It’s January 7, 2006, and while winter holds most in its chilly embrace, here in Missoula, the sun grants us a reprieve perfect for a bike ride. Today, I’m embarking on a route I fondly call Pattee – Deer Creek – East Missoula.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves—it’s hardly cycling season. Football playoffs are in full swing (Go New England Patriots!), yet the call of the outdoors is too strong to resist. The day began in the company of my bike, performing a meticulous tune-up. New front brakes, a cleanup of the rear brakes and drivetrain—it’s this dedicated prep time that inadvertently set the stage for today’s demanding adventure.
Rolling out around noon, the weather seemed undecided, flirting with both rain and snow. Pattee Canyon greeted me with a layer of ice, a challenge I hadn’t anticipated. As I ventured further, a snowstorm enveloped the landscape, transforming the road into a winter wonderland. Unwilling to halt, I navigated the edge of the ditch, where crusty snow offered better traction.
Descending Deer Creek road, I braved the onslaught of freezing rain, a test of endurance and will. But the real kicker? A flat tire just as I neared East Missoula. That was the moment when adventure met adversity.
Now, back home, football on TV, and coziness reclaiming its place, the day’s trials feel distant. The ordeal of a frozen CO2 cartridge sticking to my numb fingers fades, replaced by thoughts of ice cream and the warmth of a well-deserved nap.
For those inspired to brave the elements on two wheels, Winter Cycling Tips offers invaluable advice. And if you’re looking to gear up for your next cold-weather ride, Missoula Bicycle Works has everything you need. Remember, even in the heart of winter, the roads can be your playground!
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