I learned today that the 24 hour race in West Yellowstone will probably not be on my path this year. Sometimes though you just have to hang your head out the window and enjoy the ride. I am bummed … sure. But for every bad gulp of cough medicine I have a endless amount of good health. What is that you say? I cant hear you. The wind. It’s blowing in my ears.
— Read my other posts in history today.
Time to gaze into that mirror and take a good long look at where we’ve been, where we’re at, and where this crazy road might just lead us to next.
Now, I ain’t gonna lie, the future looks kind of bright. I done went and made myself a decision, put a fancy-schmancy training plan in place and everything! But here’s the catch, folks – I ain’t got no race goals this year. Nope, not a one! They just ain’t doin’ it for me no more, you feel me?
So instead, I dusted off my trusty ol’ LW 24 solo plan and slapped that sucker right on my docket. Can’t have me lookin’ like a plumb fool at Spokane this year, now can I? But that’s just the warm-up act, baby!
Later on down the line, I’m fixin’ to invest in a shiny new 100 mile personal best plan. Gotta see if this old dog can’t teach himself some new tricks and beat that Butte 100 time of mine. If anything, it’ll get me primed and ready for my real new obsession.
We’re talkin’ big ol’ fat tires in the frozen wilderness, multi-day stage races (the unsupported kind, none of that sissy stuff), and bike packin’ like nobody’s business! And the grand-daddy of ’em all? The Susitna 100, baby! Gettin’ jiggy with it in the Alaskan wild!
I know, I know, big plans for an old-timer like me. Here’s my retirement plan, my escape from the mind-numbing monotony of goin’ round and round in circles for 24 hours straight. Don’t get me wrong, I still want to hit that 333 mile mark first, just to prove I can. But after that? It’s fat tire freedom all the way, baby!
2011: Hot diggity dog, now that was a race to remember! Hairpin turns, heart rates through the roof, and a loose handlebar throwin’ a wrench into the whole shebang. Talk about a nail-biter! I swear, I aged about ten years in that single race.
2010: Would you just look at that meadow? Prettier than a picture, I tell ya. Reminds me of that one time I was out hikin’ with my buddy Jimmy, and we darn near stumbled right into a moose’s backyard. Let’s just say we high-tailed it outta there faster than a jackrabbit on a hot tin roof!
2009: Ah, the joys of battlin’ the dreaded sniffles. It’s like a war zone up in here, with tissues flyin’ every which way and chaos reignin’ supreme. But hey, at least that AI-generated image of impending doom gave me a good chuckle. Gotta find the humor where you can, right?
2008: Speakin’ of good chuckles, how about that Marcy? Cutest darn thing this side of the Mississippi, I tell ya. Nothin’ beats a lazy day off from trainin’, just kickin’ back and hittin’ the trails with your favorite four-legged pal. ‘Course, that Lolo Pass Ride was looming on the horizon, so it was back to the grindstone soon enough.
2006: Now, here’s a doozy for ya! A good ol’ fashioned snowpocalypse, barrelin’ down on us like a freight train. But hey, at least we got to soak up some of that glorious sunshine while it lasted, right? And with friends comin’ to visit, well, that’s just the cherry on top of the sundae!
2006 (again): Ah, yes, the age-old conundrum of privacy versus accessibility. Gotta love those brain-scratchin’ ideas that really get the ol’ noggin churnin’. Course, knowin’ me, I probably got about three sentences in before my mind started wanderin’ off to more pressin’ matters… like what I was gonna have for lunch that day.
Ah, the morning ritual, my friends! You know, the one where you’re not waiting for that pesky alarm clock but rather the sweet beep of your trusty heart rate monitor. Today, I was playing a game of “Can I beat my own heart rate monitor?” Spoiler alert: I usually do. But not today, my friends, not today.
I was expecting that little beep to chime in when my heart rate dipped below 40 beats per minute. But alas, it seems like my body had other plans. Maybe I’m a bit fried, or maybe I just need to embrace the idea of some well-deserved rest. So, what did I decide to do? Well, I considered going back to bed and then casually driving to work. Yep, that sounded like a solid plan.
