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SpokEasy

Training

Upended

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Upended 😒 Today’s ride plans sure got upended! It drives me crazy when that happens. I planned to push for about 55 miles. When I went to pump up my road bike’s tires, I discovered that the rear tire was flat! As I hadn’t used the road bike since Thursday, I don’t know exactly when it happened; but I didn’t quite dare just inflate the tire and go riding. I don’t need to get a flat when I’m 10 miles from home. My plan had been to go ride some laps around the park; come home for a pit stop; and go out on the levee. I decided to inflate the flat tire; and use the hybrid to ride the laps in the park. When I got home from that part of today’s ride, I discovered that the road bike tire was deflating, which upended my ride plans completely. So I did the rest of the miles on the hybrid. It wasn’t easy! Outwarard-bound, I had a headwind; and it got as strong as 12 mph at one point. After riding to a spot about 10 miles from home, I stopped to reapply sunblock; then headed home for a second pit stop. Watch the Water 💦 Of course you’ve got to watch the water supply during long rides. At the turnaround stop, I checked the Camel-Bak; and it had maybe half a liter of water left in it. I figured it would get me home; and I also had brought along an extra bottle of water, just in case. Your ride can get upended big time if you run out of water; especially in hot weather! When I got  home, I refilled the Camel-Bak; and added a few fistfuls of ice cubes. Then I fixed more electrolyte drink; this time with chilled water. I knew the liquids wouldn’t stay cold for long; but I got some relief from the heat. Now I didn’t need to watch the water quite so closely; and I headed back to the park to do some more laps. On the way, I saw a bolt of lightning; and was a bit uneasy about continuing the ride. But I didn’t hear any thunder; and proceeded to the park. By now the heat was getting to me (in fact, there was a heat advisory in effect); and I decided to head home after only two laps. Luckily the sun was dodging in and out of clouds all day; and there was a decent amount of shade in the park. That and the wind kept me a tad cooler. I hope it’s a bit cooler 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 No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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I Broke 20!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

I Broke 20! 🚄 I broke 20 mph this morning! That doesn’t happen very often; and I wish I could cruise at 20 mph as a regular thing. Well, maybe someday — but it will take time and hard work. This morning I worked on force intervals, as I call them. I shifted into a hard gear that really slowed my cadence; then worked to push my rpm to 70 for a minute. Then I’d ride easy for two minutes before attempting another hard effort. After three efforts, I rode easily for five minutes, then began another set; for a total of three sets. At some point during these hard efforts, I broke 20 mph. I didn’t stay there for long; but just getting there is an accomplishment. 👏🏻 The Day After 🌅 The day after these hard efforts is typically a ride-easy day. It’s gratifying to see these peak-speed notes in my cycling journal; but I know from reading about training that you shouldn’t do intense efforts day after day.  I had planned to do force work yesterday, and ride easy today. But I already changed things around and rode easy yesterday, because my legs felt tired. So I’ll “just ride” tomorrow, without any structured efforts. Maybe it’s a good thing my plan for day after tomorrow is only the ride to and from the salvage store. I saw a news article that says, people in certain states are warned to stay out of the sun this coming weekend because of an unusually high UV index. Louisiana is one of the states affected. As this warning is in effect between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, I might have to save the “Sunday” long ride for Monday! Either that, or start at five o’clock in the morning.

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Normal Schedule

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Normal Schedule 🗓️ It’s good to be back on my normal schedule. During Love to Ride challenge months, I try to ride every day. My normal schedule is to take one day off a week; and I admit that not taking those days off becomes difficult as the month goes on. Especially with RAGBRAI getting so close, I don’t need to get burned out; or to develop an overuse injury. So today I ran some errands and (can you believe it?) did some house cleaning instead. Soon I’ll be heading into the final stretch of training. I hope that what I’ve done is sufficient! The event’s organizers are doing the “Route Inspection Ride” this week; and I’m looking out for their reports. After I get that info, I’ll have a better idea of how well-prepared I am. Final Stretch 🥅  Yes, the final stretch of RAGBRAI training will be here before I know it. I’ll be riding the hybrid after July 7; because I must ship my road bike (via Bikeflights) by July 8. In fact, I might ship it a day or two before that, just to give myself some leeway. During the last week before I head to Iowa, the important thing will be to reduce distance; but maintain a certain amount of intensity. They say that’s what you need to do as you taper for an event. Being on my normal schedule of one day off a week will help with that. I hope the weather continues to cooperate! 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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Quiet in the Tropics

