I knew it was going to be tough ride on the “New Caney – Tavola – Valley Ranch” route. The wind was out of the NE at 22 mph with 30 mph gusts when I checked the weather just before starting the ride at 12:31 pm. I delayed starting the ride about 40 minutes waiting on the temperature to warm up into the 70’s. This caused me to change my wardrobe a couple of times before getting dressed. At first I was going to wear shorts, a thermal long sleeve jersey, a short sleeve jersey, and a windbreaker jacket. As the temperature improved I deleted the short sleeve jersey and then the jacket adding a regular long sleeve jersey instead. This combination turned out to be pretty good despite the strong wind.

Weather during the bike ride: start 72 (37% humidity), clear, wind NE 22 mph, gusts 28 mph. Finish 75 (31% humidity), clear, wind NE 16 mph, gust 24 mph. The cooler windy weather followed the front that passed through during the night. Humidity today was about half of what it was yesterday enhancing the chilliness.

Biking north the wind was constantly trying to push me back. Sometimes I glanced at the Elemnt computer and saw my power output in the 400 to 500+ watt range especially when a gust hit or I rode out in the open. My legs complained but I kept pedaling. Once I reached Tavola I rode among some trees which helped break the wind. I stopped across from the school and took this photo.

Not long after taking the pictures I had to grab the Canyon to keep the wind from blowing it over. This was about 15.9 miles into the ride. Making my way to Roman Forest Blvd. I stopped at the Shell station to answer a text message thinking the wind would really help get back to Kingwood. Riding away from the station I felt the wind pushing me and the pedal effort was much less than what it took get there.

Biking back to Kingwood went much quicker than getting to Tavola. Sometimes I rode into the wind but only for short distances. I got past the Briar Tree schools before the school buses arrived. This set me up to ride by the Kings Manor school a few minutes before everyone starting picking up the children. I thought I might get caught by the Bear Branch school traffic but I was there too before dismissal.

Finishing the ride at 3:05 pm my legs were relieved to not be facing the wind anymore.

Thursday is an off day but I plan on biking on Friday. I am at 116.54 miles for the week and month.

SportTracks Bike Ride Summary