Well today was REAL cold! I had to wear legs, arms, skull, face, a warm base layer and a jacket. The winds were from the North West and temperature somewhere in the low 40's at most. I felt pretty good out the door. The past few days I had knee problems in my left leg. I had to sit out of riding for about 3 days. I felt good today, though. No serious knee pains. I guess you could say I was warmed up by the time I reached the beginning of the descent. But I was still cold from the weather. I took it easy on the downhill. Coasting most of the way. I reached the base in average time and I commenced the climb almost immediately. I felt good for most of the ride, despite the cold weather. I ended up removing my face mask when I reached the Teh. loop. It took me a minute or two to shove it into my back pocket as I had to lift my jacket out of the way. From that point, it was moderate to good tempo. I ended up lifting the tempo towards the end of the climb. I was anticipating that I would warm up on the climb and likely have to remove my jacket. But that was not to be the case! I wore everything except my face mask on the ascent. Other than that, I unzipped my jacket about half way. That was enough to keep my body temperature comfortable. Concentration was good today. I think the cold kept my mind preoccupied and thus, in the zone. Form and balance was the primary focus today. It's coming along nicely. I'm doing more leg strength training and hope to build some muscle over the next few months. Ailments were next to none. I think I had some slight pains in my right leg that lasted a few moments. My lower back was sore at one point, but nothing inhibiting. Gear is working good today. My HR strap went kaput. I have to buy another one. Hopefully Nashbar has them on sale. The bike had no mystery squeeks. Before the ride began, I oiled my cleats and tightened the rear wheel. Will see how it behaves over the next few rides. Other notes, I saw one other cyclist climbing as I was descending down to Keene. I was expecting no one.