Boneshakerbike

Day: October 22, 2024

  • Why boneshakerbike?

    Why boneshakerbike?

    Okay, so here’s the thing. Labels and expectations, they never really sat right with me. It’s like everyone’s on this paved highway, cruising along, and I’m stuck on this new but rugged “Boneshakerbike”—a bike built by my friend Andrew Wellman, who worked at the Burton Snowboard Factory and built bicycles at night, trained by Ted Wozak. I’m rattling and shaking, struggling to keep up. But, and this is important, I still get where I need to go.

    See, success, for most people, it’s all about these shiny milestones – degrees, money, the whole nine yards. But those things, they never really clicked for me. My brain, it just works differently. It’s like I’m wired for a different kind of journey.

    One day, I was hanging out with my friends, Paul and Lucy, at this cozy little cafe, totally venting about how life just felt… off. The neurotypicals thought I was asking their opinion, so they started filling me up with bullshit talk about how college is the answer and… well, that isn’t the point of this blog, and I am still mad at them. Left alone, I would have become the world’s best influencer with the most YouTube followers. Back to this story. To be official, Paul told me I needed this thing called a Hotmail account. Email. And I needed to come up with my new name that would follow me around my entire life. We were talking about email addresses, of all things, and he said, “Make it something that’s really you.” And that’s when it hit me.

    Boneshakerbike

    It was perfect. It captured this feeling of being rough around the edges, maybe a little clunky, but unstoppable. Just like that bike, I might be jarring, I might make a lot of noise, but I get to my destination eventually.

    It’s not about being the fastest or the smoothest. It’s about resilience, about embracing the bumps and detours. It’s about owning my unique journey, neurodivergence and all.

    So, yeah, Boneshakerbike. It’s my email, my website, my online persona. It’s a reminder to myself, and maybe to others, that it’s okay to be different. It’s okay to travel a different path. Because sometimes, the most rewarding journeys are the ones that take you off the beaten track.

    Looking Back

    So on this day in history I am looking at the posts and one really stands out given what I know now. One post that bleeds autism is: Trust

  • Blue Point Photo

    Blue Point Photo

    Just went to Blue Point on my EMTB and got this awesome photo along with these in which I posted here. Well, not today. Today we are camping at Charles Waters campground. The last time I was here was with Mom and Dad camping.

  • The Pros and Cons of Dark

    The Pros and Cons of Dark

    Not Seeing Everything

    There’s something to be said about walking in the dark—literally and metaphorically. On the bright side (pun intended), you can’t spot that bull elk lounging on the high school football field, so you’re saved from the stress of possibly being gored. Plus, it gives you a great excuse not to run (avoiding any embarrassing falls), and, let’s be real, you won’t see that snowstorm creeping in either. It’s like walking through life with blissful ignorance—you’re just not seeing the negatives.

    But, here’s the flip side: you also run the risk of stepping right into that bull elk. And yeah, not seeing where you’re going means tripping over that not-so-invisible medium-sized rock on the trail. Plus, while not seeing the snowstorm sounds like a win, well… it’s still coming, and not knowing doesn’t make it any warmer.

    One thing’s for sure, though—life has a funny way of balancing itself out. Like that “Even Steven” bit from Seinfeld—for every missed goring, there’s probably a stubbed toe waiting just around the corner.

  • Photo Shoot

    Photo Shoot

    Episode 9 is all about kicking back and enjoying the simple pleasures at Pilot Peak. We’re diving into a casual photo shoot, capturing the magic of the outdoors, while fueling up with some good old van-made burgers and chips. You can’t go wrong with a cold drink in hand, the best seat in the house, and the perfect backdrop for those epic shots. It’s the kind of day that reminds you that adventure doesn’t always mean go-go-go—sometimes it’s just about savoring the moment. Check out the full video for the chill vibes and scenic views!

