Today was a big one. First time I did this ride in a while, and now I know why! I decided to go out to the wind farms, to Sand Canyon (5 miles up and back), then home. I wasn't sure if I would have enough for Banducci. I ended up skipping Banducci in the end. I felt good going out the door. I did better than average time up OTR. I think the weather let up a bit today. Still a bit on the cold side, though. I had a fun time going out to WS, being that I had a tailwind. When I reached WS, I headed south, up the climb without any rest. Pretty much like I remembered it. Climbing for a mile or two, undulates and then kicks up to the summit. So, one of the objectives today was to see how the descent on WS is. I was taking mental notes. I noticed that I felt comfortable keeping my speed around 30-35 MPH on the first half mile. Any more and I wouldn't be able to slow down in an emergency. Once past the steep section, I was able to let up a bit, between 30 and 40 MPH. Then preparation for the left hander onto Cameron. From that point on, no more descending danger zones. So, one of the tests was to see what my legs were going to do. Up till this point, my legs felt good. Then, about half way up Cameron, I noticed my right calf begin to sore. It felt like a cramp. So, I let up a bit, favoring the left leg for power. I was having to weave my way up the climb. Once I got over the summit, I was ok from there. The downhill to the 58 went fast. My leg felt better when I reached Sand Canyon. I looked at my GPS and noted the distance. It was about 25 miles into the ride. So, at mile 30, I would head back. That's exactly what I did. My right leg felt better up this climb, but not 100%. The return down Sand Canyon went fast. I met up with mom and dad at the intersection of Teh. B:vd. I took a 5 minute break, re-hydrated, fed a power bar, iced the right calf and put some cold spray on the legs. From there it was the march home. This leg of the ride is the part I despise the most. I tried to keep my thoughts positive, making notes of the landmarks. Tehachapi Blvd always has a headwind and very little shoulder. When I made it back to Highline, I just kept in my mind that the tough part was behind me and the remainder was just steady tempo, no heroics. After making it up the last few kickers, I was able to relax and head back home. Concentration was very good, all things considered. I was thinking of some stuff that was in the back of my mind, so that kept me distracted from the effort. Balance and form felt good for the most part. Ailments consisted of the right calf cramping (slightly), right hand numbness, some left sit bone soreness, and the usual exhaustion from the effort. Gear worked flawless. I used the GoPro Hero 2 camera today because I sent mine back for a replacement. After today's ride, I am going to investigate compact cranksets. I figured, I rarely use the 53/11, so I would put better use of a 36/32 on the steeper sections. Perhaps helping in the cramping situation. Other notes, only 1 other cyclist today.