No trike riding today, though I ALMOST did.\
Today, New Years Eve, the Blessed End of 2020, was cold and wet.
It hovered near freezing all day, with frost on elevated surfaces but not the local roads.
I had sorta planned to ride at least a few blocks to pick up some diet soda for our wild New Year Celebration, but Jacque did those chores in the motorized SUV.
Me, I stayed busy installing more outlets in our vintage 1926 casita.
I've previously installed extra outlets and lights here and there throughout the house, but we needed one on the front porch.
A rather elementary operation, which back in my younger days might have taken a couple hours or so.
It took me over 2 days, with lots of rest breaks and interruptions and changes of plans as I went.
The outlet is now nicely installed and will provide better access for electrical appliances as well as Christmas lights next year, God willing.
I'm turning 74 in 2021, surviving many of my relatives in longevity.
One thing about the unbelievable year 2020 has been that Jacque and I have begun more closely recognizing God's hand in protecting and preserving us. As we have contemplated many of our recognized blessings from Heaven, I have been startled to realize many incidents in my life that could or should have been near-fatal but, obviously with Heavenly Father's help, have allowed me to continue living what I have to describe as "A Wonderful Life".
I must cut this post short, but one "ferinstance" is the beating I received in a one - sided fistfight with my brother George at around age 16. He pounded me so mercilessly most of my jaws were pulverized and I was too stupid to stop trying to fight him in response. Thankfully, he finally stopped and walked away from me in disgust. My mouth bled for weeks and weeks afterward and most of my upper and lower teeth just hung by small threads of tissue. I could not eat solid food and lived for months on soup and liquids only. We were too poor to afford any medical care so I never told our parents about my suffering. After some time, maybe a year or so, my gums somehow started to grow back and my teeth slowly took root again. Eventually I was able to bite and chew again and eat whatever I wanted.
I absolutely did NOT recognize the magnitude of this miracle, but FULLY realize now it was only through the Grace and Mercy of Heavenly Father and Jesus that I survived, much less actually regained tooth and mouth functionality. I was not obeying most of God's laws at the time and certainly did not deserve such Mercy but I give Holy Thanks now as I slowly begin to realize how NONE of we humans could survive ANY amount of time on this planet without the support and blessings and miracles from Heaven in our behalf.
For now, Adieu. A blessed New Year to all. We certainly NEED one. Praises to Heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and all the angels and hosts who serve them.
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Happy NEW Year (!Prospero Ano Nuevo!)
Monday, December 28, 2020
A Few Miles Around Town
Today's "Short Cut" Route Tracking
I actually have ridden a couple or so times this last week, but evidently failed to log any of it here in the blog. Oh Well.
This year's craziness has resulted in weird "holidays", evidently world wide.
We didn't do anything for Thanksgiving, as Jacque was so beset with aches and pains we agreed to eat basic food and abstain from her usual hours of slaving over a hot stove cooking up turkey and goodies all day.
Christmas Day was a different story, since we enjoyed Jacque's cooking skills making up for the absent Thanksgiving feast in November, with the postponed turkey and pie and trimmings for 25 December instead.
The food was hot and scrumptious in spite of the coldest weather we've had so far this winter. Christmas was celebrated with an outside temperature of 10 degrees when we woke up and only a few degrees warmer all day. MERCY.
We also had a whopper of a rainstorm somewhere just before Christmas, which helped keep me off the trike, though I did get out for a couple of short trips with lots of layers, Bass Pro Winter Socks, warm mittens, and face mask etc.
Today, 28 Dec, was quite a bit warmer at about 35 degrees when we got up and not too much over 40 all day. The sun was obscured much of the morning but finally poked out and shone without warming things up too much.
BUT there was no rain threatening and I was set to find an excuse for a trike ride.
When Jacque mentioned she had a prescription waiting for her at our local Big Box Store, there it was: My Excuse.
The last time I did this trip, the Pharmacy was closed until 2:00 PM for "Lunch Break". To make sure I didn't have to stand around waiting for half an hour like that trip, I wanted to get there no earlier than 2 PM.
Of course, with my dawdling and last minute fiddling around, it was several minutes AFTER 2 before I even pedaled off.
I took a slightly different route this time, thinking I'd not only shorten the miles but avoid having to cross Route 95 at its busiest intersection: McDonalds and Country Mart across 95 from each other.
In about 20 minutes I arrived in the Big Box Neighborhood, and chose to shop for some cabinet hardware at Davis True Value Hardware first.
This place is like a candy store to yours truly, and I wound up spending almost an hour there, what with trying to find what I wanted and general looking around at all the goodies.
Then I zipped over to the biggest Big Box Store and got my stuff there.
By the time I rode back toward home it had REALLY started feeling cold. I was glad to have 3 layers of upper shirts on as well as the skull cap protector Jacque made me a while back.
I passed a familiar sight on the way back: Tree trimmers in action. They are definitely needed here where HUGE trees seem to grow like WEEDS, and threaten nearby houses.
No problems, though. By the time I got home it was after 4 PM. I was mildly surprised to see my "shortened" route added up to over 6 miles, instead of my usual 5+ mile trip.
Still, another ride, another day: Mood enhanced and blood glucose lowered, even with lowered insulin dosage.
Ride Started: 2:02 PM Ride Ended: 4:01 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.7 Ending Battery Voltage: 12.8
Lowest Temp: 38 F Highest Temp: 50 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 118 Ending BG: 180
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 6.26
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
2.9 MPH 5.9 MPH 16.7 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
2 hrs 7 minutes 1 hour 3 mins 1 hour 4 mins
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Three Cold Days in a Row
It was even colder today than yesterday. My little buddy came over with his Mom today and both he and I enjoy riding together, but I thought it was too cold for me to risk him.
