I returned to my southerly route today which means my 40+ mile string comes to an end. It’s not that I did not want to keep it going but I like to vary the routes and this one came up. The route totaled 33.59 miles at an average speed of 15.6 mph so my string of 16+ mph average speeds ended as well. The weather could not have been better: scattered clouds, 37% humidity, 83 – 90 degrees, and a light 4 mph breeze. My max speed was only 21.3 mph but I maintained it for long stretches. According to my speed – distance data I biked at 17.5 to 20.6 mph for 70.9% of the ride. This took 1:31:38 of the total 2:09:12 riding time. Miles as of today’s ride: 124.18 this week, 483.35 for May, 2419.02 year to date.

Not much different from the rides before on this route although according to a message board at the west entrance to the FM1960 causeway over Lake Houston the right lane is supposed to be closed from May 17th to August 21 but there was no sign of any lane being closed. Today is May 17th. At the 27 mile mark another biker caught up to me. We chatted for a second as he went by. From the looks of his bike and outfit he was a triathlete. Later on I caught back with him at the Kings River Drive and W Lake Houston Parkway traffic light. He said he was out for a 20 mile ride. He turned left at the light while I went right.

Tomorrow my ride will be an afternoon event because my wife and I are going to Bush Intercontinental Airport to welcome back about 250 wounded warriors in the morning.

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