The weather is warm. It was about 80 something when i got out. A dry heat. The legs felt pretty good from the start. I knew exactly where I wanted to go today. And, the wind was in my favor. I made it to the end of OTR in good time. I climbed the Banducci wall. Trying to keep out of the red-zone. So, mostly being patient. I made my way to the summit. I took a few moments rest. Checked the battery on the GoPro, it had about 60% left. I Let the cars go by and then headed downhill. It was a treat. Reaching in excess of 40 MPH, in the tuck. I was cautious on the last part of the descent. I didn't want to take any risks. The way to SS went quick. Probably averaging close to 18 MPH, into the wind. I made my way around the backside of SS. Then downhill. Reaching 40 MPH, in the tuck. So much fun. I forgot to check my time at the tunnel. It was probably around 1 hour, +/- a minute.
I zipped through town and headed back. The wind was somewhat turbulent, so I didn't get that nice drafting effect. I lost a minute or two, by the time I reached Boss Hogs. When I arrived at the base of the last climb, I pulled over to swap out the GoPro battery. From there, it was uphill. No red-lining. I kept the tempo moderate. The false flat was my recovery zone. I let cars go by, on Route 202. And made my way onto OTR. From there, it was mostly fun and games. Concentration was good. The morale was good, to start. Balance and form was good. Ailments, next to none. Mostly fatigue, towards the end of the ride. Gear worked perfect. Nutrition was good. I consumed most of my sport drink and half of my water. I probably should have hydrated more. I wasn't sure what my stomach could tolerate, though. Other notes.... I saw a bunch of cyclists (around 15 or 20) just as I was about to make the right turn on WTR. They were headed towards Keene. That would be the last time I saw them. Other than that, I saw one other casual cyclist.