SpokEasy

SpokEasy

Training

Outer Zones?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, equipment, Training /

Outer Zones? 🛰️ Outer zones sounds like a satellite at the farthest reaches of the solar system, still orbiting around. Incidentally, I remember there was a cookie called “Orbit” when I was  kid; but I haven’t seen Orbits in decades. I wish they were still around! My outer zones are heart-rate zones 4 and 5; and it’s been a couple of weeks since I last did efforts that got my heart rate up there. Today I resumed these efforts. I began by doing 90-second spurts, with about 90 seconds of rest in between. After three efforts, I rode easy for 10 minutes; then started over. By about the fourth set, I had to reduce these “sprints” to 60 seconds; I was getting tired. In addition, I was having trouble shifting to the big ring. The brifter didn’t seem to be working right; so now my road bike is in the shop again. I guess the derailer needs adjusting; so now my ride plans are derailed (so to speak) for a few days. Derailed 🛤️ Doesn’t it aggravate you when your ride schedule gets derailed? But better now than right before RAGBRAI. If that happened, my big riding vacation might be derailed! My plan for tomorrow is to ride short and easy; and day after tomorrow, to try a ride in the middle of the day. It will get well into the 80s; and I need some practice riding in the heat. I can even try out that cooling vest! Such high-tech is outer zones for me; but I need to expand my horizons if I’m to tackle day-long rides in hot weather. Using these things isn’t “cheating”; and if cooling devices let me push the outer zones, why not use them? 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 Outer Zones? May 13, 2025 Just As Well May 12, 2025 Looks Are Deceptive May 11, 2025 In the Clear May 10, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Just As Well

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Just As Well 🙂 Sometimes you think you’d just as well do ABC because of XYZ. That was me this morning. It’s full-moon time again; and of course I wanted to see it. Last night the moon wasn’t showing; and I suppose it was obscured by clouds. This morning I got up extra early; but when I checked the NOAA site it said, to my dismay, that conditions were overcast. Yet a different weather site said it was partly cloudy. I decided I’d just as well go for a short ride, and hope for the best. After all I was up and about; so why not do something? To my delight, the clouds parted long enough for me to have a great view of the moon reflecting on the river. But a look at the calendar shows that I won’t see a full moon during RAGBRAI. Split the Mileage 2️⃣ Today I decided to split the mileage. You don’t have to do every day’s riding all in one session; although I generally try to do so. The moon-viewing ride was done on the hybrid; and I kept that one short. The sun comes up pretty early now; and I wasn’t wearing sunblock. I don’t need to get sunburned; so I decided it was just as well to go home for a while. Then, about seven o’clock, I set out on the road bike. I split the mileage between laps around the park; and a ride on top of the levee. Total miles for today: 37.32. Not quite the 40 miles I was aiming for; but still quite respectable. 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 Just As Well May 12, 2025 Looks Are Deceptive May 11, 2025 In the Clear May 10, 2025 Three More Days May 9, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Three More Days

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Three More Days 🗓️ It looks like we can expect three more days of this rainy weather; and the results are not what I want to enter into a training diary. Today again I “rode” in the trainer; and this time for barely half an hour. That was hardly “exercise”! My major concern was lightning, of course; and around 3:45 pm, my cell phone screeched with a tornado warning! And of all things, just as this video was discussing contingency plans should a tornado develop during RAGBRAI. How’s that for weird? At the moment, it looks like I’ll get enough of a break in the weather to ride to the salvage store tomorrow. I need the exercise; so I hope I can get out there and ride. If only I could know for sure! I’m so tired of being on tenterhooks. It wears me out. Wears Me Out 😓 It wears me out when the weather is uncertain; especially when it goes on for several days on end. Should I ride; or is it wiser to stay indoors? Can I use the down-time for a massage? It’s about time I started pushing for 45-mile rides; and that’s not much fun if it’s pouring. When the forecast shows three more days of foul weather, it’s even less fun. I have to remind myself that it’s good training for RAGBRAI.   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 Three More Days May 9, 2025 Dried Up May 8, 2025 Waiting It Out May 7, 2025 Floodgates May 6, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Dried Up

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Dried Up 🌵 I was surprised at how dried up it was this morning. It rained yesterday; and I expected the path to be wet. At least my shoes didn’t get wet. When they do, I find myself wishing for a dryer! Today I rode the hybrid because I expected things to be mucky. But just about everything was dried up; and it was sunny for my ride. I’m not sure I can say the same for tomorrow, though. Just how “isolated” are isolated T-storms? Isolated? ⛈️ The forecast is for isolated T-storms early in the day; followed by scattered T-storms; then progressing to T-storms. It’s no comfort to think of one little “isolated” storm when said little isolated storm is right on top of me! If it’s storming, I’ll have to get creative; and find a way to get a good workout in the trainer. This morning I worked at riding 13-14 mph for three minutes at a time; with three minutes’ easier riding in between. I lost count; but I think I did 8-10 such efforts. Mileage was about 26.7; rather short, but a lot better than yesterday’s estimated five miles in the trainer. And after all, my plan is to include shorter, harder rides in my schedule, as well as long, more leisurely miles. I hope the bike path stays dried up for all us cyclists! 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 Dried Up May 8, 2025 Waiting It Out May 7, 2025 Floodgates May 6, 2025 Short and Easy May 5, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Short and Easy

