I wanted to go to Stallion Springs today. They predicted rain overnight, but it was supposed to clear up on Sunday. The temperature was to be around 40. So, I decided to sleep just a bit extra so that the weather can warm up. I got suited up. I wore the standard winter kit, from head to toe. When I headed out the temperature was around 40 degrees, winds were favorable from the North West and it was cloudy. The legs were a bit heavy to start. As I was making my way up OTR, I noticed some sprinkles building up on my glasses. So, I had to think of a plan B. I had the choice of going up the Alpine Forest and scrapping the SS route. Or go up Banducci and see what the weather was like on the other side of the mountain. I decided on the latter. The Banducci Wall had traffic mitigation. More than I expected. I made my way to the summit. When I got there, the first thing I checked were the clouds. I could see that there was a bit of haze in the air. A sign of moisture. So, I reluctantly decided to head back. I figured, why risk it. In hindsight, I almost wish I could have gone up the Alpine Forest. As I was descending, I figured I could do a OTR + Keene route for the next ride. Fortunately, the clouds held up and I was able to make it back home with just a few sprinkles.

Concentration was good. I was eager to go to SS. Perhaps next weekend. Balance and form was good. Ailments were minimal. The body felt good. The sit bones were cooperating. Nutrition was good. I fed a banana, grapes and some apple sauce before departing. Gear held up flawlessly. Other notes, no cyclists today. (No surprise there). My favorite horses were out in the field as I was passing through on OTR.