I put back the short sleeve jersey and pulled out an orange long sleeve one for this morning’s ride. The 71 degrees caused me to make this change. Evidently the thunderstorm that came through last evening brought some cooler weather with it. I met Ronnie Clark at 7:45 for the ride and we set off to the north enjoying the cooler weather, sunny sky and light breeze.

Our route was north along US59 but on the some side roads. This helped to keep us out of the wind which was not that strong and in the shade. As we made our north the pace was solid but not overly fast. Once we reached SH242 and turned to the west the pace stepped up. We stopped at SH242 and FM1485 for a nose break for me and to refill our water bottles. Ronnie had a Powerbar and we resumed the ride toward FM1314 where we turned left.

At FM1314 we expected a tailwind but due to the various bends in the road it was mostly a cross wind. This did not slow us down too much. Intervals 5, 6 and 7 all exceeded 18 mph average speed. After the earlier stop our plan was to continue on home but riding along FM1314 the pace took it’s toll so we stopped at the Stripes station for a break before tackling the last 11 miles. I checked my average speed at Stripes and read 17.2 mph. I don’t get to that speed very often and I have to credit riding with Ronnie as the catalyst. We both took turns pulling as we biked on FM1314 and earlier.

From the Stripes station the wind generally came from our back so the much wanted tailwind did appear but too late to help our legs much. We made our way through Briar Tree, Oakhurst before rejoining the US59 south bound service road north of Kingwood Drive. At that point we went north into the light wind until turning into Kings Manor and the residential streets.

Overall I rode 44.66 miles and the final average speed was 17.0 mph. When I got home at 11:02 the temperature increased slightly to 82.8 and the humidity was 58%. After the two stops it took a couple of miles for me to get warmed up from the cool wind blowing through my damp jersey. I haven’t had that problem in several months. August miles continue get closer to my 721 mile goal at 450.43. This week I biked 165.63 miles even with the interruptions of the workers. Year to date is at 4702 miles. It is different to ride 44 miles and be back home not that much later than when I leave for my daily rides. I need to try this more often. Retirement can be busy too.

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