The weather is slightly warmer. I got up late today. Around 10am. By the time i made breakfast, ate, did the morning routine, it was already 11:30. I thought to myself that if I took a nap, it would get too late for a ride. So, I decided to skip sleep. Last night wasn't the best, either, but I wasn't up all night. The temperature is in the 70's. Winds from the north west. The legs felt average to start. Sufficiently warmed up by the time I reached the summit of the descent. I soft pedaled most of the way down. Putting digs over the risers. Mostly focusing on form more than power. I reached the base in good average time. I headed back, no stoppages. The heat was bearing down just a bit more than the last time. Enough to feel the difference. I had to adjust my tempo accordingly. No chance of a PR or even close. I did the usual count the landmarks. Trying to keep my mind occupied. I didn't put in any surges. I was out of the saddle frequently, and in the saddle to recoup. No red-lining it today. I reached the summit in good time. Concentration was up and down. A brain fart on the lower slopes. I reeled it in. But, took a while to get it back. Nonetheless, mostly unscathed... The morale wasn't 100%. Marcia's pet past away and we laid him to rest yesterday. I'm glad I got out when I did, instead of sleeping too much. Balance and form felt good. Ailments, right hand numbness. Gear worked great. Bike exhibited less mystery clicks. I ended up buying new Speedplay Zero pedals today, as the left pedal has worn bearings. Other notes, there were people at the Loop Monument. Some rail-road construction near the base of Keene. No other cyclists today.