I left home at 10:29 giving the weather time to warm up while I biked. After reading Dr. Mirkin’s newsletter this week about sun protection I decided to wear a red long sleeve jersey. You might think this would be hotter than a short sleeve one but I did not notice any extra heat. One reason could be since the sun did not hit my skin directly it did not get the heat. I did perspire but no more than when I wear a short sleeve jersey and it did not run down my arms like wearing a short sleeve jersey. Another thing Dr. Mirkin pointed out is that white is not the most effective color; dark colors are which is why I chose red. Scattered clouds broke up the sun and the temperature ranged 86.7 to 94.3 at the finish according to my weather station at home.

Today is the first day of summer signalling the daylight will get shorter. When I worked this was a big deal because it shortened the time I had to bike but retirement reduces the angst thank goodness.

The route I chose went north to New Caney before turning south to Valley Ranch, Briar Tree, Auburn Trails and back to Kingwood. Mileage totaled 30.81 at a 15.5 mph average speed. I did not want to ride too far because I plan on a longer ride tomorrow to Crosby and back through Summerwood.

Nothing special about today’s ride except I was watching two birds fly while I stopped at the Stripes station on FM1314. It was interesting watching them float on the wind currents. Sometimes they wobbled as they shifted or turned but not once did they flap their wings. I wondered what their purpose was: hunting for food? keeping cool? or what? Reminded me of floating in retirement.

Mileage standings after today’s ride:

• this week I biked 127.99 miles
• June miles total 593.5
• Year to date is 3033 miles

Links to Garmin Connect and RideWithGPS.com metrics and maps.

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