It’s colder now. When I got up, it was in the 30’s. After taking my nap, it went up to around low 40’s. Just warm enough to get out. I wore the standard winter kit plus some newspaper in the jersey. The wind was from the North West, ideal for going to Keene. I didn’t bother checking the time to the top of the descent. Probably average time, or so. I cruised the downhill and put in two digs on the risers. After making it to the base, I adjust my clothing and then headed back. The legs were feeling responsive, but I was still cold from the descent. It took a while before the warmth settled in. It definitely made things more challenging, especially with respect to concentration. The landmarks went by. I kept my mind occupied as best I could. The GPS was announcing the metrics, for the first time. Neat stuff. After the last dip, the morale and patience was better. I was doing in and out of the saddle efforts, trying to keep it around moderate tempo. Sometimes less, sometimes more. After reaching the summit, I recovered on the bike for a few moments. From there, I headed back home and shut it down at the top of Weston.
Concentration was good. I had minimal lapses. The cold posed a challenge, but I prevailed. There were no gremlins to speak of. Balance and form was good. Nutrition was good. I had a banana with grapes and apple sauce before departing. That held me over plenty. I drank a bit more than half my sport drink, no water. Ailments were minimal. Some mild hand numbness while digging out of the saddle. Gear worked flawlessly. The GPS is proving its worth!

(I posted an average, time to the base of Keene, I was in no hurry, so a moot point).

Other notes, I saw one cyclist on his way out as I was on my way back on WTR.