What's this? Ride in the middle of the day in the middle of the week? Yes, yes it is. Weather suddenly let up, the sun came out, there wasn't much wind, seems like perfect riding conditions ... on pavement at least. Woods are still sopping wet so time to get back in the pavement groove. Took a few miles to adjust to the higher speeds, shorter wheelbase and different riding position but after about 3 miles it all started to make sense again. Contact points had no objections; legs are definitely getting stronger and cardio in general was not an issue (obviously road riding is NOT the same as woods riding for cardio purposes -- waaaay more intervals in the woods). This business of riding whenever and wherever seems like it might be a pretty good deal. Lot less rushed when you're not needing to get home before dark or before dinner or whatever. And yes there was a small out-and-back at the end, a futile attempt to get the full, regular 30 miles.