The weather is cold, even with the sun out. I wore the standard winter kit. Pretty much covered head to toe. The legs felt pretty good to start. I made it to the end of OTR in good average time. The volcano climb was my warmup segment for the big climb to the Tehachapi Mountain Park. After making the right turn onto Water Cyn Road, I immediately put it in my smallest gear. It took a while for the climbing legs and lungs to get warmed up. Once they did, I was good to go. Kept the tempo steady while saving my matches for later. I had good patience today. I was in no hurry. This climb is like Keene as you get into a secluded space allowing for easier concentration. I was keeping track of a few metrics. The percent gradient, HR, a bit of power wattage, time and altitude. It kept my mind occupied as I wanted. I had to turn the music down to keep situation awareness. There was minimal traffic. This climb puts me into a meditative sensation. No sounds from the busy streets, just the sound of the wind currents, my breath and my bike. Just the way I like it! This ride progresses with segments, so that makes it more manageable. I was trying to calculate the time to the summit. I think I calculated 45 to 60 minutes to the summit. I did it in 40:11 minutes. I followed the same route as usual. I was controlling the camera a bit all the while. After making it to the summit, I pulled over to take some photos. (I wanted to take photos since I forgot the last time I rode this route). I munched a Clif Bar while I was there. (The area was empty as they closed it off to traffic. I was able to pass through the gate on the side). After feeding, I commenced the descent. The disc brakes really shined here. I was in full control, no panicking. I was modulating the brakes through the gradients and bends. After exiting the park, I was able to let gravity take over a bit more. This was to be the case for the remainder of the descent. After making it back to Highline, I headed back to OTR. The OTR descent was mostly relaxed fun and games. It was getting a bit cold, so I had to zip the jersey and use my face mask. I pushed over Mariposa and then back home. I shut it down at the top of Weston. Concentration was good. Minimal lapses and gremlins. It was a good day for concentration. Balance and form was good. Ailments, some hand soreness, triceps soreness descending off the mountain. Some mild right sit bone soreness. I'm trying to assess the saddle soreness. It has been lingering for over a week. I'm not sure what to make of it. The saddle seems to be suitable. I'm guessing I'll have to buy another pair of shorts to compare. Nutrition was good. I fed a Clif Bar at the summit of the Tehachapi Mountain Park. That held me over till right now. I drank most of my sport drink and some water with my Clif Bar. Gear worked flawless. Other notes, I saw one cyclist on his way up as I was descending off the mountain.