Posted: 24 August 2008 at 11:14am | IP Logged

Hi FKD, Good going on the max speed, 22kph isn't bad, I've only gotten back up to that as a flat ground average again. I ripped my calf muscle a few weeks back and am just getting back to form. Even with physio, I'm still slowing down seriously after 5 or 6km as the muscle tightens up.

On the helmet, try to get one with a peak to the front. Much easier for the eyes when the sun height drops and it lessens sun glare on glasses. If you can't get cycling helmets to suit, check out any whitewater kayaking shops or online, some have peaks built in and they don't have any peak at the back so they don't interfere wiht a headrest. Some of them have adjustable straps rather than a hard foam liner. If all else fails, a forestry safety helmet should work. That's what I used before I got my cycling helmet. The only con with it was no chin-strap, the pro is that they're bright orange and very visible.

From now on to winter, I'd advise getting those LED flicker lights for the front and rear. Dusk is actually the most dangerous time for cycling, dark enough to have difficulty in seeing, but bright enough for most people to think they can see fine. There's a few pictures of my trike in this album. http://picasaweb.google.com/myksav/NewTrikePics The lights pictures show a fair idea of what they would look like on the road.

I'm slightly jealous of you. All that level road to trike on.  And the clear sky. It's been grey here for some time. And 16C is a nice temp to trike in, warm enough and cool enough. I don't do so well in hotter weather, 25C+ and I'm looking for water to hide in (or play in). But it's hard to cycle under water.

Hope the ideas help,

Mike Savage

South West Cork

Posted: 25 August 2008 at 6:05pm | IP Logged

That's bad news, Pea, I hope there's no major damage and that you heal up fast.  You were off the trike for far too long, so I hope this latest injury doesn't interfere with your riding.

What are the chances that this falling is a separate medical problem that needs a separate solution?

Larry K

Posted: 25 August 2008 at 7:14pm | IP Logged

That just sounds too painful Peabob.  Were you riding or were you on foot? 

Well hope you heal up quicklky and for pete sake

BE CAREFUL OUT THERE....

Posted: 26 August 2008 at 1:31am | IP Logged

I saw your previous posts about weighins.  I too have the problem of scales.  I spent a fortune on some fancy ones that do all sort of calculations - except not for my weight (the wife can uses them though).

I'm not too proud to admit I weigh myself at the local vets, as they have a set of industrial electronic scales.  Have broken the 350lb barrier and heading down.  Need to break 300 to use my scales.

Luckily I have no ill effect from my excess weight except for sore knees at times, but am lucky enough to have a spa pool (jacuzzi for you foreigners) an that helps with the joints.

Good luck to all in their endeavours.

Posted: 26 August 2008 at 5:01am | IP Logged

Hey Friends.  well after gaining the four pounds from vacation i am down five pounds as of this morning i weighed in at 284.  yeahhhhhhhh... Now to answer the questions. 

Larry K... no seperate medical condition... just bifocals and big feet that get crossed up to often lol..

FKD.. i was walking around some landscaping cement things and just tripped.  no i was not chewing gum and walking thats multitasking which i cant do lol... yes it is painful but only when i breathe laugh or think about it.. other than that its ok. lol..

its all in fun dont take it wrong. keep on posting and i look forward to all the news. 

Oh the scale i use is a HEALTH O MATIC. non digital and goes up to 400 pounds.  works fine and you dont have program a dam thing. no batteries no switches and hell it did not even groan when i first got on it lol.. take care your pal peabob.

Posted: 26 August 2008 at 5:49am | IP Logged

Oh, bifocals is all the answer you need, Pea, that explains everything.

When I first got mine some years back I couldn't keep my feet under me, or my hands in front of me, for all the tea in China.  It was like being falling-down drunk while being stone-cold sober.  The upper part of my world was going east and the lower part was going west, and I was trying to go in both directions at once.

