Finally good bike ride weather. It would’ve have been great except for the strong wind. Weather start 83 (71% humidity), finish 84 (64% humidity, mostly cloudy, wind S 21 mph, gusts 28 mph. For the last day February I set out on the “New Caney – Gene Campbell Road” route biking 37.63 miles. Since I already reached my February mileage goal yesterday these miles went towards reducing the January goal shortfall of 88 miles. I have made up 68 of those miles leaving 20 miles to catch up in March.

Leaving at 11:17 am headed north the strong wind propelled me to FM 1485 easily allowing me to get to 15+ mph average speed. I maintained that average until I hit the headwind riding south through Briar Tree and Oakhurst. My legs weren’t putting out enough power to overcome the 28 mph gusts. With the temporary Elemnt mount I don’t have a place for the PowerPod to record wattage but today I probably would’ve had some instances of 400+ watts riding into the wind. Checking on the whereabouts of the new mount: it has traveled from Japan to Germany.

Before the ride I moved the cadence sensor closer to the bottom bracket end of the left crankarm to give some space between my shoe and the sensor. This time I uses 3M Command adhesive strip to make it easier to remove if needed. The area to the left of the sensor is the Command strip release tab. Also in the picture is the new water bottle I received for Christmas for its inaugural use on today’s bike ride.

With the warmer weather plants are starting to bloom like azaleas, just in time for Houston’s Azalea Trail this weekend. It takes place more to the south and west where maybe the cold weather wasn’t as severe.

No rest stop on the ride. The new water bottle had enough water for the whole ride. I was startled as I rode on Riverlawn Drive near the end of the ride in Kingwood when another cyclist called out “on your left” from behind. I was daydreaming and did not see him approaching.

My wardrobe choices were probably a little too pessimistic with the warmer weather: shorts, long sleeve jersey (not a thermal one) and a short sleeve one. As long as I was moving I was okay but when I stopped I was a little warm but the stiff wind took care of that most of the time. Not quite as warm on Thursday as a cool front moves through. I should be riding.

SportTracks Bike Ride Summary

Link to Strava Bike Ride Summary

February Biking Overview Including Trainer Days (RideWithGPS.com)