Texbiker.net » Ride Report http://www.texbiker.net/blog Texas Bicycling Events, News, Experiences Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:35:45 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= This evening’s ride was brisk with… – March 9th Bike Ride http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/03/09/this-evenings-ride-was-brisk-with-march-9th-bike-ride/ http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/03/09/this-evenings-ride-was-brisk-with-march-9th-bike-ride/#comments Thu, 10 Mar 2011 02:23:48 +0000 Rick Ankrum http://www.texbiker.net/blog/?p=7628 This evening’s ride was brisk with a cooling breeze, clear skies and 64 degree temperature. For some reason tonight’s ride I was able to ride at a high cadence and maintain a good average speed considering I was riding my mountain bike. With daylight savings time arriving Sunday this was probably my next to last [...]]]> This evening’s ride was brisk with a cooling breeze, clear skies and 64 degree temperature. For some reason tonight’s ride I was able to ride at a high cadence and maintain a good average speed considering I was riding my mountain bike. With daylight savings time arriving Sunday this was probably my next to last ride on the Motobecane 700 MTB. I should be able to ride tomorrow night and then I will start riding my road bike almost exclusively. This will help me pick up the pace since my speed and distance on the road bike is better than the MT. No events during the ride tonight just cranking the pedals and watching for traffic and critters on the trails.

March mileage update:

  • March miles 56.18
  • YTD miles 581.35

3-9-2011 Ride Data and Map

Additional charts, weather and map.

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]]> http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/03/09/this-evenings-ride-was-brisk-with-march-9th-bike-ride/feed/ 0 It was a dark and windy evening… – March 7th Bike Ride http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/03/07/it-was-a-dark-and-windy-evening-march-7th-bike-ride/ http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/03/07/it-was-a-dark-and-windy-evening-march-7th-bike-ride/#comments Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:14:00 +0000 Rick Ankrum http://www.texbiker.net/blog/?p=7605 It was a dark and windy evening when I left for my ride. Well actually it did not get real dark until about 10 minutes after I left on the ride. The windy part is true with the 18 mph SE wind making the ride a challenge when I hit the exposed areas. The heavy [...]]]> It was a dark and windy evening when I left for my ride. Well actually it did not get real dark until about 10 minutes after I left on the ride. The windy part is true with the 18 mph SE wind making the ride a challenge when I hit the exposed areas. The heavy clouds could have let some rain loose any time but I only had a few isolated sprinkles at the 3.5 mile mark. Tomorrow has a slight chance of rain so maybe I can get a ride in.

The weekend was a bust as far as riding was concerned. Saturday morning had rain so I skipped the Baytown Gator Ride. In fact as the day wore on the temperature dropped into the lower 50′s, below my threshold. Sunday had too many other duties so biking could not get up the priority list.

March mileage report:

  • March miles 42.23
  • YTD miles 567.41

3-7-2011 Ride Data

Additional charts, weather and map.

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]]> http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/03/07/it-was-a-dark-and-windy-evening-march-7th-bike-ride/feed/ 0 March riding got off to a good start… – March 1st Bike Ride http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/03/01/march-riding-got-off-to-a-good-start-march-1st-bike-ride/ http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/03/01/march-riding-got-off-to-a-good-start-march-1st-bike-ride/#comments Wed, 02 Mar 2011 02:30:19 +0000 Rick Ankrum http://www.texbiker.net/blog/?p=7513 March riding got off to a good start. The saying goes for March weather, “In like a lamb, out like a lion.” Well March 2011 was a lamb today. The temperature when I started riding was 69 and when I got back it was 63. Clear skies and a calm breeze were also present. Saturday’s [...]]]> March riding got off to a good start. The saying goes for March weather, “In like a lamb, out like a lion.” Well March 2011 was a lamb today. The temperature when I started riding was 69 and when I got back it was 63. Clear skies and a calm breeze were also present. Saturday’s Gator Ride in Baytown is looking questionable weather wise with the forecast for thunder storms but 75/45 temperature range. I will have to wait until Friday or Saturday morning to make the decision to ride. The darkness is getting later and I am looking forward to daylight savings time on 3/13/2011. Rode the Motobecane 700HT MTB with lights. Clothing: leg warmers, 1 long sleeve jersey, wind breaker, regular gloves.

