One of my favorite longer rides. Perfect morning for it: clear and cool to start, low humidity. Wanted to do a longer tune-up ride for an upcoming double metric to see if the legs had the stamina. Tried to be restrained in the beginning and this ride gives over 22 miles of flat to rolling terrain to warm up. Great view from Groton onto Wachusett. I love Barker Hill in Townsend: the sloping farms near the crest of the hill are really lovely. Good for getting the climbing tempo going. The Mason-Greenville climb went pretty well (PR?), then you get the long 6 mile descent on 31 to just before Mason. The sharp ascent on Issac Frye Hwy to the Hilltop Cafe was relatively smooth (PR?). Got a croissant and coffee at the Hilltop Cafe to recover. Though the climbs went well, I could feel the fatigue from those efforts. But at least you initially are rewarded with the 3+ mile descent towards Milford. Just tried to keep it rolling at higher cadence for the rest of the ride. Average speed was pretty good and though I was tired, I wasn't completely shattered at the end, so it's a good sign for a longer ride soon. What a great day to be out riding.