It’s a bit warmer than the previous ride. I wore the standard winter kit. Winds were from the North West. I was a bit low on energy when I got up from my nap, so I had to snack quite a bit. A banana, grapes, apple sauce and a Clif Bar. The legs felt pretty good to start. My energy felt better as the ride progressed. I made it to the summit of OTR in good average time. I stopped to adjust my left leg warmer, then I headed up the Banducci Wall. The Banducci Wall had minimal traffic, but I was constantly looking around. I felt better in urgency when I made it to Arosa. I was able to allow my body to settle in. The miles went quick. I was doing in and out of the saddle efforts, trying to keep the tempo no less then moderate. I was near max going over the top. The morale was good when I made it to the top of Arosa. From there, I made my way around the backside and then to the summit of Banducci. After reaching the summit, I took a few moments to recover. I let traffic by and then headed back down the mountain. I had a tailwind, so I was able to descend rapidly. There was some traffic mitigation, but it was safe. Descending off the Banducci Wall went well. After making it back to OTR, I was able to relax and enjoy the descent. I was having some gas signs as I was making my way back, but it subsided. Kind of took me by surprise. From there, I pushed over Mariposa and then to the top of Weston where I shut it down.

Concentration was good. Minimal lapses, the morale felt good in general. I was impatient in some places, otherwise it felt like I was in the zone most of the time. Balance and form felt good. Ailments were minimal. The usual hand numbness while grinding out of the saddle. The joints felt good. The GI exhibited mild signs of gas here and there. Nutrition was good. I’m glad I fed before the ride, because it helped. I drank most of my sport drink and a few sips of water. Gear worked flawlessly. Other notes, no cyclists today