I was able to get out earlier today, by about an hour and half. The weather was good. A hint on the warm side with cool winds from the North West. I set out to do a double, it went according to plan. I felt good going out the door, I needed some time to warm up. By the time I reached OTR, I was ready for what lay ahead. I was able to hold a good tempo going to the summit of Highline. From there, it was moderate tempo, focusing on my form. I was experiencing passing gremlins at this point. One of which was vocal. I was having to coach my mind to stay in focus. It wasn't too bad, but yes, it was ongoing. I made my way to the end of WS in average time. My legs felt good. I started the first part of the return leg modest for the first mile or so, then I was able to hold moderate tempo for the remainder. Putting in a dig over the summit. Once over the summit, I stopped in the shade for a few moments, hydrated, got my mind refocused, and then headed down to Banducci. It took a minute for my body to adjust to the climb. I was in my 28T and 32T for most of the latter half of the climb. I was near my maximum over the top. I recovered on the false flat. And then commenced the remainder of the climb. It was half attention to the ride and half traffic mitigation. In the shoulder when there was traffic and steady tempo when it was clear. I took a few moments rest at the summit. I mixed a new bottle of Cytomax and filled the remainder into my second water bottle. Shortly there-after was the descent. I was able to practice my tuck, relax for a few moments, putting in my mind that there was a trek through the farmlands going into the wind. ie, be careful not to burn too many matches. I made it to SS in good time. The last false flat in this area was a good time for me to stretch, hydrate and gauging my body. What did I have left and what do I want to put into the short climb. I held a moderate to good tempo for most of it. Keeping the power down without red-lining too much. A sigh of relief over the top, rested up a bit, then the downhill. One of my favorite places to practice my tuck. I wasn't concerned about my time, so I didn't check as I was going through the tunnel. I made the usual grind through SS. Just before making my way out, I stretched, soft pedaled. Just letting my body recoup as much as I could afford without loosing the warmth of my previous effort. Going back on Banducci was mostly traffic mitigation. I was practicing good form all the while. The trek through the farmlands went fast. The streets are straight, but the miles ticked over quickly. The last climb is where I burnt my remaining matches. I put in a modest dig over the top. I was going to stop at the summit to take a moment's rest, but decided against it, as I knew the remainder of the ride was mostly downhill. I put in a push over Mariposa, then headed back. Concentration was good considering the abundance of gremlins on the road. I was trying my best to stay focused, and I did. I'm not sure what else to say about it. It was frustrating, but also had the effect of someone cracking the whip behind me. Bizarre, annoying, distracting, de-moralizing. But I did make it back in one piece. Balance and form felt good. I think I'm going to keep my cleat position where it is. Ailments was another "greater of things". I had some soreness in the hands (as usual), some right foot discomfort, mild lower back soreness. Maybe some hand soreness. The remainder was just the usual fatigue from the ride and the mileage in the legs. Gear worked flawless today. Other notes, I saw many cyclists today and a few runners/walkers. There was a plane flying as I was making my back on Highline. I'm going to buy some last minute stuff for the GranFondo. Get my reminder list for on and off the bike.