Not a terribly long ride, but it also included some hike-a-bike between 1.5 and 1.7 as we reviewed last year's flags for the completion of Phase 2 of the Crownsgate Connector. The bad weather last year followed by a heavy growing season prevented its finish. The exploration revealed we'll need to re-flag a bunch of spots and clear a corridor again. Fortunately, November is upon us! Growing season stops, the stiltgrass dies and the jungle loses its leaves. Pretty decent fall day, if a bit cool, a little breezy and not much sun. Not really out of character for the last day of October. Back to layers, though, after several days of riding in shirt sleeves. The ride pretty well establishes the "clots" excuse for lackluster performance is no longer valid. Had no trouble keeping up or climbing today; things are clearly back to maybe late May levels. So at this point it's simply fitness, nothing more. Still, i'll take it. w/mark