Today's weather had was a bit odd. It was warm, say in the low to mid 80's. Cool winds from the North West. Turbulent near WS. I wore the standard kit, a base layer and my arm coolers. This is the first time I wore the arm coolers and I have to say it felt comfortable. Somewhat warm to start, but after a few minutes it was not a hindrance. I felt good going out the door. It didn't take me much time to get warmed up. I made it to the summit of OTR in above average time for this type of ride. I was able to get fully warmed up by doing the first mile climb up highline in good tempo. Then the cruise to WS. As I approached the last few miles to WS, I noticed the wind had reversed direction. I was looking at the wind mills and they were all turning counter clockwise. The right hand rule applied in this case. Nevertheless, I turned around when I reached WS, sparing no time. The first few miles continued to have the wind in the same direction, so it was a pleasure to get going at a good tempo. I was doing 18+ MPH for a good portion of the return trip. I stopped once to take a photo of a big dust devil, then commenced. After I reached somewhere between Cury and Tucker, I was into the headwind. I did the usual dig over the last few risers, recovered over the top and headed to Banducci. I was able to start Banducci modest, letting my climbing legs come to life. It took a minute or two for this to happen. I was out of the saddle for the majority of the climb, in my 28T. I decided to stay on Banducci this time, fore-going the Alpine Forest. I was able to stretch some on the false flat. The remainder of the climb was nothing less than moderate tempo. Picking up the pace here and there, out of the saddle where need be. Once at the summit, I stopped and relaxed for a minute or two, hydrated, let traffic by, then headed downhill. There was a car behind me, but it had a trailer, so I knew I was going to go faster then them. I was practicing my tuck, reaching 40MPH+. Then the trek to SS... Mostly moderate tempo, mitigating traffic. Once at the false flat just before the climb to the rear entrance, I took a few moments to rest, and then picked up the pace to moderate. I was out of the saddle for a good part of the last 200-300 yards over the top. I took a breather, then made my way to the downhill. The wind was going the same direction, so I was able to coast downhill, practicing my tuck. I wasn't concerned about the time when I reached the tunnel. I pushed it through SS and then made my way back to Banducci. I stopped at the small parking lot at the intersection, made some Cytomax, refilled bottles, then headed back. This time the Cytomax tasted better than just having it sit in a warm bottle all day. The way back on Banducci was mostly moderate, focusing on my form, and letting traffic by. The trip through the farm lands was mostly moderate tempo, concentrating mostly on my form. When I approached the last climb, my legs were feeling pretty good. I was able to hold good tempo for the majority of the climb with a push over the summit. I didn't spend much time to recover on the false flat, but I did ease up on my tempo and stretched while on the bike. Then Route 202... Mostly traffic mitigation and then the sprint to OTR. OTR was a welcome relief. I made the usual push over Mariposa and then headed back home. Concentration was good for the most part. Few lapses here and there. To be expected on a ride of this duration. Balance and form felt good. I've confirmed the fit of my cleat position to be better than the previous setting. Ailments were probably the better of things. Just the usual mild soreness in the back, mild hand soreness, the usual fatigue in the muscles due to the extended effort. Gear is working well. The GPS lost the signal to the smart phone, but required a few moments later. Other notes... There is a fire going on somewhere North West of Tehachapi. There was a bad weather quality advisory on my phone when I got up today. One of the reasons I didn't want to go to Keene, as that was the closest region to the bad air quality. I was a bit reluctant to get up after my morning nap, but I convinced myself not to take too much time in the nap. Suffice it to say, I was alert from the get go. So, I guess that was a good thing. I saw just one or two cyclists today. There was a dust devil out near WS. I took a photo.