Today was a big one. I wanted to put in the last ride for the Fit and Fun in the Sun competition. I decided to combine several routes. I got up a bit earlier today to accommodate the hot weather. The wind started from the North West, but turned turbulent on the last half of the ride. It was in the mid 70's when I got out. I wore the standard summer kit. I stashed a bottle of water and some powder drink in the mail locker. The legs felt good to start. After stashing provisions in the mail locker, I made it to the summit of the Keene descent in good average timeI cruised the downhill. I put in two digs on the risers. After reaching the base, I took a moment to adjust something and then I headed up the mountain. The first mile was the worst, the legs had to settle in. I was feeling better after making it to the Lower Loop. I tried to keep my mind occupied to stave off my impatience. It helped. The morale got better with every landmark that I passed. As I was nearing the summit, I guessed the number of songs need to make it to the top. It helped the usual discomfort. I kept the tempo going over the top. After making it to the summit, I took a few moments to recover and then headed back to the mail locker. When I made it to the mail locker, I mixed a powder drink and got back on the road. I made my way to OTR. I was debating to bio or not, I chose against it. Turns out that it didn't matter. The climb went quick. I was warmed up, so the steep parts weren't too unforgiving. After making it to the summit, I took a few moments to recover on the bike. Then I headed to the Banducci Wall. The Banducci Wall had some traffic mitigation. I was looking around while making my way up. I was able to recover on the flat segment. At this point, the wind turned South East and turbulent. I had a tailwind on the way up. After making it to the summit, I took a few moments to feed and recover. After feeding, I let traffic by and headed down the mountain. I took my time. Fortunately, the traffic from behind was minimal. So, I took all the time I needed, no rushing. Descending off the Banducci Wall was a bit dangerous with the gusting wind conditions. I ended up feathering the breaks while having the right foot un-clipped from the pedals. After making it to the base, I headed up Highline. I was facing a turbulent headwind. The climb was mostly that of patience. I put it in the easy gears and did steady tempo to the summit. Then I made my way around the Buffalo neighborhood. I hopped back on Highline for the return and then to OTR. OTR was relaxing, but I still had to be careful with the turbulent wind conditions. I pushed over Mariposa and did the grind to the top of Weston where I shut it down.

Concentration was good. I was able to keep my patience in check. The moral felt good. I wanted to put in a good last ride for the Fit and Fun Under the Sun competition. Will see how I did in the next week. Balance and form was good. Ailments were minimal. Just the usual hand soreness. The joints felt good as did the muscles. Nutrition was good. I had a bowl of oatmeal and a few grapes for breakfast. I fed a Clif Bar and drank most of two bottles of sport drink and some water. Gear worked flawlessly. The mystery clicks persist, but much less today. I am tempted to adjust the seat post. Perhaps re-torque it down. Also, the left brake lever has become more tight. That is, it requires less travel to engage. No telling why as the right shifter feels the same. Other notes, I saw three cyclists today and some walker / runners.