Tales from the Shoulders of I-90
Missoula might as well be the I-90 terminus of Serendipity. Everything rolls in on that artery, dreams and dust devils alike. And for me, it’s been a two-way street. This asphalt ribbon has ferried me out to chase rainbows in New England, tucked me in at rest stops on weekend adventures, and, yeah, whispered goodbyes on the shoulder, asphalt cold against my knees.
So, imagine my surprise when I ended up living just a stone’s throw from that very highway. Now, I wake up to the rumble of eighteen-wheelers, a lullaby of wanderlust and memories. Like that time I fell asleep at the Massachusetts toll booth after conquering a mountain with my best friend, the air still buzzing with victory and sweat. Or the afternoon I met a kindred spirit at a rest stop, sparks flying under the fluorescent glare like fireflies after a storm.
But I-90 is no stranger to shadows too. It witnessed the day my friend’s laughter quieted for the last time, the air thick with grief as I knelt, watching her last breath mingle with the exhaust fumes. This road carries ghosts, sure, but not the spooky kind. They’re the echoes of lives intertwined, journeys shared, and lessons learned, each mile marker a whispered reminder.
Today, though, the ghosts were riding shotgun on my mountain bike. The snow glistened like confetti on the trail, a fresh coat over the hardpack, perfect for a four-by-fifteen tempo interval symphony. Each climb took me closer to the MoZ summit, lungs burning, legs screaming, but a grin plastered across my face as wide as the Montana sky. This bike, you see, isn’t just wheels and gears. It’s a therapy session on two tires, a way to sweat out the anger, nurture the joy, and reconnect with the world, one pedal stroke at a time.
Maybe it’s weird, this whole ghost-whispering thing. But for me, cycling is a conversation with the past, a way to process the trivial and transcend the tragic. On these trails, the mountains echo with laughter and loss, reminding me that life is a tapestry woven with both. And sometimes, a good hill climb is all it takes to see the bigger picture, the tapestry unfolding beneath the vast Montana sky.
So, yeah, I guess you could say the ghosts keep rolling in on I-90. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. They’re my compass, my soundtrack, my constant companions on this wild ride called life. And who knows, maybe one day, I’ll be another whisper on the wind, carried on that asphalt river, inspiring someone else to chase their own ghosts, one pedal stroke at a time.
- Missoula’s History and Geography: To understand the backdrop of your story, this resource offers insights into Missoula’s geographical location, its significance along I-90, and its historical context.
Visit Missoula’s Official Tourism Site - Cycling in Montana: This guide provides information on cycling trails around Missoula and Montana, echoing your passion for biking and connecting with nature.
Explore Montana Cycling Routes - Emotional Healing Through Cycling: This article discusses how cycling can be a form of therapy and emotional healing, resonating with your experience of using biking as a way to process life’s challenges.
Read about Cycling and Emotional Wellness - The Influence of Roads on American Life: For a broader perspective, this resource delves into how highways like I-90 have shaped American society, culture, and individual experiences.
Learn about Highways and American Culture - Grief and Loss: Since your narrative touches on themes of grief and loss, this resource provides insights and support for those dealing with similar experiences.
Find Support for Grief and Loss
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