Did my final training ride today as I prepare for my first century next Saturday in Palm Springs. My riding partner and I took it easy - 70 miles to the beach and back - on a beautiful "winter day" in LA. Temp was in upper 40s at the beginning and low 70s at the end; not much wind. Lots of cyclists on the San Gabriel River Trail and one slithery snake near the end who reared his head and stuck out his tongue. I took it as a sign that he appreciated that I didn't ride over him.