Today's weather was cool. Just enough to wear arm and knee warmers. The temperature was in the low 60's. Winds from the North West. I felt good from the start. My legs felt lively today. I think the extra oxygen air density helped. It didn't take me much time to get warmed up. By the time I was a mile into OTR, I felt good to go for the remainder of the ride. When I got there (in good average time), I spared no moment and headed to Banducci. I was able to hold a good tempo all the way, pushing to maximum over the top. I took it easy on the false flat. Then the remainder of the climb was mostly good tempo and a push to the summit. I took a one minute breather on the summit, and headed downhill. The wind was somewhat turbulent, so I wasn't able to reach the usual 40MPH+ velocity that I normally do. When I reached the base of the descent, I took a look back and noticed a cyclist approaching (on his own). I couldn't assess his skill/ability level, but he was making ground. After he bridged, it became apparent he was an experienced rider. Shaven and slim. Somewhat my height, stocky built. He continued to pull away as we headed to SS. I tried to keep him in sight. By the time I reached the base of the SS climb, he must have put 2 to 3 minutes on me. I was checking my time, I was putting in an average time at this point. I did my usual push through SS. The cyclist that passed me was pulled over and chatting with someone. I wasn't sure if he was just taking a few moments break, or stopping there. As I was making my way back, I got to Pelliser. Looked back after 500 yards into it and noticed the guy was behind. I knew I wasn't going to be able to hold his wheel, so I just kept my tempo and stayed within myself. The same thing happened, he bridged, passed me, and gained time. I knew I wasn't going to catch him once he passed. Again, I tried to keep him in sight. After I reached Boss Hogs, I lost sight and didn't see him for the remainder of the ride. By me reckoning, he was a competitive cyclist, perhaps a cat 3. Nevertheless, I put the remainder of my cookies on the last climb. I was doing high tempo and pushed over the summit. From there it was the usual trek back to route 202, OTR, and the modest push over Mariposa. Concentration was good today. Being that there was a cyclist that acted as a carrot helped. No gremlins worth noting. Balance and form felt good. Ailments were minimal. Some quad soreness when I was pushing hard, no surprise there. My neck has since healed. I don't have much pain moving left to right. Gear is working great. Other notes, I hope to go for a mountain bike ride at SS for the next ride, in 2 days.