Originally Posted by scottfsmith

That is because there was a long hill which I wanted to make a strong effort up the whole thing. This ride was a new route I had not done before so it was not in the 6-week past. The big hill had a lot of rest before (massive downhill - down one side of the river valley, up the other) so I was also well-rested when hitting that uphill. Anyway I think that is just an artifact of the particular ride I was on.

I always do my rides however I feel beforehand. I have surprised myself many times, both being much better and much worse than expected before.