginning a ride takes some self-prodding. I have to remind myself that this might happen during RAGBRAI; and I’ll need to be prepared. And sometimes you have to ride while you can — even in the rain — because other obligations (a job, for instance) mean you can’t ride 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 ✍? Ride While You Can February 22, 2025 On the Fence February 21, 2025 Lab Rat February 20, 2025 More Winter February 19, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Ride While You Can Read More »

Roll Over

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Training /

Roll Over ? “Roll over” sounds like a command you might teach to a dog. A roll over is what might  happen, too, if you’re riding; and drop a water bottle. It happened to me this morning. I was trying to put my bottle of electrolyte drink back into its cage; and dropped it. Then I rode right over it before I could stop. The bottle seems to be OK; but it might take another use or two before I’m sure it isn’t damaged. I hope I don’t drop too many bottles as I roll through the corn in July! Roll through the Corn ? Preparing to roll through the corn (aka ride RAGBRAI) is keeping me busy! I have quite a shopping list; but I’m trying not to buy everything at once. It’s better to spread out the expenses if I can. I did order a duffle (of is it D-U-F-F-E–L?) bag. Better to have the bag first, I think, and then buy stuff that will fit inside the bag. It’s sort of like making the bike fit the rider; not the other way around. Preparing to roll through the corn also means, of course, the physical training required. I’ve begun working on back-to-back long rides; “long” at this point meaning 25-30 miles. I do that once a week. Training advice for over-40 riders says to ease up every third week; so I won’t increase my long-days mileage until the week of March 2. No hard riding this week, either. They say your body doesn’t get stronger if you stress it too hard, too often. You don’t want to reach the roll-over-and-play-dead stage of fatigue! 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 ✍? Roll Over February 17, 2025 Law of Averages February 16, 2025 RAGBRAI Practice? February 15, 2025 Time Warp? February 14, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Roll Over Read More »

Law of Averages

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Law of Averages ? The law of averages crops up everywhere, including cycling. What was my average speed? For riders in training for racing, there’s the question of average power output. I’ve got my eye on that law of averages; I’d like to improve my average speed before RAGBRAI rolls around. Today I didn’t seem at all successful, thanks to the wind. Almost all the way outward-bound, I had a headwind that averaged about 18 mph; and gusts were as high as 29 mph! My average speed over 25.9 miles was little more than 9 mph; and I’m surprised I was that fast. On the other hand, it’s true that I wasn’t trying to push the pace; and my heart rate stayed in the middle zone most of the time. Has my fitness improved? Maybe so; and it’s time for me to think of a little do-si-do! Do-si-Do? ? One YouTube I watched about RAGBRAI training recommends back-to-back long rides. Sort of reminds me of do-si-do in square dancing! Here comes the law of averages again. This video says, work up to doing two days in a row each training week of the average daily distance on your upcoming RAGRAI. This year’s RAGBRAI will average about 58 miles per day; so I’ve got a ways to go. Today I had intended to push for 30 miles; but considering the effort I had to put out, I decided to shorten it a little. But I’ve begun to do a Monday ride close to the same distance as the Sunday ride. Tomorrow’s ride will be another tough one, though. The wind will still be quite strong. I’ve read in many a book and website, that riders over the age of 40 should back off every third week: ease up on the intensity; skip the super-hard efforts, and the like. This is a third week; so I won’t be pushing the pace 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 ✍? Law of Averages February 16, 2025 RAGBRAI Practice? February 15, 2025 Time Warp? February 14, 2025 Check Your Pockets February 13, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

Law of Averages Read More »