The weather warmed up slightly today at 74 degrees as I rolled out the driveway at 12:01. The blue sky from yesterday is still with us as well as the wind. The wind direction shifted to the south and south southeast. Anticipating warmer temperatures as I rode I chose to wear shorts, a short sleeve jersey over a long sleeve jersey and half finger gloves. I was comfortable once I warmed up but the strong wind (17.3 mph from the SSE at the beginning) still was a little chilly.

I varied the route to the north with the “New Caney – Roman Forest – Valley Ranch” choice. The wind helped me along until I got to Roman Forest Blvd. and made the u-turn to the south. The wind slammed me and my speed dropped from 18+ mph to 15 mph. I had built my average speed up to 15.3 mph until the turn and it slowly dropped as I rode into it. At the 20.64 mile mark I rode into the Stripes station at FM1314 and Valley Ranch Parkway. My legs needed some rest before I tackled the remaining 11+ miles to home. I was there long enough to eat three granola bars, drink some water and refill my water bottle. The weather while I was Stripes.

Leaving Stripes I struggled in the wind through Briar Tree, Oakhurst and along the south bound US59 service road before taking the u-turn under US59. The north bound service road put the wind from my right rear quarter and I rode faster. I made it past all of the schools before they let out. I was back home at 2:39. The temperature was 78 by then and the wind even stronger, south 16 mph with 25 mph gusts. No wonder I had to pedal so hard. February bike legs are no match for the wind. March could be even be more windy.

With today’s 32.25 miles I am at the 90 miles left to reach February’s 346 mile goal. I plan on biking tomorrow and Saturday at the Bull Dog Bike Ride in Waller. The weather forecast calls for warmer temperatures with no rain.

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Below is a comparison of the 4 previous rides on today’s route. (click the image to enlarge it)