Hey fellow adventurers, listen up! I just polished off a quick walk around the block to ease a grumpy limb, and let me tell you, that stroll sparked a wildfire of reminiscence about a weekend that crackled with good times and the promise of epic rides to come.
Picture this: Mule Ball 2011 in Bozeman, Montana. My “mule family,” the crew that’s kept my heart pumping for the past four years, gathered for a weekend of reunions, revelry, and a hearty dose of Thanksgiving-level feasting. Pete, the coolest coffee roasting dude out there, whipped up a stew and cornbread that would make your granny weep tears of joy, all served in his badass bike and ski lounge. We’re talking a haven for gearheads, a place where you can tinker with your two-wheeled steed or wax your skis with the reverence of a monk polishing a chalice. Missoula needs one of those, stat!
Amidst the laughter and campfire tales, I met Paul Taylor, a frame builder legend who’s practically royalty in the world of bicycles. Man, that guy is cool! Team Muleterro is shaping up to be a crew of epic proportions, and I’m proud to be one of those pack mules, carrying the spirit of adventure wherever we roam. Speaking of roaming, I tried (twice!) to convince Paul to build a snow bike. Don’t worry, this quest isn’t over yet.
Fast forward to the present, and the sting of that neglected “2011 page” on my website hit me like a cold gust of wind. Turns out, the scotch-fueled boasting about having all the race dates online was, well, let’s just say less accurate than a compass after a tequila shot. So, lunch break was spent diligently updating that bad boy, paving the way for a season of sweat, dirt, and pure adrenaline-pumping joy.
And wouldn’t you know it, the sun’s finally gracing us with its presence, painting the asphalt paths in golden hues. Tonight, my bike and I have a date with the open road, a chance to feel the wind whipping through my hair and the rhythmic hum of gears turning into a symphony of freedom. It’s been four days of taking it easy, but that Muleterro spirit is roaring back to life, fueled by the memory of stew, sunshine, and the camaraderie that warms you from the inside out.
So, here’s to second chances, epic headlamps (thanks, Erik, those 900 lumens are gonna be insane!), and the untold stories that unfold in the shadows of Pete’s bike and ski lounge. As for the rest, well, what happens in Missoula stays in Missoula, wouldn’t you agree?
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a bike to mount and a sunset to chase. See you all out there on the trails, where the wild things roam and the adventure never ends!
Resources:
- Taylor Bicycles: http://www.taylorbicycles.com/
- Wild Joe’s Coffee Roasters: https://wildjoescoffee.com/our-menu
- Bikepacking Blog: https://bikepacking.com/
- Mountain Bike Trails (Missoula): https://www.trailforks.com/region/missoula/
Remember, fellow adventurers, even the smallest steps can spark the biggest journeys. So, get out there, get your heart pumping, and let the wild ride begin!
Boneshakerbike 
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