The weather has let up. It's mostly sunny, in the low 50's, but felt more like 49. Winds were from the North West. A perfect day to go to Keene. I wore the standard winter kit minus the jacket and know toe covers. I put a sheet of newspaper in my jersey since I decided to leave my jacket behind at the last moment. I probably should have brought my jacket for the descent down to Keene. My body was warm, but my arms and back were starting to feel it. I covered my face and breathed through my nose. I made it to the top of the descent in good average time. I cruised the downhill and put in two digs on the risers. After reaching the base, I headed back without hesitation. The legs felt good from the start. I had a tailwind most of the way up and the cool air felt like I was super-charging my cardio. The landmarks went quick, my music and announcements helped. I was doing in and out of the saddle efforts for the duration of the climb. I guessed how many songs it would take to get to the top to stay focused. I kept the momentum going over the top, no heroics. After cresting the summit, I made it back home. I shut it down after the dig to the top of Weston.

Concentration was good. I had stuff to think about. The morale was good. My patience was in check. No gremlins to speak of. Balance and form was good. Ailments were minimal. Just the usual hand soreness. The muscles and joints felt good. Nutrition was good. I had a bowl of oatmeal, half a banana and some grapes for breakfast. Gear worked flawlessly. Other notes, there was only one person at the Loop Monument as I was making my way down to Keene. There were some friendly motor-cyclists.