There's a heatwave and I got stuck in the middle, today. It was apparent that it was going to be a hot one. I prepared myself, mentally, as best I could. I wore my arm coolers. I forgot to charge the walkman, so I was put off for the fact that I knew it was not going to last the entire ride. Nevertheless, I put it out of my mind and commenced the ride. I made it to the top of WTR in good average time. I cruised my way to Keene, no heroics, and minimal traffic mitigation. After reaching the base, I headed back with no stopping. As soon as I started to climb, it became apparent that the heat was going to be the worst of things on the ascent. It proved to be true. I kept the tempo steady. I knew I was going to burn more matches than usual, so I was patient and burnt them on the more difficult sections. After reaching the Loop Monument, I knew it was steady tempo to the summit. I kept my mind focused. Trying to keep it from wandering to far. After I reached the summit, I took a few moments rest, called home to meet mom at the mail lockers. I took on what fluids I had left, and then headed downhill. Mostly, coasting my way. I found a nice shady spot and waited there. After meeting, I drank what I had left, and some extra water. I swapped out bottles and brought a third Cytomax. I didn't waste time, and got back on the road. As I departed, I noticed there were some clouds in the sky, in the direction I was headed. Somewhat encouraging. As I was making my way through OTR, I was under the cloud cover every few moments. It was good for the morale. Upon reaching the end of OTR, I made my way to the Banducci wall. I think I was in the sun, the whole time up. The Alpine Forest was manageable. I don't think I was red-lining it much. But I was near my limit. When I reached the Banducci summit, I took a few moments break. I ate 1/2 of my Power Bar and drank some fluids. I also swapped out the battery in my GoPro. I put in my mind that the toughest part was behind me. I headed downhill and through the farmlands to SS. I stretched while on the bike as I passed the front SS entrance. After reaching the backside of SS, I pulled over to eat the remainder of my Power Bar. The descent was fun. I cruised my way through SS. The trek through the farmlands went quick. Averaging around 18 MPH. Pelliser didn't have the tailwind I wanted to, but it was more of a slight cross-tail. The last climb felt ok. It was just the heat. The clouds went away and I was stuck in the heat from the sun and the tarmac. After reaching the summit, I knew I had it made. I reached Route 202, headed down to OTR, mitigating traffic. From that point, it was mostly fun and games + the usual Mariposa dig. As I was making my way down OTR, a but flew into my helmet. I thought I shook it loose. At the top of Mariposa, I noticed that my phone was trying to dial my voicemail. Apparently, it was getting bumped around in my rear pocket. I stopped and turned it off. At the same time, I removed my helmet to reveal the bug that had lodged itself in there. I shook it out, and it flew away. Concentration was very good today. I didn't have much to the think about, but I was able to keep it real. Mostly thinking of the plan for the Tehachapi Gran Fondo. Balance and form felt good. Ailments consisted of right hand numbness and the usual exhaustion from the heat and difficulty of the ride. Gear worked well. Other notes, no other cyclists today.