Day: June 4, 2023

  • Missoula’s Hidden Gems

    Coffee, Flowers, and Craft Beer

    Imagine waking up to a day dedicated to life’s simple joys. In Missoula, Montana, there’s a treasure trove of such experiences waiting to be discovered. Our journey begins with a cup of coffee at Le Petit, transitions through a realm of charming aesthetics, and culminates with a visit to Imagination Brewery. Let’s dive into this delightful escapade!

    The Morning Aroma at Le Petit

    Our day starts at Le Petit, a cozy haven for coffee lovers. The highlight? A cup of coffee that’s not just a beverage but a piece of art. The heart-shaped latte art speaks volumes about the barista’s skill, symbolizing a warm welcome to every visitor. Here, it’s not just about the caffeine; it’s about the experience.

    Art in Bloom

    Next, we encounter an illustration of delicate pink flowers. This isn’t just decor; it’s a narrative element, blending the essence of Le Petit’s ambiance with a celebration of beauty in everyday life. These flowers aren’t just pleasing to the eyes; they’re a reminder to appreciate the small wonders around us.

    A Bite of Comfort

    A loaf of bread subtly enters our visual story, hinting at a comforting meal that pairs perfectly with our morning coffee. This isn’t just food; it’s a testament to Le Petit’s commitment to freshness and quality, offering patrons a taste of homemade delight.

    A Splash of Sunshine

    Our journey continues as we spot a jar of vibrant yellow flowers. This pop of color adds a dash of freshness to the setting, reflecting the café’s knack for creating an inviting environment with natural elements. It’s a visual treat that complements the culinary one.

    An Afternoon at Imagination Brewery

    As the afternoon unfolds, we find ourselves at Imagination Brewery. Here, two glasses of hazy golden beer await. This isn’t just beer; it’s a craft experience, signaling a brewery that cherishes creativity and quality. Each sip promises a burst of flavor, embodying the essence of Montana’s craft beer scene.

    A Day of Delights in Missoula

    Our collage tells a story of leisure, pleasure, and the simple joys of life in Missoula. From the first sip of coffee to the last drop of beer, it’s an invitation to savor the tastes, smells, and warmth of these unique experiences.

    Resources to Enhance Your Day

    1. Discover Missoula’s Coffee Scene – Dive into the local coffee culture with Visit Missoula’s guide to the best coffee spots in town.
    2. Art Appreciation in Montana – Explore Montana’s art scene with this comprehensive guide to local art.
    3. Missoula’s Bakery Delights – Find the freshest baked goods with this list of top bakeries in Missoula.
    4. Flower Power in Missoula – Brighten your day with beautiful blooms from Missoula’s best flower shops.
    5. Craft Beer Journey – Embark on a craft beer adventure with Imagination Brewery’s selections.
  • Desert Gallery … Again

    Desert Gallery … Again

    DAY: JUNE 4. So yea, another storm, another look back to better times.

    Another beautiful sunset in the desert.
    Another beautiful trail.
    Another beautiful Chollas.
    Another beautiful … um … blossom.
    Another beautiful bike.
    Another beautiful sunrise.
    Another beautiful grip
    Another beautiful end to another beautiful album.
  • Been riding

    Been riding

    I feel bad that I have not been able to blog. Not for those of you who read my posts but for myself. Something happens when I blog. Something that added to the rest of my coping mechanisms just work.

    I have been busy biking. Two weeks ago I rode 200 miles all the while working a full 40 hours at MSU. But last week things fell apart. I ride because I have vertigo. I ride because when I do the vertigo goes entirely away and the world is right again. Last week I finished a good ride down from the Gallatin and started to make dinner. As I looked into the cupboard I had this overwhelming desire to blow my cookies.  Then I got so dizzy I couldn’t stand up. I spent the next few days at a 45 degree angle in bed. I even went to see a doctor.

    She said I had adrenal issues and infected air passageways including the ear. If I were not so worn out from biking and traveling and working I could defend against the infection. Now it was getting the best of me.  What a paradox. Bike to relieve the vertigo and in turn I wear out and it gets me even worse later on.  Let go of biking and maybe get better.

    I’d rather bike. Bike pouting is my best form of cope. My best form of hope. Tonight I ride large … maybe.

  • Monday memories

    Monday memories

    Yesterday Mo and I went to Hyalite and rode around the lake. Super fun and took some pretty awesome photos (coming soon). It’s nice to be outdoors again riding among the wildflowers. Now … back to work … yuk.

  • Spokane 24 Hour Lap 3

    Spokane 24 Hour Lap 3

    I just received some photos from Bob Waggoner so enjoy some images that should of been posted yesterday. As you can see I was on the outside in photo one. Yesterday I blogged, “I passed a couple on the left side running up the outside and up against the course markings.”.

