Well, it's a great day to go for a ride for a few reasons. The weather is great, and I just got my new bike. I got out around 9AM, temperature in the low 70's, mild winds from the North West. What a perfect day for a big ride. So, cutting to the chase... The first mile took a bit getting used to the new position. It feels like I'm higher off the ground. A bit more upright. The first thing I did was get used to riding out of the saddle. This allowed my to get a feel for the new center of gravity on this bike. I got used to in about 15 to 20 minutes. It's definitely more responsive and on the light side. I put all my gear on it, except the extra cargo back. So, it was at near max weight capacity. I was a bit concerned if my GI was going to act up after the way it felt yesterday. Suffice it to say, it didn't. The Banducci Wall had minimal traffic mitigation. I was in my 30 tooth near the top. Probably dropping it down to the 34 tooth for a few moments. I have to get used to the different ratios, but I don't think it will take too much time. The Alpine Forest went fast. I was captivated by how the bike felt. I really did feel the difference. Great stuff. I'm getting used to the brakes and handling capability. The brakes feel the same as rim brakes when you feather them. The bigger difference is when you go a bit more than feathering. The disc brakes grab more. I had no problems controlling the bike. After making it to the summit of Banducci, I took a few moments rest and then headed down the mountain. I took it easy. I was testing the brakes, cornering, grip, balance, etc. The drops feel a bit higher then the Madone. It made it easier to get into that position. As I was making my way to SS, I could tell that I was square on the bike with respect to balance and form. A big difference from the Madone. I'm not sure why, but perhaps geometry of the bike and position fixed a few things. I like the saddle better than the Specialized. It provides a bit more cushion, and some room to slide fore and aft. After reaching the top of SS. I stopped at the mail lockers and took a photo of the bike. Shortly after, I descended. I tried a short sprint in the drops. It felt good. I reached 40 MPH in the tuck. I stopped at the local park to bio, but the door to the restroom was locked. I then got back on the road. I think I passed the tunnel in about 1:18 hours. I zipped through town, and then to Banducci for the return. The return trip was mostly moderate tempo. No heroics. I stopped at a porta-potty in the farmlands to bio, and then got back on the bike. I think I passed Boss Hogs around 1:40 hours. Give or take. The last climb went fast. I was hydrating with both Gatorade and water. I didn't have any hunger signs, so I didn't need to stop at the summit. Route 202 had some traffic mitigation, so I was squashed to the right side to let the cars through. The OTR descent was mostly relaxing. Mariposa felt ok. I shut it down after reaching the top of Weston. Concentration was good. I was captivated by the new bike and the morale was good. Gear held up perfect. The bike functioned perfect. No adjustments needed. Nutrition was good. No feeding and I had most of my Gatorade with Water. Ailments. My right middle knuckle is a bit chewed up from the right shifter. It's the same problem I had with the Madone. So, I'll have to add a cushion to the lever. I have calas in the left outer palm from grinding away out of the saddle. Balance and form is the best it's been in quite a while. Other notes, no other cyclists today to my amazement. I'm 100% satisfied with the new bike!