More clouds, more humidity, same wind and less degrees. What more can you ask for on a bike ride? While I rode the “Atascocita South – Walden – Huffman” route I experienced these weather conditions while I watched the gray clouds to the west. Wheels down at 11:37 with the temperature in the 80’s and by the time I reached Huffman the clouds were just as heavy and numerous. I wondered if I might get rained on but that didn’t happen.

Riding east over Lake Houston on FM1960 the wind didn’t add too much resistance as I improved my average speed. As I got ready to turn right onto Fairlake Drive there was another bicyclist standing at the corner waiting to cross FM1960 to ride west. He wore a bright red Exxon Mobil jersey riding a black bike. I said hello and he responded back. As I rode south he disappeared across FM1960. Not much later as I rode across the railroad tracks on Old Atascocita Road the warning bells started ringing but the train was to the south around a bend in the track. I rode across the tracks and the crossing arm came down. I could tell from the sound of the train horn it was the Amtrak passenger train. I stopped and walked back towards the tracks as the train sped by. It was earlier than the last time passing at 1:05.

Back on the bike I rode to Huffman and the Chevron station. I was at the 22 mile point of what would end up being a 34.08 mile long ride. Arriving at 1:15 I knew this should let me finish the ride before 3:00 if I didn’t stay too long. My Elemnt computer screen when I arrive and the weather while I ate my snacks.

As I ate and drank water from my bottle I took time to look at emails on my phone. One was from a Houston area weather website that recapped October weather. One point that stuck was the amount of rain we got during the month: 0.14″. Because of the absence of rain and the slightly warmer than normal temperatures we are on the edge of drought again. Maybe those rain clouds will deposit some rain to help. Not long after this fire truck pulled into the station.

What caught my eye was the number of grass fire tools on the truck; three on the side closest to me and at least two on the other side. Hopefully they don’t have to use them.

Something else unusual was the two freight trains that passed through during the 25 minutes I was at the Chevron station especially since the Amtrak train was not too far ahead of them.

I rolled away from the Chevron station with a refilled water bottle at 1:40 riding west. Getting closer to E. Lake Houston Parkway I saw flashing red and blue lights ahead on the shoulder around Lake Houston Marina. Riding closer I saw a tow truck, a Houston Police SUV cruiser, a black older Nissan or Toyota pickup facing the wrong way and in the grass beside the black pickup another Houston SUV cruiser. I didn’t have enough time to see what was going on when I moved onto the traffic lane and rode by.

The SE 12 mph wind helped me ride at a good pace all the way to Pinehurst Trail where I turned north onto the side streets to head back to Kingwood. The dark clouds were still to the west so I felt comfortable that I would finish the ride and not get rained on. I pushed the stop button to finish the ride at 2:29.

Today’s ride miles are 13% of my goal for November. The weather is great for bike rides now but it can change quickly. Last year I biked 248 miles in November so I set my goal this year at 250 miles. I will see how that goes.

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