When the clouds moved in the weather warmed up a few degrees and the wind picked up too. At 12:38 PM I set out on the “New Caney – Tavola – Valley Ranch” route and biked 34.41 miles.

Weather during the bike ride to Tavola: start 72 (78% humidity, 64.6 dew point), mostly cloudy, wind SE 12 mph. Finish 72 (81% humidity, 65.9 dew point), mostly cloudy, wind SE 16 mph. Before starting the ride I went back and forth on what to wear finally settling on shorts, long sleeve thermal jersey and windbreaker jacket. I think leg warmers could’ve been added because there was no sun to warm them. I thought I was under dressed but when I finished the ride my jersey was soaked. Maybe that is why I felt cool at times.

I added a new CamelBak Podium Chill water bottle. My old one of several years showed its age and the new bottle matched my bike.

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One thing I noticed was how stiff the new bottle is. I really had to squeeze it to force the water out compared to the old bottle. The new bottle has an easier to clean nozzle which is where the black stuff builds up. I do not put anything in my bottles but plain water.

According to Strava, “This was harder than your usual effort.” I was somewhat surprised by this but maybe the extra effort came while riding south into the wind. I improved my overall average speed from 13.8 mph to 14.2 mph.

Tuesday’s forecast: Partly to mostly cloudy. Slight chance of an afternoon shower. High 81F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. I checked the weather in the valley and longed for the mid 80’s there. No thermal jersey need if this happens.

Relive ‘New Caney – Tavola – Valley Ranch’

I am getting closer to 2018 miles.