Friday’s bike ride followed the “New Caney – Tavola – Valley Ranch” route for a total of 34.7 miles. I started biking at 10:22 and finished at 12:59 for brisk ride. Weather during the ride: 91 to 95 degrees, partly cloudy sky, 4 mph breeze and 55% humidity.

No other cyclists spotted during the ride which is typical on this route. Most other cyclists ride south and east of Kingwood. The “big” event is the opening today of the new WalMart in New Caney. I bike past on the south bound service road and wondered how the traffic would be. For the first hours of operation I saw no change in traffic and hope it stays this way. There is an entrance from FM 1485 that might take a lot of traffic and keep the service road volume about the same.

A quick stop at the Stripes station on FM 1314 for water and ice at 23.4 miles into the ride was the only stop I made. Later as I rode south on Rock Creek Drive in Oakhurst I spotted a golf ball laying in the street gutter. My attempt to throw it onto the course hit the cast iron fence and ricocheted into the grass by the cart path short of the goal. I better stick with biking.

I continue to close in on my July mileage goal with 639 miles so far with 131 miles left. This week’s 180 miles helps. I noticed that I moved up to 69 for Texas in the National Bike Challenge.

More hot July weather for Saturday. I may try to start the ride early.

Link to RideWithGPS.com