But hold on to your helmets, because my mind decided to take a detour. Suddenly, I found myself standing between towering granite canyon walls, the wind whipping down a narrow monolithic groove, and my face already frozen from the chill. It was like a blast from winters past in New York City, and I couldn’t help but wonder why the air felt so bone-chilling.
But there I was, right in the middle of it all, climbing through powdery snow toward the summit. And let me tell you, folks, I was in my element. I felt like I was exactly where I needed to be, basking in the beauty of the moment. In fact, I even had that fleeting thought: “I could die a happy person right now.”
And then reality struck like a bolt of lightning. I woke up from this mountainous reverie and realized I was running late for work. Darn it! Time to kick it into gear and get moving.
2004: Comanche For Hire – Ah, the Sikorsky Comanche, envisioned as the James Bond of helicopters, decked out in stealth technology and promising a new era in aerial missions. Yet, like a Bond movie taking an unexpected turn, its fate hangs in the balance.
2006: lodge rEBUILD – Attention, Web Lodge dwellers! Gather around the virtual campfire, for news abounds! As you know, our beloved chat haven took a tumble recently, leaving us lost in the wilderness of silence.
2007: 1st Place Expert Overall – Hello everyone from sunny and warm Missoula Montana. Last weekend I traveled to Lewiston Idaho and competed in the Devils Slide Mountain Bike Race. Here is my story.
2008: Difference a day makes – Just two days ago, I was battling hypothermia in a snowstorm. Contrastingly, last night’s ride was in sunny, warm weather, albeit brief.
2010: Thrust – This is part 12 in a series of blog posts that I am dedication to my favorite photos of 2009. Today’s inductee and now a resident in my “Mountains” photo album is “Thrust”.
2011: Devils Slide weekend – Ross and I just stood there dumbfounded at our surroundings. The sun hit our faces and we squinted to look around at all the things we once knew but have somehow forgotten.
Oh man, talk about a winter wonderland adventure this morning! The snow was just pouring down like crazy when I decided to brave it on my trusty “fatty.” Pedaling my way to work, I found myself on my special snow bike route, and let me tell you, it felt like I was smack dab in the middle of the Togwotee Winter Classic, battling it out with the elements. I mean, the snow was coming down so thick, I couldn’t see a thing around me. And there I was, just pushing through, half hoping that once this wild storm decided to take a breather, I’d magically find myself chilling in the majestic shadows of the Tetons. A guy can dream, right? Check out the RBB Blog.
On this day in history, here’s a delightful journey through the archives of my adventurous blog, Let’s delve into some memorable moments:
2002: Great Training Weather – Good morning world! It has been great weather here although it has been cold. I have taken two days off to recover from last weeks training. I seem to be on track to have a great season.
2006: Stupidity Lives On – Ah, the early days of March 2006. The internet feels more like the wild west and less like a valid tool. Let’s dive into the chaos and charm of these times, shall we?
2008: Morning Commute – Riding my K2 to Univision Computers each morning is my mini-epic: me, weaving through the city like a caffeine-fueled hero in a budget action flick.
2008: Makes For Indoor Training – Good morning from Missoula Montana where today is stacking up the be a great day for a road ride.
2010: Meadow Of Giants – This is part 11 in a series of blog posts that I am dedication to my favorite photos of 2009. Today’s latest entry goes by the grand title of “Meadow Of Giants”.
Rolling into my humble abode tonight, I swear the world was spinning faster than usual. Felt like I’d gone ten rounds with a six-pack of Cold Smokes. By the time I stumbled through the door, my head was on a merry-go-round, and my stomach was the ticket collector, eagerly waiting to show me the exit. Trust me, if I dare to stand, I’m just a ticking time bomb ready to redecorate the apartment in ‘Eau de Lunch.’
Hence, this blog entry’s gonna be short and not-so-sweet. Picture me, battling something wickedly akin to vertigo, the kind that usually hits me on sky-high mountain ridges, leaving me feeling like I’m duct-taped to the side of the Grand Teton. So, here I am, sending out an SOS from the floor. Somebody, throw me a lifeline—or at least, pass the bucket.
