Today was the third time this year to ride what I call the “Atascocita – Huffman – Walden” route. I ride this route on Saturdays to increase the likelihood of seeing other cyclists usually east of Lake Houston. I started at 12:00 PM which meant the other bikers were probably finished by the time I got to FM 1960 and east of the lake.

I delayed the start until noon waiting for the temperature to get near 70 from 59 when I got up this morning. Overcast skies didn’t help to warm it any. As I got dressed for the ride I made the decision to not wear leg warmers which turned out okay. As I got the bike ready to leave I checked the weather and it was 69.7. My legs can handle that. Weather while I rode: start 70 (82% humidity, 64.0 dew point), overcast, wind NE 6 mph. Finish 75 (80% humidity, 68.1 dew point), mostly cloudy, wind NE 8 mph. I did wear shorts, a long sleeve thermal jersey, and a wind jacket. The jacket blunted the wind chill though the 8 mph wind wasn’t as strong as earlier in the week.

Several casual bikers passed me during the bike ride. I did see one serious cyclist (helmet and kit). Walkers have increased with the “stay at home” situation with COVID-19.

Since I changed the rear cassette to an 11×25 on the Canyon Endurace bike (and Lynskey R300) my speed has improved and overall average speed increased too. Probably the 11×28 was too low and slow for my pedaling cadence.

With today’s 33.73 miles my total for the week stands at 202.35 miles, the second week in a row of 200+ miles and fifth week over 200 out of the last six weeks. April totals 577.16 miles with a 630 mile goal. I think I will surpass my April goal with 12 biking days left in the month.

Sunday’s bike ride might get rained out if the forecast can be trusted. Saturday’s forecast called for rain but none fell during my ride.