Dementia, a broad term for various conditions characterized by cognitive decline, affects memory, thinking, and reasoning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, slowly eroding an individual’s ability to recall and connect with their past. The memories associated with cycling – the thrill of the first ride without training wheels, the long summer days spent exploring neighborhoods, or the camaraderie of group rides – can be among the many precious recollections that dementia robs from its victims.

The connection between bicycles and dementia is poignant. For many people, bicycles are not just a mode of transport but a symbol of personal history and identity. Cycling can evoke powerful sensory memories: the feeling of the wind on one’s face, the rhythmic motion of pedaling, the sound of tires on pavement, and the sights and smells of different terrains. These experiences are often linked with strong emotions and personal milestones, making their loss particularly painful for those with dementia and their families.

As dementia progresses, the ability to remember and engage with past experiences diminishes. This loss can be devastating, not only for the individuals suffering from dementia but also for their loved ones who witness the gradual disappearance of the person they knew. The memories of cycling adventures, which once brought joy and a sense of accomplishment, may be replaced by confusion and disorientation.

Despite this, there is a glimmer of hope in the therapeutic use of bicycles in dementia care. Programs that incorporate cycling, either on stationary bikes or through virtual reality experiences that simulate bike rides, have shown promise in stimulating cognitive function and improving mood. These activities can help trigger residual memories and provide a sense of normalcy and enjoyment, even if only temporarily.

In conclusion, bicycles symbolize cherished memories and personal milestones that dementia can cruelly erase. While the disease may steal these precious recollections, the continued engagement with cycling-related activities can offer a means of connection and joy for those affected. By recognizing the profound impact of these memories and seeking ways to preserve them, we can help maintain the essence of who individuals are, even as dementia progresses.

Red pill, Blue pill, nope, this Mr. Anderson has a Garmin device attached to his wrist and is beginning to question his “need” for his “oracles” advice. How I got to this moment of “alternate reality doubt” begins with my compulsion to slowly and guardedly adopt the latest (and when slightly aged) greatest tech advances that modern thinking can offer. Of course the bicycle, an invention of beauty, simplicity and engineering mastery begs for the latest tech. Yes, I said it, (though I don’t know how to reconcile this conundrum), let’s improve upon mechanical genius with chips n’ code.

Cycling electronics have come a long way, starting with basic tools like bike computers that tracked speed and distance. In the early days, these devices were simple, offering only basic metrics like time, speed, and distance. As technology evolved, GPS units became popular in the early 2000s, allowing cyclists to map their routes and track their performance with much greater accuracy. This was a game-changer for both recreational riders and professional cyclists, offering a new level of data for route planning and performance analysis.

Around the same time, power meters began to emerge. They were initially used mainly by professional cyclists and coaches to measure power output—an important metric for performance training. The PowerTap hub, introduced in the mid-2000s, was one of the first widely adopted power meters. It measured power through a strain gauge in the rear wheel hub, providing real-time data on a rider’s output.

As power meters gained popularity, other companies developed different types, including pedal-based and crank-based systems. Pedal-based power meters, like those from Shimano and Favero, became particularly appealing because they were easier to install and offered better accuracy by measuring power at both legs simultaneously. Over time, these devices became smaller, more precise, and more integrated with cycling computers and apps, giving cyclists a full picture of their performance, from heart rate and cadence to power output and GPS data. Today, these systems are indispensable tools for serious cyclists, offering insights that help riders of all levels optimize their training and performance.

With my once every 15 year purchase of a new road bike (15 years with my use seems to be the end of the most core components), I was confronted with the obsolescence of my PowerTap hub and little yelo computer. Eventually this upgrade my life behavior led (or forced by desire) to the purchase a Gamin head unit paired with Garmin’s power meter pedals, speed sensor and heart rate strap, I had finally once again entered the modern age. Admittedly, I was thrilled, all that data, all in one place, metrics I’ll never understand or use, but very very cool.