They told me it would go away in a week or so, and I think that was about right -- maybe 10 days, I don't remember exactly.  The key is just to move real gently during the transition, and to touch something while doing it: a wall, a chair, a railing, etc.  You don't have to use it to support yourself, but just to have something that's holding still to help your eyes in balancing yourself.

Good luck, and heal fast!

Larry

Posted: 26 August 2008 at 9:30am | IP Logged

Oh!  Well, I guess that rules out Toxic Adjustment Syndrome, then.

Of course, if you've had 'em for ten years, maybe it's time to get the prescription renewed?

Larry

Posted: 26 August 2008 at 9:36am | IP Logged

hi Peabob, Just read your earlier post. Ouch. Teatree oil diluted could help with the scratches. Stings a bit, though, but less than a lot of antiseptics.

I have glasses for reading, otherwise my arms aren't long enough. I'm  long-sighted. And getting worse. I can dig what Larry said about the initial problems with bifocals even if mine are single focus. I have to take mine off if I'm moving around or I start to list to one side or the other. Or keep thinking there's a step down in front of me!

Good going on the weight loss.

Mike Savage

South West cork

Posted: 26 August 2008 at 12:56pm | IP Logged

The new generation of mature adults do not wear "BI-FOCALS" those were for our granny's.  We were "progressive lenses" now that doesn't sound so - old.  I've had these darn things on my face about a decade now too, and when I first got them I hated them.  Now hardly notice them - EXCEPT when riding because of my position, when I put my head on the head rest, I look ahead through the bottom of my glasses.  So is that a car up there or just another cow wandering out onto the road? 

Broke the 5K on a trip on Sunday, but Monday I went to work sore, and we were moving offices and ended up hauling a lot of furnature around all day.  I've got a seditary office job for petes sake, I ain't no moving man, but Monday I was, and by Monday night I just wanted to soak in the hot tub, no ride last night ... and gosh darn, its raining today. 

Posted: 28 August 2008 at 11:25am | IP Logged

Done a couple more 5 K runs,  average speed up over 11 now, and max up to 29.46 kph  which is good because the speed limit is 30 KPH and yesterday an RCMP patrol car passed up on the "road less travelled" (what we are calling 'our' road).  Some days we actually see two, maybe even three vehicles during our half hour run.

AND - this weekend we pick up our new Rockwood Trailer (8319SS for those who care).  And we have picked a provincial campsite where there is a paved cycle trail.  Hope to post pics and story next week.

Enjoy your long weekend, it is an exciting one for us.

BTW Peabob Monday is Labour Day in Canada too.  And do be careful out there Peabob and try to stay vertical.

Posted: 31 August 2008 at 9:07pm | IP Logged

We took our new travel trailer camping on this long weekend. Went to Vermillion Provincial Park.  Nice park, just a few Km outside the small town of Vermillion Alberta on the Yellowhead Highway. 

They have several paved paths that wind through the forest on the side of a river valley.  Lots of hills, twists and turns.  My daring wife in her flashy red cycle went full out and took off like a rocket.  She said she had a blast.  I was more carefull, applying the brakes carefully trying to maintain control on the down hills.  Not knowing what is around the next bend kept me cautious. 

Thar she goes, flying down the path in the distance.

And here she comes pedalling hard in low gear.  (sorry about the image quality but it was in low light and I was using my belly as the tripod.)

The park is about 115 Km (80 miles) from home, we will be going back next year and spending a week on those trails, exploring where they go, until then I need to build up my stamina and strength, it was all I could do to cycle back up those hills, but I did make it and am still here to tell the tale.

Posted: 02 September 2008 at 4:52am | IP Logged

Hey Friends and Neighbors.  Holiday weekends and life plans do not go together to good.  ya know when you have good friends and family around you  usually have great food and beverages around and all you do is eat drink and not worry about things till the first day back to work.. I did not do as much damage as i thought i would in fact i did no damage i still tipped the scales at 284.  the bad news is that i thought i heard the scale groan at first lol... well thats the news for now. keep on posting and ill keep on reading.. your pal Peabob.

