I rode north today on the “New Caney – Roman Forest – Valley Ranch” route. It was what I would label a “plain Jane” ride. Except for talking with my son-in-law on the phone during my break at the Stripes station the ride went as planned without any exciting or unexpected events. The weather cooperated: bright blue sky free of any clouds, 78 degrees and a light to no wind.

Traffic was normal amounts on the roads with no problems with passing vehicles. There was a slight headwind when I made the turn around at Roman Forest Blvd. I still managed to increase my average speed to 15.2 mph. At 21.06 miles I rode into the Stripes station for a break to eat a couple of granola bars and refill my water bottle. I thought it would be a quick break until the phone conversation with my son-in-law. Before the phone call I took these weather screen shots at Stripes.

I needed to leave the Stripes station and ride quickly to avoid the school traffic at the two schools in Briar Tree. I missed that traffic there but in Kings Manor I was in the thick of the parents picking up their children. I got home at 3:15 after leaving home at 12:18. Even though the temperature was 78 I was still glad I wore a short sleeve jersey over a long sleeve one. Whenever I was in the shade the moving air had a chill to it.

Yesterday I got 4 pair of new Bellwether Forma shorts. These will replace the worn out ones I have now. I put the first pair into service today. They came from Nashbar while on sale. These are my favorite shorts because of the fabric, fit and seat pad. Normally the MSRP is $95 and I bought them on sale for $35 per pair. Over the next few rides I will cull other pairs from my wardrobe. I also had two pair of Bellwether Newton shorts. They are much like the Forma ones but the length of the leg is about 1/2″ shorter and my tan line shows. They also cost $62 per pair.

Tomorrow the weather forecast repeats today so I plan on biking. Maybe a ride to FM686?

[iframe http://ridewithgps.com/trips/8036957/embed 48% 500px] [iframe https://www.strava.com/activities/508595987/embed/0701323fff5efb3df8a8acc4fc18b13894ce4726 48% 500px]

A short comparison of all the rides on the “New Caney – Roman Forest – Valley Ranch” route this year.