I managed to get up earlier this time. I got out over an hour earlier than normal. The weather was in the low 80's with cool winds from the North West. I wore the standard kit, along with my new jersey. So, today was another triple. I prepared for the ride by organizing the provisions and electronics (Gopro stuff). I stored 2 bottles + 1 small container of Cytomax. 2 Power Bars, and some extra batteries and SD Card. I stashed them in the mail locker. Once that was done, I started the ride. My legs felt average, maybe better. It didn't take much time to get warmed up. My first objective was Willow Springs. The wind was almost a perfect tailwind on the outbound leg. I thrive in these conditions and was able to hold a good tempo on the way out. No doubt faster than the previous triple. The way back was good, but I had to make some quick stops to make adjustments to my saddle position. My lower back was aching on the way back from Willow Springs. It got to the point where it was hindering my progress and was apparent that it wasn't going to get better unless I did some sort of adjustment. I stopped several times to adjust the seat height and rotation. After that, I reached the Banducci wall and I felt much better. Before that, a guy passed me as I was making my way up the Highline kickers. He was somewhat of a carrot, but I didn't chase him down. I had too much on the agenda. After reaching the summit, I took a minute breather. Gathered my thoughts, fed 1 power bar and then commenced the ride to SS. It was mostly fun and games on the descent. Practicing my tuck position. I did moderate tempo on the false flats to SS. I maintained that tempo over the summit. From that point, it was mostly cruising at a comfortable pace till I reached the local quickie mart. I took a quick bio break and got some drinks. I refilled my bottles, drank what was left and took off. (The guy who past me earlier in the ride was there. I think he was about 5 minutes ahead of me at that point. I knew that I had to conserve some energy for the last climb up Keene. I put it in cruise control, concentrating on my form at the same time. I did this all through the valley and up CVR climb. I got a nice reprieve all the way to the mail box lockers. When I reached the mailbox, I swapped out the bottles, drank some Cytomax from the small container. Swapped out my batteries. I also grabbed an extra power bar, just in case. The ride up to the WTR summit is always a chore when the winds are from the North. My legs had a break from the recent downhill. I was able to hold a moderate tempo. My body was responding well. I took a quick 1 minute breather at the summit and then commenced the downhill to Keene. I was stretching on the downhill (and through out the ride). More so than the previous triple. It definitely helped. The descent was fun and games, a welcoming reprieve. Once I got to the base, I got my mind into concentration mode. I put mile stones in my mind. 3, the start of the steep sections, the loop monument kicker, and the last kicker. I was fatigued, but my body had something left and I wasn't suffering excessively. After the first two milestones, I knew I was going to make it without any more significant sensations of fatigue. I was able to ease off the pace. Keep it nice and steady. Out of the saddle when needed. Hydrated the entire time. One I noticed about hydrating with the Cytomax bottle is that I have to be careful of the amount of powder I put in the bottle. I think I added an extra 1/2 cup of powder. Suffice it to say, my stomach felt somewhat bloated. After reaching my third milestone, I was able to relax, keep the momentum going and concentrate on making the summit. The summit arrived shortly thereafter and I cruised it home from there. I did good time. I think I shaved 5 or 6 minutes off my previous triple. Concentration was real good today. I felt a bit dazed as I was making my way back from Willow Springs. With the lower back soreness, I was getting discouraged. I think that offset the zone that I was in. Fortunately I found a solution to the ailment and got my concentration in lock-down. Ailments consisted of lower back pain (in the early ride). Stoping and fixing the saddle height/rotation seemed to fix that. But, also the time I spent off the bike while making adjustments gave my body some time to reprieve. I had some minor aches here and there, nothing worth mentioning. Balance and form was much better today. I felt square on the pedals. At least more so than my previous triple. Gear is working good. I had no problems. My smartphone reads 74% charged. I don't think I 'll need the extra external battery for the Gran Fondo. It will likely have around 50% charge by the time I'm done with the ride. Other notes, I passed at least 10 other riders out there. Most on the first third of the ride.

Other notes, I came close to colliding with a young dear as I was coasting down OTR.