Today was the first half century of the year. The weather was on the warm side. It didn't let up. The legs felt average to start. I made it to the summit of WTR in good average time. I cruised the downhill, trying to keep my mind set on the ride that lay ahead. I spared no time to waste at the bottom and headed back. The legs felt pretty good. The heat was setting in, though. I had that sensation of lack of dense air. A bit like high altitude riding. I counted off the landmarks. Notably, the bottom and top of the Loop. From that point, it was steady tempo. No hard accelerations. I was keeping my mind occupied, because I knew I had many miles ahead. After making the summit, I called home to meet at the mail lockers for provisions. It took 7 or 8 minutes from the time I made the first call. After getting my provisions settled, I took on some water and then headed out with 3 bottles. 2x Cytomax + 1 water. I also had a power bar. OTR went quick. I kept in mind the difficult sections. Once complete, it's done and dusted. The outbound to WS was nice. I had a good tailwind. I found a porta-potty near turn around point. From there, no other bio's. The return trip on Highline went quick. There were 3 cyclists that I past. Looked to be novice riders. Suffice it to say, I was a bit motivated to keep a good tempo going. I held back just a bit on the last risers. Banducci went well. I kept in mind that once I make it over the all, that would be the most difficult part of the ride, thereafter. After making the summit, I took a few minutes break. Ate an entire power bar. And drank what I had left of my first bottle of Cytomax. I took inventory on my provisions. I had enough to head down to CV and back. I decided to go for it. Fortunately, I had a tailwind most of the way back. At this point, I didn't have much ailments, other than exhaustion and hand soreness and numbness. The stomach was holding up. No aches, but it a slight heavy feeling. Perhaps a lack of water hydration. The last climb was relieving. After making the summit, I knew I had enough provisions and energy to make it home. From there it was mostly fun and games. Mariposa came and went. The usual push required. Concentration was very good. I had a few things to think about. Ailments, right hand numbness and soreness. A bit of heavy stomach feeling, not too detracting. Balance and form felt good. Gear worked flawless. Other notes, I saw sheep, 3 cyclists. Stuff to remember for the next double/triple, bring pepto pills.

Other notes, my HR was elevated on the last hour and a half of the ride.