Started out by myself. Saw a couple of friends as I was starting, Mitch and John Slama/Lorrie. Went at a good pace and skipped 1'st R/S. Met Bob at the 3rd Rest Stop - Rios Lovell and we rode the 16 mile loop which took us about an hr to do. Getting to Dublin Grade took some time ~16 miles and was a bit tired on the climb. Got to last R/S Palo Verde and had some food and a popsicle before ascending Palomares Rd ~5 mile climb. The first part ~3 miles is not steep, but the last 2 the grade really picks up. It was a grind for me and had to really focus to not get off the bike. Finished slower than previous years and it was probably due to the heat and not getting on the bike the previous week as I felt sluggish the whole ride.