Day: July 28, 2023

It’s important to recognize that technology, such as eMTBs (electric mountain bikes), can sometimes alter the dynamics of an activity and impact my habits and behaviors. In my case, it seems like the introduction of eMTBs may have led to increased cycling, potentially reducing the diversity of my activities and social interactions.

While cycling, whether acoustic or electric, can be a healthy and enjoyable activity, any behavior that becomes excessive or starts negatively affecting other aspects of my life can be a cause for concern. It’s essential for me to maintain a balance between my hobbies and daily responsibilities, as well as my physical and mental well-being.

If I feel that my increased use of eMTBs is causing me to neglect other activities, social interactions, or rest, it might be helpful to reevaluate my cycling habits. I should consider the following steps:

1. Self-Awareness: Acknowledge the impact of eMTBs on my activity level and recognize if it’s causing any imbalances in my life.
2. Set Limits: Establish reasonable boundaries for eMTB usage to ensure I engage in other activities, rest, and spend time with friends and family.
3. Diversify Activities: Incorporate other activities I enjoy into my routine. This could include different forms of exercise, hobbies, or leisure activities.
4. Social Interaction: Make an effort to engage in social activities or group rides with others who share my interests.
5. Seek Support: If I find it challenging to manage my eMTB usage independently, I should consider seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional who can help me establish healthier habits.
6. Mindful Riding: If I want to continue using my eMTB, I should try to be mindful of how and when I use it. I need to be aware of its impact on my life and make adjustments as needed.

Remember, the goal is to find a balance that allows me to enjoy my passion for cycling on eMTBs while still engaging in a variety of activities that contribute to my overall well-being and happiness. If I find it challenging to regain this balance on my own, seeking support and guidance from professionals can be beneficial.

Is eMTB Ruining My Life? Finding Balance and Mindful Biking… Perhaps. But, you know what? Ah, f**k it, dude, I’m going biking! The thrill of the ride, the wind in my hair – it brings pure joy. I’ll take these thoughts with me.

what were you up to today throughout time?

It has been another good year, training wise. First it was a training plan just to get into good enough shape to start the double peak plan that ended last Sunday. Now I am on a taper and finally this weekend the final test to see if all that time was wasted. I don’t care though, because I love the journey. The journey is where it is all at. I may not do very well on the test but the journey has made me much stronger and through hardship comes that one time a year when you are supposed to be in top form. I guess we will see.

The Butte 100 is in 3 days and I will be racing against the likes of David ‘Tinker’ Juarez, half the population of Draper Utah, and some local talent. If you look at the current start list (and I have) you will see names from all over the country. It will be truly an epic race as it deserves to be. I hope it all goes well for Bob and crew (Triple Ring Productions). They deserver it. Thanks Bob for assembling a great chance for me to race with some great talent.

This season is just a subset of a much larger scheme and no one has been along for the ride in this overall journey then my friend Paul Bardis who is currently visiting Missoula. Last weekend was just another chapter in our journey and it was another great installment.

I am trying to explain what happened at the 2008 Galena Grinder. I placed 8th and it all started the night before the race when I was crawling out of my tent and got a leg cramp.  And I continued to get them that evening.  I can not explain this because I have been tapering down and did not do anything to deplete my systems.

The race started and the beginning climb I found myself at maximum heart rate.  The start was extremely fast and I had assumed we would just roll out.  I spent the better part of the first lap catching up to the leaders.  On top of the Grinder climb I found myself leading the race. 

I tried to ride more conservative but soon Evan Plows caught me and passed.  This was a little disappointing because I thought I was putting time on the other competitors. I did not realize it but I was slowing down.

I followed Even but on the flats he would pull ahead and it seemed my power reserve was coming up short.  I finished lap one in 2nd and by the time we came back through from the spectator loop I was in 3rd. What was happening?  I was mentally getting down on myself.

I lost 3rd place on a climb to Ryon Butterfield and as he went by asked what was wrong.  I said, “cramps” because I was feeling tight and ready to cramp.  Up to that point I had religiously been drinking Cytomax and Perpetium.  I had just switched to Carbo Rocket and my performance was getting worse.  I was trying everything.  Ryon offered me a sandwich and I declined (I should of ate it).

On the final climb up to the aid station just below the Grinder climb I had exhausted my Perpetium bottles and was looking forward to replacements.  Just about a half mile from the station my ham strings locked up and I was frozen in pain and cramps.  I needed assistance from other racers to work out the muscled that seemed to be wadding up and freezing me in pain. Some real nice lady messaged my hams until I could walk.

I got to the aid station as I really started to lose places in the race.  I stopped to only find that someone had taken my bottles.  All my nutrition was gone.  the guys at the aid station gave me some endurolytes and hammer gels.  They filled my bottles with fresh water and I set out to do the big climb.

On top of the climb I started to get dizzy and felt like throwing up.  I couldn’t concentrate and started to fear that I was in serous trouble.  It felt like I was going into some kind of shock. I put down my last bit of gels and water from the aid station and was able to gingerly ride back down the course. 

At the final and last aid station I was within striking distance of just finishing the race.  The guy at the station gave me lots of encouragement and some gels and water.  One more climb.  On the climb I lost the entire race and slipped back to last place. 

I finally finished and sat under a tent. Some aid workers tried to help but my friend Sten had me handled and started feeding me water, Recoverite, and set out to get my meal ticket.

After sitting in the shade Sten got his award and I was able to make it back to camp.  What happened?

This is a race that I missed due to an infection. The up-side is that I got to take some great pictures. This is the Galena Grinder, quite possibly the best race of the summer and one that I am looking forward to thee most for 2008.

We arrived at the location on a Saturday afternoon.  We had stopped in Stanley for some pictures and awesome blueberry smoothies and shakes. I tried to do a pre ride in the area but could not sit on the saddle.  That night I had to do emergency work on the undercarriage to stop the infection from forcing a emergency room visit.

I was able to enjoy the weekend due to the Browns brining me along and putting up with my fever. I just hope I didn’t ruin their weekend.

Just got up from a nap.  Thought I would log on to comment on today’s ride in Lolo. I am heading out the door for a project. It is two actually. One is to upgrade my bike carrier with new pads and the other is to make map hanging in my apartment more attractive and easy. Right now I use duct tape. Tonight is a party at Paul’s friends house. I hope to meet up with some playmates here in Missoula. Chow.

Well fire season has begun.  There is  a forest fire in Lincoln Montana.  Yesterday I could not see the surrounding mountains as I rode my mountain bike.  I guess the smoke had made things hazy.  Yesterday I guess a man fell in a glacier and died up in Glacier Park.  Montana is not for the meek societal types.

Paul and Lucy are at Yellowstone Park and I have enjoyed the return to my active lifestyle.  While they are here I have been sitting by the phone waiting for them to get out and do something.  I guess I didn’t realize until now that they don’t do as much as I thought.  That’s fine though but I must get out and enjoy what’s left of my summer more.  Next year this time Ill have a job. 

In a couple weeks I am going to get a job.  Probably right after the reunion.  Actually I cant wait.  I just hope it is a good enough job to live in Missoula.  I figure only 1200 a month is needed to live.