Typical of a cycle tech nerd, I soon realized that I wanted portability, I needed this centralized handful of data to follow me what ever ride I chose. Garmin happily obliged with their mobile app and syncing with most indoor cycling platforms. Also moving the Garmin head unit from ride to ride was awesome, it seamlessly locates all the accessories (lights, power, cadence) and you’re ready to ride. The one thing that could remove all this joy — the stupid human factor. It wasn’t long before my stupid human behavior showed a flaw in my Garmin ecosystem. While out for a trail ride, I crashed my mountain bike and demolished my head unit, lesson learned, mounting your expensive electronics to the handlebars of a crash prone bike = recipe for disaster. So, picking up the pieces (literally) I became acutely aware of needing a more stupid proof solution or I would have to abandon my quest to record my every ride. But wait… I can’t be the only crash prone rider, there has to be a better way? Noting others sporting fitness watches, off went the stupid human light bulb — I too needed a watch. The motorcyclist in me says watches are always a bad idea and hardly crash proof, but the speeds involved, the density of surfaces to crash upon are certainly more forgiving in the mountain bike environment, right? I was primed to invest.

My history with watches though not extensive has been eclectic, some elegant, but most clunky, such as my Marx Superman, Timex calculator or Casio G-Shock, the latter was my most advanced watch. Capable of temperature, barometric pressure and altitude readings, this 1994 gem was all a tuner could need or a normal human of the era envisioned as possible. But then, enter the Garmin “Oracle” or Forerunner 945 — a watch shattering any of my thoughts from the 90’s of what a watch could be and hence its influence on my daily existence.

With over 20 screens dedicated solely to disclosing and crediting some of the technologies Garmin licenses to reside within its case, the oracle has some insane functionality. From fitness tracking (heart rate, respiration sleep tracking, steps etc…), GPS routing, Bluetooth and USB interfaces, cycling device and cellular integration, music and an electronic payment platform the oracle provides everything except meal planning. Oh, did I mention it keeps time?

Like most modern tech, the oracle became more demanding of my interaction, willingly I obliged. And obligated I am, being sure the oracle is properly seated on my wrist for sleep to the daily checks of my recovery progress and then monitoring the effectiveness of my blend of activities. But there’s even more to appeasing the demands of the oracle, obsessive monitoring of its many stats such as…

• Recovery time
• Resting heart rate
• Steps taken
• Stairs climbed
• Calories
• O2 saturation
• Weather forecast
• FTP
• VO2
• Heart rate variation
• Heart rate
• Training load
• Lactate threshold
• Race predictor
• and more

Needless to say the oracle can feed OCD tendencies and I may just be slightly afflicted. Today my oracle owns me and did so without ever having offered me a choice of pills.

After a lifetime of “Lov’in” the Shamrock Shake and doctoring it with my favorite spirits, my failing intestinal fortitude leaves me unable to rise to the task of digesting it. So, for anyone in my predicament, I offer up this solution, a fat free, lo-cal, spirit of the season filled alternative. Suitable for year round consumption, no feeling of that out of season rejection in the drive-thru.

Mixology…

• 1 cup Vanilla Almond milk
• 2 cups Ice
• 1 cup Mint Yogurt Faux Ice Cream (or equivalent)
• 3 double shots Irish Whiskey
• 1 double shot Amaretto
• 1 double shot Peppermint Schnapps
• 3 drops green food color (for Mickey D’s feel)

Throw all that in your blender, mix until creamy, garnish with lo-fat whipped cream. Serves two, maybe? One serving for sure. Enjoy the ride.

After busier than usual cycling week a perfect summer day dictated more, so I decided to throw in a very casual century. The next morning I awoke to a slight itch on my forehead, a spider bite or maybe helmet rub? Forward, twenty four hours, I’m sitting in the exam room of the local dermatologist. The doctor opens the door and without passing through its frame (standing a full 6′ away) bellows out “shingles”. I retort with “No thanks, I just installed a 30yr roof”.

