I’m trying out a new publishing platform that might replace this website. Looking to cut down on costs and the occasional headache (though I’ve gotta admit, I do have a soft spot for this place). Time will tell how it goes! For now, check out my posts over there. If I end up coming back, I’ll post everything here again.
Day: March 17, 2025
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Serene Layers of Little Creep
Little Creek in March Ah, the first day of spring, a time when nature decides to play a little prank on me by gifting me with 10 ticks—yes, ten of those little buggers—after a leisurely stop at what I’d affectionately call a “creep crossing.” Snapped a pic for the memories, of course. So, let’s dive into this chilly snapshot of life, shall we? It’s like a metaphorical slap from Mother Nature, showing us her tough love and tender mercies all at once. Beneath the icy facade, there’s a stream that refuses to quit, mirroring our own resilience in the face of adversity. The rocks? Ah, they’re the unsung heroes, the hidden gems that remind us of the good lurking just beneath the surface, waiting for us to take a closer peek.
Back in the spring of 2004, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth and I first dipped my toes into the vast ocean of the internet, I embarked on a digital odyssey. It was March, with spring fever in full swing, that I threw my hat into the blogging ring with “Comanche News”. That initial post was a raw, unfiltered dive into the drama of a stop work order—a cliffhanger in my career that had me on the edge of my seat. Little did I know, I was at the end of one chapter and peeking over the ledge at the start of an epic saga.
Fast forward to 2008, and there I was, pedaling like a madman on a 90-mile trek to Georgetown Lake. This wasn’t just a test of endurance; it was a milestone, a journey within a journey, documented for posterity in “Georgetown Lake 90 Miler”. The exhaustion was real, but beneath the sweat and tears, there was this undeniable buzz of achievement—like finishing a marathon or sitting through an entire silent film festival.
2009 rolled around, and “Pipestone” happened. It was an adventure peppered with camaraderie, where words were unnecessary and pictures told our tales of triumph and tomfoolery. It was all about those moments that make you laugh so hard, you forget about the sore muscles and the dirt in your teeth.
Come 2010, I found myself in a moment of Zen, surrounded by nature’s quiet beauty. “Painting Tracks” was a love letter to those serene snapshots of life that offer a breath of fresh air amidst the hustle and bustle. It was a reminder to pause, breathe, and take in the view.
In 2012, “Missing” had me pondering the profound in the absent, the colors missing from our palette, and the stories left untold. It was an introspective journey into the empty spaces that sometimes say more than the filled ones.
By 2016, in “WNA 35 Rollin Fatties @ Jackson Creek”, I was battling the sniffles but decided to conquer the great outdoors with a buddy. It was about pushing past the discomfort, because adventure waits for no one and fresh air is the best medicine—second only to chicken soup, perhaps.
2017 had me looking in the rearview at the Tetons, reminiscing about adventures past in “Tetons In the Rear View”. It was a moment of reflection, realizing that every end is just the start of a new adventure waiting to unfold.
2021’s “Last Mod … Ever” teased the idea of a finale but, true to the spirit of my journey, it was more of a rebirth, a metamorphosis. The story wasn’t wrapping up; it was evolving, transforming into something new and uncharted.
And most recently, in 2023, “Cape Mears Splendor” captured the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, a testament to the wonders that lie in wait for those willing to seek them out. Each post, from the first chapter to the latest entry, stitches together a tapestry of growth, change, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure. This journey, chronicled on my blog, paints the portrait of life’s unfolding story, highlighting not just the milestones but the memories and moments that define us. From the uncertainty of new beginnings to the splendor of the now, it’s a saga that continues to weave its narrative, one adventure at a time.
Ah, the rollercoaster ride of my blogging journey, scribbled down through the years like a diary left open on a kitchen table, really shows how life’s one big treasure hunt for growth, wild rides, and those “aha!” moments. Kicked off as a digital newbie, my blog’s evolved like a sitcom character—starting with awkward hellos to nature’s grandeur serving as my backdrop for deep, sometimes rambling, thoughts. Each blog post is a little story of sticking it out, high-fiving friends (real and virtual), and looking inward. This whole shebang isn’t just about those high-five-worthy achievements but also about those blink-and-you-miss-it seconds and the wisdom nuggets picked up from the dirt road of life. It’s my shoutout to rolling with life’s punches, spotting the rainbow in the storm, and getting jazzed about turning the page to start anew. In a nutshell, it’s my way of saying, “Hey, every curtain call is just a sneak peek into the next act,” nudging us to keep moving, pondering, and soaking up the zillion flavors of experiences that cook us into who we are.
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Cape Mears Splendor
As we stand here at Cape Mears,
Surrounded by the ocean’s cheers,
We look out to the north west,
Where two rocks are being tested.
The waves pound them without rest,
As the cliff grass sways in the breeze.
We stand in awe of this scene,
Witnessing nature’s splendor so serene. -
Last Mod … Ever
Oh, Buttons, our cherished campervan, has hit the road to the great beyond. This tweak was her final curtain call before fate pulled an unexpected plot twist. Whipped up with a dash of #magisto magic, and the tunes? “Beautifully Moody Piano” by Stephen Boda, setting the perfect mood.
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Tetons In the Rear View
A fortnight back, we sauntered back from the 2017 Togwotee Winter Classic, still buzzing from the chill. Feast your eyes, tune your ears, and buckle up for what’s coming next. Drumroll, please… Major reveal at the crack of dawn tomorrow. Stay tuned, folks!
