I was watching the women’s Classic Brugge-De Panne race as I worked on a new computer setup when the screen froze and my internet went offline. At first I thought it was a problem at my house but after checking Nextdoor it was all over Kingwood. So much for watching bike races before starting today’s bike ride. I ate breakfast and got ready to ride. With the internet out I checked my phone for the weather. The temperature was 77 degrees with a mostly cloudy sky. I went back and forth on what to wear. It was warm enough to not need a jacket but should I wear a long sleeve jersey or arm sleeves? I decided it was cool enough for the long sleeve jersey under a short sleeve jersey. I didn’t know if the sun would come out or hide behind the clouds.

As I walked my Cervelo Caledonia to leave the internet returned. I would have to watch the races when I got back. Wheels down at 11:55 AM for the start of the ride on my Atascocita – Walden – Spanish Cove route. I rode north yesterday and battled the wind on the way back to Kingwood. Today I fought the wind to Spanish Cove with a tailwind most of the way back to Kingwood. The wind was waiting for me.

Weather conditions: start 78 degrees, 81% humidity, dew point 67, overcast, wind S 12 mph gusts 21 mph; finish 82 degrees, 64% humidity, dew point 69, partly cloudy, wind S 20 mph gusts 30 mph.

The gusts attack my 50mm rims when it comes from the side pushing the front wheel as it wants. Riding south on FM 2100 to Spanish Cove was probably the hardest segment. Making the u-turn there the tailwind riding north on FM 2100 gave my legs a break. I got my speed up to 20 mph with the tailwind boost. As usual riding west over Lake Houston the wind was tough coming at my left side. I kept my speed up but the gusts tightened my hands on the bars to hold the front wheel steady as possible. The turn onto Atascocita Shores Drive got the wind off of my left side and on my back side. I finished the ride at 2:42 PM, a little quicker than I guessed.

Riding on FM 2100 I stopped at the tiny trucks sale lot to look at them closer. Check the video for some details.

I spent most of the ride using the 35×13 gears according to the AXS.SRAM.com ride report. There were times when I probably should’ve shifted to the 35×15 to save my legs.