Mileage report:

  • March miles 12.09
  • YTD miles 537.27

3-1-2011 Ride Data and Map
]]> http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/03/01/march-riding-got-off-to-a-good-start-march-1st-bike-ride/feed/ 0 Today’s ride was a windjammer – February 27th Bike Ride http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/27/todays-ride-was-a-windjammer-february-27th-bike-ride/ http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/27/todays-ride-was-a-windjammer-february-27th-bike-ride/#comments Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:01:34 +0000 Rick Ankrum http://www.texbiker.net/blog/?p=7493 Today’s ride was a windjammer. The wind was a solid 21 mph from the south. I was trying to make this ride an easy one after yesterday’s 43 miles and being early in the season but with a wind like this it was not easy. When I had a tailwind I could sail along. The [...]]]> Today’s ride was a windjammer. The wind was a solid 21 mph from the south. I was trying to make this ride an easy one after yesterday’s 43 miles and being early in the season but with a wind like this it was not easy. When I had a tailwind I could sail along. The temperature was an unbelievable 83 and the partly cloudy skies were great. With 22+ miles I rolled over the 300 mark for February. Maybe I can add to it tomorrow but the weather is supposed to change to cooler.

Mileage report:

  • February miles 307.19
  • YTD miles 525.18

2-27-2011 Bike Ride Data and map
]]> http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/27/todays-ride-was-a-windjammer-february-27th-bike-ride/feed/ 0 The sky was overcast and threatening… – February 26th Bike Ride http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/26/the-sky-was-overcast-and-threatening-february-26th-bike-ride/ http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/26/the-sky-was-overcast-and-threatening-february-26th-bike-ride/#comments Sat, 26 Feb 2011 22:03:38 +0000 Rick Ankrum http://www.texbiker.net/blog/?p=7482 The sky was overcast and threatening drizzle when I started the ride. About two-thirds of the into the ride I started to feel m0re moisture in the air but the drizzle did not materialize. Temperature was not a problem with 70 degrees at the start and 74 at the end. Wind was ESE 2 mph [...]]]> The sky was overcast and threatening drizzle when I started the ride. About two-thirds of the into the ride I started to feel m0re moisture in the air but the drizzle did not materialize. Temperature was not a problem with 70 degrees at the start and 74 at the end. Wind was ESE 2 mph when I finished and I do not think it was much more than that out on the road. Today’s ride put me within 16 miles of the 300 mile goal for February. The weather for tomorrow should be good for riding so I will probably have the opportunity to ride. No other cyclists were spotted today. When I was riding with the breeze behind I was able to keep a steady 17-18 mph pace. The Motobecane Le Champion road bike continues to impress me with the ride and comfort. A big part of the comfort is the Koobi saddle. Also the switch to Shimano Ultegra pedals was a wise move. My foot problems have disappeared with the exit of the Look Keo pedals. The narrow Keo cleat seems to have been the problem because I am using the same Diadora shoes.

Mileage report:

  • February miles 284.8
  • YTD miles 502.79

2-26-2011 Ride Data

Additional charts, weather and map.

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]]> http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/26/the-sky-was-overcast-and-threatening-february-26th-bike-ride/feed/ 0 Heavy clouds, 72 degrees and a light 2.7 mph… – February 23rd Bike Ride http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/23/heavy-clouds-72-degrees-and-a-light-2-7-mph-february-23rd-bike-ride/ http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/23/heavy-clouds-72-degrees-and-a-light-2-7-mph-february-23rd-bike-ride/#comments Thu, 24 Feb 2011 02:11:54 +0000 Rick Ankrum http://www.texbiker.net/blog/?p=7457 Heavy clouds, 72 degrees and a light 2.7 mph south wind were the scene for tonight’s bike ride. I received my new Oregon Scientific weather station yesterday and got all of the sensors up and running. It took long enough to override the time to go for a ride but I now have current weather [...]]]> Heavy clouds, 72 degrees and a light 2.7 mph south wind were the scene for tonight’s bike ride. I received my new Oregon Scientific weather station yesterday and got all of the sensors up and running. It took long enough to override the time to go for a ride but I now have current weather again. Earlier this month we were getting temperatures way below the norm and now we are getting them way above the norm so overall for the month we may end up normal. This is good for biking but it keeps me guessing about reaching my goal for 300 miles this month. I do not know if I will ride around my area this weekend or go to the Bulldog Bike Ride and Pancake Breakfast in Waller. I am leaning to my area.

