My last ride was on Sunday January 26th. I waited to the last day to get some miles to put me over my 309 mile goal for January. This wasn’t my choice with some cold weather moving in on Monday. Since I could ride Monday I installed new Ultegra BR-6700 brakes on the road bike. I received some Aztec cables in advance of the brakes but when I opened the package they turned out to derailleur cables. Off to the LBS for a brake cable. This cable will work until the new ones arrive. I like the Aztec cables because they are Teflon coated (generic brand though) which holds rust at bay for a long time.

What a difference the new brakes make. Actually the brake pads make the difference. Before I had to exert a lot of squeeze for the rear brake to grab the rim but now a light touch is all that is needed. Same with the front brake. I will have to get use to this new stopping power.

The route for today’s ride took me north to New Caney and back south through Valley Ranch and into Kingwood. I biked 28.93 miles for this trip at 15.6 mph average speed putting me at 329.05 miles for January. I surpassed my goal!!! All of this biking was under a cloudy sky, 68 degrees and a 16 mph SSE wind (21 mph gusts). I was hoping the forecasted 72 degrees would show up but it didn’t make during my ride. My wardrobe choice went well with the cool factor: long sleeve jersey, leg warmers (added at the last minute), shorts, windbreaker jacket. I was comfortable during the ride once I warmed up.

Tomorrow’s weather looks favorable: 73 degrees, 40% chance of rain. A good start for February.

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