2018 – Red River Cycling

This House Has Me Questioning Light Bulbs

February 2, 2018

I ride the same trails as a rule when I feel like taking my bike out for a day. One day I had a different adventure as I rode to the next town. I stopped for a break and a purchased lunch at the local diner. This time I had not prepared a snack as I often do for convenience. Right next door was the cutest antique store, unexpected right there on Main Street along with the usual regional business—a hardware/general store, a small grocery, a butcher shop and a toy emporium. There must be a prototype for small American towns with all these included in every plan.

I selected the antique shop since I enjoy things of yesteryear. I have a few old things not the least of which is a vintage ceiling fan. I found it at a yard sale and not a fancy store. It cost very little and now I know why. One of the bulbs in the brass central fixture has burned out. I have never had to replace one before and wasn’t sure I would find just the right shape and size. It looked like a chandelier light to me. The shop seemed like the right place to ask since I spotted a few such fans in the ceiling inside. The proprietor was only too happy to help. I wanted to know if I could use the new LED bulbs in my old vintage ceiling fan. My gosh! Here I was questioning light bulbs for my Ceiling Fan Choice when I could be out on my bike riding back home. It was as good a time as ever and I got my answer fast. The store owner told me that the bluish quality of an LED light would clash with the older soft glow. He had some filament bulbs in the back room and he would be happy to sell me just one. I glanced at the size and it seemed perfect. Let me tell you that chandelier lights are not all of one size! I was afraid of making a mistake but he assured me that the larger size was typical of the old ceiling fans. I put the purchase in my pocket and set out to regain my bike.

Upon returning home, I retrieved the bulb which was in good order. It was easy to insert in the empty socket and when I turned the unit on, it was perfect. All the individual lights matched. You may not think this is important, but I do. If you buy an antique object, you want it to look right. If another bulb blows in the future, I know just where to go. It is a nice bike ride in any case and I wouldn’t mind a longer look around the antique store. I was too distracted by my mission to take the time. Next time, I will enjoy all the goodies on display.

Staying Fit When I Can’t Get Outside

January 6, 2018

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I want to stay fit to last longer while biking (my favorite sport in case you are new to this blog), either for recreation or competition. There are times when you don’t want to go out—such as a cold, rainy day. I read about the new trampoline workout you can do at home at https://www.trampolinechoice.com/trampoline-workouts-can-right-now/. If you have a small one, you can do it in the garage, but I bought a large size so I could do more advanced “tricks.” I had to start very slowly as there are safety concerns and you want to know what you are doing. Attend a gym class or get a coach at first if you are a complete novice.

When you learn the basics of the trampoline, and I am not talking about jumping up and down like a kid at a birthday party, you progress from one simple move to the next. It gets harder and more complex, and you really can develop coordination. I watched, learned, and listened and soon had the tuck jump down. I didn’t start with a double front somersault. I wanted to avoid injury and any unforeseen consequences. You don’t protect your knees or neck in this endeavor. There is no special gear. I think it is cumbersome and, to me, interferes with balance.

It is so much fun that I just have to tell you some of the technique right now to get you interested. It feels great to be buoyant and in control. It is so different from riding a bicycle. There is little connection other than the fact that your legs are stronger and you feel more limber. For example, when you do a tuck jump, you use all parts of the body to get the rotation you need. In this move, you bring your knees to your chest and circle your knees with your outreaching arms. I find this a great back stretch.

The straddle and pike jumps improve balance and prepare you for more advanced techniques. Just like it sounds, the straddle involves spreading the legs at 90 degrees. While you are parallel to the trampoline—another great stretch. If you touch your toes, you are a pro! The pike is similar except that the legs stay together. You feel like a real gymnast. Next come half and full twists, which are simple spins in the air. If you want to get fancy, do two.

I also love seat landings in which you end up on the mat with your toes pointed before you. Since you try to keep a straight back, this is a wonderful all-around exercise. You can combine a seat landing with a half twist to get up. Skill is required to get the hips up. Front and back landings are the forte of a more advanced trampoline artist. I don’t do these at home because I would prefer a “spotter” standing by. No matter. I get a lot more done.