SpokEasy

SpokEasy

hiipeak sleeping pad

I Took the Plunge!

I Took the Plunge! ?? I took the plunge! This morning, I registered for RAGBRAI! I also signed up for the PBV (aka Pork Belly Ventures) charter service; and even booked my hotel room for the last night in Iowa before I fly home. It might be too early to book air travel; but that’s on my to-do list for the coming days. Ditto for Bikeflights; and maybe some kind of travel insurance. I’m not quite sure I’ll need it in addition to my regular medical insurance. I took the plunge; and now I’m working on my shopping list. Also, on my packing list. There’s a certain amount of equipment that I’ll need; and it’s amazing how many everyday things I use that I might easily forget. When those items are easy to access at home, I don’t think about them. The Equipment ?️ So, to gather the equipment. I already got a sleeping pad; but I don’t yet have a sleeping bag.  The pad that I have lacks a pillow; but I can take a pillow case and stuff it with clothes. I got one of those quick-dry microfiber towels; and I think I’ll get a washcloth, too. I’ll want to be sure I can clean off the sunblock at a day’s end! There are all those day-to-day things that, as mentioned, I don’t even think about: toothpaste; shampoo; and so on. PBV provides soap and towels with their showers; but I want to bring my own to insure that I have fragrance-free products. Oh, and don’t forget to buy a duffle bag! They say the 40-liter size is good for RAGBRAI. I just might be able to use it as a carry-on; it depends on how easily I can lift the loaded bag over my head! While I’m collecting the equipment, I must keep riding. So far the training plan for RAGBRAI 2025 doesn’t seem to have been published; but last year’s plan gives me some guidelines. After all, I took the plunge; and I want to do all I can to ensure a great First 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 ✍? I Took the Plunge! February 6, 2025 Edging Closer February 5, 2025 What Hills? February 4, 2025 Rikki Tikki Tavi February 3, 2025 Load More TRANSLATOR

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Every Little Bit

Every Little Bit ? They say that every little bit helps; whether it’s easing goodies out of your diet, or extending your mileage. Or increasing the weight you lift if you do off-bike strength training! Today I added a mile or so to my ride for a total of 23.1 miles. That wasn’t a major increase; but every little bit helps! I wonder, am I ready to add a 30-miler once a week? Today’s ride was quite poky; my average speed was less than 11 mph. I’m not quick as a bunny! Not yet, anyway! But rides of 22-23 miles at a rather casual pace don’t leave me gasping for breath at the end; so going for 30 miles shouldn’t be a major undertaking. RAGBRAI? ? Is RAGBRAI possible? I’m still interested; but I must admit that I seem to have run out of options for getting to and from Iowa with a small group of riders. Traveling there by air will be frightfully costly; and going by Amtrack will mean a long trip in a swaying passenger car. My head doesn’t like that sort of thing! All the same, I’ve bought a few things that I’d need on RAGBRAI. I got an air mattress similar to the HiiPeak Sleeping Pad shown at left; and I got a cooling rag, too. In fact, I tried it out during that extremely hot spell in July/August; and it really helps.  Every little bit helps when you’re aiming for a mileage goal; and maybe I’ll ride to Whole Foods tomorrow. Or shall I wait for Saturday, and skip the salvage store? 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 ✍? Every Little Bit November 24, 2024 Cotton Tale? November 23, 2024 Cold Turkey? November 22, 2024 Thermal Shock November 21, 2024 Load More TRANSLATOR

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