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?
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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!
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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.
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