I've been off the bike 3 or 4 consecutive days. Today's weather was nice and cool. 45 -50 degrees. I wore 2 base layers, arms, knees, skull cap, face mask. I ended up removing my skull and face mask as I was climbing my way back. I felt pretty good out the door. I was hoping I wouldn't have any saddle soreness, but that wasn't to be the case. I used a saddle patch, but I guess it wasn't enough, or it displaced itself. I made it to the top of the descent in good time. I cruised the downhill, mostly free wheeling and soft pedaling. After reaching the base, I turned around and started the climb. At this point, my legs were feeling somewhat heavy. It would take me about 15 minutes before I found my rythm. I was able to hold moderate to good tempo. I never reached above high tempo. I pushed just a bit over the loop monument. After that I kept my momentum and continued with mostly good tempo, dropping to moderate to keep from over exertion. Somewhere in the first 5 minutes, I removed some clothing, skull and face mask. Otherwise, I was comfortable. The cool air felt good on the way up. Concentration was very good, especially on the uphill. Balance and form felt good. Probably better in the saddle than out. The saddle soreness prevented from an optimal position. I had to get out of the saddle more frequently. Ailments were saddle soreness (as described). Otherwise, nothing else. Gear is working well. The little/big gears are dialed in. No chain rubbing. I don't think I got a chance to ride the big/little. Will have to see how that pans out on the next ride. I did hear some minor squeaking towards the last half of the climb. Other notes, I saw one other cyclist as I was descending. We crossed paths again was I was climbing.

Other notes, I still have soreness in the ribs. I could feel it as I was deep breathing and out of the saddle.