Today’s ride went south and east on the “Atascocita South – Walden – Huffman” route. I knew the ride was going to be hot since I left home at 11:51 and the temperature was already in the mid 90’s. The sun was partially obscured by scattered clouds but there was enough coming through to make it hot. The wind was stout. I didn’t realize how stout it was until I checked the airport weather at the end of the ride: SSE 15 mph, 22 mph gusts. This probably explains why I had a tough time getting up to speed on the way to Huffman. I rode 35.24 miles today which is a little further than this route usually is. I added a section at the very beginning in the Elm Grove Village of Kingwood that I discovered recently.

The ride went well considering the heat. I stopped at the Chevron station on the west side of Lake Houston for ice and water before tackling the 5+ miles to Huffman. This was greatly appreciated as I rode to Huffman. Arriving at the Huffman Chevron at 1:40 and 23.7 miles into the ride I took this screen shot of the Wahoo Elemnt and later the IAH airport weather while I was taking a break.

I took time to drink some PowerAde and eat some snacks I brought with me. The strong wind that I had to fight to get there was now a drying hot wind that was cooling as long as I didn’t move and stayed in the shade. As I prepared to leave I went in the store to refill my water bottle for the 11+ mile ride home. I must’ve been brain dead though. I got ice but instead of water I hit the PowerAde dispenser lever. I quickly realized what I did and switched to water. The problem is that I never put anything but water in the CamelBak bottles for mold control and taste. When I got home I rinsed out the bottle with soap and water. Hopefully that restores the bottle. I pulled away from the station at 2:15 but had to wait for traffic on FM1960 to pause so I could start riding west.

Riding west the wind was still aggravating but not as much of a problem as it was getting to Huffman. It lessened when I made the right hand turn onto Pinehurst Trail. From that point I mostly rode north with the wind at my back. I got home at 3:08, moist with sweat and ready for a shower. I was surprised when I checked mu home weather station at the temperature.

Both temperature sensors were over 100 degrees. No wonder it was hot out there.

Friday’s weather is supposed to repeat but I plan on riding. My starts could be earlier if I didn’t watch the TdF first.

[iframe http://ridewithgps.com/trips/9838188/embed 600px 500px] [iframe https://www.strava.com/activities/633530996/embed/f0dca4bfeff0c3237865a8ed65aecba360882c8f 590px 405px]