I set out on the “New Caney – Roman Forest – Valley Ranch” route at 12:07 pm after a delay adjusting the wind cups on my home weather station. That was okay because the weather was fantastic again with lots of sun and a mild breeze at the start. I wanted to bike at least 40 miles to bump May’s total to 300 miles. I rode 41.59 miles accomplishing that goal with 300.9 miles for May. So far I bicycled every day in May except for the 1st. This week’s total miles is 128.77 after three days. I think I can get to 200+ miles for the week. Watching stage 5 of the Giro also contributed to the late start.
Speaking of the weather this is during the bike ride: start 87 (52% humidity), a few clouds, wind S 8 mph. Finish 89 (43% humidity), partly cloudy, wind SW 7 mph, 17 mph gusts. I didn’t realize until I looked after finishing that wind gusts were 17 mph. That explains the extra effort required out in the open biking south.
One of the times I do this route I need to include the full Roman Forest Loop to the very east end of Roman Forest. The last time I did it I think there was a dog sprint involved. The streets are rough because it is not in the city limits.
On the way out of Roman Forest I stopped at the Shell station to fill my water bottle and I this photo which is kind of a selfie with reflection in the window.
I was there just long enough to get the ice and water and take the photo. Next turn would be at I-69/US59 onto the southbound service road. I thought the wind would tough there and it was but there were times when it let up and I increased my speed. Valley Ranch Parkway changed my direction some and the wind wasn’t so bad until the bend back to the SW. A quick stop at the Stripes station for more water and I was back on the bike.
School traffic was going to be a problem if I was not quick through Briar Tree but I got by before the school buses arrived. Not the case at Kings Manor but I made it through the school zone without stopping. Cars were parked on the street but no movement.
Biking through Kingwood the stopping and starting drug my average speed down from 14.7 mph to the 14.3 mph at the 3:15 pm finish.
After the bike ride I needed to adjust the weather station wind cups some more.I tightened a screw too tight when I was working on it yesterday but I didn’t loosen it enough before the bike ride today so I loosened more. The wind cups now spin easily.
More great riding weather on Thursday.
SportTracks Bike Ride Summary