I continue to enjoy riding my Motobecane 700HT MTB on these evening rides in the dark. The disc brakes are very good and the knobby tires keep me on track. I wonder if the chrome finish helps drivers see me although I am on low traffic side streets and trails beside the major streets. No other riders out that I saw.

Mileage report:

  • February miles 231.62
  • YTD miles 449.61

2-23-2011 Ride data and map

Additional charts, weather and map.

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]]> http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/23/heavy-clouds-72-degrees-and-a-light-2-7-mph-february-23rd-bike-ride/feed/ 0 Every flag I saw today… – February 20th Bike Ride http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/20/every-flag-i-saw-today-february-20th-bike-ride/ http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/20/every-flag-i-saw-today-february-20th-bike-ride/#comments Sun, 20 Feb 2011 19:54:51 +0000 Rick Ankrum http://www.texbiker.net/blog/?p=7431 The wind kicked up today from yesterday’s ride. Every flag I saw today was standing straight out from the 16+ mph south wind. This was great for the first part of the ride when I had a tailwind. When I tuned into the wind I could tell my muscles were not ready after yesterday’s ride [...]]]> The wind kicked up today from yesterday’s ride. Every flag I saw today was standing straight out from the 16+ mph south wind. This was great for the first part of the ride when I had a tailwind. When I tuned into the wind I could tell my muscles were not ready after yesterday’s ride to move at more than a crawl. The 76 degrees and mostly cloudy skies made me think spring had arrived. I hope this is the case but I should know better. No other riders today.

Ride mileage as of today:

  • February miles 217.6
  • YTD miles 435.59

2-20-2011 Ride data

Additional charts and map. Click on an image to enlarge it.

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]]> http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/20/every-flag-i-saw-today-february-20th-bike-ride/feed/ 0 Humble Lions Club Bike Ride with Fog and Mist http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/19/humble-lions-club-bike-ride-with-fog-and-mist/ http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/19/humble-lions-club-bike-ride-with-fog-and-mist/#comments Sat, 19 Feb 2011 21:20:22 +0000 Rick Ankrum http://www.texbiker.net/blog/?p=7422 When I awoke this morning and read the weather conditions I was bracing for some dampness. with the temperature at 60 degrees at 6:00 AM and the humidity at 100% the fog and mist were in the air. I thought I would need to use the windshield wipers while driving the 10 miles or so [...]]]> When I awoke this morning and read the weather conditions I was bracing for some dampness. with the temperature at 60 degrees at 6:00 AM and the humidity at 100% the fog and mist were in the air. I thought I would need to use the windshield wipers while driving the 10 miles or so to the start but they were not needed. The forecast said the fog should burn off by mid-morning and it did. The ride began at the Humble High School as the Humble Civic Center had another event. When I got there about 7:10 AM the parking lot was starting fill up. Before I went to see if there were any extra T-shirts and swag bags I walked around handing out Texbiker.net business cards. I should have brought more than the 30 or so. Several people commented that they visited Texbiker.net regularly.

The walk to the starting line was a long one so I had to walk briskly to get back and get the bike out. That done I rode to the start line. Unknowingly I got in line not too fr from Jim Brown who goes to church with me at First United Methodist in Humble. We talked while waiting for the ride to begin. We got off a little later than planned with my clipping in at 8:16. Since the ride uses arm bands it is hard to judge the number of riders but I think about 500 riders were in the starting area.

The streets were damp as we pulled out but there were stretches that were dry. The fog was the heaviest riding across the McKay Causeway over Lake Houston. Prior to that I stopped at rest stop #1 to visit the restroom and to get my cadence sensor to work. The sensor had slid forward on the chain stay. That is why the cadence chart does not show anything until about mile 6 or 7.

Various Lions Clubs man the rest stops and they were well staffed and stocked. I stopped at each one but usually just to take a couple of pictures or some video. The ones I stopped at for a longer period were #1, #3 and #4. Number 4 is in Crosby at John Keating Chevrolet. The reason to stop there is the breakfast tacos they serve. I had 2. After that stop there is only one more. Somewhere after rest stop #3 I missed a turn sign and ended up going off the planned route but it was not difficult to get back on the route at US90 in Crosby.

