18.9, that’s the number of miles I need to ride per day during March to reach my 585 mile goal. I got a good start today riding 28.12 miles on the “Atascocita – Walden – E. Lake Houston Parkway” route.

I kept waiting for the temperature to hit 60 but gave up at 59.4 degrees and got dressed to ride. This is the second ride in a row that I broke one of my rules, do not ride when the temperature is below 60. The overcast sky didn’t encourage me a lot but I wanted to get March started properly.

Starting at 2:07 PM is rather late and at first I was going to ride a shorter route but I felt good a the decision point at FM 1960 and Atascocita Shores Drive. I opted to go longer and headed east over Lake Houston. It was a good choice even with the dreary weather. Weather during the bike ride: start 59 (80% humidity), overcast, wind 4 mph. Finish 60 (85% humidity), overcast, wind calm. To offset the chill I repeated yesterday’s wardrobe except I exchanged a long sleeve jersey for the thermal long sleeve jersey. It was 12 degrees warmer today so I figured I didn’t need the heavy jersey. I was warm and when I put out extra effort I got a little warm but that was okay.

Riding late afternoon I didn’t expect see another cyclist but as I came to Rustic Woods Drive exiting the bank parking lot there he was, not as warmly dressed as I was. That was about 1 1/2 miles from the finish of the ride. School traffic was mostly gone and the ride ended at 4:25 PM.

Tomorrow I am signed up for the Baytown YMCA Gator Ride. The weather forecast calls for High 69 F, 40% Precip. / 0.01 in, PM Showers. High 69F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Looks like overcast sky to go with it. Back in 2013, the last time I rode there is was freezing with temperatures in the 40’s and a stiff wind. I will dress accordingly.