I wanted to put in a good ride today. Instead of going to SS, I headed to the Tehachapi Mountain Park. The legs were there, so I gave it the green light. The weather is cool, somewhat turbulent (mild) winds from the South East. I made it to the summit of OTR in good average time. I was getting slight hunger signs, so I decided to feed half a Clif Bar. I removed my head cap and then made my way up the Volcano climb. Once at the summit, I made the right turn onto Water Cyn. I was having to use my lowest gear from the get-go. The gradient was in the double digits. I kept my tempo steady and saving my matches for later. When the gradient was prohibitively steep and minimal traffic, I tacked my way up the road. The climb went quickly. Before I knew it, I was into the forest and then the Monastery entrance. The road steepened but straight. So, I was able to tack the entire road while getting a good look from ahead for traffic. When I reached the entrance to the upper park, I chose the path to the left. Less traffic, thus safer. I had no problems finding my way. No backtracking this time. The last half mile was very steep. So steep that I had to tack the entire road. On occasion, my right shoe was rubbing on the front wheel. A sign that I was using every trick I could bring. The gradient was well into the double digits. After reaching the summit, I pulled over to recover and feed the remainder of my Clif Bar. I took some video footage of the surrounding area and then headed back down the mountain. The disc brakes worked like a charm. Interesting, no squealing noises. I definitely felt in more control. After making my way down the mountain, I headed back on Highline and to OTR. OTR was mostly fun and games. I pushed over Mariposa and then to the top of Weston. I shut it down when I got there.

Concentration was good. The morale was good, I was eager to get the ride in. Patience was good. Balance and form were good. Ailments were minimal. Some quad soreness here and there, none of which detracted from my tempo. Some numb hands during the greater climbs (out of the saddle). The triceps were sore while descending off the mountain and having to mash the brakes. Nutrition was good. I had to feed a Clif Bar in the early part of the ride, it staved of the hunger knock. I was a bit worried and asking myself if I should have brought a second Clif Bar. Turns out that one was enough. Gear worked flawless. The disc brakes worked fantastically. Other notes, I saw 4 or 5 cyclists including a recumbent rider. There was only one couple at the summit of the Tehachapi Mountain Park. Nice and quiet, the way I like it.