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Short and Easy? 📊 Short and easy was my plan for tomorrow’s ride; but I’m starting to have second thoughts. Would it be better to get in some more real miles before the rainy spell sets in? Besides, this is a Love to Ride bike challenge month! Last week I kept seeing reports about bad weather in parts of Texas; and wondered how soon it would head our way. I think I have my answer now. From 7 pm tomorrow, we’re under flood watch for the ensuing 48 hours. Rain could begin by late tomorrow morning; and will it be only rain, or T-storms? I’m thinking of going to the farmers market tomorrow morning, if it’s not already raining; then doing a short and easy ride around the park. If the weather does start to act up, I won’t be ten miles from home. But the challenge of riding in bad weather is also good practice for RAGBRAI! I’ll take along the poncho; but unfortunately rain with a strong wind means a poncho flaps all over the place. Then I get pretty wet, anyway. But the Challenge? 🚲 But the challenge? May is Bike Month Challenge; and during a challenge month, I try not to miss a day — even if I ride only two miles. Short and easy counts, as does a forty-mile ride. And you don’t have to be training your brains out for the Bike Month Challenge; you can just ride! It looks like I might have to ride inside for a while to keep the challenge going. Pedaling in the trainer is tedious; but when the weather is just too bad to ride outdoors, it at least lets my legs get some action. I don’t dare pedal too hard, though, for fear I’ll dump myself over; which is why I wear a helmet for these “rides”. You’ve got to stay safe!         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 Short and Easy May 5, 2025 Forty Below? May 4, 2025 Weather Window May 3, 2025 A-riding I Will Go May 2, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Forty Below?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Forty Below? 🥶 Forty below? I hope the temperature doesn’t plunge that low! Maybe “forty down” is a better phrase. I got in forty miles today! I’m thinking more and more of consecutive long-mileage days, as mentioned in this video at about 6:57 minutes. It’s already May; and I don’t have time to waste. I’m glad it’s not expected to rain tomorrow; I want to shoot for at least 30 miles. Consecutive 20-mile days didn’t seem to cause much of a problem for me; so it’s time to go for longer days. Say, get 40 below the belt? Plodding 🐌 For the time being, at least, longer rides feel like plodding along. Today’s miles — 40.70 to be exact — took over four hours to complete. If that’s not plodding, what is? Riding 30-40 miles might mean another long day tomorrow. I plan to make Tuesday’s ride short and easy; but the next day, I want to work on force. I hope the weather cooperates; but the forecast, unfortunately, is for rain. Not the best conditions for exercises that might get me up to 18 mph. You need to see where you’re going to do speed work! During RAGBRAI I’ll have all day to complete each day’s mileage; except for Day 7. But the more often I can get 40 below my tires in one day, the better. As time goes on, I can increase the 40-milers to three a week. I can save pace improvement work for shorter rides. A mix of long and casual, and short and hard, is supposed to be a good way to work up to a big event. And RAGBRAI is big! 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 Forty Below? May 4, 2025 Weather Window May 3, 2025 A-riding I Will Go May 2, 2025 Vesti la Giubba? May 1, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Murky Waters

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Training /

Murky Waters 🏊🏻 We’ve got some murky waters around here. In the past two weeks, the Mississippi River has risen a lot; and the backwater at the foot of the levee is some very murky waters. I’ve been watching for signs of alligators; but haven’t seen any yet. If I went for a pre-dawn ride, though, I’m sure I’d see their eyes gleaming in my headlight’s beam. Mornings are in the low 70s now; a bit too cool for me to omit a vest at the start of a ride. But by 9:00 am or so, it’s quite warm; and soon I’ll want the cool rag. I wish hot weather came on more gradually; but many a year it’s a very rapid crescendo! Crescendo 𝆒 I expect we’ll experience a steady crescendo in both heat and humidity now; and an Ergodyne Chill Cooling Vest sounds like a good thing to have. If, that is, the smallest size available isn’t too big for me! I was looking for the measurements, and didn’t find them. I bet this vest would be great if it gets very hot on RAGBRAI. Nobody wants it to get as hot as it did for RAGBRAI L; but we can’t predict the weather this far ahead. Long-range forecasting is murky waters. It’s time for a crescendo in my prep for the big ride in July. Yesterday I finally got up to 40 miles; but I think it’s time I took a day off. Today my legs felt tired; and I managed only 20.25 miles. I’m still keeping ahead of the recommended training schedule’s mileage; but I mustn’t get complacent! 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 Murky Waters April 28, 2025 At Ease! April 27, 2025 Why? April 26, 2025 Or Leave It? April 25, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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At Ease!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

