The alarm went off at 5:45 and I went to the kitchen to check on the temperature. When I went to bed around 11:30PM it was in the 50’s but now it said 44 degrees. As I walked to the bathroom I had to pass the nice warm bed. Thoughts of getting back in the bed flooded my mind but I made it past and started getting ready. Anticipating the chill I added an extra jersey to my clothes lineup last night and now I was wonder if three would be enough. I am a confessed temperature wimp. Anything below 60 requires a super effort to get me on the bike.

Other than the chill the day promised to be a great day to ride and it came through. I bundled up with 2 long sleeve jerseys sandwiching a short sleeve one. The leg warmers are a marvelous thing and my legs stayed warm the whole ride. The windbreaker jacket over the 3 jerseys did its job though towards the end I noticed moisture building up inside because this one does not have any vents. Full finger gloves were a must. When we left the starting line I wondered if the gloves would keep my fingers warm but the sun helped to overcome the wind chill.

Most of the roads we traveled are ones I ride on my own but there were a few east of US90 that I don’t ride. The road surfaces were good and with the number of riders we claimed a lane on the FM1960 causeway over Lake Houston keeping us out of the gravel on the shoulder. The wind was not high coming from the east and the chill was noticeable when we turned into it. I slowed down with the headwind and struggled into the 26 mile rest stop. Leaving that stop the route generally headed west with the wind. The sun on my back felt good and probably accounted for the buildup of moisture. At the 26 mile stop I took my gloves off to let them dry and my hands as well.

Signs along the ride said the long route was 51.1 miles but the Garmin 510 recorded 52.01 miles. I was surprised that I averaged 16.0 mph which the tailwind from Crosby to Humble contributed to most likely. The 52 miles moved February up to 166.36 miles, leaving 204 to the 370 mile goal. Year to date now totals 495 miles.

The ride started at the Humble High School and when I got there I was surprised to see just a few cars. Signs directed us to the north parking lot. Several people, including me, were looking for the registration area. No signs with directions. I had not read the instructions very well but vaguely remembered the registration was on the south side in the Technology Center and I moved my Jeep to that parking area. From there I saw people walking to the east and followed them. Success! Duly registered I went back to the Jeep handing out some Texbiker.net business cards along the way. I was pleasantly surprised when two riders said they visited Texbiker.net and asked if I was Rick. It is pleasing to know people come to the website.

After the ride I hate lunched and talked with Andy at my table. A lady was handing out business cards for the TWFG Gran Fondo on March 30th. I gave her a Texbiker.net card in exchange.

This is the longest ride so far this year and the muscles are telling me about it as I write this. My sit bones have to toughen up more. Maybe the weather will cooperate and I can ride more in the coming days. Overall the ride was great. Rest stops were well stocked (the two I stopped at). Everyone was cheerful. I would guess 600 bikers participated.

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