FKD. thanks for the private message and i did give you a reply. your friend Peabob.

Posted: 07 September 2008 at 8:05pm | IP Logged

Took it to 7 K today.  Until this trip, the most we had gone was 5.5 K.

Maybe I'll be up to 10 K before winter sets in.  One can dream.

The fall nip is in the air and some of the leaves have started to change colour - will have to take along a camera on our run this week to catch the fall colours.  Went by a field in harvest, nothing like the smell of fresh cut crops.  

Reset my average speed a the half way point to see the difference, on the return run average was 15.5 KPH, on the way out it was 11.44 KPH.  It is ever so slightly uphill on the way out, but enough to feel it even if your eye can't see it.  It was a cross wind today so I didn't have the advantage of the wind to my back. 

Took a run at setting a new personal best speed (29.46KPH) but didn't make it.  Must have been close because when I stopped the sprint, I looked down and I was coasting at 28 KPH. 

I'm finding my asthma is acting up, breathing can be laboured.  Will have to ask the Doc about this and what can be done.  I've learned not to eat within an hour of cycling.  But cool wet weather seems to set me into Wheeze Mode.  Crop Dust in the air from the combines must not help either I guess. 

Posted: 08 September 2008 at 12:01pm | IP Logged

Peabob, I'm beginnin' to think that you need to find some other kind and luck.  I think that the kind that you have now sucks!  Don't let it get you down though.  Look for all the positive.  Its hard to find sometimes, but it is out there.  A couple of pounds, is a couple of pounds! keep it up friend.

My good news: I went under 200 for the first time in a long time.  I hit the scales this morning at 195!  Damn I'm lookin' sexy!  Six more pounds and I'll be half way to my goal.  YippEEEEEEEE!

Posted: 08 September 2008 at 8:37pm | IP Logged

Peabob, you are a glutton for punnishment it seems.  More R&R for you and light duties at work I'm sure. 

But what's this nonsense about not feeling like eating?  Never happend to me yet? 

Take care and heal well.

Posted: 13 September 2008 at 3:57pm | IP Logged

Got a couple of 5K rides in this week.  Must remember to take the camera again, the leaves are changing fast - we get like one good week of fall colours and then a good wind comes up and we have bare trees for the next 8 months.   

Finally got a helmet to fit - only $119!! But I guess my noggen is worth it.  Still my dearly beloved picked her's up for $40,  the price of a big head I guess.  Maybe I'll pose of a pic next week with my new head gear on. 

Trying to figure out how to move the trikes into the basement - which is full already.   May need to cycle in the garage - ok in the fall, but mighty cold in the dead of winter.  (Garage is not attached).

Posted: 20 September 2008 at 6:46pm | IP Logged

Been sick in bed most of the week.

Finally got out to enjoy the fall colours and crisp air.  Dust from the combines harvesting the grain made breathing a challenge (asthma acts up in times like this).  Still made it for 5K but did not set any land speed records.

Notice the new helmet

Couple more pics at my facebook page (must take the time to learn the new facebook, just when I was getting the hang of it, they go and change the sytem completely -  

Posted: 27 September 2008 at 10:05pm | IP Logged

Good on you for taking care of your mother Peabob.  But I would humbly suggest that during these times you need your ride more than ever, to get a break from the family responsiblities and just breath some fresh air. 

I've been out of town most of the week,  I got out today for a short 3.25 K ride, the air was crisp and my breathing laboured.  Will have to ask the Doc the next time I see him about my shortness of breathe. If I could breathe easier while riding I might be able to go longer. 

Still deciding on how to cycle through our long winter.  The trainer stands are one option but with these trikes we need to bring both inside and that takes up a lot of room.  I think I'll look at the stationary recumbent cycle exercize machines.  Have to do a little research on them.  If they are easily adjusted my wife and I can share one.  Two trainers will also put us back $400-$600 depending on the model.  but it is the space in the rec' room I'm most worried about. 

