As I was hoping, the weather was perfect for a half century. It was actually colder than I had anticipated. I put on knee and arm warmers. After stepping outside, I realized I wasn't going to need my knee covers. I took them off and headed out. I felt pretty good from the start. Making it the top of the descent in good average time. I cruised the downhill, no heroics or pushes. As I was descending, I realized I had put only one scoop of cyto in my bottle. It tasted watered down. I knew I was going to be ok. I told myself to call home and bring a bottle with 2 scoops. After making it the base, I turned around and headed back. The wind was strong today, but mostly on my back for the duration of the ascent. I was counting the landmarks, keeping my mind collected. I burnt my matches only where it was really needed. After passing the Loop Monument, I knew if I kept a steady tempo that I wouldn't have an problems. That proved to be the case. After reaching the summit, I called home and told mom to mix a bottle with 2 scoops of ctyo. I ate half a power bar and then headed to the mail lockers. We met there, swapped bottles, took on a bit of fluids and headed out. I took my time for the first few miles. Making my way through OTR with few matches burnt. I had in my mind, at this point, on the summit of the Alpine Forest. When I arrived at the Banducci wall, the wind was on my back. I think I was in one gear higher than normal. The wind continued to push me up the climb. I was near maximum at the summit, but I was able to push a bigger gear. I made my way to the Banducci summit. I took a few moments break. I ate what was left of my power bar. Swapped batteries on my camera, let traffic by and then headed down. I had to pull over once, as there was more traffic than normal. The wind was turbulent, and I was getting bumped around. Fortunately, no traffic from behind to worry about. I took my time. Tucked when needed and played it safe. At this point, I was needing a bio. I was holding it in for a while. Somewhat hoping there'd be accommodations on the farmlands. As I was making my way through the valley, I found a porta-potty. I did the bio, and headed out. (Happy that I wasn't going to require a visit to the local mini-mart). The legs were feeling good. No ailments at this point. I made my way through SS and headed back. The wind was mostly Easterly. Mostly a cross tail. I was keeping track of the speed. Mostly doing 18MPH, give or take. I was concentrating on the last climb. I wasn't sure how the legs were going to feel. I reached the climb and I was feeling good. No serious soreness. Some fatigue. I was able to hold a steady tempo. Out of the saddle where needed. I think it went better than I had anticipated. From there I knew it was mostly downhill with a few hills. Concentration was good today. I had a few things to think about. But, the ride went so well, that I was able to stay in the focused. Balance and form was good. I still felt awkward, out of the saddle here and there. Favoring one leg more than the other. Perhaps some adjustments to the cleats? Ailments, next to none. My right knee bruise has since healed. The calf muscles felt good. Knees, back, good. Gear is working well, no issues. Other notes, no other cyclists today! :(