What a perfect day for Keene n Back! Temperature in the low 70's. Cool wind from the North West. The legs felt good from the start. Upon riding about 300 yards up WTR, I saw a cyclist behind me by about 400 yards + or -. I couldn't tell what kind, but after riding a few more hundred yards, I noticed I wasn't putting much distance between us. I figured he was an avid cyclist, and he was. He was my incentive for the greater duration of the ride. I made it to the summit in good time. I spared no time to head downhill. About 1/2 down, there was a car behind. Nowhere to pull over, so I pushed it a bit, till I reached the last riser. I let him go by at that point. The remainder was the usual fun and games to the base. Although, I think I had incentive, so I was pushing a bigger gear. Once at the base, I turned around and headed back. No time to spare. I was constantly thinking where I would cross paths with the cyclist from behind. It was about when I reached the 58 bridge that we crossed paths. I took quick look. He appeared to be an avid cyclist, although older than me. I calculated that I was about 2 minutes ahead. I think it was a combination of the incentive and just recovering from the greater ride this last Sunday. I was pushing high tempo for the greater part of the ascent. The miles were ticking over. But at the pace I was going, time seems to feel a bit slower. Once past the Loop Monument, I was able to recoup just a bit. The remainder was keeping the high tempo going. Mostly out of the saddle, and in the saddle to recover for the next few minutes effort. I made it to the summit at my limit. Concentration was spot on. Ailments, perhaps some mild soreness in the knees, otherwise the usual exhaustion. Balance and from felt real god. Gear is working well. Other notes, there was a rocket launch from Vandenberg Airforce Base at 12:47pm. I missed it by about 30 minutes or so :(.