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Quiet in the Tropics 🌀 It’s quiet in the tropics for now; and I hope it stays that way! Official hurricane season begins at midnight tonight; and that means six months of constantly being on guard. I have to set aside some canned goods especially for “hurricane rations”; and I wonder how well refried beans would do. Even a minimal hurricane is likely to knock out the power; and I don’t want to open a can of any food that I can’t use up within the day. I’m not sure I’m able to finish up a whole can/package of “refritos” that quickly. Quiet in the tropics can change very quickly; and so can a storm’s path. Hurricanes are quite erratic, really. Years ago, there was one hurricane that swung in and out from the western coast of Florida, striking land in three or four places! Naturally one of my biggest worries is having hurricane derail my RAGBRAI plans. I hope the weather cooperates with my riding over the next weeks. I need to keep training! Keep Training 🏋🏻 I need to keep training; and I think I need more intensity work. RAGBRAI does have hills! And, while RAGBRAI isn’t a race, I’m rather frustrated that my pace seems stuck around 10 mph. Are one or two pace-work sessions per week (when I try to push for 14-15 mph for 5 minutes at a time) enough to do me any good? I do feel somewhat stronger now, so maybe I’m doing something right. Let’s hope it stays quiet in the tropics, though. I’m not the only one in this region who is preparing for RAGBRAI; and we want to keep 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 Quiet in the Tropics May 30, 2025 Coming in Waves May 29, 2025 Unsettled Weather May 28, 2025 On a Full Stomach May 27, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Coming in Waves

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Coming in Waves 🌊 The bad weather today is coming in waves; and it’s driving me crazy. Every time I think things are settling down enough for me to go out for a ride, along comes more rain! There’s even a flash flood warning for the next three hours. As there’s also some lightning, it’s probably wise to stay under cover. I’d “ride” in the trainer for a while if I could; but the hybrid’s tires are the wrong size to fit. Every time I’ve tried to hitch the hybrid into the trainer, the wheel has gotten knocked off; and the road bike is still in the shop. I might have to miss riding for the day. 😒 Better luck next time, I guess. Better Luck 🍀 I hope I have better luck with the weather tomorrow; and for the weekend, too. I’m considering switching things around; and visiting the salvage store tomorrow. Then I can try Saturday-Sunday back-to-back long rides.  Consecutive days of 20-mile rides are no longer a real challenge; so I think I’ll try for 30 miles or so. Or maybe I’ll shoot for 50 miles on Saturday; and do 30 or so on Sunday? Although retired for over two years, I still seem stuck in the working person’s “do it all on weekends” mentality. But when bad weather keeps coming in waves, as today, it’s good to know that I can easily rearrange my riding schedule. It makes it easier for me to get better luck. 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 Coming in Waves May 29, 2025 Unsettled Weather May 28, 2025 On a Full Stomach May 27, 2025 Til Next Year May 26, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Test Aborted

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors, Training /

Test Aborted 🧪 This morning was a case of test aborted; and the test had hardly begun! I finally got around to trying out my cooling vest. I soaked it for several minutes, according to instructions. Then I put in on; and noticed immediately how heavy it felt. Somehow I never thought about the fact that wet things are heavy; and I thought this sodden vest would weigh me down too much. I don’t think I need that extra weight; especially not on a week-long ride. Ergo test aborted! But there are more tests that I can do in coming weeks. More Tests 🥞 “More tests” includes eating more before I set out on a ride. My go-to pre-ride snack has long been a banana and peanut butter; but I think I need to experiment with eating more than that. I won’t be scarfing down stacks of pancakes; I can’t make them because I don’t have flour. But I can have oatmeal and yogurt, with some nuts. Maybe with frozen blueberries, too! If this proves to be too big a load in my stomach, I’ll call it test aborted for that day; and have a smaller meal before the next ride. “More tests” also includes eating a little more during rides than I always have; and if that works, I’ll keep at it. After all, I’m extending my weekly long ride to as much as 50 miles; and soon I want to push for a 60-miler. That means I need fuel. It’s not good to bonk! 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 ✍🏻 Test Aborted May 25, 2025 Snap May 24, 2025 Tent? May 23, 2025 Energizer? May 22, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Energizer?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Training /

