It's hot out. I had to go shopping in the morning after breakfast, so I got out a bit later than I would have liked. It must have been over 85 degrees with minimal cloud cover. I decided to head out to Keene. I wasn't paying much attention to time. I cruised the downhill. The body was getting adjusted to the heat. I felt better on the way up than the way down. After reaching the base, I headed back without stopping. I opened the zipper on my jersey as much as it would go. After making it through the gauntlet, I was starting to perspire. I was adjusted to the heat by this time and was feeling better. The climbing legs started to return. I made my way through the steep zones. After making it to the second dip, the morale was feeling much better. I kept the tempo steady. Mostly out of the saddle. In the saddle to hydrate, relax a bit and shake the hands. I was listening to my music and guessing where I'd be by the time the song ended. It definitely kept my attention going in the right direction. I made it to the summit at near max HR. Concentration was good. I had a few things to think about. Balance and form was good. Ailments, some left hand numbness while out of the saddle. Gear worked perfect. Nutrition was good. I had 4 waffles with a banana before the ride. It was definitely a good call! I had no hunger signs. I drank most of my Gatorade and half my water. Other notes, no other cyclists out there today. The loop monument hasn't changed since I was last there. No new construction that I could see.