Bitterroot Bound

A Winter Wonderland Adventure

Hello again, my adventure-seeking friends! First, let me dust off the cobwebs from my blog and apologize for the radio silence. I’ve been knee-deep in crafting a post about the epic 25 Hour of Frog Hollow, but let me sidestep that for a moment to share why I’ve been MIA: a whirlwind weekend in the heart-stirring Bitterroot wilderness!

A Hangover and a Headache: The Start of Something Great

It all began with a head-splitting hangover, courtesy of too much sulfite-laden wine at a Missoula cycling company bash. Picture me, channeling Hulk Hogan meets snowboarder vibes, eager to shake off the party and escape into the wild with my partner in crime, Mo.

Glide and Slide: Skate Skiing at Lolo Pass

As my headache eased, Mo and I found ourselves zipping through Lolo Pass on our skate skis. The thrill of the glide, the chill in the air—it was exhilarating. We capped the day with a cozy stay at Lochsa Lodge, tucked away in a charming cabin.

Dawn Chorus: Sled Dogs, Snowmobiles, and Snow Biking

Waking up to the symphony of sled dogs and the buzz of snowmobiles, I couldn’t wait to hit the snow. I grabbed my snow bike and started conquering Parachute Hill. The trail flaunted a tempting 19 miles of groomed snow biking paradise.

Lessons in Snow Biking: Dress Light, Climb Right

Here’s a tip: don’t overdo the layers. Snow biking is a calorie-burning beast, and you’ll find yourself drenched in sweat at the top. I learned that the hard way, shivering uncontrollably on the descent.

A Day of Diverse Delights

Our adventures didn’t stop at snow biking. We soaked in natural hot springs, zipped around on our skis again, and joined the Red Barn’s customer appreciation party. Another night, another unique stay—this time keeping a wood stove fired up in the Red Barn.

Lake Como: A Snow Biker’s Dream

Next up, Lake Como, showcasing the versatility of snow bikes. From single tracks through fluffy white to sandy beaches, the terrain was a dream. The highlight? Gliding across the frozen lake, a surreal experience offering views impossible in summer.

The Grand Finale: Fat Tires, Pizza, and Pumpkin Ice Cream

We wrapped up our Bitterroot escapade with fat tires, the irresistible taste of Bridge pizza, and a scoop (or maybe more) of pumpkin ice cream from Big Dipper. Talk about a perfect ending!

Now, back to reality and that Frog Hollow blog post I promised. Stay tuned, and remember, there’s an adventure waiting around every corner!


Resources to Enhance Your Day

  1. Skate Skiing Basics: Dive into the world of skate skiing with this comprehensive guide.
  2. Snow Biking Tips: Get expert advice for your next snow biking adventure here.
  3. Natural Hot Springs Guide: Explore the best natural hot springs with this useful resource.
  4. Trail Maps for Lake Como: Plan your trip with detailed trail maps available at this link.
  5. Big Dipper Ice Cream: Check out the flavors of the month at Big Dipper’s official site.

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