    In photo two I just hopped onto the bike and am trying to make it to the front. Heavy traffic as you can see. “… got on my bike around 20th place. I still figured I could make it to the front. I still wanted to win the lap. I passed when I could“.

    This is post 2 in a series of posts (my way of being lazy) about the “Round the Clock” 24 hour event at Riverside State Park in Spokane, WA last weekend.

    Once I handed the timing chip to Sten he was off and I walked back to the pit area kind of dazed that I didn’t win the lap and wondering how I got so far behind. I needed to regroup.

    I arrived to find everyone relaxed and talking about the elements of the start. I decided to quickly tune up my bike and go put my feet in the air. I don’t know what happened in those 20 minutes of my feet in the air. I was feeling fine and went to jump up for my next shift. As soon as the blood rushed back into the legs I cramped so bad I figured I would break my femur. It hurt so bad I almost tore down the canopy and screamed so loud the entire venue heard me. Marta (Rich and Erik’s support) assisted in working out the cramps enough so that I could hobble back to the exchange area.

    The cramping worries took my mind of my previous worries. I was worried that Sten would have difficulties and cause us to drop out of first place. I must admit that publicly, right now, because he proved me wrong. Before I knew it he was coming in after ripping a 58:58 lap. We were flying and instead of me holding him up, he was going to have to hold up me as I worked through the cramps.

    Sten really came through and I doubt we would of won without his consistent had effort in those initial laps. He was all business. When he came in he was focused and everyone had to yell at him to slow down and walk through the transition area.

    I expected a slow lap. I have dealt with cramps before so I knew how to pedal gingerly but maintain a respectable speed. Plus I could stand up to alleviate any cramps that started to threaten. Thankfully as I kept pouring Down Carbo Rocket my legs felt better and better. By the end of the lap I was again duking it out with 4 person teams and passing folks rather then being passed.

    We were off to a good start and 8 minutes up on second place “First Rate Mafia of NUUN”. With all the expectations crap out of the way Sten and I were about to put together a great race.

    OTHER POSTS:

  • Exploring

    Exploring

    Last nights ride I decided to see where that little trail on top of Huckleberry Headwall went, not good, big hike to the top of the ridge. Big physical expenditure.

    But the ride down was … interesting. Got home feeling a little ragged due to not taking some Carbo Rocket with me (only water). At least I didn’t get lost until 1 am this time

  • Trek Love

    Trek Love

    Tonight I went out on a training mission on the Trek (my mudder). The bike has crap parts and a cheap $99 fork but it climbed like a goat and descended with confidence.  I was so taken back by how great the bike felt I had to do some comparison riding when I got home.  Lets just hope I am in good shape because there is no way I can afford a Trek OCLV frame.  I cant use this frame because my current parts specially the Stan’s wheels would not transfer to a non-disc brake frame.  For now I will chalk it up to good form and a wait and see attitude.  I will be able to compare if I EVER get to ride my leader.  I mean it has rained almost every time I have been outside for a long long time.  I have rode my good bike maybe 4 times this year so far.

  • I Can See My Breath!

    I Can See My Breath!

    Good morning Hello from a rainy, cold, and “see your breath” day. You know days like this make everything seem dismal and the mood is awful.  Drivers want to run over cyclists and the cyclists don’t even want to be out there, drinking in the grimy road water spraying off their front tire.  And … when it is wet and rainy, there is no room for a flexi-cast wrap thingy on my foot.  If I get it wet I must cut it off and have the doc re-work another and that cost $65 bucks.  So why not cut the damn thing off for good?

    Its day 2 without my cast and last night I went Hiking with Marcy on the Orange Street Trail. Tonight I plan a mud-fest short track mountain bike bru-ha-ha. Tomorrow is the Thursday Night Ride with the annual post-moab biker party at a friends house. Hmmmm …. what should I bring?

    Hey, today is Out To Lunch and Fat Tire & Sean Kelly’s Missoula Cruiser Tour!

  • Moving The Workouts

    Moving The Workouts

    Good morning. My new regimen is working well. I wake up and get out the door by 6:10 AM. I go to Starbucks for a coffee and scone (blueberry). I read a book and plan the day on my PDA, as well as get caught up on the news. When I arrive at work around 6:50 I am raring to go. A relaxing start opposed to a workout that I used to do. I now have moved all my workouts to evenings. Good day!

  • Skipped Training … Feeling Funky About It

    Skipped Training … Feeling Funky About It

    Yesterday I did not go out and train as planned. It has been two days and I’m feeling funky about it. I did go out and hammer on the mountain bike last night for 1 and a half hours though. Today i will run, do laundry, and finish packing up the bedroom.