Greetings, Missoula! Back in my humble (finally!) apartment after a whirlwind Kalispell trip filled with cyclocross, camaraderie, and enough lactic acid to power a small village. The “Woodland Cross” and “Heron Park Cross Race” threw everything at me – brutal climbs, epic battles, and the ever-present reminder that maybe I should listen to advice about better starts (oops!).
Saturday’s race started hopeful, quickly evolving into a rollercoaster of “could haves” and “almost got its.” The course was killer, but hey, everyone keeps suggesting better starts, right? Well, I achieved that… then promptly forgot how to utilize it strategically. Led five glorious laps, felt the burn, and got outpaced in the final stretch. Third place – bittersweet, but a learning experience nonetheless.
Post-race, fate (and some sweet discounts) landed me with the Bozo crew – Sten and Corey, legends of the Muleterro team. Turns out, the Grand Hotel wasn’t just a place to stay, it was a rustic haven complete with Zen vibes, homemade cookies, and flicks paired with delicious Thai food (Thai Palace, maybe?). Pure bliss.
Sunday’s race? Not exactly what my sore, “Old Dude” ailment-riddled body craved. But hey, races have a way of starting, and as always, I warmed up, channeled my inner diesel, and clawed my way through the pack. Doug snagged the win, but the cheers of “The Kaiser” and “warming up the diesel” fueled my fire. Gotta love the support!
Now, with a car full of unpacked gear and a body protesting like a teenager, it’s time to hit the hay and dream of epic comebacks (and maybe some injury-free races, fingers crossed!). This season has been one for the books, good times and all. Until next time, Missoula!
Boneshakerbike 
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