— Spectator at Togwotee Classic 2018
Oh, let me take you back to that quirky blog post of mine, dubbed “S.O.L.O.,” a little nod to the lone adventurers and occasional racers among us, spiced up with a dash of leisurely dawdling when the journey turns homeward. Let me tell you, today was a textbook example of those days, but with a twist – my partner in crime, Mo, was along for the ride, turning our trek back into an epic tale of camaraderie.
We kicked off our day at the crack of dawn (or what felt like it) at Towgotee Pass, soaking in vistas that had been playing hard to get until now. Trust me, the place is a stunner.
Following our scenic appetizer, we meandered through Teton Valley, and boy, does that place put Bozeman in perspective – like a giant next to a toddler.
Our hunger pangs led us to this gem in Driggs called Lemongrass Vietnamese. My taste buds are still sending thank you notes – absolutely scrumptious. And what better way to digest than by immersing ourselves in what I fondly call the “water of the gods“?
Now, I’m back home, gearing up for a grass-fed beef cook-off and an SOA binge. Ah, living the dream. And the cherry on top? The need for my personal ad is officially a thing of the past.
These posts capture moments of adventure, creativity, and everyday life, inviting us to look back and enjoy the journey through time.
Togwotee Winter Classic: A Tale of Snow, Grit, and Unexpected Triumph
So, there I was, squinting at my GPS in disbelief. It cheerfully informed me I had another 8 hours to trudge back to Togwotee Lodge. The last glimpse I caught of Mo was way back at the starting line. And now, here I was, smack dab in the heart of a snowstorm that felt like it was personally out to get me. They did say, “Choose the 35-mile course, and you’re basically signing up to be a lone wolf.” Well, call me Mowgli, because I was about to dance with the wolves, or in this case, snow.
Enter stage left: a legend among mere mortals, the kind of person who probably eats Tour Divides for breakfast and Iditasport Invitationals for lunch. Jay Petervary was ahead, and I, like a diligent apprentice, shadowed his every move, soaking up the art of snow racing.
The opening act of the 2012 Togwotee Classic was less “classic” and more “comedy of errors” for yours truly. Picture this: everyone else is gracefully biking through the snow, and then there’s me, letting air out of my tires not once but a half dozen times, running alongside my bike like it’s a petulant child refusing to cooperate. Talk about a crash course in humility – and I mean that quite literally.
But as they say, necessity is the mother of invention (or in my case, desperation is the father of somewhat questionable decisions). I tried to keep up with Jay P, but the man was a blur on two wheels. My attempts to mimic his grace were akin to a penguin trying to fly – ambitious but fundamentally flawed. Then, in a moment that felt more like a scene from an action movie, I let gravity take the wheel on a downhill stretch. Suddenly, Jay was back in sight, but my energy tank was flashing red.
Cue Adam Leifelman, another rider who seemingly used my draft to close the gap. We exchanged war stories about trying to keep up with Jay. My contribution? A self-deprecating quip about needing to shed a few pounds to truly compete in this snow bike racing gig. Adam’s response? A laugh and a nod. Solidarity in suffering, my friends.
As the race progressed, something miraculous happened. Jay started to push his bike up the hills, and I – yes, I – managed to catch up. This was my moment. I shadowed his every move, learning the secret language of snow biking: how to read the trail markers, the art of the light pedal stroke to float atop the snow. And then, as if by magic, I found myself in the lead.
Carbo Rocket fuelled my veins, and for an hour, Jay was nowhere to be seen. I dared to dream. Could I, the underdog, the newbie, actually pull this off? With 15 miles left, I shifted into what I like to call “beast mode” (though it’s less roaring lion, more determined turtle). I navigated hills and valleys, always half-expecting Jay to zoom past.
But he didn’t.
Crossing the finish line at Togwotee Lodge, greeted by Mo and Dave, was surreal. I lifted my bike overhead, not just as a gesture of victory, but as a salute to every unexpected turn this race took. And guess what? I smashed my GPS’s 8-hour prediction by clocking in just under 7 hours. Take that, technology!
