HILLY 100 LESS 50

I have not been on my bike a lot in the last few weeks…been busy with other commitments.  Have just ridden a couple of times a week, generally not more than 60 miles;  but, even so, I’ve noticed a few things worth mentioning.
 
On speed:  On my Saturday club ride I have surprised myself a few times by being able to keep up with the faster riders for short periods of time.  That means I can draft at 23, 24, maybe even 25 mph for a while, then my heart rate pops up, and I know I have to drop off.  Even though I’m ready less this summer than last, I’m clearly faster when riding in front or alone - it is much easier this year to maintain 20-21 mph for awhile.   Is it FP 60’s that have made me faster this year?   I can’t say for sure, but I’m confident they are a factor.   And having confidence in my equipment is a big part of success, I believe.  Any comments from anyone else as to at what speed they think the FP 60’s kick in for increased speed?
 
On hills:  Last weekend, I rode the first day of one of Indiana’s premier rides, the Hilly Hundred.  Didn’t have the mindset the ride both days, given I have only ridden about 2000 miles this summer, and have been on few hills.   For me, the “Hilly” is a tough ride, with big and repeating hills, and unlike many, if not most, of the “Hilly” riders, I have only two chain rings (53/39) in front.  Nonetheless, I rode better this year than last, even though with less miles on my legs.  I crested every hill without needing to stop, and did so with my heart rate was a bit lower at the top than last year.  Again, I’m clear the FP60’s climb better than what I was riding last year.
 
On my first flat on FP60 rim:  I ride Tufo tubular clincher tires, and had my first flat of the year (and first ever flat on tubulars)  two Saturday ago after hitting a rock about the size of dime. I like the dependability and ride of the Tufo tires (on tubed tires I flatted frequently)   I was near the end of the ride, so got picked up instead of fixing the flat on the road, but once home I struggled to make the needed repair.  To get the “Tufo goo” into the tire’s valve to seal any holes, the high profile rim required me to remove the tire entirely, a pain.   I didn’t know the Zipp valve extender screws off with an Allen wrench, so used plyers and scratched up the extender.  Then, getting the clincher tire off an on the rim was a pain.   I messed with it for a long time, and eventually went to a bike shop for help.   Once I figured it all out, the Tufo goo did its job and the hole sealed, and I’m back on the tire.  It will surely be easier next time, but I’ll still have to take the tire off to make the repair.