Today was a big one. I got up early, had breakfast, napped, got up, suited and headed out. I'd guess about 1.5 hours earlier than usual. Weather continues to be hot, but not scorching. The legs were average to start. The grind to the top of WTR was enough to get them warmed up. I cruised my way to Keene, mostly soft pedaling. No traffic mitigation. I forgot to charge my Walkman, so I was listing to music on my smartphone. When I reached the base, I changed music tracks to something I liked. From there, I headed back. I stopped one more time because there was a bug that lodged itself in my glasses. From there, no stoppages till the summit. As usual, I was focusing on landmarks. I had some things to think about. So, between those two things, I had a good focal point. My legs felt pretty good for the entire climb. When I reached the summit, I called home for bottles and headed down to the mail lockers. After swapping bottles, I headed to OTR. No heroics, just a steady pace. My legs felt a bit heavy going up Highline, but not so detracting. I kept a moderate tempo to the turn-around. When I reached the turn-around point, I pulled over to eat 1/2 of my Power Bar. I then made my way to Banducci. I had a headwind to deal with at this point. So, I kept the tempo steady, out of the saddle when needed. I was also mitigating thorn alley. Staying on or near the bike lane marker. Banducci felt pretty good. I had enough in the legs and gearing was spot on. The Alpine Forest felt good. Less traffic than Banducci, so I was able to focus on the task at hand and not so much traffic mitigation. I counted the bumps and making rough calculations in my mind. At around this time, I was trying to make up my mind. I was wondering it I should go to SS. The rationale was that I had just enough provisions to make it back home without going to SS. But I would have plenty to make it there and buy more provisions at the mini mart. I decided to skip SS. When I reached the summit of Banducci, there were cars parked at the summit, so I decided to head downhill and find a resting point. The downhill was fun and games. Doing my tuck. When I reached Pelliser, I pulled over, ate my remaining Power Bar, hydrated and headed back, through the farm-lands. I estimated I would have just enough provisions to make it back. I made my way through the farmlands in good average time. doing 18MPH+, most of the time. I had enough legs to do the last climb without over-fatigue. At this point, I was having to ration my fluids, as it became apparent that I wouldn't have enough, if I started to guzzle. I was relieved when I reached the summit. I knew I had enough to get back home. Route 202 was traffic mitigation. OTR was fun and games. Minimal drinking. Mariposa, the usual grind. In the end, I had drank all my bottles. The next time I do this ride, I'll likely go to SS. Concentration was very good. I had stuff to think about. Enough to keep my mind in check. Balance and form felt good. Ailments, right hand numbness. Some knee pains during the last 5 to 10 miles. Likely due to dehydration. Gear is working flawless. I installed my new cassette and chain yesterday. It feels great! Other notes, no other cyclists. Some people cheering at the summit of Banducci. I saw one deer as I was approaching the summit of Keene. I was about to pull over to take photos, but it hopped its way up the embankment.