I wasn’t the only bicyclist out enjoying the 73 degree weather on the first day of winter. It’s hard to think of winter when the weather is that warm. Earlier in the week, Sunday and Monday, the temperature was as low as 30 degrees and I stayed inside. Those other bikers crossed my path on the Lake Houston causeway (FM 1960). The first two rode west while I biked to the east. The third rode east while I rode west on the return route to Kingwood. I almost missed the last rider concentrating on the road in front of me and I just glanced to my left as he passed on the far side of the road. This took place on the “Atascocita – Walden – Huffman” route as I biked 31.47 miles. This put me over my 130 mile goal for December and at 7,307 miles for the year. The goal chart from SportTracks.

It could get even warmer as the week progresses. My next possible biking day will be Friday but the forecast shows a 50% chance of rain. Saturday looks better and drier.

Even with the 73 degree weather the 9 mph SW wind was chilly. I decided to wear one of my Voler thermal long sleeve jerseys and a short sleeve jersey underneath rather than a jacket. For the first few miles I felt chilly but as my body heat increased the wardrobe choice paid off. No leg warmers, just regular bike shorts. It felt good to be back on the bike and riding. I still remembered how to shift the gears, stay vertical and turn through the corners.

This morning while I was eating breakfast I read an article in the Kingwood Observer community section in the Houston Chronicle. The subject was TxDOT consideration of widening FM2100 from the Cleveland-Huffman Road to FM1960. This interested me because I rode this section of FM2100 several times but because the traffic increased and the lack of any shoulder for about 2 miles south from the Cleveland-Huffman Road I no longer bike ride there. I get off FM2100 as soon as possible riding through side streets and into The Commons of Lake Houston to stay away from FM2100. the project will widen the road to 4 lanes with sidewalks on each side and a center turn lane. Because the road does not have a lot development close the impact on homeowners and businesses will be minimal. The work would probably not start until 2018 but when complete this could open a new biking route. Add in the upcoming Grand Parkway construction in the area and mobility improvements will change access to many side roads.

Link to RideWithGPS.com map and metrics.

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