I was a bit reluctant to get out of bed, but I managed to do it. The weather is on the cool side, winds from the South East. Not what I wanted, but I convinced myself to stick with the plan. I had a nice tailwind on the way out. I made it to the top of WTR in good time. I cruised the downhill, watching the corners for traffic. I put in two solid digs on the risers. When I reached the base, I forgot to check the time. I headed back without hesitation. I kept all my layers on for the return climb. As expected, I had a headwind on the way back. Some parts were more difficult than others. I tried to keep my mind occupied, but the more important thing was to remain patient. As the landmarks went by, I was feeling more relaxed and able to remain in the zone. I was using my small gears and doing in and out of the saddle efforts. My GPS announcements were going and it kept my mind occupied. I was doing the numbers between announcements. It definitely helped. After cresting the summit, I was able to sit up and relax for a bit while on the bike. There was a headwind on the way back, so I took it easy. I put in a modest push to the top of Weston where I shut it down.

Concentration was good. Minimal lapses and no gremlins to speak of. Balance and form was good. Nutrition was good. I fed half a banana before departing. That held me over. I went through a bit more than half my sport drink, no water. Ailments were minimal. The usual hand numbness while digging out of the saddle and some hints of knee soreness that didn’t detract from my progress. Gear worked flawlessly. Other notes, no cyclists today. There were trains on the way down throughout the ride.