Later this evening, the sun actually peeked out of the clouds and may have actually warmed things up a degree or two.
Still cold, but I thought I ought to take at least a short ride. I dug out some insulated cargo pants I haven't worn since LAST winter, put on a good winter coat.
I had re-fastened my headlamp to my helmet visor and swapped out the GoPro camera battery for a fully charged one, and I was ready.
I also changed my thinner socks for thick insulated ones, and did not regret any of the precautions taken.
I only rode a couple miles or so, enjoying getting out in the freezing breeze, and stretching my gams.
I haven't re-established a daily riding commitment. I DO want to ride as often as possible.
Ride Started: 3:13 PM Ride Ended: 3:44 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.6 Ending Battery Voltage: 12.9
Lowest Temp: 30 F Highest Temp: 37 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 123 Ending BG: 72
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 2.38
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
6.3 MPH 7.2 MPH 16.3 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
23 minutes 20 minutes 3 minutes
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Granny, It's COLD Outside
Today's Tracking - The Usual Route
We needed a few more items from our local Big Box Store, so again it was a good excuse to go for a trike ride.
Which was no big deal except it was COLD. Colder than yesterday, with a bit of a frigid breeze to help things refrigerate.
I opted for 2 inner layers for my upper torso (Sweater, denim shirt over that), as well as my beat-up insulated mechanic's overalls. I should have opted for a pair of heavy socks as well, but didn't.
I wore my face mask Jacque made for me, and it worked well. Insulated mittens did a good job for my hands.
I hadn't realized how worn-out the coveralls were. The legs let in a lot of cold air through various holes and openings, leading me to contemplate shopping for a newer set.
Got to the store without incident, found one of the increasingly rare small carts, and found the items desired. Approached the pharmacy to pick up Jacque's prescription only to find it locked with all the windows closed. Eventually saw a small sign stating the Pharmacy Hours stating they would be open M-F until 7:00 PM. Sigh. Found an even smaller sign stating the pharmacy would be closed until 2:00 PM so the Lone Pharmacist could partake of Lunch. My clock said it was 1:30. BAH.
I was the first in line a-waiting at the closed window. As the sacred 2:00 hour approached, I realized I wasn't going to make it without a visit to the potty.
When I returned, the pharmacy was finally open... with 6 people in line in front of me. Thankfully they took care of enough for me to gain access. Other than the pharmacist having trouble spelling the name right, all went well.
When I got back to the parked trike, I was feeling a bit ditzy. I dragged out my blood glucose tester. It refused to work; giving only a "LoT" message on the display. After trying a few more times I gave up, thinking the battery must be low. I snarfed two cookies (just to cover my base in case my BG was low) and took off.
When I got home my BG was 70, after the cookies with no extra insulin pumped.
Hooray for cookies.
When I tried to see what was wrong with the glucose meter, it was working fine.
I now suspect the instrument was too cold to give an accurate reading; thus the "LoT" response. Whatever.
One promise I'm sure to keep: I don't mind riding when it's cold. But if things get ICY I will leave the trike in the garage.
Ride Started: 12:56 PM Ride Ended: 2:51 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.5 Ending Battery Voltage: 12.9
Lowest Temp: 32 F Highest Temp: 40 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 133 Ending BG: 70
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 5.33
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
3.1 MPH 5.9 MPH 22.9 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
1 hour 41 mins 54 minutes 47 minutes
Monday, December 14, 2020
Grandpa Rides Again
Today's Roundabout Route Tracking
After my bizarre low blood-sugar meltdown episode last Wednesday, I was more than a little apprehensive about taking off on another ride - for any distance, that is.
For one thing, my strainings and struggles while blacking out had damaged several parts of the Catrike. It had been loaded up into the back of our SUV by some helpful bystanders while I was bei9ng treated inside the ambulance.
They may have done some of the damage but I suspect it was mostly my own doing.
The left front fender was detached. The plastic visor on the helmet was loose on one side. The electronics pedestal was bent at an odd angle and almost broken. The left hand rear view mirror was loose and wouldn't stay in position. The chain was off the sprocket.
Should I go on? I can't quite think of all the various things that had to be fixed before I could even ride off again.
SO that took a couple hours. I had a fair size list of items to purchase, thus good excuses for taking a ride, so that was an additional motivation.
Finally the beast was ready for at least a test ride. I had a bunch of flattened cardboard boxes to take to the recycler, after which I planned on towing the B.O.B. trailer to the north end of town to our favorite local Big Box Store (initials WM) and load it up with my desired purchases.
Thankfully the recycler is only a few blocks from our house, because when I got there it was obvious they were no longer accepting cardboard. So I had to turn around and take the unwanted cardboard back home. Until I find another cardboard recycle joint, I can burn the stuff in my garage's wood heater.
After tightening the mirror mount and replacing a broken bungee cord on the instrument pedestal, I again embarked.
Still a tad nervous from the abortive ride Wednesday night, I again found pleasure in pedaling under my own power.
It was COLD today. We had our first snow last night, though little was left today, but I did NOT get overheated like I usually do.
My blood glucose THIS time had been 195 when I started riding, and had actually RISEN a few points after this short ride back and forth, and I worried that my insulin pump infusion set might not be working. Deciding to try riding again in hopes of burning some of it off, I rode to the other end of town.
The farther I rode the more my enjoyment and confidence returned. Not wanting to suffer another low blood glucose (BG) attack, I paid close attention to my sensations as I rode. I usually start to get confused when BG drops, but I didn't notice anything this time and I arrived safely at the store.
