Today was my first solo ride since we had company. I got up and had breakfast with the family. They had to pack, so I stayed up to help out what I could. Nevertheless, I didn't take my usual morning nap, but I decided to go for my ride that I planned. The weather was comfortable, in the low 80's with light winds from the North-West. I wore the standard kit. Going out to Willow Springs, the first few miles had mild wind conditions. The winds picked up as I reached the turn-around point. I had a cross-tail till I reached the half-way point. From there, it turned into a cross-head, and stayed that way for the remainder of the ride. I felt pretty good, so I decided to add a couple miles going up WTR summit. My concentration was fairly good, some moments of the crazies, but I was able to keep it in check. I had to coach myself once and a while to keep from pushing it too hard. I tried my best to keep it in the zone. My thinking now is that I need to be mentally prepared for the century ride. I have to set aside over ambitions and focus more about safety and staying within myself. There will be points where I have to push it, and then get back into the comfort zone just as quick. That will be my work in progress for the remainder of my preparation rides. Balance and for felt good today. Going out to Willow Springs was a good ride for working on my balance. I did some power alternations in the legs, and stretching left and right "lead" legs. Ailments were close to none. I'm still using a saddle patch, and that's helping the sores which have subsided. This will also be something I need to mitigate over the next big training rides. I'll be treating it on and off the bike. Gear is working well. The chain needs to be replaced as it has stretched to its maximum recommendation. I ordered an Ultegra chain and will return the old one as per its warranty. Other notes, I saw 2 other cyclists coming back while I was going out to Willow Springs.