It was supposed to rain today. When I got up, it was a bit cloudy. After my morning nap, I noticed the sun shining through the window. I knew right then that I had to get out. So, I got my stuff together and headed out to Keene. I wore the full winter kit with knee warmers. I felt sufficiently warm for the duration of the ride. The wind was from the North West and the temperature in the 40’s. I made it to the top of the descent in good average time. I cruised the downhill and put in two digs over the riser. My right knee was hinting on soreness on the first dig, so the second dig was modest. I stopped at the Loop Monument to take a panoramic photo as the clouds made for an interesting view. I made it to the base in just over 30 minutes. I spared no time and headed back. As I started the climb, I noticed my cleats were squeaking. I stopped at the Chavez Center entrance to rinse them off. That helped for a bit. The climb went as planned. I was a bit on the impatient side but was able to coach myself in order to stay focused. The land marks went quick. I tried to keep my mind occupied. I had a few things to think about. I turned down the music so that I could concentrate on my breathing. The morale got better after each landmark. I was going to stop to pet some horses but decided against it. I stopped once to remove my face mask. I can’t remember if it was at the Chavez or the top of the Loop. I was guessing my time to the summit. I was within a minute of my guess at the top. I kept my momentum going over the summit, nearing maximum with a hint left in the tank. After reaching the summit, I took a few moments to recover and headed back home. I pushed over Weston and shut it down at the top.

Concentration was good. I was bit impatient, but I coached myself to remain focused. Otherwise, I was in the zone for most of the ride. Balance and form was good. Ailments were minimal. The right knee was hinting on soreness on the first dig going down to Keene, so I let up on the second dig. Gear worked flawlessly. Nutrition was good. I went through more than half my sport drink. No water. Other notes, no cyclists to be seen and no one at the Loop Monument.

Other notes, I saw what appeared to be a bobcat as I was descending just passed the new camp ground.