Is this really December? A new record temperature of 83 was reached yesterday at the official Houston weather station replacing the previous high of 82 in 1970. When I left on my ride today it was 78 and by the time I finished it was 81 degrees at my home weather station. The scattered clouds were fewer today than yesterday and thankfully the wind was not as strong registering 9 mph from the south. According to the Houston Chronicle man on the weather page this could be with us for the next 10 days or so. This looks great for biking but we could use some rain.

Today’s 28.15 mile route went north to Community Drive and then through the Valley Ranch subdivision. I can see some site preparation for the soon to Grand Parkway extension just north of Community Drive. This will probably affect my biking routes while the construction takes place. The construction is supposed to take 2 to 3 years. My average speed was 15.5 mph, just like yesterday, 24.2 mph top speed and 78.2 RPM average cadence. Riding time was 1:49:01 and 5:58 stop time.

Mileage standings:

• 140.25 this week
• 57.9 for December
• 6335.05 YTD

With this warm weather I might get some extra riding this month. In previous years December looked like this:

• 269.41 in 2011
• 228.85 in 2010
• 123.18 in 2009
• 177.9 in 2008

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