Today was the last Metric+ Century of the season, before the GranFondo. I was hoping for a cooling trend since the last ride. Unfortunately, it’s another heatwave. I got out earlier today. About 10:30ish. I had breakfast at around 6:30am and slept for a couple of hours. The wind was also another story. I had a tailwind on the way out to Keene. Making it to the top of the descent in good time. It was apparent that the weather was going to be warm. I made my way down the mountain. The wind reversed about ½ way down, very unpredictable. After reaching the base, I turned around and headed back. I was having to control the camera, as it was eating through the camera battery faster than it should have. I learned that by stopping the recording, repluging the power cable does the trick. From that point on, it worked well. I was having to stop and start the recording a few times, but it wasn’t detracting from my ride. Somewhat of a welcome distraction. The Keene climb went well. This is where I can get a feel for the legs. They felt good, but at around ½ up the climb, my right hip started to bother me. I stretched on the dips and that helped. When I reached the summit, I called home and took a few moments to stretch. That made a huge difference. I didn’t experience much hip soreness from that point on. Mom and I met at the mail lockers and swapped bottles. I forgot to make a Cytomax in a baggie. I ended up mixing a bottle of Cytomax, so I had 2 of those and one water. I made my way through OTR. The legs responding well. When I got onto Highline, the wind was heading West. So, I had a headwind that point. When I reached WS, I pulled over to feed. I had ½ a Powerbar and then headed back. The tailwind felt so good. When I reached the Banducci wall, I took a few moments to let my climbing legs to set back in. The last half was done with a generous tailwind and felt like a pushing hand from behind. I did more of the same on the Alpine Forest. I took a few moments to let my climbing legs set in before increasing the tempo. No heroics and red-lining. I kept it within my limits. Fatigue was setting in, but not overwhelming. When I reached Lemans, I noticed that there was still gravel on the road. In my opinion, there was more than the previous ride. I’m going to send an email to the GranFondo organizers about this. In order to get through the gravel, I was having to grind up some steep sections while in the saddle. Fortunately, they alternated left and right sides of the road. But, still dangerous with blind corners. When I reached the summit of Banducci, I pulled over and took a few moments rest. Stretched, fed the last half of my Powerbar, hydrated and then headed downhill. I was practicing my tuck in turbulent conditions. Definitely better than in the upright position. Will have to use this technique on the WS descent, come the GranFondo. I was tucked, but feathering the brakes. As I was descending, I noticed the wind had changed directions. It was also a bit cooler in that region. I had a headwind from Pelliser to SS. Encouraging, as I knew I would have a tailwind on the way back. I made my way to SS, headed downhill (reaching 40MPH+) and then stopped at the local park bathroom. It was closed, so I headed into town. I picked up some Gatorade and two bottles of ice water. Shortly after, departing. I checked the camera, I think it was around 50% charge remaining, but increasing with the battery bank charging it. I made my way out. There was a Porta Potty near the exited SS. I was reluctant to use it, but decided that I’d better do it now before I regret it later. I think I made the right choice, despite the “Not so sanitary” conditions. As I was making my way through CV. The wind continued as a tailwind. All the way up to Cummings Valley road, where it reversed directions. The legs were a bit fatigued, but still had life in them. I decided to head up the Bear Valley entrance. About ½ way up, my right calf was hinting with tenderness. I was altering in and out of the saddle and then sat up at the summit. I stretched on the bike and then headed downhill. The last climb went well. It took a few moments to get the climbing legs back. When I reached the summit, I pulled over to feed a Cliffbar and drank plenty of fluids. From there, it was mostly recovery, albeit into the headwind. After reaching the exit to Route 202, it was mostly fun and games. Concentration was about as good as it was going to get. No gremlins worth noting. Balance and form felt good. Ailments consisted of right hip soreness, some left quad soreness. Those ailments were mitigated through stretching and taking advantage of the feed breaks. I experienced some hand numbness and slight soreness in the knees. Gear worked well. I had to babysit the Camera a bit more than I would have liked, but I didn’t have to dismount or stop with respect to that sole problem. Other notes, I saw one or two cyclists today.