The last time I biked the “Eagle Springs – Walden – Huffman” route was June 5th, 2014. I didn’t plan returning two months later. Today’s route was a couple of miles longer because I added some streets through Elm Grove and Sherwood Trails. I rode 36.9 miles today versus 34.85 back then. Today’s average speed was 15.6 mph. The first 5 mile lap I was 2 minutes and 15 seconds behind averaging 15 mph. It wasn’t until the ride home from Huffman that I was able to make enough time to get the average up. In the second slide below the 5 mile lap times and averages were above 15 mph except for lap 1 and lap 8. Those are through residential streets with many stops. This route has a number of long stretches without traffic interruptions which helps keep my speed up.

This route is the one I had my T-bone car collision last year. Going past the spot brings back memories of the car pulling in front of me. Riding the route helps to get past those thoughts. Tomorrow will mark the 9th anniversary of another vehicle encounter. I was riding south on the US59 service road north of Porter when a SUV sideswiped me. Several memories that I need to be careful and watch out.

Today I was riding west on FM1960 after exiting the causeway over Lake Houston. The first street is Atascocita Shores Drive. I checked my rear view mirror for cars turning right since I was going straight. I saw three cars with their turn signals on. The first two had enough room to turn before me but the third one didn’t. That did not stop the driver from turning right though. He was so far past the second lane of Atascocita Shores that he had to drive into their left turn lane to get around me. I shook my head as I slowed down to let him turn.

Other than that the ride was uneventful. I took my usual break at the Huffman Chevron. Sitting under the gas pump canopy was pleasant as the breeze blew away the heat and sweat.

Weather conditions were quite favorable: 87 degrees, 78% humidity and a 6 mph breeze at 10:38 when I left home. By the time I returned at 1:40 it was 91 degrees, 68% humidity and the wind was from the ESE at 7 mph. Mostly cloudy skies held the sun back some. I wore wrist bands to help absorb the sweat on my arms. They were soaked and my gloves were not so wet. Tomorrow’s forecast: 92 degrees and clear. Biking looks favorable then.

Mileage standings:

• 79.90 miles this week
• 180.9 miles for August (663 miles left to reach my August goal)
• 4393 miles year to date

Links to Garmin Connect and RideWithGPS

[wppa type=”slide” album=”384″ size=”auto”]Any comment[/wppa]