After loading my purchases on the B.O.B. trailer and tying them down with bungees, I tested my BG again before riding back home.
It was MUCH improved: 114
My current doctor recommendations are that my BG should range from a about 80 to 120, so I was within "recommendations".
I ate a single cookie for a precautionary measure and turned toward home.
Unlike my usual habit, I didn't ride the furthest streets to add more mileage today.
Mission Accomplished. I am back, although with a large measure of caution to avoid problems.
Ride Started: 1:07 PM Ride Ended: 3:38 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.5 Ending Battery Voltage: 12.9
Lowest Temp: 38 F Highest Temp: 64 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 195 Ending BG: 114
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 6.95
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
2.8 MPH 6.0 MPH 18.9 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
2 hrs 27 minutes 1 hour 9 mins 1 hour 18 mins
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Grandpa is Not Invincible
Wednesday Night Trail of Tears
I had a very scary experience Wednesday evening, 9 December 2020.
Jacque and I rode our trikes over to the local chiropractor, a mile or so away.
I needed to get some glucose meter test strips, so I had planned to ride my trike on over to the local Big Box Store (WM) to purchase same, while Jacque rode on back to the house.
I was feeling a bit woozy when we exited the bone-shaker office, and for some odd reason I didn't think to test my blood glucose before I rode onward. As I rode the familiar and easy route toward the north end of town, I was getting "foggier and foggier" in my brain, still not thinking to simply pull over and test my glucose.
I was really in a funk by the time I got to the stop light at the overpass going over Highway 60, less than a quarter mile from my desired destination.
The only thing I can vaguely recall from then on is a state of total fear and confusion. I could not figure out where I was or what was going on. A weird vision like a frightening cartoon played in front of me, with various strangers looking at me, trying to talk to me, asking if I was all right, etc, etc. I didn't recognize any of them, nor the settings around me, though they were normally familiar settings (I was seeing the nearby Murphy's Gas Station, with various cars in and out, but I just could not process anything in my mind.) I felt trapped, like I couldn't move, being "stuck" in this horrible nightmare of strangers around me and unrecognizable surroundings. I wanted help and relief, but not from all these weird strangers that kept floating in and out of my vision. I responded angrily to all those who approached me or talked to me. I began crying out for Jacque to help me, hoping she would somehow be able to get me out of this mess of weird visions and sounds. She wasn't there and I continued to suffer, totally unable to understand what was going on. I was helpless but fought fiercely against all the strangers who approached in this weird nightmare setting.
I began to see a weird armored door at my feet, with a glassed-in shelf to my right containing bottles of some sort, almost like a medicine cabinet.
I was still agonizing for Jacque to rescue me, and eventually a gal who looked somewhat like her appeared, though I didn't recognize her for several minutes and didn't respond to her at first.
Finally, I realized it WAS her, strange though she still seemed.
As I began recognizing my surroundings, I realized I was in a rescue van from Mercy Hospital, and Jacque was rubbing my head, trying to calm me down, and a female and a male medical team were working on me, having implanted an infusion tube in my wrist, pumping glucagon into me, trying to bring me OUT of the most Horrible Insulin Reaction I've ever experienced.
- I had ignored several warning signs of low blood sugar.
- In the past, I've always been able to deal with low sugar episodes, stuff something sweet into my mouth, etc. I keep my pants, trike, and other vehicles stocked with sweets for just such occasions.
- BUT this time I was completely hopeless, and likely would have died had no one stopped to help.
Thankfully, several people did help, and put up with my abusive behavior trying to reject them.
SO, now I have suffered a horrible thing: Realizing I need to pay better attention to all situations and GIVE UP the idea that I can always deal with things myself. BAH
Grandson Goes for a Ride w/ Grandpa
Jacque has a young lady-friend who comes over every week or so for sewing sessions. A winsome young man, 5 years of age, comes with her, and often is a handful to "entertain". I get a huge kick out of him.
I'd been thinking he might enjoy going for a ride with me on the trike.
Since it's a single-seater, naturally I think somehow I can fit him in the B.O.B (Baby On Board) trailer. Since this young feller is a tad too grown-up for Baby status, but not old enough to trust he'll hang on without trying to jump, a solution was desired.
Wondering about adapting a car seat, finding the huge expense of buying a new one, I went shopping at one of our local thrift stores a couple weeks ago.
Sure enough, I found a very nice one, for the princely sum of $5 cash.
With a fair amount of backyard engineering, I was able to mount it in the B.O.B. trailer.
Today I finally got to try the monstrosity out. It was frightfully cold when we first started, but warmed up quickly as the sun shined upon our countenances.
Ride Started: 12:34 PM Ride Ended: 1:30 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 12.8 Ending Battery Voltage: 12.8
Lowest Temp: 51 F Highest Temp: 61 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 67 Ending BG: 113
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 4.25
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
4.5 MPH 6.5 MPH 22.1 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
56 minutes 39 minutes 17 minutes
Saturday, December 5, 2020
More Long Journeys (aka Wally World)
Friday Beer Run Route Tracking
I always enjoy finding a "useful excuse" for taking a trike ride, and yesterday I decided I needed to restock on DRB (Diet Root Beer - for the uninitiated).
Now, there are at least 2 grocery stores selling such stuff almost next door: The closest being like 3 blocks away. But that less-than-a-mile distance would not even get the blood circulating much more than lounging in my chair at home.
So, of course, I go to the furthest one within the city limits.
Following such logic, I could also ride to any of the stores in Cabool, only 8 miles east of us, and gain a few more miles. Whatever.
As I was parking the trike at the Big Box Store, latching the locking cable, etc, a couple of old-timers (almost as old as I) approached me apologetically and wanted to "ask a few questions".