    A dining-room with a view

    And here’s what we’re talking about—does it get any better than this? Burgers hot off the grill, chips on the side, and a cold IPA to wash it down, all while soaking in a view straight out of a postcard. The towering peaks in the distance, Pilot Peak standing tall in all its glory, with the golden hour light painting everything in that warm, perfect glow. This is the kind of campsite that makes you stop and appreciate the simple moments—good food, great company, and a view you’ll never forget. Who needs a fancy restaurant when you’ve got nature serving up a five-star backdrop?

    Is that a new IPA?

    This is what van life dreams are made of—just look at that burger! Juicy, loaded with all the fixings, and paired with crispy chips that crunch in all the right ways. And then there’s the EcoStar IPA, ready to cool things down with a refreshing sip. But let’s be honest, the real star of this meal isn’t just what’s on the plate, it’s what’s beyond it. The rugged mountain range, with its peaks jutting into the sky, feels like the ultimate backdrop for a meal like this. No city skyline could ever compete with the tranquility of these towering pines and endless views. It’s the perfect combination of food, drink, and nature—life doesn’t get much better than this.

    Sun is setting

    And as the day winds down, this is the view from the inside—sunlight streaming through the van window, casting a soft glow on everything. The gear is scattered, a bag of chips waiting for round two, and the coffee pot standing by for that evening brew. Outside, the mountains are fading into the evening mist, the trees standing tall and quiet, as if the whole world is holding its breath. It’s moments like this that remind you why you come out here. No distractions, just the peace of the open road, the beauty of the wilderness, and the simplicity of life lived on your own terms. Nothing more needed.

  • By Land and Sea

    By Land and Sea

    Cuddles and I are at it again. 🚵‍♂️🌲

    For me a perfect day for a trail ride through the forest, weaving between trees, and soaking in the calm. Mo of course, had to stop by the lake, because what’s an adventure without a little reflection? 🌿💦

    Nature never disappoints. Neither does Cuddles. 😎

  • WNA #16 – The Lever

    WNA #16 – The Lever

    2 strong and determined to roll into darkness we set out and climbed until we could see no longer. Then we just flipped on our lights and bombed back to the parking lot. Yea, good times. We have a strong average of 2 riders per adventure and that spells success.

    WNA #16 – The Lever
    WNA #16 – The Lever
    WNA #16 – The Lever
    WNA #16 – The Lever

  • A brick is part of a larger structure

    A brick is part of a larger structure

    You know, sometimes a single brick seems insignificant on its own, just a hunk of clay or concrete. But take a step back and it’s part of something bigger: a wall, a home, a whole structure. Alone, it might feel small or isolated, but in reality, it holds everything together.

    Funny how that works with people, too.

    … I have nothing more to say…

    o/o

  • Tonight, Final Wed Night Cross Race

    Tonight, Final Wed Night Cross Race

    The air bites with twenties-degree teeth, mountains wear their snowy crowns, and winter whispers its frosty arrival. But before we surrender to hibernation, the Missoula Cyclocross Series roars one last time, leaving its racers honed and hungry for bigger challenges. Portland Grand Prix, Nationals – bring it on! Me? Well, unless someone’s offering a first-class ticket and an endless buffet, I’ll be cheering from the sidelines.

    Tonight’s race is my personal “pain cave” expedition, a final shot at that sweet, sweet “loaf of bread” (translation: podium finish, for all you non-cyclists). Come cheer me on at Fort Missoula, 6 pm sharp! Let’s send off the season in style.

    But amidst the pre-race jitters, a curious thought wanders in: what are the mules up to? Are they training for their own winter Olympics of hay bale rolling and carrot-munching competitions? The world may never know, but hey, a man can dream (or maybe it’s the pre-race nerves talking).

    So, Missoula, bundle up, grab your cowbells, and let’s raise a cheer for one last cyclocross hurrah! And who knows, maybe the mules will make a surprise appearance to witness the glorious (or gloriously muddy) finale. See you there!

