Another busy day couldn't get out to ride, then making dinner, was going out after I finished cooking, then got busy again! Finally, got out to ride... I was slightly under-dressed for the actual temps. I initially went out for 20 miles but was so cold I decided to just do 11 miles. I had to raise my effort to prevent from freezing. I get to the turn off and decided to get in 15 miles, so I continued on to the turn around point. I noticed my speed wasn't up to snuff but then noticed I was pushing bigger watt numbers, this was good for my up coming race so I kept going to do 20 miles. Still very cold but warming up I kept going to my normal short ride turn around. I wasn't sure how long I was going to hold this power output. Everytime I got comfortable the watts would drop down then I had to up the power to get it back up. The speed never got up to normal ride speed especially for the power output. I figured I would get to the 20 mile mark and back off which I felt would be good. I finally get to the ease up point and didn't like I needed to slow at that point so I kept up the output. My left knee did start to get tinder around the turn around point and my lower back did the same at about 16 miles, so I decided to stand to relieve the pressure off my back. So every 1/2 mile I would stand and increase the power and speed for about 1/4 mile. I did this until the 20 miles mark, that felt pretty good, it was a mild test for my legs, lungs and recovery. Remember my thinking was to take it ease the last 4 miles. So I wasn't worried about tiring myself out. Well for a short ride it was a successful one and was a nice adventure and it's been a while since my Mid-Night rides. Oh the deers were out in big numbers all along my route tonight. I had to keep my eyes scanning both sides of the road for running deers... only at one location did they run out and crossed in front of me all other times they either ran in front then cut right into the woods or went right directly into the woods. Looking forward to what tomorrow's adventure has for me! Stay safe out there and enjoy your ride...