Always happy to proselytize for Jesus and Recumbent Trikes, I was happy to oblige.
They of course were curious about the trike, how comfortable it might be compared to upright bikes/trikes, what the trailer was for, and....... How Far had I ever ridden on it ??
It took me a moment or two trying to remember, and finally I told them "Well, I rode it 50 miles on my 50th birthday, but that was over 20 years ago !!"
They talked between themselves, wondering if either of them could possibly ride such a contraption. I offered to unhitch the trailer and let them take it for a spin around the block, but they both agreed they didn't think they'd better, with knee problems etc.
Then, of course, when I got home and told the tale to Jacque, she reminded me I had actually ridden 70 miles for my 70th birthday. Such is my sagging memory nowadays: Not only do I fail to remember a lot of things, the things I DO remember either didn't happen or at least not the way I think I remember.
Looking back in my cycling blog, I finally found entries detailing such long distance feats:
- In May 2017, I did a 70 - mile ride in NM for my 70th birthday, and
- In May 2018, I did a 72+ mile ride in Ohio while RVing for to celebrate my 71st birthday.
Somehow I have fallen off that wagon and haven't evidently even thought about doing similar rides for each subsequent birthday. I turn 74 in May 2021 - I'll think about it. We'll see. All I gotta do is live that long in today's super-crazy world.
I might collapse and croak on such a trip but there are worse ways to depart this world...
Ride Started: 2:39 PM Ride Ended: 3:54 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 12.8 Ending Battery Voltage: 12.8
Lowest Temp: 51 F Highest Temp: 61 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 67 Ending BG: 103 (Obviously Ate some Snacks)
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 5.26
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
4.5 MPH 6.8 MPH 24.2 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
1 hour 10 mins 46 minutes 24 minutes
Saturday, November 21, 2020
Recumbents: Ultimate Shopping/Commuting Vehicles
Thursday, 19 Nov, was another beautiful sunny and relatively warm (60F-something). A perfect Day for a Leisurely Trike Ride.
We had visitors in the morning, including a lively young lad who shall remain nameless in this weird world we now inhabit. He is a ball of fire, and I often have tried to think of any way I might be able to take him with me for a trike ride to see if he wouldn't enjoy it.
There's no practical way I know of to carry him ON the trike with me, either in front or in back, since it's a short chassis with no room on the back.
Thus the B.O.B. trailer comes to mind, of course, since B.O.B. originally stood for Baby On Board. This young feller is no baby, but whatever. I searched online for child carriers for bikes & trikes and could find nothing satisfactory. PLUS such gadgets are super EXPENSIVE. Mercy.
Looking at child car seat prices proved marginally less expensive.
Online sales prices, new or used..... BAH.
We have a Thrift Store just a few blocks away that I've often donated to but never entered as a customer, so I thought I should check there for a used unit.
What would you think but they had ONE car seat on display, lightly used and mostly clean, for the shocking price of $5.00. I took it off their hands and loaded it on to my B.O.B. trailer with glee.
Then - as I was saddling up to wander around town a bit for the fresh air and exercise - Jacque buzzed me on the cell phone, informing me she was at her nail salon but had forgotten her wallet somewhere in the house. Since I'm always in the mood for running errands or whatever on the trike, I assured her I would be along within 20 or 30 minutes, more than enough time for her pedicure to proceed.
Made it fine, then went shopping around a bit. The B.O.B. trailer was now loaded a bit heavy and I found myself huffing and puffing a bit more as I went up & down the slight grades on the way home.
Ride Started: 12:12 PM Ride Ended: 2:16 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.5 Ending Battery Voltage: 13.0
Lowest Temp: 62 F Highest Temp: 67 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 180 Ending BG: 53
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 6.19
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
3.0 MPH 5.6 MPH 25.9 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
2 hrs 5 minutes 1 hour 5 mins 59 minutes
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Cold but Sunny and Clear
Today's Spotty GPS/Radio Tracking
I got out and rode today a little earlier than recent trips: The sun gets low and it's almost dark around
five-ish.
Which means it gets pretty cool this time of year. This day, Tuesday, was nice and sunny all day, The temperature got to almost 60, and I didn't wear an outer shirt or jacket when I took off.
Riding through a couple of shady streets convinced me I had erred, and I stopped and pulled my light windbreaker out of the rear pannier and it helped mighty well.
I had wanted to extend my mileage by exploring another route on the west end of town, but I wanted to get something useful done before sundown, so I rode pretty much a usual route.
My diabetic bad feet makes fellow sufferers wonder how I tolerate cycling, with the pressure it puts on the sore feet.
For one thing, my feet get tired while riding, as does the rest of me. BUT, unlike walking, I notice cycling allows pressure to be alternated between the legs and feet: On the left pedal-stroke, my right foot feels little pressure, and likewise for the other stroke.
I got home about half an hour before actual sundown and was able to re-wire Jacque's treetop cable pulley clothesline. I had erected it a couple weeks ago, using synthetic clothesline, and it kept stretching and
often allowing wet clothes to touch the ground underneath. I had to order it online, but I found some 1/8" braided stainless steel cable to replace the synthetic stretchy stuff. After some struggle I got it succesfully up in the air. Now all we have to do is see how it does with heavy soggy clothes draped on it.
Ride Started: 3:10 PM Ride Ended: 4:05 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 12.9 Ending Battery Voltage: 12.9 Lowest Voltage: 12.9
Lowest Temp: 57 F Highest Temp: 67 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 115 Ending BG: 103
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 5.37
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
6.7 MPH 8.0 MPH 20.0 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
48 minutes 40 minutes 8 minutes
Saturday, November 14, 2020
Exercise is Good for Me ?
