I'm beginning my taper for the Spooktacular ride. I decided to go to Keene. I had about 1:15 hours for a ride, as I have a Dr's appointment. The weather is in the 70's.
Winds were turbulent. I had a headwind on the way out and about 2 miles down, the wind went 180 on me. The ride went as planned. The legs felt average to start. I didn't bother checking the time to the summit of the descent, but it was likely good average time. I cruised the downhill. I put in two modest digs over the risers. Mostly to stretch the legs. I made it to the base of the climb in under 28 minutes. I headed back without hesitation. I kept the tempo steady and well within my limits. No red-lining it. The land marks came and went fast. My left calf was cramping just a bit on the last 10 minutes of the climb. I adjusted my tempo and pedaling style. A few minutes later, it went away. After reaching the summit, I was able to relax a bit and then get back home. I shut it down after the top of Weston. Concentration was good. I was a bit reluctant to get up from my morning nap, but the appointment I had pending gave me incentive. Nutrition was good. I went through most of my Gatorade, no water. Gear worked flawless. Ailments, a hint of left calf soreness that went away after 3 or 4 minutes. Other notes, there were some people at the Loop Monument as I was descending and ascending.