As promised the weather reverted to late summer conditions although this evening fall arrives. I chose the “May Park Community Center – Huffman” route heading south and east planning on riding at least 40 miles. I ended up biking 41.4 miles, the longest ride this week. In my quest to reach 6,000 miles for the year by September 30th I am now 149 miles away. I think I can do it!!
The ride started at 10:59 AM under a partly cloudy sky, 87 degrees and 75% humidity. With the humidity that high the temperature didn’t feel that hot but it wasn’t long before perspiration was flowing. The wind was from the SE at 12 mph for most of the ride meaning I had headwind for the majority of the ride. My legs were able to power the pedals in a satisfactory level so that I rode at 15 to 18 mph most of the time. I don’t remember having a problem with the headwind but I sure did enjoy the tailwind when I had it.
Typically on this route I stop at the May Community Center to refill my water bottle but today I skipped that intending to take a long rest break at the Huffman Chevron station. I hoped they fixed the broken fountain beverage machine because I wanted to drink a blue PowerAde along with the two fruit and grain bars I brought. Arriving at the Chevron station at the 29.2 mile point (1:08 PM) I was ready for a rest but this also meant I should ride more than 40 miles by the finish. Walking inside the store I saw the fountain machine was back in service, filled a cup and went back outside. Sitting in the shade the breeze cooled me and dried out my jersey some. After about 35 minutes I got back on the bike and headed west on FM 1960.
Approaching Atascocita Shores Drive the shoulder was blocked with a bunch of orange barrels causing me to stop on the shoulder and wait for an opening in the traffic to ride around them to make the right turn. There was a new sign warning of road work ahead before I got to the barrels but unless they are working underground no work was visible. There is a project to widen FM 1960 from the west end of the causeway for several miles, I guess they are getting ready to start. This shouldn’t make me change my route since I don’t’ ride on FM 1960 but for a few hundred feet on the west side of the lake.
Earlier I was please to see the sidewalk replacement in front of Kingwood High School beside the west bound lanes is finished so I can resume biking there instead of using the eastbound sidewalk which requires me to sit through a traffic light.
Finishing the ride at 2:36 PM put me in front of the Elm Grove Elementary school traffic. With Kingwood High School closed due to Hurricane Harvey flooding traffic there is not an issue. The high school may be closed for the school year. I saw many trucks and workers as I rode by the high school.
More great weather tomorrow and I plan on riding.
Strava Ride Summary (click on the image to go to Strava.com)