Leaving her office I feel like a public safety hazard with the plague. Scripts for the standard faire were issued – Valtrex (anti-viral) and Gabapentin (narcotic free “painkiller”), the latter I scoffed at and didn’t fill (dumb ass mistake, though guy syndrome). Confident in the “you caught it in the first 72 hours” so it’ll be “short lived” logic, I planned to miss only a day or two of life. Two weeks later unable to leave the house, now swallowing up Gabapentin (as prescribed of course), multiple trips to the optometrist and neurologist, I was barely able to see. Suddenly this was frightening — potential hearing and sight loss coupled with long term postherpetic neuralgia. As always is with one many Murphy’s Laws, in the previous month I had been preaching to others about getting the Shingles vaccine, go figure, I rarely follow good advice.

What I learned is that as athletes age, their bodies undergo numerous changes that can affect their overall health and performance. One such concern for aging athletes is the increased risk of shingles outbreaks. Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. This condition is characterized by a painful rash and blisters that typically appear on one side of the body or face. For aging athletes, shingles can pose significant challenges, impacting their training, performance, and overall quality of life.

The risk of shingles increases with age due to the natural decline in immune function. This decline, known as immunosenescence, makes older individuals more susceptible to infections, including the reactivation of latent viruses like the varicella-zoster virus. Aging athletes, despite their generally better physical health compared to non-athletes, are not immune to this decline in immune function. Stress, intense physical exertion, and the wear and tear on the body can further compromise the immune system, creating a perfect storm for shingles outbreaks.

Shingles typically presents with initial symptoms such as tingling, itching, or pain in a specific area, followed by the appearance of a rash and blisters. These symptoms can be particularly debilitating for athletes, as the pain and discomfort can interfere with their ability to train and compete. The rash often follows a nerve path, causing severe pain that can last for weeks or even months, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN can be especially challenging for athletes, as it can lead to prolonged periods of inactivity and recovery.

In aging athletes, the impact of shingles goes beyond physical discomfort. The psychological stress of dealing with a painful condition can also affect their mental health and motivation. The need to take time off from training to recover can lead to a loss of fitness, increased anxiety about performance, and a sense of frustration. Additionally, shingles outbreaks can disrupt training schedules and competitive seasons, potentially affecting an athlete’s career and goals.

Preventive measures are crucial for aging athletes to reduce the risk of shingles. The shingles vaccine, recommended for adults over 50, can significantly lower the chances of developing the condition and reduce the severity of symptoms if an outbreak occurs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and avoiding overtraining are also important strategies to support immune function and overall well-being.

A shingles outbreak poses a significant risk for aging athletes, impacting their physical performance, mental health, and training schedules. Awareness and preventive measures are essential to mitigate this risk, ensuring that athletes can continue to pursue their passions and maintain their health as they age.

An outbreak along any of the dermatomes is never good, but anytime the face/head is involved the risk of long term problems is increased. A full year later I still suffer from PHN (they say that the pain just never subsides for some patients) and the itching that seems to come and go throughout the day. Thankfully my vision and hearing were unaffected. But I do walk around all day wanting to “put my eye out”.

Neuropathic itch is a potent trigger of reflex and volitional scratching although this provides only fleeting relief. Rare patients whose lesion causes sensory loss as well as neuropathic itch can scratch deeply enough to cause painless self-injury. The most common location is on the face (trigeminal trophic syndrome). Treating neuropathic itch is difficult; antihistamines, corticosteroids, and most pain medications are largely ineffective.”Neuropathic itch is a potent trigger of reflex and volitional scratching although this provides only fleeting relief. Rare patients whose lesion causes sensory loss as well as neuropathic itch can scratch deeply enough to cause painless self-injury. The most common location is on the face (trigeminal trophic syndrome). Treating neuropathic itch is difficult; antihistamines, corticosteroids, and most pain medications are largely ineffective.”

Oaklander AL. Neuropathic itch. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2011 Jun;30(2):87-92. doi: 10.1016/j.sder.2011.04.006. PMID: 21767768; PMCID: PMC3139924.

Oh, and if you want to audition as an extra in zombie flick, just take the Gabapentin, you’ll rule at the role of “the walking dead in pain”. Cause’ in my experience, that’s all that drug is good for — zombification.

So all you 50 plus year-olds, check out the “Beav” in the video below. Then the BIG QUESTION to Vax or not to Vax, with this one you have the freedom to choose — and hey, enjoy your ride.