    P.S. Any bets on the mules’ preferred winter sport? My money’s on synchronized napping in a sunbeam-soaked field.

  • Trust

    Trust

    I’ve been mulling over what I said yesterday and, honestly, I’ve got more to say. I’m realizing I have this habit of trusting other people a bit too much. The kicker? I don’t always trust myself. Maybe it goes back to childhood—getting labeled as something I didn’t believe I was. You know the stuff: lazy, careless, all those charming little labels some of us heard growing up.

    But here’s the thing: we need to trust ourselves more. Trust what we know. It’s not always easy, though. Standing firm in your truth? Yeah, that’s tough when everyone around you is trying to convince you that you’re wrong.

    And let’s be real, sometimes other people have their own baggage—they might be carrying guilt, shame, or even denial like it’s designer luggage. They’ve got their own agenda, and they’d love nothing more than for us to doubt what we know to be true. It’s almost like they want to pull us into their mess. And if we let them? Well, isn’t that just a recipe for codependency?

    Honestly, it’s risky business to start giving someone else’s beliefs more weight than our own. When we stop trusting ourselves, it’s like delivering a knockout punch to our sense of self, our confidence, even our mental health.

    When we ignore that inner voice—the one that knows the truth—we end up out of sync, cut off from our center, our connection to something bigger than ourselves. No wonder we feel crazy or ashamed, like we’re stumbling around in the dark. I mean, it’s like when someone pulls the rug out from under you, and suddenly you’ve got no footing. Same deal.

    Now, I’m not saying we’re always right about everything. But we’re definitely not always wrong either. So, what I’m thinking is, I need to get better at standing in my truth—and maybe we all do. Trusting what we know feels more solid now, more grounded. And that’s exactly where I plan to stay: grounded in reality.

  • Party Last Night

    Party Last Night

    Good morning from the Liquid Planet where I am wondering if they are getting tired of me here everyday all day long. I went to a party last night at a friends house. He is the professor at University of Montana! The University just got a multi million dollar grant. I told him that they need to invest in paperless prescriptions and that I could lead a study. He has the most beautiful house I have been to so far. His views are the most beautiful I have seen. From his living room the south window frames Lolo Peak. It is like a painting but very big. Lolo looks so huge from his house for some reason. I even saw a good sign … a deer was running and fell down. Tripped. How many times do you see that. I thought he got shot.

    I start leading a night riding group next week. I have convinced some riders that they can do it. No one here has ever heard of riding at night with lights. My friend got new ones and he is infatuated with them. “They are so cool” he says. Ah such youngsters here and they think I am a young kid. loll!

    I found a trail I like up Sentinel. First off let me say that the south Sentinel is higher than the common one people hike up. This trail that I have hiked twice goes up the big valley between the two. You start at the parking lot at the U. At the first switchback go straight and steadily climb until the X-apartments are below you, then go straight up … around the gate, and up the drainage. Lots of deer hang out there and it is wooded. The sounds of the city fall off. There is an old homestead and on top you come out at the access road just as it gets steep up to the summit of the south Sentinel.

  • Will I Fly?

    Will I Fly?

    Smoothie in hand and some toast and I am ready for a blogger. My run this morning was filled with disappointment and anger. I am disappointed that I did not get to go mountain biking last night and that I ate a large amount of ice cream and a box of fish sticks. I was angry that it has come to this once again and the questions remain.

    Will I let myself go again this winter? Am I going to be so sad that I have no friends locally that I slip into writing code all night for my website and my hockey simulator? Will I eat everything is sight in hopes that for a moment I will be happy?

    Jeezzz, I hope not. I can only go running today. I can only go mountain biking tonight. I must try to get some nagging things done so I can relax, be healthy, and enjoy myself. Will I survive in CT? I was born to fly? Fly above these people! Why do I live with them……Maybe Ill fly away from here!