Today’s route falls into my ideal route category: no loop back on roads during the ride. I selected the “New Caney – Gene Campbell Road” route riding to the north and west of Kingwood. After 2 days of rain I was ready to get back on the bike. I left home at 12:45 with a mostly cloudy sky, 78 degrees and a SE 10 mph wind. With the clouds and wind I decided to wear shorts, a long sleeve jersey and a short sleeve jersey. The shorts were a new pair of Bellwether Forma and the Pearl Izumi Quest white long sleeve jersey was new as well. These shorts are very comfortable and rated for long distance rides 3 to 6 hours in length. The jersey is very comfortable but light fabric. The one compliant about the jersey is the sleeve length; I roll up about 4 inches to keep the bunch above my gloves. Over the ride the sleeves unroll. In the warmer temperatures I can wear this jersey without over heating.

I got a new saddle bag from GearBest and installed it on my bike before leaving home. I had been using a Topeak bag and the new one is the same shape and size. The fabric is different. I got all of my “stuff” in the new bag tucked under my saddle. I need to see how the bag does in the rain.When I removed my old Topeak bag I noticed a worn spot which might account for water getting into the bag. I have had the Topeak bag for several years.

I tried to add a new GearBest flashing light but there wasn’t enough room under the saddle bag for the light to wrap around the seat post. The light is different with a solar panel on the top to recharge the battery. The problem is exposing the solar panel while being under the saddle bag. To attached the light I used a tool from GearBest that was a design I hadn’t seen before. Maybe I can figure out another place to mount the light.

I made good time on the ride north to New Caney. The roads had dried out but the ditches were full in many places. The SE wind helped me get there quickly and build up my average speed. Riding west on FM1485 the wind continued to help me but when I turned onto Gene Campbell Road the wind was not so friendly. With the trees slowing the wind down some I managed to get back up to speed after climbing from the low spot at the turn off FM1485. All went smoothly on Gene Campbell Road including the “U” among the business to add about 1/2 mile to the ride. Reaching FM1314 I didn’t have to wait long for the light to change thanks to the cars in front of me tripping the sensors. Usually if I am the only person waiting the sensor doesn’t see me.

Riding SE on FM1314 I felt the full brunt of the wind until I got beside the trees. This went well until I got stopped at the Grand parkway construction when the deputy sheriff stopped traffic while I workman was in a bucket over FM1314 installing traffic light hardware.

After several minutes the workman moved the bucket to the side and traffic resumed. I was going to stop at the Valero station at Sorters Road and FM1314 but changed my mind to the Stripes station at Valley Ranch parkway and FM1314. It was getting close for school to let out and the traffic would be heavy. I waited at Stripes for the traffic to leave while eating a trailmix bar and a granola bar. This is what my Garmin looked like when I stopped.

Before the ride I saw the firmware for the 520 had an update so I installed that hoping it would fix the “phone disconnect” and “reconnect” problem. My hope didn’t last long. At the .25 mile point the disconnect message popped up with a beep. About 3/10 of a mile later I got the “phone connected” message and that was the only problem on the ride. I wonder why the 520 has to disconnect once and reconnect during a ride? On the Garmin 520 forum other people have this problem and more so I am glad this is the only one I have.

With today’s ride I am at 1016 miles for the year to date. March miles are up to 219. MY goal for March is 631 miles. Saturday’s weather looks like it will be good so I am planning on riding the B-geO Magnolia Miles ride in Magnolia, TX. The ride starts at 9:00AM so I don’t have to get up super early to drive the 44 miles. This will be the first time to ride this one.

Home weather at the end of today’s ride.

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Comparison of the last three rides on today’s route.