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WNA 35 Rollin Fatties @ Jackson Creek
Last night, amidst the remnants of a pesky cold, I decided to brave it all and embark on an ambitious fat bike ride in the evening, accompanied by our “massive” group of… wait for it… two. It initially felt like a simple quest for fresh air, but boy, did it morph into a bona fide fat bike adventure. And the cherry on top? We were treading wheels in a place that was a mystery to both of us. Imagine that – two intrepid explorers, against all odds, navigating the unknown on two chunky tires. It’s like we were boldly going where no one in our duo had gone before.
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Missing
Evening colors Staring out my window here in Missoula, I’m hit with a revelation – nada, zilch, nothing’s missing. Yet, it’s exactly what’s absent in front of me that’s the kicker. We’re talking color – not just any hue, but that vibrant Bozeman palette that makes your heart skip a beat. The scene zooms in on a sunset, bursting with all the makings of a snapshot masterpiece. It tugs at the heartstrings, folks, and it’s downright gorgeous. It’s got layers, pulling you in like a magnet.
But snap back to reality (oh, there goes gravity), and it’s a whole different story. Not a single photo-worthy scene in sight. Might as well hit the road, right? Guess it’s time to create my own adventure, maybe find that missing Bozeman rainbow on the way.
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Painting Tracks
Oh boy, here we go again, diving headfirst into part 20 of my ongoing saga – a heartfelt homage to my top photo picks from the good ol’ year of 2009. Let’s roll out the red carpet for today’s star, “Painting Tracks,” which has snugly found its place in my “Ice and Snow” album. Snapped this gem on December 27th, 2009, at exactly 5:37 PM, with my trusty, albeit on-its-last-legs, Canon SD 1000.
Blue point snow shoe “Painting Tracks,” huh? Sounds fancy. That evening, the setting sun cast a bronze spell over everything, its beauty almost surreal. In a race against time, and with a dash of eagerness to reach Blue Point, I captured these shots. My so-called deadline had been left in the dust a cool thousand feet and a couple of miles ago. But hey, who’s counting? Extending this escapade turned out to be a stroke of genius, as this photo quickly climbed the ranks to become one of my all-time faves.
Brace yourselves, folks. In the not-too-distant future, I’ll unveil this very scene again, but with a twist – it’ll be in landscape mode. The original, presented in portrait, probably mirrors my inner turmoil as I trudged through the snow, haunted by the thought of the encroaching darkness. Yet, amidst my haste, I stumbled upon a moment of serenity so profound, I had no choice but to capture it in landscape.
These moments have since transformed into sweet, sweet memories. Just last night, I wrapped up a 2-hour training ride under the lingering gaze of the sun. It was glorious. As winter’s chill reluctantly gives way to the promise of spring and summer, our beloved painted tracks will be replaced by a riot of wildflowers. Ah, the circle of life, folks. It’s a beautiful thing, isn’t it?
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Georgetown Lake 90 Miler
Good morning from Missoula where I just woke up and feel like another three days of sleep would feel so good. Yesterday I rode my bike from Drummond to Georgetown Lake and beyond. In all I rode 90 miles and that completed my 222 mile week. Now it is time to rest. Another big milestone is that I have reached the 1000 mile threshold and now can officially call myself “in shape”. Time to race!
The drive to Drummond was spectacular and again just like the day before it was sunny and very nice which was in stark contrast to Missoula’s dark overcast and snow storm. But just like the day before, a sunny drive doesn’t mean a sunny ride.
I left Drummond starring straight into a cloud that looked like it was dumping precipitation. Entering into Hall the clouds looked like they were on the move and I was bracing for a long day in the saddle. After cycling an hour I reached Maxville and discovered that the clouds had passed and the sun was coming out. The entire ride it seemed as if the sun was following me around.
At the 2 hour mark I finally reached the climb up the pass. I remarked to myself that now the fun would begin. It was a blast and I must say this is my favorite pass. It seems dramatic and the views can not be matched. Once on top the Pintlers are astonishing. The road is great and to my surprise the driest roads I have encountered this year. The best part is that there is barely any traffic. If found myself reaching for the camera one to many times. Stay tuned for video!
The trip back to the car was fabulous. The sun came out in force and the all downhill route went by so fast I had to do a side trip once I got back to Drummond. All I can say about this ride is, thank you sun. This is the best one of the year so far. Next week is a road race and the week following I am working on a 150 miler … stay tuned.
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Comanche News
Just heard through the grapevine that a “stop work” order is looming over us, set to hit today. Apparently, we’ve got a mere five days to whip things into shape before the curtain falls. And if we’re not scooped up and re-deployed by then, it’s adios amigos! So, keep your eyes peeled for updates!
Just rolled back from a visit to the Bridgeport facility, where I got an up-close look at the Comanches mid-assembly. Let me tell you, I had no idea how jaw-dropping these machines are. Crafted from carbon fiber and titanium, they’re like something out of a futuristic sci-fi movie. Honestly, these beauties deserve a spot in the Smithsonian, no question about it.
Meanwhile, I stumbled upon the not-so-shocking revelation that my boss could really use a lesson or two in coolness. The vibe in other departments? Absolutely electric, a stark contrast to ours. Well, you win some, you lose some, right?
Boneshakerbike 