I've been busy doing all sorts of strenuous activities.....
Like cutting trees down to make room for Jacque's upcoming Sewing Room Addition, like cutting those monsters into stove lengths for splitting into firewood for the garage stove, splitting same with the big heavy wedge maul....
Raking leaves, building and burning piles of trash wood and leaves, yada yada...
Almost everything BUT cycling. Now, much of this other activity is strenuous - but not really aerobic.
I'm also getting into the age 70+ range of ailments and weaknesses.
One of these is prostate trouble. The pills prescribed to me by the doctor (tamsulosin) are pretty awful for "side effects". I seem to suffer more side effects than benefits from such pills. I was researching prostate problems a couple days ago, and one of the things I read that was supposed to help was.... "Exercise".
Well, POO. I seem to get a lot of exercise that aggravates my back and feet, but I realized I have fallen way behind in my goal of trike riding "at least a few miles a day". So yesterday, Friday 13th, I waited almost all day before I finally dragged the trike out of the garage and took off.
It was just a bit after 4:00 PM and I had theoretically an hour or so for daylight,
but the sun was already low on the horizon.
I rode up the hill past one of our Church friends lives, then out west on Clouse which turns into Wheeler Arch Road which eventually leads to the Mountain Grove International Airport, inhabited mostly by crop dusters.
I got within a quarter mile of the airport, where I had planned to turn around, and decided I would turn around early and get home without needing the help of my headlamp.
I wore my cold weather mittens along with an extra shirt and my reflective yellow light cycling jacket. I did NOT get overheated.
Of course I didn't notice any immediate benefits from the ride other than the enjoyment. But I DID sleep much better than I've done lately.
Then today, Saturday, it rained and poured all day and I wasn't brave enough to ride in the slop. Hopefully I can get re-motivated and make almost - daily cycling a habit again.
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.5 Ending Battery Voltage: 12.9 Lowest Voltage: 12.9
Lowest Temp: 52 F Highest Temp: 59 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 145 Ending BG: 103
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 4.82
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
6.1 MPH 7.1 MPH 18.2 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
48 minutes 41 minutes 7 minutes
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Around Town W/O Wally World
Today's Roundabout Path Tracking
It's been pea-soup fog and almost continual rain the last couple of days so I haven't
been in the mood to ride for some reason.
Today started out with only light fog which soon burned off to expose a lovely sunny
day. I was working on the house until late afternoon, and almost missed the chance to "ride while the sun shined". I had the trike out, since I had used it for the 1/3 mile run to Mountain Grove Lumber - just across the tracks - to pick up some long lag screws I needed.
About five-ish I was done remodeling for the day, and it was still sunny out, and no cold breeze. I locked up the tools and unlimbered the trike for another run.
As usual, it was great to take a spin and stretch my legs.
Locals seem to be getting used to my contraption, since I get more and more waves and smiles as I cruise along.
I had initially thought I would do my usual Wal-Mert run but as I rode along at this relatively late time I noticed the traffic was the usual at around 5 PM: Quite heavy.
There's a good sized Town & Country store on my side (South) of SuperHighway 60. I don't often shop there but since all smaller stores try to compete price-wise with Wally's World (and nowadays often sell for less), I did my $5 worth of purchases there.
The remainder of the ride around town back to the house was fun and uneventful.
I had turned on my headlamp about halfway through the trip but found it was DEAD when I got home, so I took a few minutes to replace the batteries before locking things up. These LED light batteries last quite a while but not forever...
Ride Started: 5:11 PM Ride Ended: 6:07 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.2 Ending Battery Voltage: 13.0 Lowest Voltage: 13.0
Lowest Temp: 68 F Highest Temp: 70 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 201 Ending BG: 67
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 6.44
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
5.1 MPH 7.5 MPH 25.7 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
1 hour 15 mins 51 minutes 24 minutes
Friday, October 16, 2020
Event-Ful Triking
This effluvium relates to yesterday - Thursday Oct 15 - Hopefully I'll get another ride sometime today.
I haven't been faithfully recording all my trips, and many of them are for a mile or less and thus unmentionable.
I used a Wally World shopping trip for an excuse for a ride. I planned on replenishing our sagging stock of diet soda, so I hitched up the B.O.B. trailer behind the recumbent trike.
All went well for the downhill leg of the trip across town until I got to the busy intersection between
McDonalds and Country Mart.
This is always a high traffic area, since it also includes on/off ramps for the busy Route 60 highway, and I had to wait several minutes to snatch an opening big enough to ride through. As I pedaled furiously across the street and turned left to go across the overpass, I dodged around a large crack in the pavement, but wound up straddling it between my front wheels and barely missing it with my rear wheel, BUT as the towed trailer wheel hit the crack I heard a loud CRASH and the uncomfortable sound of metal scraping on pavement. I pedaled a bit further to get clear of the entry to McDonalds, and when I got off the trike to see what had happened I was a tad shocked to see the rear wheel of the trailer lying in the entry of the fast food burger joint and the sound of metal hitting pavement had been just that.... the rear of the trailer dragging wheel-less on the pavement.
There was a line of cars waiting impatiently to get out of the parking lot, as usual, but gave me enough time to retrieve my "lost wheel". As I reattached it to the trailer frame, tightening extra tight to hopefully avoid further such incidents, I noticed the rear tail light flasher was also missing. With trailer reassembled, I looked more closely to see if I could spot the missing hardware, and sure enough it was lying in the exit/entry, forlorn but still flashing. Several cars drove out while I waited for an opening, and somehow they all missed it. The next cars stopped and didn't proceed. When I looked at the driver, she was waving at me to go ahead and retrieve my blinky tail-light. She rolled her window down and told me she didn't want to chance running over my light. I pranced across the entry, thanking her profusely, and blew her a kiss of appreciation as I returned safely to my contraption. Thankfully the light wasn't broken, but snapped smartly back into it's socket, and I was again on my way.
