Boneshakerbike

Little Bear Creek

Written by

Bill

in

The beginning of the ride was nothing that resembled fun. The access to the trailhead was at one time a packed snowmobile trail. But the weather had turned warm and some vehicles had really trenched it out. My beetle high-centered before I could get to far and I had to back out and go back down to a farm to park. Then the ride up to where the trailhead was like riding up glacial run-off. Even when I got past the running sand water I had to ride a mile through 6 inches of slush muck. But before I was able to start getting miserable the trail firmed up and that big ol’ snow biking grin grew across my face.

From snow to dirt in 3 feet.
I negotiate some snow machine tracks on the decent.
Passing the cliffs near the half way point.
Leaving the cabin for the journey back to the valley floor.
Almost there
Little Bear Cabin at dawn
Varieties of color just before dawn.
Exploding Colors
Sun rising over the cabin
The moon lingers over the wood shed
Frosty sunrise
With the snow warm and the lack of machine traffic we were delegated to walking the last 5 miles.
The view out the window
After a 5 hour journey we sat around the fire to warm our bodies.
Little Bear Cabin Gallery

In the winter the route is groomed snowmobile and by groomed I mean as wide as a highway. But that is not the best part. The best part is that this route climbs steady into some really beautiful terrain.  I saw future ski runs and awesome looking cliff bands skirting Wheeler Mountain. Soon though my intervals complete it was time to turn around. That is when things got exciting.

The downhill which of course includes the yipping thrill of high speeds was fun indeed. But the real fun was a hailizzard. A blizzard of high winds and driving hail.  The trail looked like someone exploded a bean bag. This only lasted until I reached the bottom. As I pulled out into the fields and foothills of the Gallatins I saw the retreating storm dancing with a colorful sunset. Truly beautiful.  Or was that a incoming storm.  The drive home was more exciting then the bike ride with a white out and winds that almost blew the beetle off the road. But back on the trail it was a good night.  On a trail new to me.

On this day in history, let’s dive into the captivating tales from my blog, each entry marking a unique snapshot of life’s adventures and musings:

  • 2010: Rebecca In Town – Excitement brews in Missoula as Rebecca visits town, turning an ordinary event into an unforgettable gathering.
  • 2010: Pipestone – Bill dedicates a post to his favorite photos of 2009, starting with “Pipestone,” a captivating image that speaks volumes about friendship and the road less traveled.
  • 2009: Grand Ride in Bitterroots – Bill recounts a grand ride in the Bitterroots, weaving in themes of perseverance, nature’s beauty, and the joy of cycling.
  • 2008: Its Off to Seeley Lake – A narrative about a spontaneous trip to Seeley Lake, reflecting on the excitement and unpredictability of pre-season riding.
  • 2007: I’m No Fake – A candid exploration of authenticity and the complexities of human interaction, challenging readers to reflect on their own experiences.
  • 2004: Pentagon to Cancel Comanche – A post discussing the Pentagon’s decision to cancel the Comanche helicopter program, offering insights into military procurement and policy.
  • 2004: New Poem in Literature Menu – Bill shares a new poem dedicated to his mother, blending personal reflection with artistic expression.
  • 2002: What’s Up In Plattsburgh? – A light-hearted investigation into the quiet happenings of Plattsburgh, showcasing Bill’s curiosity and engagement with his community.
  • 2002: Psycho – A chilling recount of a late-night call from an ex-girlfriend, opening a window into the darker, more mysterious aspects of life and relationships.

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