I felt great today and was able to average 15.7 mph. There is only one short incline in the ride when we go over the railroad on W. Lake Houston Parkway and then it is back to the flat road to the finish. I did not eat the BBQ at the finish but I could smell the aroma as I rode to the Jeep.

Mileage status after the ride:

  • February miles 192.52
  • YTD 410.51

2-19-2011 ride Data and Map

Ride Photo Gallery

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Additional charts, weather and Garmin Connect stuff.

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]]> http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/19/humble-lions-club-bike-ride-with-fog-and-mist/feed/ 0 No leg warmers were required… – February 17th Bike Ride http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/17/no-leg-warmers-were-required-february-17th-bike-ride/ http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/17/no-leg-warmers-were-required-february-17th-bike-ride/#comments Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:35:09 +0000 Rick Ankrum http://www.texbiker.net/blog/?p=7395 No leg warmers were required for tonight’s ride. Compared to last week the 66 degrees this evening was a delight even with the mostly cloudy skies and 12 mph breeze. It was nice to get a ride in again instead of battling the windtrainer. I encountered several other bikers and for a change they all [...]]]> No leg warmers were required for tonight’s ride. Compared to last week the 66 degrees this evening was a delight even with the mostly cloudy skies and 12 mph breeze. It was nice to get a ride in again instead of battling the windtrainer. I encountered several other bikers and for a change they all had lights. I am concerned about the riders though that are riding in the dark with ear buds. It is bad enough during the daylight to ride without being able to hear what is going on around you. The Motobecane 700HT is a smooth ride on the paved trails and streets. The disk brakes are firm stoppers when I need a sudden whoa.

Weather is supposed to be warm through the weekend which means the Humble Lion’s Club ride on Saturday should have no problem from the weather. I plan on riding this ride like most years. In the past weather has been a problem some years. One year I finished in a drizzle and 50 degrees. The road was wet enough to cause a mess from the grit and grime spraying up.

Mileage update:

  • February miles 139.92
  • YTD miles 357.91

2-17-2011 Ride Data and Map

Additional charts, weather and map.

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]]> http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/17/no-leg-warmers-were-required-february-17th-bike-ride/feed/ 0 Last week I was huddled around… – February 15th Bike Ride http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/15/last-week-i-was-huddled-around-february-15th-bike-ride/ http://www.texbiker.net/blog/2011/02/15/last-week-i-was-huddled-around-february-15th-bike-ride/#comments Wed, 16 Feb 2011 02:30:07 +0000 Rick Ankrum http://www.texbiker.net/blog/?p=7379 What a difference a week can make. Last week I was huddled around a block of ice trying to keep warm. This week the temperature is in the 70′s during the day and in the 60′s at night. I did not ride last evening since it was Valentine’s Day but tonight I was out on [...]]]> What a difference a week can make. Last week I was huddled around a block of ice trying to keep warm. This week the temperature is in the 70′s during the day and in the 60′s at night. I did not ride last evening since it was Valentine’s Day but tonight I was out on the trails and streets on my Motobecane 700HT MTB. I have not rode this bike since February 5th. It was great not riding the windtrainer. Even with the moderate temperature I still wore two long sleeve jerseys, leg warmers and a windbreaker jacket. I probably could have made it with half finger gloves but I played safe and went with the full finger ones. Partly cloudy skies and a calm wind were appreciated. when I left home the temperature was 64.9 and at the finish it was 61.6.

Yesterday my Oregon Scientific weather station decided to stop working. It uses solar powered wireless sensors. I have had it for an unknown number of years. I diagnosed the problem to be the NiMh batteries in the solar units. I thought this would be an easy and cheap fix since thy resembled  cordless phone batteries. A trip to Radio Shack was no help. Looking online I found several sources but they were in the UK. A couple of US sources showed a price of $30 per battery. With two sensors down the batteries would cost 60% of a new weather station. I ordered a new and improved Oregon Scientific WMR80A. This one does not use special batteries.

Ride progress as of today:

  • February miles 123.58
  • YTD miles 341.57

2-15-2011 Ride Summary and Map

Additional charts, weather and Garmin Connect data.

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