So, there you have it. My first snow bike race was a cocktail of chaos, learning, and sheer, unadulterated joy. And to think, it didn’t even take me 8 hours.
We finally rolled into the Lava Mountain Lodge deep in the heart of Teton Park, Wyoming, way past my bedtime. The roads? A nightmare straight out of a Stephen King novel. The journey? An epic saga, clocking in at around 7 hours. Now, here we are, trying to burrow into bed, but who can sleep? I’m practically vibrating with excitement over my first snow bike race tomorrow.
Ah, the glorious sun! There I am, cradling my cup o’ joe, surveying my domain like a modern-day monarch. Sixty-three thousand and eighty-four… one hundred thousand… one hundred and nine thousand four hundred ninety-three. Hold up—someone’s MIA. Ah, yes, the elusive lady from Carriage Way. Probably bolted for Bozeman, the land of the free. Well, can’t keep tabs on every soul, can I? I do strive to be the life of the party for the crowd that sticks around. Time to roll up the sleeves and dive into the day. Catch ya later, folks!
2011: New Turner for 2011 – I don’t know who started calling my coffee cup “Black Betty”.
2010: Spring Training – I interrupt this regularly scheduled blog to bring you breaking news.
2008: Unattached From City Brew – Good morning. The weekend is finally here as well as rain, snow, and high winds.
2007: Cooking In The Dark – I was up this morning enjoying a cup of coffee and planning my day.
2006: Web Site Problems – FutureHosting.Biz is the company that hosts this site.
2006: Web Lodge Gets Free Rent – A curious entry with a hint of adventure and a dash of mystery.
2005: Back From Lolo Peak Ridge – Last Saturday my friend Alden and I took a snow shoe up the East Ridge of Lolo Peak.
2004: New Pictures From Mom – Heads up, readers! Mom’s latest photos are up in the “Buckey’s” section, found under “Life in Yuma.”
2004: New Batteries – My mom just got a new charger and I checked into it. It appears to be a great new technology.
2002: MTB at Brookfield Park Awesome – Hey there, long time no see – or, you know, long time no post! I’m still kickin’, just been swamped with bouncing back from pushing my limits a tad too much and gearing up for a big move.
The memories of this winter give clues to my summer’s plans. I think I made my decision while on a weekend trip to the Madison’s two weeks ago. We were skiing towards the Sphinx when suddenly it came into view as we headed up a open meadow. I thought to myself that this is what I want to do more. Maybe more bike packing trips.
The sun was setting and we needed to get back to the cabin and I snapped off one more shot of Sphinx Mountain. The sun’s golden rays were skirting the beast as Mo stood there studying the open white slopes, undoubtedly planning a couple runs tomorrow. As I put my camera back into the bag I thought that this it totally how I wanted to spend my summer.
Back at the cabin we cooked brats, drank some Cold Smoke and I thought to myself how this is really living. I want to do this more this summer. The thoughts danced in my head as I dozed off near a crackling fire.
The next day we went back up to the meadow and beyond. But that was not before a day of laying around the cabin until it was necessary to “do something” or just go home. It was pretty late as we broke out into the meadows again. The Helmut came into view and I stopped to pull out my camera. This was great, taking photos and exploring. I want to do more of this.
“We must come back this summer”, I yelled ahead to Mo. I think she agreed. This weekend I enter my first snow bike race. Beyond that I am planning to defend my 24 hour solo races that I won. Other then that I got to do more of this.
2012: Head count – Ahhhhh, the sun. I pour myself a cup of coffee and take stock over my kingdom.
2011: New Turner for 2011 – I don’t know who started calling my coffee cup “Black Betty”.
2010: Spring Training – I interrupt this regularly scheduled blog to bring you breaking news.
2008: Unattached From City Brew – Good morning. The weekend is finally here as well as rain, snow, and high winds.
2007: Cooking In The Dark – I was up this morning enjoying a cup of coffee and planning my day.
2006: Web Site Problems – FutureHosting.Biz is the company that hosts this site.
2006: Web Lodge Gets Free Rent – A curious entry with a hint of adventure and a dash of mystery.