Energizer? ⚡️ Energizer sounds like these batteries; but can the electronics department of a store serve as an energizer? This morning I rode to Walmart; and naturally I checked my mileage when I got there. I’m certain my Cateye read 5.01; but as I got ready to ride home, it said 6+! This phenomenon has occurred at least once before. Was it because I visited the store’s electronics department? I wanted a second charger block to take along on RAGBRAI; and maybe being in the midst of all that equipment caused the Cateye to fast-forward!⏭️ Today was another low mileage day; but I think I’m ready to start rides of 20-30 miles again; with longer jaunts on Sundays. When you do long rides, be sure your saddle height is correct! Saddle Height 🦵🏼   Saddle height might not matter with low mileage; but as you ride farther, it becomes very important. Incorrect saddle height can cause knee pain; and if you’re rocking back and forth as you pedal, nasty chafing is quite likely. So far I haven’t had problems with saddle height, thank the cycling gods for that. I’ve been getting some tweaks done, though; when you’ve got a 400+ mile week on the horizon, it’s a wise idea to double check these things. I’ve notice little if any difference from those tweaks; and I’d better not make any further changes after the next week or so. I wonder, though, can a big change of saddle height act as an energizer? Say, if that saddle has been too high; and lowering it means you don’t have to extend your knees all the way? 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 Energizer? May 22, 2025 How Ironic! May 20, 2025 Cycling with Rheumatoid Arthritis May 19, 2025 Snowball? May 18, 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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Snowball?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Snowball? 🍧 Is watching the miles pile up like making a snowball? Those miles accumulate; and the total grows and grows. My RAGBRAI equipment is like a snowball, too. It just keeps piling up! They say it’s good to have at least 500 miles of training as you go into RAGBRAI; and that 1000 miles is even better. Between the road bike and the hybrid, I’ve put in 2000+ this year. Today I rode 51.5 miles; and am aiming for a 70-mile ride by late June. That’s not so far off! I must add 5 miles to the week’s longest ride, every week. I’d rather add in the miles every two weeks; but it looks like time is getting short for that. In addition, a cyclist must guard aginst burnout. For some weeks now, I’ve totaled 100+ miles every week; and towards the end of last week I noticed that I was feeling tired. I think I’d better take that as a warning signal. Burnout?🔥 Burnout isn’t something to play around with. You wouldn’t play with fire, right? And burnout can badly disrupt the snowball process, forcing you to take time off the bike. Who wants that? We also want to avoid overuse injuries. That’s why I began working towards RAGBRAI months ago; I don’t seem to have the body type that responds favorably to sudden and large workloads. I guess I’m what Joe Friel calls a “slow responder”. So I suppose you’d better not call me in case of fire. 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 Snowball? May 18, 2025 Bailout Plan May 17, 2025 Chameleon May 16, 2025 IdentoGO May 15, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Chameleon

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Chameleon? 🦎 I feel like a chameleon. Today I bought a new helmet; and it meant a change in helmet color. My old headpiece was blue; the new one is a sort of cranberry-red/black. But somehow I didn’t notice in the store that the new helmet lacks a visor! What was I thinking?? So tomorrow I can go back and see if I can trade for a helmet that does have that eyeshade. Sometimes I feel like a chameleon when it comes to my day-to-day rides. I might have a long ride planned; but my legs just say, Nothing doing! So I might “change color”, so to speak, on a moment’s notice. But the main thing now is to get in the weekly miles recommended by the RAGBRAI training plan. Weekly Miles 🚲 The weekly miles are really no problem as far as mileage total goes; but as I extend my weekly longest ride, I’m going to have to make pit stops at home! It’s great to have that bike path on top of the levee; but it has a big drawback: having to leave the path and go out of my way to find restrooms! The path is closed about 13 miles from home for work; and if only I could go two miles farther, I could reach the mini-park where I can make a pit stop. If only that work would get finished! It’s supposed to be done this Summer; but even if it’s on schedule, when does “Summer” mean? Next month? Early September? Getting my weekly miles now means doubling back and riding the same path segments over and over. That’s a bit aggravating; and now that it’s getting hotter, the lack of restroom access is a bigger problem. We all know what adequate hydration does to a body! So I’ll have to be a chameleon and start breaking up those lengthy rides with stops at home. The catch is, it can be hard to get myself going again! 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 Chameleon May 16, 2025 IdentoGO May 15, 2025 Medical Prep May 14, 2025 Outer Zones? May 13, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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