Good morning from a frosty Missoula! Winter’s icy grip still holds our city, but beneath its breath, whispers of spring stir. Tomorrow, I’ll trade frosty air for a flurry of snowflakes as I take on the OSCR 50K Nordic ski race at Seeley Lake.
Chasing the Sun, Chasing Goals:
Last night, after work, Pattee Canyon called. As if guided by the setting sun, my skis sliced through the snow, each stroke etching another line towards an unseen finish. The days are lengthening, and soon, I’ll outrun the sun, its golden kiss gracing my face before it dips below the horizon. Then, spring won’t be a whisper, it’ll be a symphony. And you know what that means? Mountain bike season is right around the corner!
By the time I reached my usual parking spot, the sun had vanished, but its embers glowed in the fading light. Two glorious laps later, darkness painted the canyon, yet I skied in pure daylight. Tomorrow, the OSCR promises five hours of similar splendor, five hours of pushing my limits, maybe even shaving an hour off my dream sub-four finish.
Adventure Beyond the Skis:
Post-ski, REI beckoned with another challenge: a Grizzly Man Adventure Race clinic. April 19th will see me tackling this Missoula-held sprint adventure (five hours, max!), and I’m ready! My arsenal is stocked, except for one crucial skill: orienteering. But hey, I know every weed on Sentinel and University Mountains! My inner Boy Scout is confident, and a familiar face added fuel to the fire – Josh, a friend I might conquer this race with… or maybe solo. Time will tell.
The GMAR’s coolest perk? It’s like having your own race-day paparazzi! Big screens will track the action, capturing every sweat bead and snowflake. And for $40? Can’t beat that! Speaking of navigation, where did I stash that trusty Boy Scout compass?
Reasons, Goals, and Spring Fling:
Back to the present: five reasons tomorrow’s 50K will be epic: no staff infection, a healthy ankle, Perpetuum fuel, real skate skis (no more rentals!), and hopefully, no detours off course! Are these reasons or goals? A bit of both, a cocktail of preparation and optimism.
But the excitement doesn’t end there! Next week, my New York bestie arrives for our 3rd annual spring break. Snow-fueled adventures, laughter echoing through the mountains, and delectable feasts await. Can’t wait!
So, while winter may linger, the sun-kissed slopes of spring whisper on the horizon. And I, for one, am ready to chase them, skis first, adventure in my heart. Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!
Boneshakerbike 
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