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SpokEasy

Training

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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Salt and Vinegar?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Training /

Salt and Vinegar? 🧂 Do salt and vinegar, aka pickle juice, make a good drink? Today I tried mixing a quarter-cup of dill pickle juice with water to make one pint; and drank a little of it. I wondered whether it would work as an on-bike drink. Full-strength pickle juice at a rest stop is one thing; but I don’t think I’d enjoy sipping at that diluted stuff every five mintes. For on-bike electrolyte drinks, I’ll stick with things like Gatorade Zero. Tomorrow I’ll take along half a giant dill pickle, and eat some of it when I take a break from pedaling. That’ll give me some salt and vinegar without the diluted taste. And the sodium ought to be helpful. They talk about pickles and pickle juice shots at RAGBRAI. I’ve had these things along the Tour de Cure routes; and I’m aware of  how good a shot of pickle juice tastes on a hot day. And now it’s almost time for the final countdown! Less than two weeks to go! Countdown! ⬇️ I can’t believe it’s almost countdown to RAGBRAI time. Now that the event is getting so near, it almost doesn’t seem real! But it is. I’m considering what to do in the next few days as far as riding goes. I was thinking of riding 30 miles tomorrow; and maybe 20 on Monday. But the RAGBRAI training plan shows short rides during this week; 15 miles at most. Also, I’ve read plenty about event training; and I know that it’s counterproductive to try to make up miles in the last week or two before event day. I have only tomorrow and the next day for the road bike; on Tuesday I must get the bike shipped off. That will make the countdown seem more real! Oh, and maybe I should tank up on salt and vinegar before I  head to Iowa? 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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Forty on the Fourth

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Forty on the Fourth 🧨 I rode forty on the Fourth! In fact, 43.5, to be exact. Unfortunately I haven’t gotten in that 70-mile day suggested in the RAGBRAI training plan; but my weekly totals have been keeping pace. And I’m so happy I don’t have to resort to a Chair Workout! I know that it’s the only way some people can get exercise; but it sounds tedious to me. Forty on the Fourth — or any day — doesn’t seem bad at all. 🙂 First I went out and put in about 22 miles; then I stopped at home for a break. Then I went out and did the rest of the miles. If anything, the second part of today’s ride seemed a bit easier than the first! But I had to break it up; and do two shorter rides instead of one long ride. My bicycle computer was acting up! Break It Up ⛓️‍💥  My Garmin’s antics meant that I had to break it up. Apparently the thing didn’t like being on Pause for 20 minutes. Or did I forget to put it on Pause? Forty on the Fourth was not without its problems! At any rate, when I began riding again, I kept getting a screen with a GPS display, instead of the usual data (speed, time, etc.). I had to stop and tinker with the Garmin until I could save the ride I had already done; and start a new ride. Oh, well. I’ll have to break it up during RAGBRAI; the daily routes are too long for me not to do it that way. And that’s OK. RAGBRAI is meant to be enjoyed! 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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Falling Behind

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Falling Behind 😰 Oh dear, I’m falling behind in my RAGBRAI training now. And someone tell that cow that it’s not a laughing matter! Training is important; and I’ve missed more than I like in the last fortnight. I had been doing fine. Then came the week of dire-sounding weather forecasts day after day; and I kept cutting rides short to avoid getting caught out in a T-storm. Then I got a cold; and for several days I had to ride short and easy because I wasn’t feeling so great. Maybe I don’t need to be alarmed; my weekly mileage totals are still pretty much in line with the recommended training plan. It’s getting too late to push for much more in the way of increased fitness; and if I do try, I’m apt to get to the big event already tired. Here is where fitness maintenance comes in. Maintenance 🔨🔧 I feel like I’m falling behind in my training; but now is the time for fitness maintenance. I have some hard efforts in mind for next week, but not too many; and after that, it’s time for the taper. I’ll be doing the taper on the hybrid, too; in just over a week, I’m going to be shipping the road bike off to RAGBRAI. In a way, maybe fitness maintenance will be easier on the hybrid. It’s heavier than the road bike; and X amount of effort on the hybrid is more like (X + 25% of X) effort on the road bike for any given speed. The important thing is that I get in some riding! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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