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Training

Like Yet Unlike

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Like Yet Unlike 😕 Using an indoor bike is like, yet  unlike, pedaling a real bicycle. My posture is totally different; and my feet are farther apart than on a real bike. I try not to lean back into the recumbent seat; but that’s rather tricky. In addition, my feet are much farther forward than on a regular bicycle. But at least I can pedal! So it’s like, yet unlike, real riding. Having to walk a mile to reach those “rides”, however, is somewhat tedious. I’m tempted to take tomorrow off; but the recreation center will be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. Thus I’d better get in my pedaling when I can. I’m dreaming of the feast, too. I have some cooked ground turkey in the freezer; and I’ll move it to the fridge Wednesday morning to thaw. I have a can of whole-berry cranberry sauce; and some ice cream, too. Dreaming of the Feast 🍗 Though I’m dreaming of the feast, I’m glad it won’t mean wearing myself out cooking. I feel ready to try some cooking; but I’m not sure how much my elbow will tolerate. I’ll start by using some stuff from the freezer to make a “garbage soup“; and see how it goes. I shouldn’t have to chop much, as I have pre-chopped onion in the freezer. That will be a big help. Dreaming of the feast, I admit, makes me glad I still have paper plates on hand. I’m  drifting away from paper plates and bowls, though — washing dishes is getting easier. Paper plates and bowls are really quite wasteful; and I typically use them only when I can’t wash real dishes. Or when the water is off, as after a hurricane! Oh, and another way riding an indoor bike is like, yet unlike, riding outdoors — although I’m pedaling, I’m not creating any breeze. So I wear my Arctic Air. This morning I stopped my workout early, when the fan kept shutting off; and I started getting too hot. I guess it was out of charge. 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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Bent?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Bent? ↪️ I’m not bent out of shape, am I? At the recreation center, I’m using a recumbent style exercise bike. There are only two upright exercise bikes; and I saw no instructions as to how to adjust them. One had recently been used by someone whose legs are far longer than mine. The other one’s saddle was barely low enough; and whoever had last used the bike left the pedals on high tension.  Six minutes were enough; it’s  possible to develop knee problems if you pedal too much in too hard a gear. So I moved to a bent-style bike. Another reason to keep using the “bent” is, on an upright bike, I automatically reach for the handlebars. My left elbow quickly began to ache; and I still need to avoid straining it. Therapy 🫱🏼 When I went to physical therapy this morning, I asked about the exercise bikes. They agree that the bent is better until my elbow is fully healed. My usual therapist was out today; but I was able to work with someone else. Now that I have access to the recreation center, I can get in an early “ride” on days when I have physical therapy. Other days I can go a little later; but I’d better use sunblock for the walk home! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Trainer

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Training /

Trainer 🏋️‍♀️ I sure could use my trainer now. Unfortunately, the rear wheel of my hybrid doesn’t fit into the trainer; and even if it did, I’m unable to do the necessary bike-lifting at present.  So my leg muscles are becoming mush. I need far more squats than I’ve been doing to keep my leg muscles properly toned; and it doesn’t help that I’ve still got low energy levels. I need to start working on flexibility exercises again, too. A personal trainer could probably do a lot to help me keep from getting too out of shape; but such services are beyond my budget. I must look for exercises that I can perform without stressing my injured elbow; and that don’t strain my ribs. Ribs ☠️ Ribs sound like barbecue to many of us; but cracked ribs are no fun. Mine seem to be recovering quickly; but how do I be sure they’re really OK? I don’t have a trainer to tell me. Must I ask the doctor to do an X-ray? If my ribs are all right, I can start lifting a small weight with my right hand. I don’t quite dare risk a right-sided crank plank; I might fall out of it and land on my left arm. That would be disastrous! I can’t do a grocery run by bicycle yet; so I ordered some stuff online.  But I’ll be glad when I can do it myself again. Not tomorrow, though; the forecast is a rainy one! 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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This Is Hills?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

