Mid-Morning Ride in the Heat
The August heat is taking its toll on the vegetation around here. It wants to get me as well. I did get an earlier start today leaving home at 9:51. I rode what I call the “New Caney – Roman Forest – Splendora” route. This takes me north along US59 and then through Roman Forest where I take Tram Road north to FM2090.there is some shade along the route thank goodness. Once I am on FM2090 I ride west to US59. A quick stop at the Chevron station to refill my water bottle and I am on my way south on the US59 service road. The ride south was into the light wind which slowed me down. Fortunately I had built up some extra time so I was able to maintain my average speed above 15 mph ending up at 15.6 mph.
Here is the view from the Splendora Chevron looking west and northwest towards US59.
Looking to the northwest
Looking to the west. Notice the Crepe Myrtle blooms and blue sky
When I got to Porter I took a break at the Star Stop Exxon. This was at the 31.5 mile point. It felt good sitting in the shade under the pump canopy. It took about 15 minutes to dry up most of the perspiration. There was about 10 miles left to reach home. After about 25 minutes I got back on the bike and took the service road south to Kingwood Drive.
Riding in the heat should get me ready for the Hotter’N Hell Hundred ride this Saturday. The weather forecast calls for 102 degrees and clear.
I have biked two times wearing a new brand of bike shorts I haven’t used before. They are Aero Tech Designs shorts. The first ride wasn’t as comfortable as the Voler shorts I usually ride in but today’s ride was better. The inseam is about 1/2″ shorter than the Voler shorts so the white skin above my tan line got exposed some. I ordered two pair but based on the first ride I returned one pair. I will keep this pair in my shorts rotation.
August miles are getting closer to my 845 mile goal; today’s ride put me at 621.67 miles leaving 223 miles to go. I could ride over 200 miles this week with 2 days off so I should be real close to the goal by next Monday. I biked 40.65 miles today. I am up to 4834 miles for the year.
Links to Garmin Connect and RideWithGPS.
Click on the images below to enlarge them.
