Today’s route was a lengthened version of my typical Atascocita – Walden – Huffman ride. I tacked on the extra miles by riding east of Huffman on FM1960 to the Liberty County line. At the turn around point I then came back on Huffman-Eastgate past the Hargrave HS to FM2100 then south to FM1960. The ride totaled 37.57 miles and I averaged 16.1 mph. The new experience today was pedaling in the big chainring for the first time. I have a compact crankset (50 x 34 teeth) and for some reason I have not shifted to the 50 on any ride. As I started east on FM1960 at Atascocita Shores Drive I shifted to the 6th cassette gear and then to the 50 up front. I expected my legs to bog down but I was able to keep the power going and my speed increased to 20+ mph all the way across the causeway. When I turned onto Fairlake Drive the road starts to undulate  some and I dropped down to 19 mph until I got to FM2100. At that point the road is flat allowing me to increase the speed some. As I headed FM1960  I heard a train whistle and at the Huffman crossing I saw the Tuesday Amtrak go past on the way to New Orleans. A week ago I attempted to be at a crossing to take some pictures but the train was a no-show.

On FM1960 I rode to the Liberty County line still using the 50 and 6th rear cassette gear. I stayed in that gearing until I was back on FM2100 riding south to FM1960. I wanted to ride to the Liberty County line to check the road surface. I used to ride to Dayton on FM1960 but stopped several years ago because TxDOT put chip’n seal on the road. Looking at the short section past the county line it appears smooth asphalt replaced the chip’n seal. I may test this out going further east to where the railroad overpass is.

I will proclaim today law enforcement officer day. While I stopped at the Huffman Chevron for a break I saw two DPS state troopers and five Harris County deputy sheriff cars. Later I saw a Houston police cruiser and a Harris County Precinct 3 constable. When I turned onto Fairlake Drive earlier a state trooper had a pickup truck pulled over and as I left the Chevron station the same trooper had another pickup pulled over at the station. I should have felt very safe.

Riding home from Huffman I maintained a good speed with the wind only at 3.5 mph from the NW. I wore short and long sleeve jerseys today but probably only needed the short sleeve one. The temperature when I started at 11:51 was 78 and 84 when I finished at 3:00. Partly cloudy skies allowed the sun to help warm things up. The next several days are supposed to be in the mid 80’s.

I am making progress to reach the April 778 mile goal. I am at 609.56 miles leaving 177 to go. 78.08 miles this week so far and 1869 miles year to date.

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