This Is Hills? 🚵🏽 “This is hills?” I can ask myself that today! I worked at riding in a hard gear for 90 seconds to two minutes at a time; and it certainly makes my muscles work harder! It lets me ride a little faster too, of course; but was I really working hard enough? What I did today didn’t tax my CV system much, though. I wasn’t working to push the cadence, as I do in force-development exercises. That really gets my heart rate up! So, this is hills? I noticed during RAGBRAI hills that my breathing usually seemed to be working harder than my legs. Maybe my CV system needs as much work as my quads! Wary Eye 👁️ I’ve got my usual wary eye on the tropics; and I hope that the system in the Atlantic doesn’t make its way into the Gulf We don’t need a hurricane! If we do get one that’s not bad enough to warrant evacuation, I have a good store of bottled water and canned food. Not salmon, though; I’m not crazy about salmon. The worst part about hunkering down for a storm is — you guessed it — missing my cycling. I love my miles; even when I don’t ask, “This is hills?” 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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Come on and Rain!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Come On and Rain! ☔️ “Come on and rain!” is what I feel like saying when it’s been overcast all day; and it seems that it’s likely to pour, anyway. The catch with being stuck indoors and waiting for rain is, I want to munch Alter Eco Truffles! An overcast sky is why I made a split-second decision to ride the hybrid today. It let me use the bike trunk, so I could take some rain gear. And it didn’t rain, after all, except for an isolated drop here and there. The sun even broke through for a short time. Mid-afternoon, I received word that it was raining hard only about six miles away; so maybe it’s on the way here. Come on and rain, and get it over with! I don’t want rain tomorrow morning, when I plan to work on simulated hills. It’s flat  here; but I’ve gotta pretend sometimes! Gotta Pretend Sometimes 🚵🏽 I’ve gotta pretend sometimes; such as when I want hill practice without any hills. If I want to improve my climbing ability, I have to try, try again. On the way home from the salvage store, I ride up a vehicular access ramp to the top of the levee. I’m riding the hybrid on such trips; and bringing home a load that might total twenty pounds. It’s hard to find a gear on my road bike that simulates this climb; which makes it hard to simulate hills. Maybe I should do “hill” practice on the hybrid? And when I’m back home afterwards, it can come on and rain. 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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Final Week

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Final Week 🌞 🌞 I can hardly believe it’s the final week before RAGBRAI. Where did the time go? Naturally I hope I’m adequately trained; and if I’m not, it’s too late to do anything about it now. I do know that frantic, last-minute training is apt to do more harm than good. So this final week will be devoted to shortish rides; one day off from riding; and getting packed. I’m perusing the NOAA site, so I can get an idea of which day would be best to take a break from the bike. Probably Tuesday or Thursday; but I’ll take it day by day. I still want to keep a bit of intensity in my riding; so today I included a half-dozen 30-second hard efforts. Come to think of it, I’d better make Tuesday the off-bikes day. Taking Thursday off will mean two consecutive days with no riding; and I’d rather avoid that. Day by Day 🌅 RAGBRAI will also be a day by day thing. I’ve been browsing the official website, and  taking pics of the daily route maps. So far I haven’t found a list of what attractions will be available in which town; but I suppose it’s in there! This final week before heading to the big ride is the time to triple check all my lists; not only what to pack, but checklists of things I need to do each evening and each morning during the event. For  example,  I must be sure that my prescriptions are in my Camel-Bak’s pockets each day. If the mileage seems a bit daunting, well, take it day by day. Think of RAGBRAI as a series of rides; not one big huge 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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A Fine Line

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

A Fine Line 〰️ There’s a fine line  between tapering your training and maintaining fitness. I wish I had a wise old owl to help me be sure I’m holding that line. I know what I’ve read: reduce distance considerably; but maintain some intensity. And I guess the intense work should be reduced as event time draws closer.  So that’s what I’ve done this week. A day or two ago I spent a total of 6-9 minutes riding hard; and today, a total of three minutes. Tomorrow I plan to ride to the salvage store; and Sunday, I’ll put in 15 miles or so. Then, Monday through Thursday, 10-mile rides. Still with the Camel-Bak; I need to stay used to the load! That’s a fine line, too: enough weight to keep my body used to it; but not too heavy. Then next Friday is travel to RAGBRAI day; and I’ve got double duty in mind for that Camel-Bak! Double Duty 🔀 I like things that can do double duty; it means less stuff that needs storage room. My Camel-Bak can do double duty when I travel! I plan to pack the Camel-Bak shell separately from the reservoir; and, just in case my duffle bag can’t pass the carry-on size test, I’ll pack the stuff I’ll want on the plane in the Camel-Bak. There won’t be many things: a jacket (planes tend to be cold); some snacks; writing materials; and a crossword puzzle book. My duffle bags are supposedly carry-on size; so I should be able to put all my carry-on stuff into the duffle bag. I feel like it’s a fine line, though! 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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Humpty-Back?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Training /

