After biking two days to the southeast today I went to the north and northwest as far as the Grand Parkway construction would allow. I rode what I call the “Oakhurst – Cumberland – Valley Ranch” route. I took a look at the Grand Parkway FM1314 overpass and can report not much has happened since my last visit. Not sure what is the holdup because the middle of the road piers are in place and the shoulder ramparts look done as far as I can tell. They have about 7 months to meet the 2015 completion promise. I am looking forward to getting some of my biking routes back.

The route today was 32.77 miles long with roads on the route not much changed. Probably the road with the roughest surface is Old Sorters Road with a few dips in the asphalt but nothing dangerous as long as you watch the road. No dogs loose along the route today either. There is a large Pit Bull on Adams St. heading into Woodridge Forest that runs out to the end of his chain with a menacing growl, bark and snarl.

My legs were recovering today from the 39 mile ride yesterday. I had a strong pace but couldn’t get the speed high enough nor long enough to keep the average speed at 15.0 mph or above. The wind was from the SSE at 12 mph and slowed me down when I rode into it. There were some long stretches of road for me to get up to 17 or 18 mph but the ones into the wind overcame what I built up then. I did get to 15.0 mph average speed for a short time but fell back riding south on the US59 service road from Valley Ranch to Northpark Drive. I ended up averaging 14.7 mph.

I took a break at the Texaco along US59 at Valley Ranch entrance. When I went inside to refill my water bottle the lady behind the counter asked how far I usually ride. I said 32 to 34 miles most of the time. She then asked how old I was. She was surprise when I said 68. After eating two snack bars and drinking some water I was off for the last 8+ miles home. This was into the wind all the way. Hard pedaling but I made it. I passed Kingwood Park HS about 15 minutes after they let out so traffic wasn’t too bad. I left home at 12:25 and got back at 3:08.

No biking tomorrow. My wife has a oncology treatment at the medical center. 50% chance of rain on Thursday as well.

Weather when I stopped at the Texaco station in Porter

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