One benefit of living in Houston is awesome training year round.  Last Saturday I got to ride the first section of the new IM TX bike course.  I was excited to find out the course is what I’ve trained on the last three years.  It’s helped me train up for IM Moo, IM Canada and two Konas.  It is by far not an easy ride- not flat and not cool. I’ve accumulated over 5k vert in less than 100 miles and have also ridden in over 105F heat in May. 

The beginning of the course is easy enough down Woodlands pkwy, a couple small inclines but nothing horrible.  The ride north to Sam Houston is where it gets fun, the hills start and the day heats up.  I would relate the hills between Wisconsin and Kona, some long climbs but some steep stuff too.  The humidity however can get far worse than Kona and the heat can be extreme. 

On Saturday it was already almost 80F and a 15mph wind from the South.  I haven’t ridden the second half of the course yet but I can imagine it’s not going to be a picnic. 

Second half coming soon.