What a gorgeous day! The cool front passed through yesterday with rain and cooler temperatures. I did not bike then but today I rode the “New Caney – Tavola – Valley Ranch” route. When I got up this morning it was a chilly 48 outside but by the time I left at 11:33 AM it was 71. The wardrobe choice: shorts (2nd pair of warranty replacement Bellwether Endurance Gel), long sleeve thermal jersey and a short sleeve jersey. The bright sun felt great but in the shade it was a little cool until I warmed up. Wind was not an issue from the NW at 5 mph at the end of the ride (2:01 PM).<\/p>\n
Riding north the front side of me was cool since it was hidden from the sun. At Community Drive and Loop 494 I caught a oversized load moving north on Loop 494. Traffic was backed up as the truck maneuvered under the low hanging traffic lights at some intersections. Once I got on 494 I followed then convoy to the I-69\/US59 service road south of Roman Forest Blvd. where they moved to the freeway, slowing traffic there.<\/p>\n
Making the turn south the wind aided me as I improved my overall average speed to 14.8 mph and overall average watts to 98 even hitting 101 at times.<\/p>\n
I finished the ride with the temperature up to 76 and the humidity a very 37%. Cool weather will hang around with another front later this week.<\/p>\n
With today’s ride I am 124 miles<\/strong> away from my 6,800 goal by the end of October.<\/p>\n