The remaining 1/8 mile leg to Wally World was relatively uneventful.
I had a shopping list by now and spent a lot more time in the store than I usually do. I received a text on my phone informing me that our Church's assistance truck was at the Church building ready for me to pick up an order for one of our church families. Being on the trike might have made this a bit difficult, but since it was only about a quarter of a mile away, I was able to saddle up and trike over there to pick it up.
When I got back to the Big Box store, who should I see but the fellow for whom the order was intended, so all I had to do was hand it over to him, saving us both any further trips.
Leaving the store, I checked my blood sugar before pedaling away, and it was low enough to require nourishment. As I munched on my treat, a fellow walked past with his big friendly dog. As he passed, he commented "You have a Flat Tire!"
Unwelcome news, true or false. Finished the treat and checked all my tires. All had air in them, but my rear trike tire was sagging quite a bit.... I had so much weight in the trailer that it was making the tire squat. I dug around and found my CO2 tire inflator. It took me a bit since it had been so long since I last used it, but it worked and I was soon on my way.
I texted Jacque that I was on my way and nothing was wrong in spite of having been gone so long.
She claimed to appreciate it...
Even with all that weight, it's amazing how easy it is to pull such a load with the trailer. It DOES require a bit more down-shifting going up hills, but even as an old geezer it didn't seem to be too difficult to get it all home.
Ride Started: 10:31 AM Ride Ended: 1:00 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.0 Ending Battery Voltage: 12.7
Lowest Temp: 57 F Highest Temp: 61 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 125 Ending BG: 82
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 6.31
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
4.3 MPH 6.4 MPH 16.9 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
2 hours 28 mins 59 minutes 1 hour 29 mins
Saturday, October 10, 2020
Pulling a LOAD
My GPS tracker setup is days out of date, so I can't provide a decent track for this ride.
I will power it all down and reset it in hopes of up-to-date data capture.
As usual, I grab shopping or store needs for excuses to ride the trike to stretch my legs.
My slightly-over-three-foot B.O.B. trailer allows all sorts of loads, if I can only get it strapped on or in with sufficient bungee cords. I've hauled small loads of 2 X 4's, pipe, and such over the years.
Here's a shot of small logs loaded up:
Anyway, this time we were out of necessary health nourishment: Diet Soda.
Naturally, pulling the empty trailer TO the marketplace was no big deal, since it rolls freely with very little drag.
Now, the trip HOME with 4 12-packs of soda and the 2 pounds of apples.... was a little bit more difficult.
Huffing and Puffing is supposed to be good for the cardio system, so I can't complain.
After all, it adds a bit more effort to the relatively low mileage accomplished with my normal rides.
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Update from Downtown MO
I have all this STUFF waiting for me to get caught up on, and it unfortunately goes VERY slow.
The climate here in Mountain Grove causes ALL vegetation to GROW at exponential rates.
I have to continually:
- Pick up Black Walnuts cluttering the yard
- Mow the Grass almost every week
- Clip Shrubs all over the yard
- Pick up Fallen Branches
- Cut WEEDS
- Every few days it seems I have to cut big limbs or even a TREE:
Which cuts into my available time to Fix and Remodel the house and garage. Poor Me. Sob.
Such stuff also exhausts me and cuts into available energy and time for fun things like riding the trike
leisurely around town.
Yesterday, Monday, I had the good usual excuse for a ride: Jacque had a prescription filling at
Wally World and a couple other items to buy.
So I dragged out the trike and hooked up the B.O.B. Trailer and took off.
The weather has been cooling lately so I wore a yellow cycling Tee Shirt and a light jacket over my
existing shirt, with long pants instead of shorts. I assumed I would have to peel some outside layers
somewhere along the way, but it didn't happen. It was finally warm enough to unzip the jacket a little
on the way home, but all layers remained in place.
Being a Ham Radio Former Fanatick, I always listen to the onboard Ham Radio while riding, and
occasionally am able to talk to some local hams when not blocked by too much hill or vegetation.
I had the radio scanning che channels and was surprised to hear an Aeronautical Mobile (Airplane pilot in the Air) talking. I looked to see what channel he was on. I was surprised to find he was on a simplex channel, 146.52. This is the FIRST time I've heard anyone on this frequency since moving to MO.
He wan't very strong, but when he transmitted that he was listening for more stations, I gave it a try.
Surprisingly enough, he heard me, and chatted with me for a couple of go-rounds, then went on to talk with others calling him. Fun Stuff.
Ride Started: 10:18 AM Ride Ended: 12:21 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.4 Ending Battery Voltage: 12.9
Lowest Temp: 47 F Highest Temp: 67 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 175 Ending BG: 48
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 5.17
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
2.7 MPH 5.8 MPH 23.2 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
1 hour 55 mins 53 minutes 1 hour 2 mins
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Sunday Rider
Today's GPS/Ham Radio Tracking
I over-ate a few Sunday Treats today. I didn't want to rely solely on the wonderful insulin pump,
so I dragged the trike out of the garage and went for a glucose-burning ride.
Thankfully, as usual, it worked. And I only did a few miles.
I rode out toward our almost-defunct airport, but got distracted by the "Turn Here for Industrial Park"
sign. I wound up on a few streets I don't remember seeing before. Lots of old houses, occupied and abandoned.
Lots of friendly passing motorists, as well. Most waved back at me.