Posted: 29 September 2008 at 6:03pm | IP Logged

 I've now clocked over 100K on my cycle-puter.  Just our ususal 5K run today, but it was perfect fall weather and it's almost the end of September - no snow and the trees still have leaves (yellow, red, orange and a few green ones).  Global Warming - Bring It ON!

Posted: 02 October 2008 at 4:36pm | IP Logged

On one of my many diets in the past I made the switch to skim milk. It tasted awful the first few litres but by the end of the first week I was converted to ice cold skim milk.  Now even 2% tastes rich.  Skim milk has zero fat and is good for you (perhaps not by the gallon).  For a treat I mix in 1/4 cup chocolate (1%) with 3/4 cup skim and get the flavour of chocolate at a fraction of the butter fat. 

Before I sound too proud, I still use butter on my toast.  Unless I'm using mayo or something like that in which case I can skip the butter - but for just toast and butter, nothing tastes like butter no matter what the ads may say. 

Posted: 03 October 2008 at 4:28am | IP Logged

Tree ... ya kids will do that if you let them lol... Like FKD said i also have cut down to 1%. @% or skim milk.  what ever is on sale.  but with the price of it like everything else im giving up food lol... i wish... well keep at Tree.  we are here for you... FKD is that real butter?  I use the I Cannot Beliebe its not butter butter.  like the flavor.  anyways take care your pal Peabob. 

Posted: 03 October 2008 at 2:44pm | IP Logged

"Only butter tastes like butter."  It is one of my luxuries.  My concession is that I only use it when I'll get that butter taste, eg. on a fresh hot roll or even when it is just toast and butter.  If the taste will get lost in the mustard, mayo cheese and ham sandwich, I'll pass on the butter (besides a cheese & ham sandwich with real mayo already has enough calories).  

I have given up on diets.  Every time I go on one, when I fall off the wagon (and I always do) I gain all I lost and then some. 

So I try to eat with a few (well just two right now) simple rules. 

Rule #1  Stop Eating When Full.

Rule #2  More Plants Less Meat

For some food for the brain check out "TED.com" for a collection of great 18 minute presentations by "experts" on a wide wide array of subjects.  I just stumbled onto TED at a recent conference I attended, if you want something to get the old grey matter working, check out this neat site.  I've only watched a dozen or so of the hundreds of talks.  Anyway the one on food that will get your thoughts stiring was : http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/mark_bittman_on_what_s_wr ong_with_what_we_eat.html

Enjoying record breaking hot weather here,  broke a 120 year old high yesterday with a high of 27° C .  But I see the first mention of the "S" word in the long range forecast for next weekend.   So I've been riding each day, soaking in the fall beauty.  I'm still stuck at 5K per day. 

I'm now leaning towards buying a recumbent exercize bike instead of two Trainers.  My wife and I would need to continually switch, not to mention the real estate two trikes would take up in my basement (I have a 900 sq foot 50 year old house).  So I'm in the market for a good recumbent exercize bike.  On line I see Sears has many on offer in the $300-$600 which is the ball park I'm thinking about. 

Note to self:  Learn to be more precise. 

Posted: 06 October 2008 at 10:55am | IP Logged

I'm working on just including some "plants" on my plate.  They do come in a variety of colours, ate some orange garden fresh carrots yesterday,  (Yummy in butter but that kinda defeats the purpose, but I did say I'm keeping the butter).   Eating lots of red tomatos (trying to keep ahead of the garden crop before they go bad.)  And I suppose the spuds count too - they are plants, and they are not green (don't eat any green spuds). 

Had to go solo yesterday, my dearly beloved has sprained hip.  There was a cold wind blowing through the bare trees - so I went fast and turned back early (only 3.8 km), but I did get my best average speed 12.8 kph.  The wind helped me up the incline, but prevented me from those nice long coasts at 20 kph on the downwards run.  I guess I'm not yet streamlined enough, ... back to more plants, less meat...  

Have you seen the "meatarian" commercial,  fellow says he is a meatarian, its a personal choice, he just eats meat.  Its a burger commercial.