The Divergent Mountain Biker

Dropping in on a neurotypical jumpline.

March 29, 2024

  • Spring Sprang Sprung: Biking Through Missoula’s Premature Thaw

    Spring Sprang Sprung: Biking Through Missoula’s Premature Thaw

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    by

    Bill
    in

    Ah, spring in Missoula typically plays hard to get, more like a moody director who can’t decide on the scene’s mood. Usually, it’s a mix of grey skies and a chill that makes you think twice about ditching your cozy blanket fortress. Biking? That’s a June hobby when the weather…

  • Goodbye 🫂

    Goodbye 🫂

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    by

    Bill
    in

    Today, we said goodbye to the woman who had a knack for inventory, always knowing when a bun was missing, and in silence, albeit a struggling one, prompted my sister and me to make the decision to let her go. Mom left us this week. Here’s to you, Mom, we’ll…

  • Another Valley of Fire Slideshow

    Another Valley of Fire Slideshow

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    by

    Bill
    in ,

    Just can’t shake off my fascination with the Valley of Fire. It’s like the park is spellbound, despite being a bit rough around the edges, thanks to a touch of mismanagement and wear.

  • Trend

    Trend

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    Bill
    in

    Born and raised in Roundup Montana I thought that implied knowledge of winter. But now living in Livingston we are consistently scouring the map to see where the warmest and dries places in Montana are. Many times we find out that Roundup is the warmest and dryest place in the state. What?…

  • Little Bear Cabin Fatpacking

    Little Bear Cabin Fatpacking

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    by

    Bill
    in

    When the lights came on all I could think of was to get up and try to act normal so that if Mo was looking out of the window she would not be alarmed to see me sprawled out in front of the woodshed like I had been shot. So I…

  • Headwaters State Park

    Headwaters State Park

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    Bill
    in

    Paul’s Visit Part 3 Sounded good. Camp where Lewis and Clark stayed in 1805. This park encompasses the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers. Actually sounded pretty cool and a perfect day off from adventuring. So off to Headwaters State Park. Paul traveled 2,300 miles to come see…

  • 60 Zero

    60 Zero

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    Bill
    in

    And just like that, the joy fizzles out. Every day, it’s like I’m counting down to my next culinary rendezvous—I swear, I live meal to meal. But recently, I’ve put a full stop to all that, only to realize how much my mood’s been hitching a ride on my food…

  • Devils Slide Part I

    Devils Slide Part I

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    Bill
    in

    This post is a first in a tiny series (or stages) of my recollection of last weekend’s trip to Lewiston for the Devils Slide Mountain Bike Race. This is the first race of the season and it was a great time. This is how it went down. I awoke Saturday…

  • New Bike

    New Bike

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    Bill
    in

    Ah, New Mountain Bike Day: it’s like Christmas, but instead of Santa, you get mud, sweat, and the great outdoors. It’s the day where every hill suddenly looks like a challenge rather than a chore, and the world feels ripe for exploration. Just remember, the first scratch is both a…

  • Weather Threatens Race

    Weather Threatens Race

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    Bill
    in

    From City Brew, I’m building up Lolo, my racing bike, as I prepare for the MJCF Missoula Road Race #2. With registration looming, the race’s status is uncertain, but I’m ready to head out, hoping it’s on or to find a riding partner at Missoula Bike Works. Tomorrow’s big plan…

  • In the Valley

    In the Valley

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    by

    Bill
    in

    The recovery of last weekend’s climb up Lolo peak is complete, and now I am preparing for my road cycling months here in Montana. April and May, I usually hit the road to get into shape and to get into a better shape. Being poor, all I could get to…