Very happy to have pedaled around for a while. I was able to feast on a scrumptious dinner Jacque
prepared shortly after my return.
Ride Started: 4:24 PM Ride Ended: 4:52 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.2 Ending Battery Voltage: 12.9
Lowest Temp: 75 F Highest Temp: 82 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 190 Ending BG: 70
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 3.83
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
7.6 MPH 8.2 MPH 17.7 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
30 minutes 28 minutes 2 minutes
Sunday, September 20, 2020
More Pedaling and Shopping
Today's Toodling Map via GPS & Ham Radio
Jacque has had a lot of nasty coughing and sneezing the last couple of days. She doesn't meet the list of
symptoms for CORONA virus but she's not enjoying the congestion at all.
A bit late today, Jacque realized she was out of cough medicine, and I needed another excuse to go for a trike ride.
Wally World was the choice - mainly for distance. I don't care about their supposed "low" prices, as they have stealthily priced many items HIGHER than the smaller local stores. So off I went.
The temperatures have moderated as we approach Fall, and it wasn't that hot today. For cycling shoes, I wore
some Z-coil open sandals with compression socks, which provided support as well as cooling air for the feets.
More friendly waves for this old fart on his pedal-trike. Fun Stuff.
When I got home with the treasure, I found out I was supposed to have gotten the powdered packages
instead of the liquid variety. I need to learn to ask for more details and not jump to conclusions.... SIGH
Ride Started: 3:28 PM Ride Ended: 4:50 AM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.5 Ending Battery Voltage: 13.0 Lowest Voltage: 12.9
Lowest Temp: 68 F Highest Temp: 68 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 97 Ending BG: 58
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 5.91
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
5.4 MPH 7.0 MPH 23.4 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
1 hour 6 mins 51 minutes 16 minutes
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Rode the Trike to Fix the SUV
Today's GPS/Ham Radio Tracking
I actually worked on two vehicles today: Our 1997 Ford Exploder and our Bounder RV.
A few weeks ago while Jacque was driving us to Springfield, the cruise control just quit.
Punched the buttons several times, fiddled with the gas pedal, brake, etc, nothing worked.
We didn't think it was too much of a loss until several more miles were accomplished using the
"manual" gas pedal. We realized just how much we had gotten used to this small tidbit of
automation, and how much more bother it was to have to pay more attention to the speedometer
and step on and off the accelerator all along the trip. We had just spent a couple hundred bucks
getting the wheels aligned with our recently purchased new tires, and I was reluctant to send it
back to the shop for more expense.
Several trips later, however, I was about ready to break the bank again to get the buggy fixed.
I had poked around on the internet looking for a solution that maybe "I" could fix without the
big shop bill but hadn't had much luck. Today I decided I was either going to somehow fix it
myself or pay the big bucks to have the professionals do it.
This time I got lucky. I found a YouTube video that claimed 90-something percent of Ford cruise control failures were due to the "cruise control switch" on the end of the brake fluid reservoir.
I found a couple on the internet for about EIGHT bucks, not including shipping, with a week delivery.
I called our local auto parts vendor and they had one in stock for 20-something dollars.
A little over twice the online price, but too many local businesses are suffering in this warped economy,
plus twenty dollars was not that much to invest in the experiment to see if I could get it going myself.
(I used to be a master back-yard mechanic, but am getting to the point of paying someone else to do it)
The parts store was maybe a mile or so away, so I dragged the Catrike out of the garage and used the car repair for an excuse to take a ride.
I had a good visit with a guy in the parking lot about the trike and all the gadgets I had on it, including the twin flagpoles/antennas on the back.
It was a tad cloudy and cool today: I actually wore LONG pants instead of shorts today.
Made it home safe and sound, as usual, and SURPRISE !! The replacement took about 15 minutes
AND it actually fixed the cruise control. Praise the Lord !
Ride Started: 10:00 AM Ride Ended: 10:56 AM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.0 Ending Battery Voltage: 13.0 Lowest Voltage: 12.9
Lowest Temp: 60 F Highest Temp: 67 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 97 Ending BG: 58
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 3.93
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
4.2 MPH 6.5 MPH 20.5 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
56 minutes 37 minutes 19 minutes
Distance Walked: .6 mile
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Got To Stretch these Old Legs
Tuesday's Ride Route via GPS and Ham Radio
Just trying to keep up with various chores and problems around the house is exhausting, and I often fail to take my "daily" trike rides because I'm already fatigued from whatever I've been doing.
However, when I ride the trike, even for fairly short rides, I enjoy a few added benefits:
- Sleeping better at Night
- Lower Blood Glucose
- Generally feeling better just because I rode somewhere
And, since Jacque encouraged me to get out there, I rode into the sunset. Literally. At least for a couple miles.
I first rode out west to the Mountain Grove International Airport.
I rarely ever see anything but a crop duster or two here, and have never encountered any human activity.
The "airport" has shade trees and a mossy picnic table, so it was a good place to take a snack and rest break.
I loitered a bit longer than usual here but eventually got going again.
