New Caney – Roman Forest – Splendora Biking
Some pictures from today’s ride to Splendora (Click on the image to enlarge it). One picture I didn’t take was of Archie’s grocery store in downtown Splendora. Archie’s has been there for many years. The round-about in Woodridge Forest reminds of the Tour de France. They are rare in the US. The photo at the back of Roman Forest shows the forest. For many years I did not know Tram Road went through to FM2090. The road surface is smooth and the dogs are behind fences.
The route went north from Kingwood through New Caney, Roman Forest and Splendora before riding south on the US59 service road all the way to Kingwood Drive. This was 40.26 miles with a 16.3 mph average speed.
Finally the weather is drying out some although early in the ride on Loop 494 two big rain drops hit my glasses and helmet. After that it was partly cloudy. I didn’t start quite as early as I planned leaving at 10:18 with 84 degrees (96% humidity) and returning at 1:30 with 94 degrees (91% humidity). There was no wind other than what I created by riding.
On the way back home I took a break at the Star Stop Exxon in Porter at FM1314 and US59. I haven’t stopped here in awhile. Over the years this station has had many designs. It started as a full service Exxon station, then that was bulldozed to make an automated Exxon station with no attendants. That must not have worked and they added a store. The store has had a couple of names: Tiger Mart and now Star Stop. I am afraid the Star Stop is a little ragged around the edges.
Last Saturday after the ride I noticed the chain was making some noise. I applied Chain-L No. 5 oil and it runs smooth and quiet. The one problem with Chain-L is it can be messy if you put too much on. For a few rides after an application I have to wipe Chain-L off the right chain stay. If I don’t use a clean cloth it swears which doesn’t look good on a white frame. The chain has about 2900 miles on it. I am thinking of changing it when I get to 4000 miles.
Mileage statistics:
- 40.26 miles this week
- 533.85 miles for July (182 miles to reach July’s goal)
- 3909 miles for the year
Links to Garmin Connect and RideWithGPS.
Tomorrow’s weather: partly cloudy, 94 degrees, 20% chance of rain.
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