Fleeting fame

Just learned from a friend that a photo of my granddaughter Shayna and myself (taken by ?) is on the cover of the Alexandria Bikeways bike map. That's me in the red bike shirt. I could tell because Shayna has that sweatshirt and uses that exact skateboarding helmet, and I wear that shirt, use that side mirror and on close examination, there is a unique yellow reflector that I have on my helmet.

Who knew?

Hot, hot, and more hot! Waiting for a break.

This hot weather is relentless, although there will be a slight break this weekend, we are then back to high 80's and into the 90's+ with scattered rain/storms thoughout the week.  Needless to say, I haven't been out on the bike.

We have a new member: Allan Mostoff,  a long time (46 years) but former resident of Lake Barcroft. The Mostoffs are spending their time between their apartment at the Crescent (on the WO&D trail at Rt. 66 & Lee Hwy) and their home in Florida, but Allan liked the idea of our bike club and would like to join us on upcoming rides.He's also volunteered to lead group rides for the beginners and those wanting shorter rides. Stay tuned.

So, during the heat interlude, I thought I'd share what I've been doing. 

I was away for a week away with Carole at the Augusta Heritage Center Cajun/Creole music camp, at Davis and Elkins College, in the mountains of West Virginia, enjoying the cool evening air and temperate daytime temperatures.


We stayed in a fine old renovated inn called "Graceland."

Graceland Interior

Carole took guitar classes, I'm taking fiddle classes, and we both took a harmony singing class, all with the sounds of French traditional, old-time country, and virtuoso guitar playing ringing in our ears throughout the day and night.

My fiddle class

Carole and I performing the Linda Ronstadt/Anne Savoy tune "Parlez-moi d'amour" at the Student Showcase talent show.

Carole in performance with her guitar class.

Together with lessons and jamming on the porch of old Halleyhurst Hall, we attended afternoon and evening concerts and nightly dances to the sounds of many well-known recording artists in their respective genres. Click on the links here to see more about these musicians and listen to samples of their work: Cajun fiddlers David Greely of Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Jo-El Savoy, and Al Berard,  accordionists Walter Mouton, Ed Pouillard and Jesse Lege, country singer Ginny Hawker and musician husband Tracy Schwartz, guitar masters Bill Kirchen (remember Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen? Hot Rod Lincoln?), Wayne Henderson and Jack Williams, and many more traditional musicians. It was a great week.

Back to biking

Let's return to biking: for those of you still venturing out in the heat, here are some tips, below, courtesy of Bike Arlington. I'll be back with more about biking and group riding with the club soon.

Larry


Summer Biking Checklist:

• Water Bottles
• Sunscreen
• Shorts/other loose fitting or moisture wicking clothing
• Plan for extra time

Hot Weather Tips

• Drink up. Fluid intake keeps you cool from the inside and replaces what you lose in perspiration and breathing. Sip throughout the day and take in extra fluids during and after your ride. If your ride is short, water is best, but if you ride longer than 30 minutes, reach for a drink containing electrolytes, such as a sports drink or coconut water.
• Dress light. Wearing shorts, short sleeves and light wicking clothing will help. If you happen to be wearing long pants, try rolling up the pant leg a few inches. For button down shirts, roll up the sleeves and unfasten a top button or two.
• Take a load off. Get that bag off your back and use a basket or rear panniers. Your ride will be easier and your back and shoulder area will catch more breeze.
• Take your time. Slow down and keep your exertion level low, especially on uphills where effort can be high and breeze can be low. You will get there in almost the same time – just drier!
• Allow time for cooling off. Perspiration continues even after you finish your bike trip, in fact it can be even worse without the natural breeze of biking . After your ride, find a cool place and take it easy for a few minutes. That will help the sweating subside.
• Pat down. Use paper towels in the bathroom or take a small towel along to pat yourself down and dry off with after your ride.

Since we know everyone loves infographics, and because we want to make remembering our hot weather biking tips as easy as possible, we have teamed up with goDCgo to create this bright infographic with our advice on keeping cool on your bike during those scorching days.

(click to enlarge)

Whew! What a week. Trees down, houses and vehicles damaged, power outages for four days, a fridge and freezer full of food getting dumped out, incredibly hot weather -- haven't seen that combination for a while.

How I long for that cool morning weather Bill Cook and I had on our inaugural ride two weeks ago. Looks like this string of 90+ days has no end in sight, so no plans as yet for a group ride.

I'll be away at Cajun Music Camp in Elkins, West Virginia for a week, taking fiddle classes to extend my fiddle playing abilities, joined by Carole who'll be taking guitar classes, with both of us taking harmony singing classes, and dancing away every evening to Cajun and Zydeco sounds.  On my return, I hope the weather will have eased up and the group can get together for a ride (with more participants hopefully.)

I did ride yesterday not quite one mile, in the 4th of July parade, deciding that our "Lake Barcroft Bike Club" deserved recognition. It was a last minute decision, so I donned my full riding gear, made a sign for the club, slung it around my neck,   and took my position as the last participant in the parade -- a one man show representing the club. Carole was there to document my participation. See the two photos here:

 

I'm still interested in hearing from someone to help lead shorter rides for newer and/or less experienced riders or for those who just want a shorter ride. Let me know if you can help.