I decided to do a double today. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't cooperating. The smoke from local wild fires has made its way into Tehachapi. It felt like a horrible day in the SFV. I could feel it the moment I stepped outside. Suffice it to say, it was an average day at best. The legs felt heavy to start. I was hoping they'd feel better as the ride went on, but that didn't prove to be the case. In such, I prepared my mind for having a "just get it done" day. I made my way out to WS in average time. No heroics. The return trip was more of the same. Steady tempo, out of the saddle from time to time. Negotiating Thorn Alley. After making my way back to OTR, I stopped at the top of Mariposa to call for bottles. I met mom at the lockers and swapped bottles, some cooling spray on the right knee. After commencing, I knew it was going to be a chore. That first riser on WTR is demoralizing. I put in my mind that, once I get over that, it's steady to the top. I cruised the downhill. Turned around at the bottom. The first few hundred yards became apparent that the body was having to work more than usual. The heat on smoke in the air compounded the fact. I stayed focused in my mind, keeping it from straying too far and noting the landmarks. Concentration was good for the most part, hints of gremlins here and there, nothing detracting. Balance and form felt ok, not great. Ailments consisted of intermittent right knee soreness. Shifting into a lower gear mitigated that problem. Gear is working well. The camera recorded non-stop, not issues. Will have to test the #1 battery bank to determine which one I will use on the TGF. Other notes, I saw 2 or 3 cyclists today.