Humpty-Back? 🐪 Wearing a Camel-Bak makes me feel like a humpty-back, as the song says. But being a humpty-back is a good way to bring along enough water for several hours of riding. For me, that’s a necessity. I’d need to ride out of my way to get water if I weren’t carrying it; and I’m not keen on spending money for water if I can bring it from home. Using the Camel-Bak also means I can spare a bottle for electrolyte drink. It’s surprising how much I need that stuff, too. This morning I found myself wishing I had some Propel (or other electrolyte drink); and I wasn’t riding hard; and I was in the park (where it was actually pretty shady); and I rode for barely over an hour. It wasn’t terribly hot, either! Maybe I’m spoiled by having used it almost daily for months.   Spoiled? 😷 I guess you could say I’m spoiled; but not like a rotten apple, I hope! You’d certainly want a mask if you were anywhere in my vicinity. But retirement has me spoiled! I can ride pretty much anytime I want; I don’t have to get up at 4:30 am to get that ride; and lots more! With RAGBRAI in mind, I’ve been riding humpty-back for months. I need to be used to that load, because I’ll want plenty of water during RAGBRAI. I don’t want to be spoiled by riding without a load; and then suffer during the big ride because of it. Today, though, I did take a break from it. I’m tapering for RAGBRAI; and I need a rest from the load once in a while. Just don’t let me get spoiled so that the big event seems too hard! 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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Pare It Down

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Training /

Pare it Down 🍎 Now it’s time to pare it down; and I don’t mean peeling apples. It’s that taper that I keep talking about. I’m reducing the mileage considerably, but today I threw in some intensity work; perhaps five minutes total. I want to keep up a little bit of hard riding, so my legs stay sharp for RAGBRAI. Not that I’m too worried any more about the hills. The maximum grade I’m likely to encounter is about 4%; and as it’s the maximum grade, I probably won’t  be climbing all day. True, there are some grades of 7%+ on the final day, but mostly in the second half of the day. I’ve opted to hop on the halfway shuttle to be sure I get to the finish town on time for the shuttle bus to Omaha. When I look at all the stuff I have to pack, I wish I could pare it down! I won’t be taking seven kits; but there’s still lots of stuff! Lots of Stuff! 🧳 Yes, there’s lots of stuff. It seems that, every time I think I’ve collected everything, I remember something else I’ll need! “Lots of stuff” includes a sleeping bag. And a sheet to use in case it’s too hot inside the sleeping bag; but not so hot that I don’t need some kind of cover. I’m taking three or four pairs of cycling shorts; clean socks for every day; and some merino wool tees. I plan to wash the shorts in the shower each evening; then I won’t need to take seven pairs! I don’t know how easy it might be to buy sugar-free electrolyte drink mixes along the route; so I’m packing Propel Powder Packets; and Nuun tablets as well. The tablets are in a pop-top tube; and that’s easier to manage when my hands are slippery with sweat and sunblock. The list goes on and on. I wish I could pare it down! 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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Reining In

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Training /

Reining In 🐴 It’s time for me to be reining in the training. Although it’s tempting to keep going at a full gallop, I need to do shorter rides now; and not too much intensity. Today I rode 31.1 miles; and I’m thinking of doing 20 tomorrow. That’s so I can take Tuesday off while I get my road bike shipped off to RAGBRAI. Reining in the training means using the hybrid; and keeping the  distance between 15 and 20 miles per day. Maybe even taking an extra “off” day! Meanwhile, I’ve got packing the bike on my mind. After tomorrow’s ride, I’ll have to lube the chain; and give the bike at least some cleaning — something I’ve never been good at doing! Packing 📦 Oh, packing! Probably the worst part of any travel plans. What do I need to take? What do I have room for? Will I really need this or that? Can an item do more than one thing? I decided to use a bike shipping service rather than buy a bicycle travel case. I’m not comfortable with disassembling my bicycle; and that’s what using a bike travel case would mean. I’ve purchased a bike assembly service in addition to the shipping, so I shouldn’t have to worry that I’ll put my bike together the wrong way. Besides, where will I keep a bicycle travel case at home? If I get much more stuff, I’ll crowd myself right out of here! Reining in isn’t only about tapering my training; it’s about keeping the acquisition of stuff in check! 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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