At Ease! 😌 It’s a refreshing change to feel at ease on the bike. Today, for once, there was almost no wind; and that was perfect for my planned ride: forty miles at a leisurely pace. I didn’t have to fight headwinds; and it didn’t get uncomfortably warm until the final five miles. The sky was mostly cloudy; but it didn’t rain. As the road bike is still in the shop, I was on the hybrid. That meant stopping every time I wanted a bite to eat; which was fairly often. I had my snacks in the bike trunk; and that was behind me. After a long ride, muscles can feel a bit stiff and sore. Some folks swear by epsom salt baths; but I prefer massage balls. In fact, I plan to take them along on RAGBRAI. I wouldn’t be able to soak in a tub. And I’ll probably want some way to get a massage; RAGBRAI will mean hill repeats! That’s hard work for the legs. Hill Repeats 🚵🏽 But I don’t think I’d be at ease with hill repeats! Even so, I’ve remembered that there’s a vehicular access ramp to some kind of docks, only a mile from here. It’s where I typically turn left to go to the park; and this ramp is to the right. I’ve developed the habit of ignoring it; so I don’t think of it when hill repeats come to mind. I’ve seen cyclists riding up and down that ramp; and if I start doing that, I’ll get more climbing practice. The scary part will be coming back down: I won’t want to keep going straight and cross the railroad tracks; and will I be able to turn quickly so that I avoid the tracks? There might be other cyclists riding past; and of course I”ll have to watch out for any cars coming up or down. I’m more at ease with performing hard intervals on flat ground. I must also remember that repeated stopping at the bottom of a steep ramp will wear out my brakes. I sure don’t need that! 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 Easy April 27, 2025 Why? April 26, 2025 Or Leave It? April 25, 2025 Not So Hot April 24, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Why?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Why? 🫤 “Why?” isn’t a question exclusive to curious toddlers. I’m sure I’m not the only cyclist who sometimes wonders, “Why?” Every time I’ve done a century, at some point, I’ve begun to ask myself, “Why am I doing this?” It can be hard to keep going when this doubt begins to set in; but it seems to be part of any endurance event. I won’t be surprised if it even pops up during RAGBRAI! So remind yourself of the reason for your doing the ride. Some folks do RAGBRAI because they enjoy meeting the people: this event attracts riders from all 50 states; and a number of foreign countries. Others love the roadside attractions: petting farm animals; Slip ‘N Slides; and food of all sorts. I have quite a list of things I want to try! But the principal attraction, for me, is the challenge of riding all those miles. It’s why I’ve been working up to longer rides. Maybe shoot for 35 tomorrow? At a rather leisurely pace; day before yesterday I rode hard! Wherefore? 🤔 So never mind the why and wherefore; let’s just ride! There’s nothing wrong with sometimes going for a spin that’s not focused on some aspect of training (e.g. working on force) — even when you’re training up for a big event. Tomorrow I think I’ll keep the pace moderate; and, for a change, take longer breaks. Typically I try to keep breaks short and to a minimum; I always have wanted to improve my endurance. During long events, I think it’s better if you can stop for breaks because you want to; not because your body forces you to stop. Ergo the need for endurance training. And the why and wherefore of that? The better you train, the more fun the event! 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 Why? April 26, 2025 Or Leave It? April 25, 2025 Not So Hot April 24, 2025 Longer and Longer April 23, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Not So Hot

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Training /

Not So Hot 🥵 Today it was not so hot when I went out to ride; but I’m sure it’s coming! I need to get more practice riding in the heat; and today I didn’t go out until 11:00 am. It was 76 degrees then; still not so hot by New Orleans standards. But I’ll probably be able to put away my heater soon; and I can wait until Summer to order more hand warmers. I have only a few pairs left; but that’s enough for me to to pack along two sets for RAGBRAI. If it does get cold during RAGBRAI, I’ll be glad of them! Meanwhile I’m working to mix it up from day to day. Mix It Up 🥣   I’m trying to mix it up because, as I’ve read so often, you need to train at different intensities and for varying distances. Day before yesterday, I kept the distance short; and worked at hard efforts. Yesterday, I pushed for 30 miles, but at a rather leisurely pace; and today I did another short, intense ride. Specifically, I attempted to find the intensity of climbing a 7%-grade access ramp. Also, I kept the efforts going for more than 12 seconds! It would be nuts to think that climbs in Iowa will all be very short. Besides, riding at the same old pace day after day is not so hot. It would get too boring; and when you mix it up, things get a lot more interesting!   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 Not So Hot April 24, 2025 Longer and Longer April 23, 2025 Dress Rehearsal April 22, 2025 In a Flash April 21, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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