Today I rode to the north for the first time this year. Not a real big claim since it is only January the 4th. I tried to ride to the north last week but got caught in the rain and turned back. No rain today just lots of sun but a little cooler than I prefer. I decided to wear one of the new jackets I bought last month from Voler. The jackets (I bought 2) have real rear pockets to hold my phone and key rather than no pocket or one big pocket. Several years ago I bought a jacket like that but it has been hard to find them.

The 70 degrees at the 12:10 PM start was much better than the 44 degrees my home weather station showed when I got up. The forecast was promising and I watched as it climbed into the 60’s. I rode my Lynskey Helix bike on my Kingwood – FM 1485 – Kingwood route. I tried to be attentive on following the route so that Strava would find other rides to match against. Strava found a total of three including today. I suspect the reason for not matching more is the times I avoided riding on Rock Creek Drive to Northpark Drive which I rode today. The dogs at that intersection seem to be gone so I ride there now.

Year progressions YTD mileage after today’s bike ride now puts 2023 clearly ahead of 2011 through 2022. How long will that last? I’m planning on biking either outside or inside each day but sometimes interruptions happen.

My legs felt good today and the 8 mph wind wasn’t too strong. A couple of places where the route headed west it was hard pedaling but I built up my overall average speed to 14.0 mph and held it there for a number of miles.

I captured the Strava Local Legend on Briar Willow to Lodge in Briar Tree with my 9th ride in the last 90 days.

Weather during the bike ride: start 70 (humidity 37%, dew point 43), a few clouds, wind W 8 mph; finish 72 (humidity 31%, dew point 39), partly cloudy, wind 8 mph.