I didn’t want to ride to the south and trying to think of some variety I decided to ride the “Oakhurst – Valley Ranch” route. In order to get more miles in than the usual version of this route I put my thinking cap on trying to remember how it went. The last time I biked these same streets was April 23rd, 2017. I rode it between then and now but not the 29.52 miles like today. The other times the miles were 27 or less. Typically I ride this route on Sunday when I want a shorter bike ride.

Leaving at 11:04 am I waited until it warmed up to 70 degrees. The forecast called for a high of 80+. I changed my wardrobe from yesterday wearing shorts, long sleeve jersey, windbreaker jacket (with venting), and regular gloves. Weather during the bike ride: start 70 (67% humidity), a few clouds, wind SW 4 mph. Finish 78 (60% humidity), a few clouds, wind SW 6 mph. The wispy clouds from Friday left and a bright blue sky took their place. Home weather at the start and finish of the bike ride.

Starting weather is on the left. By the end of the ride I was over dressed and the jacket and jersey were soaked.

The light wind made for a good ride pace. I built the overall average speed up to 14.2 mph and held it until the finish of the bike ride at 1:13 pm. The return streets into Kingwood don’t have all of the stops and starts I usually have so I keep the speed up.

In Valley Ranch I stopped at the community center and took these photos of the flowers.

This was about 21 miles into the ride. From here I headed south to the I-69/US59 frontage road with about 8 miles left to the finish. At Northpark Drive I made the u-turn back north and Adams Road east to Woodridge Forest and then into Kingwood. No rest stop today. I hurried to get back for the UC vs SMU football game at 2:30 pm. Go Bearcats!!

More great weather tomorrow (Sunday). I am only 19.8 miles from my October goal of 700 miles.

SportTracks Bike Ride Summary