Low-Sugar Options While Cycling (Part I)

Besides dystonia, I also have hypertriglyceridemia, elevated levels of triglycerides in my blood, which increases the rates of pancreatitis, stroke, and cardiac dysfunction; consequently, I am on a very restrictive diet...low carb, VERY low sugar, low fat.  Other than the occasional piece of baked fish or seafood, I am also a vegetarian.  This means that I must derive much of my energy from protein.  The problem I have, especially for eating/drinking while riding, is that so many of the protein snacks and hydration drinks are loaded in sugars and other carbs.  So, now I will share my regimen for snacks & drinks while riding....

For Hydration
It is imperative to replace lost electrolytes on those long bike rides.  Believe me, I sweat worse than a virgin at a prison rodeo!  Even the reduced calorie Gatorade drinks contain a considerable amount of sugar...at least by my standards.  I used to only take water, and I would slip in the occasional low-cal drink mix packet that stated it was for energy, which meant that it contained additional B vitamins and caffeine.  This does not help replace much-needed sodium and potassium lost in sweat.

Then, I found Powerade Zero.  I pick it up as an 18-pack at Sam's Club.  It is DEFINITELY worth the cost.  

Shimano SPD Pedals Suck!

I installed the pedals I have been anticipating for some time, looking forward to riding on the open road snugly clipped in to my bike.  I should have paid more attention to the mixed reviews on amazon.com...even on the LOWEST tension setting, the setting which should be the easiest to disengage from, I could not remove my feet from either pedal.  I had to crash, bruising my hip, shoulder, and arm while re-injuring my right hand.  My bruises were NASTY!  It ended up ripping out the clips from my left shoe (which are STILL stuck in the pedal), and I had to unscrew the right show from the pedal after I had removed the shoe from my foot.

Moral of this story...pay attention to the reviews...don't just assume that the reviewers are all novices.

How much will a spoke affect aerodynamics?

While switching out my pedals on my road cycle, one of my bladed spokes broke.  I also noticed that--most likely due to the accident last month on FL 60 between Bartow and Mulberry--my back tire was rubbing against the bike frame.  I've ridden hundreds of miles since then without realizing that I could have had a blow out on the freeway in Timbuktu!  I took my back wheel in for repairs.  Unfortunately, the bike repair shop just called to tell me that they do not have any bladed spokes in stock (only the regular spokes) and that if I wanted it repaired in a timely fashion I would have to settle for the normal spoke.  They said that it wouldn't really affect my riding except that it will cut down on my aerodynamics.  I am hoping that it will not affect the riding too much.  I'm anxious to get back out on the road.  My on/off-road bike, the one I ride around town some, is so much more difficult to control than the road bike.  I can't wait to get my bike back up in working order to hit the road once again.

New Cycling Shoes!!!

I am so excited!  I just ordered my first pair of cycling shoes, cleats, and new SPD pedals to put on my TRIACE road bike that I use for my long rides.  I wish I could try them out, but I can't for a couple of reasons...

1. It's dark, and I don't ride in the dark.
2. It has been raining...stupid tropical front moving through the next few days.

My shoes are SO comfortable...or at least they were when I put them on and wore them (sans cleats, of course) around the house.  I know that I need to screw in the cleats and try them out on the road for optimal location.  The pic below shows the Pearl Izumi style I bought (except mine are black).  I still can't wait to try them out on the road!

Mine even have the black stripes...not gray.

The Before and After Pics from the "Spa"

Amos and Myrtle were both definitely due for haircuts so I took them up to the local "puppy spa".  First, I'm troubled that they made me sign a waiver for Myrtle because they consider her to be a senior citizen; she's only 6!  I thought I would put the before and after photos because they look so different!

Myrtle's 'before' pic...she was my chunky monkey.

 

Myrtle's 'after' pic (right).  She loves to stand guard on that concrete slab.  She doesn't look like a senior citizen to me.

Amos' 'before' pic:  He is such a fur ball!

Amos' 'after' pic: He wanted to come home and soak up a few rays.  He has such skinny legs!

Amos is Gpa's Boy!

March 2013

Amos loves it whenever he gets to see Grandma and Grandpa.  His Grandma always brings him and Myrtle toys (as if they have a shortage around here!), and he doesn't like to leave his Grandpa's side.  This past
Spring Break, my parents made their annual trek down here so we could take in Spring Training and also visit.  Amos decided that he, too, wanted to watch basketball with Gpa...and he found the perfect spot.

Amos playing @ the park