Greetings from Missoula, Montana, where we’re finally enjoying clear skies after two months. This morning, my arms barely move, and I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. I’m perpetually cold, and to top it off, my infection is flaring up again.
Yesterday, hoping for a gentle recovery, I biked up the North Fork of Howard Creek and stumbled upon a fantastic 5-mile single track. But the weather turned, and I got drenched in rain, jokingly swinging from heat exhaustion one day to near hypothermia the next.
Saturday was the Idaho State Mountain Bike Championships at Tamarack Resort in McCall, Idaho. Freed from wildfire smoke, I looked forward to a great day on amazing trails. Yet, I struggled from the start, unable to recover or enjoy the race as usual.
Despite these challenges, I finished 2nd overall in the expert category and won my age group, earning a medal. However, I missed maintaining my unbeaten streak and lost the series lead after skipping three races for marathons I preferred.
Now, it’s Monday, and I’m barely getting by. Laundry and perhaps a recovery ride tonight are on my agenda, but they seem like monumental tasks. Signing off from Missoula, with every movement a struggle.
Boneshakerbike 
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