It’s a good thing I looked at the weather forecast before leaving on today’s bike ride. A “cool” front would pass through while I rode the “Atascocita – Walden – Huffman” route dropping the temperature and increasing the wind. I decided to over dress and wear a long sleeve jersey and a short sleeve jersey, and shorts. I was extra warm until about 12 miles into what ended up being a 33.55 mile long ride when the front arrived. This was on Pinehurst Trail riding to Walden. I could feel the change in the temperature. When I started the ride at 11:10 it was 82 degrees with mostly cloudy skies and a light breeze. By the time I finished at 1:37 the temperature dropped to 73 degrees and the wind was out of the NW at 17 mph. Thankfully my precaution wardrobe choice kept me comfortable.
Many years ago I got caught while out biking when a strong cold front arrived. I was riding along US59 near New Caney. In a matter of minutes the temperature dropped sharply into the 50’s and the wind chill got hold of me. That time I had not dressed like I did today. It was a shock to my body. I made it home but it took awhile to warm up.
Other bikers were out along the route. When I rode by the Church on the Lake on Fairlake Drive there were several bikers in the parking lot chatting. I waved and they waved back. One bicyclist was coming towards the street and I thought he might follow me but I didn’t see him in my rearview mirror as I rode south and through the curve. Later riding on Atascocita Shores Drive on the way back to Kingwood another biker was going the opposite direction.
The wind was a problem from the 12 mile point until the end of the ride. I was surprised the wind wasn’t as tough when I rode west over Lake Houston on FM 1960. Without any wind break I expect to buffeted around but I was able to keep a steady line. Riding east was tougher with the wind catching my high profile rims and trying push me to the side.
I need 202 miles to reach my April goal. I plan on biking tomorrow after church. The weather should be like today after the front moves out.
Yesterday I received my new bike. With the help of my wife I assembled it yesterday evening. It is the Blue Norcross AL cyclocross bike. The plan is to replace my heavy Motobecane 700HT mountain bike with this lighter bike. I hope to ride it tomorrow. I need to move the pedals from the MTB until the Shimano 105 pedals arrive next week. I will post pictures when I do the first ride.
Links to Strava.com and RideWithGPS.com
Strava Extended Statistics
Strava Extended Statistics
Airport weather at the end of the ride