Ride Started: 5:16 PM Ride Ended: 6:29 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.5 Ending Battery Voltage: 13.0 Lowest Voltage: 13.0
Lowest Temp: 75 F Highest Temp: 78 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 205 Ending BG: 82
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 5.78
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
4.7 MPH 7.2 MPH 23.3 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
1 hour 13 mins 48 minutes 26 minutes
Distance Walked: .6 mile
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Wow, Found Another Route
Mountain Grove is not a big town. I think the population is around 4500 bodies, more or less. I was glancing at a map today and realized there was another "perimeter" road I had not yet ridden; Busch Road. Even adding that to my trike ride doesn't result in a lot of miles, but it helps to find another niggle in the Desired Daily Riding. Jacque had been canning all day and needed some stretching for her left leg so she saddled up her trike and rode a couple miles around the town square before returning home and encouraging me to keep riding, so I did. Going the Busch Road way involved some fairly steeo declines and climbs to get back up out of the canyons. It was pretty good. By the time I got to the (almost) center of town, I was ready for a break. So I pulled into a parking lot across from the Town and Country store, checked my blood glucose, and took off my shoes for a breeze break. My glucose was a tad low so I ate one of my cookies in my stash. By then I was "Restored" so I put the shoes back on and got riding again. I had planned to fire up the riding lawn mower and get some weeds and grass cut in our Missouri Jungle yard, but by the time I got home I was ready for a cool-off break and loafed around until it was too late to get any useful cutting done. Maybe Tomorrow
Ride Started: 4:15 PM Ride Ended: 5:34 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.1 Ending Battery Voltage: 13.0 Lowest Voltage: 13.0
Lowest Temp: 75 F Highest Temp: 82 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 140 Ending BG: 63
Stats from the GPS: Total Miles: 7.45
Distance Walked: .6 mile
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
5.9 MPH 6.6 MPH 22.6 MPH
Total Trip Time Moving Time Stopped Time
1 hour 15 mins 1 hour 8 mins 8 minutesp
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Cruisin' for Car Parts
I'm still trike-riding every other day or so, but have been very lax about posting details about the staying-alive activity.
I rode yesterday for a few miles - after several days of NOT riding.... and the legs still worked, thank Goodness.
Today I needed to pick up some parts for the Ford Exploder, and wound up driving to the Car Parts store to get some hood struts for the Beast. I replaced these a couple years ago and they have steadily gotten weaker to the point I've had to use a stick to prop the hood open when checking things under the hood.
SO, I drove the gas powered beast to the auto parts place and was SHOCKED to find the struts cost OVER 50 Bucks. Everything has shot up in price in these weird times, with fewer and fewer stores even open for business any more, and with the lessening competition, prices on everything have gone up and up. BUT I needed these parts; I was tired of messing around with sticks and whatnot just to keep the hood open long enough to check the oil or whatever. So I gritted my teeth and spent the money.
Trouble was, when I got home, the dern things wouldn't fit. The top ball socket on the struts were too small, and it just wouldn't go together.
This time I decided to ride my trike up to the store for an exchange. When I got there, the counter guy checked and double checked and could find no other listing that would work with this vehicle. I spent a fair amount of time showing him the old one I'd brought with me: The ball socket was too small.
He looked and looked and finally declared the part he'd sold me was the same for almost 6 years of Fords, and there was no other solution available. When I looked at them again I realized the new ones had the same sockets as the old one: A large ball socket on one end and a small one on the other end. The only difference was that they were reversed: The large and small sockets were on opposite ends from the old ones I'd pulled out. I realized all I had to do was reverse the struts when installinng them.
I'd wasted the counterman's and my time by not looking closer before getting alarmed. I hate to report this was NOT the first time I've done such a dumb thing. OH Well.
Sure 'nuff when I got home the struts popped right in when I installed them the right way.
I DID get some good exercise out of the trike ride, which is about the only useful thing I can say about today's big accomplishment.
The Route 60 Choo-Choo Trains were busy today for some reason. I got to wait 5 or 10 minutes for a train to clear the crossing just before getting home, and several MORE trains going both ways immediately followed. Thank Goodness we've gotten able to sleep through most of the loud whistle-blowers when they blow through town several times almost each night.
Ride Started: 3:05 PM Ride Ended: 4:20 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.5 Ending Battery Voltage: 13.0 Lowest Voltage: 13.0
Lowest Temp: 80 F Highest Temp: 82 F
Beginning Blood Glucose: 111 Ending BG: 75
Distance Walked: .6 mile
Overall Average Speed Moving Avg Max Speed
5.5 MPH 7.5 MPH 20 MPH
55 minutes 40 minutes 15 minutes
Old Mill Building with tree growing OUT the fan window from INSIDE
Thursday, August 27, 2020
A Dollar Per Mile
We went to Springfield today for my Podiatrist appointment. He agreed with me that my feets were doing a bit better. Did a bit of shopping afterward whilst in the "Big City" and came home safe and sound.
I again needed an excuse to do a Trike Ride this afternoon.
I decided to hitch up the B.O.B. trailer on the trike and haul my Big Bag of crushed Aluminum cans to our local recycler: https://iscrapapp.com/yards/us-missouri-mountain-grove-ss-recycling-mountain-grove/
I entered their address into my trike-mounted Garmin 350 GPS and followed the route, which led down hill and up dale out to the westernmost end of town.
I SMOKED down some long hills, which meant long climbs coming back up the hills, but it was all good.
I thought I had a decent load of cans on board, but was a bit underwhelmed when the cash tendered was $4.00. When I arrived home the total miles was a bit over 4, thus the title for today. I suspect prices have sagged in our current non-economy.
https://aprs.fi/#!mt=roadmap&z=14&ts=1598486400&te=1598572800&call=a%2FW5AOX-6
Ride Started: 3:37 PM Ride Ended: 4:31 PM
Beginning Battery Voltage: 13.0 Ending Battery Voltage: 13.0 Lowest Voltage: 13.0
Beginning Blood Glucose: 128 Ending BG: 39 (ouch)
Lowest Temp: 77 F Highest Temp: 77 F
Distance Walked: .4 mile (Usual Dog Potty Trips)
4.9 MPH 6.3 MPH 25.2 MPH
50 minutes 36 minutes 14 minutes