A Change in the Land – August 18th Bike Ride
I thought I needed to verify today’s date with the uncharacteristic temperature when I got up this morning. 69 degrees at this date in August comes as a surprise. Earlier this week I rode in the upper 90’s to almost 100. I cannot complain though. When I rolled out the driveway at 11:49 it felt like fall with 87 degrees (51% humidity) with a lower heat intensity. Riding in the shade brought memories of a fall day. By the time I returned home the temperature inched up to 91 (41% humidity).
After yesterday’s high tempo ride I wondered how my legs would feel. The first few miles brought some complaints from them but as I loosened up it got better. The route went north along US59 to Community Drive. I cannot remember the last time I rode the overpass there so when I came over the top the change in the view caught my eye. Where all you could see were trees now was dirt. This picture looks west from top of the overpass. To the left behind the trees is Valley Ranch.
At some point the Grand Parkway construction will probably alter my biking routes. I can go north on Loop 494 and that may get me around the work area until they move east.
I rode through Valley Ranch stopping at the Stripes station for the required Diet Pepsi. While I wasn’t that tired I enjoyed the break to let my legs recover some. After the break it was on through Briar Tree, Oakhurst and around Lone Star College. The loop around Lone Star College is different in that I turned east on Kingwood Drive and then north on Kingwood Place to get back to US59.
Overall I rode 28.53 miles at 15.4 mph average speed. The lower speed probably reflects the tired legs. For the week I biked 194.16 miles. August miles total 478.96 (goal is 721) and year to date I biked 4730.
Tomorrow’s weather warms up slightly to 95. I am getting confused about the weather in Wichita Falls. One forecast said 88 for Saturday but now another one says 99. Maybe this will get straight by then.
Links to Garmin Connect and RideWithGPS.com.
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