I was determined to get out today. The sun is out, it’s cold, but not impossible. I got out around 10:30-ish AM. I made my way out as usual. When I made it past the first hill, I went to grab a bottle and realized I forgot it. So, I had to go back. I calculated that it would add about 10 minutes to my ride, and that it did. With that said, I wore arms, legs, headcap, jacket, face mask and long finger gloves. So, the whole winter kit. The legs felt pretty good to start. I have to check the metrics to the top of the descent, but I think I did good time. The descent was mostly relaxed cruising. The wind was mostly on my back, but a bit turbulent. I played it safe. I stopped once to take a video of the passing train on the Loop. From there, it was non-stop to the base. After making it to the base of the climb, I headed back without hesitation. I kept all my layers on. The return ascension was mostly a game of patience and distraction. I had stuff to think about, so that made the miles go quicker. I was going into a headwind most of the time. The Lower Loop was the worst. I kept it in my smallest gear and was out of the saddle more often than not. After making it back to the Loop Monument, I was feeling better in the morale. At this point, I was settled into a tempo. I think I stopped once, but I don’t remember why. I kept my tempo going, no heroics. After making it to the summit, I took a few moments to recover and made my way back home. I shut it down at the top of Weston. My GoPro camera didn’t run out of batteries, so I’m wondering if the setting was time-lapse.

Concentration was good. I was in the zone most of the time, minimal lapses and no gremlins worth mentioning. Balance and form felt good. Nutrition was good. No hunger signs. I went through most of my sport drink, no water. Ailments were minimal. The usual hand numbness while grinding it out of the saddle. Gear worked flawlessly. Other notes, there was a small crowd at the Loop Monument when I was on my way down to Keene. No cyclists today.