So, I've been thinking about this ride for a while since I got my new bike. For two reasons. I wanted to see how it climbs on super steep roads and how it descends with the disc brakes. The weather is in the mid 70's, winds from the North West. It was ideal for the Tehachapi Mountain Park route. I was a bit sluggish to start. I skipped my morning nap because I got up later than usual. I made it to the summit of OTR in good average time. I made my way to the Water Canyon road entrance and commenced the climb. The gradient went up to 10% in the first few hundred yards. This climb is all about patience. You have to let the slopes get to you and not be so anxious. I was constantly using the 34 tooth. It helped a lot! I was conserving as much energy as I could for the steeper slopes. I was tacking along when ever the gradient went above 10% and traffic permitting. (There was minimal traffic today). After reaching the entrance to the park, I decided to head straight as opposed to keeping on the road. It detours around traffic and perhaps a bit more forgiving. After finding my way back to the main road, I kept grinding away. I was using my 34 tooth from that point on till I reached the summit. The body behaved good. I felt better as I went along. Somewhat of a diesel engine approach. After making it to the summit, I pulled over to recoup. I forgot to check my phone reception, so that is unfinished business. Then the downhill... I wasn't sure what to expect other than I would be riding the brakes most of the way down. It's super easy to lock up the brakes, so you have to fineness them more than mash. It does squeak if you press too hard. I thought it would be a distraction, but it lets you know when you are at the limit of the braking system. As I was making my way to the lower parts of the mountain, I could hear the brakes rubbing on the rotor (slightly). I was guessing that the rotor expanded due to the heat and caused the brake pads to rub against them. When I got home, I checked them again. I could hear rubbing, but it was very slight. Will have to wait a day or two to see if it self adjusts. After exiting and getting back to Highline, I was able to enjoy the return trip. No heroics from here. I actually felt real good in the legs. I probably could have gone to the Banducci summit, but I still have a soreness in the left leg while getting out of bed or sitting. (It didn't bother me in the slightest bit on the ride. In fact it felt better). I shut it down after reaching the top of Weston. Concentration was good. No signs of gremlins. I was a bit impatient at the start of the climb, but got better as the ride progressed. Gear worked flawless. Will have to see what the braking system does over the next few rides. I applied the first bit of frame protection on the downtube. There are some bubbles, but it's very minimal and not visible from a top down view. Nutrition was good. No hunger signs. I went through most of my Gatorade and some water. I'm getting used to the Fidlock bottles being lower to the ground than the Madone. It's getting better. Ailments, hand numbness and soreness while descending. Other notes, no other cyclists today. The motorists were nice today.