After two chilly days it decided to warm up today. It was 63 when I started the ride at 1:40 and 64 when I finished at 3:10. While I rode the trails the wind was blowing at 9 mph with 21 mph gusts. Even in the trees I could tell the wind was moving around. When I road south on W. Lake Houston Parkway over the river I got the full strength wind in my face. Pedaling a heavy mountain bike into the wind is not an easy chore. Throw in a slight rise and I bogged down to 8 mph. I saw two other mountain bikers on the trails and one road biker along W. Lake Houston Parkway.

The ride totaled 18.15 miles bringing 2014 to 35.83 miles. 6464 miles to go in 2014.

My wardrobe consisted of two long sleeve jerseys, leg warmers, shorts, windbreaker and full finger gloves. I thought I might be over dressed until the wind chill reminded me of how cold it has been here. The ground is still chilled from the low temperatures and more is supposed to come on Monday and Tuesday.

Biking in January can be a challenge with the weather changing so much. There is a possibility of 70 degrees towards the end of next week. If that happens I will get the road bike out.

I was somewhat surprised with my pedaling efforts most of the ride. Not riding very much causes my conditioning deteriorate. I need to start looking at the calendar for upcoming rides.

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