2005: Back From Lolo Peak Ridge – Last Saturday my friend Alden and I took a snow shoe up the East Ridge of Lolo Peak.
2004: New Pictures From Mom – Heads up, readers! Mom’s latest photos are up in the “Buckey’s” section, found under “Life in Yuma.”
2004: New Batteries – My mom just got a new charger and I checked into it. It appears to be a great new technology.
2002: MTB at Brookfield Park Awesome – Hey there, long time no see – or, you know, long time no post! I’m still kickin’, just been swamped with bouncing back from pushing my limits a tad too much and gearing up for a big move.
Tapering, or whatever you call it, I just woke up on the couch. This isn’t my home. This isn’t my life. What am I doing inside?
Diving back into the archives on February 29th:
2004: World Cup Biathalon in Lake Placid – Just waltzed back from Lake Placid, fresh off a biathlon pilgrimage to Mount Van Ho. Gotta say, it was pretty darn cool, even if my camera skills were about as smooth as a baby learning ice skate. First 50 clicks? Overexposed oblivion. Next 50? A comedy of bad angles, dodgy framing, and the film (okay, digital sensor) capturing the adventure.
2008: Sun Sets on Warm Friday – Tonight I got the chores done in good time and I was able to escape my money problems and the work week with a hike with my dog Marcy. We headed up Pengally Ridge and got some sunset photos. I just uploaded a bunch of photos to my albums Spring Training and Life in Missoula.
2008: Race Equipment Arrives – The anticipation of spring always gets me excited – it’s the perfect time to prep the bikes for racing season. I just received a big order, and the first thing I tested was the new shoes. Initially, they’re REALLY stiff, thanks to the carbon sole, which kind of feels like wearing ski boots without the skiing.
I am looking up into two tall trees and something I read comes back to me as if the internet webpage was right before my eyes. The words mirror my feelings. OK, so maybe I cant remember it exactly so I felt the need to go home and post it in my next blog.
As I sit here refreshing the 2012 Iditarod Invitational web page I can t help but wish I was somewhere else. Yentna Station to be exact. Enduring with all the other people struggling against the races most challenging weather ever. I have been on my snow bike numerous times, 600 miles worth to be exact, but only a handful of experiences have given me the taste of what must be going on out there. And now the poem rings some sort of bell in my soul.
Alright, listen up! Sunday morning? More like Sunday Mourning Shit Show, or SMSS. But hey, gotta say, Mo and I cooked up one heck of a challenge to get my blood pumping for the Togwotee Winter Classic.
First things first, urban snow biking through Carriage Way to the “M” parking lot. Didn’t catch much sunrise, mostly trees and sidewalks, but hey, gotta start somewhere. Rattlesnake Creek checkpoint? Nailed it, Twitter update sent, and off I was to conquer Mount Sentinel.
Mountain run time! Crampons strapped on, I attacked that mountain like a deer… well, if deer puked. Sprints galore, 25 to be exact, at 30 seconds each. Some dude even commented on the “cold morning for sprints” as his dog decided to add some slobbery encouragement. Summit reached, time to blast down Hellgate Canyon and Kim Williams trails.
Trail running? More like ankle-breaking ice dodging! Stumbled my way down 2,000 feet of uneven, icy mess. Thought I’d seen it all, then BAM! Dog attack – real or part of the race, who knows? Maybe they should add “avoid gnashing teeth of a mad dog” to the special sections.
Snow bike hill climb in Crazy Canyon? More like an hour-long test of balance and focus on a sliver of packed trail. Nailed it, though, and prepped for the next stage with all the layers I could find – gotta be ready for crashes and warmth, you know?
The Gut Trail – downhill on a snow bike with no brakes? Sounds insane, right? But for me, it was pure joy and adrenaline. Reports warned of ice, but I guess my speed blurred things out, or maybe there just wasn’t any. Either way, I flew down, finish line getting closer with every turn.
Feats of strength? Piece of cake! Especially when the finish line and its glorious food were within sniffing distance. Core exercises flew by, and bam! Five hours later, I was sitting down to a well-deserved plate of Bangers and Indian Curry Soup.
Gotta give a shoutout to my amazing supporter who waited patiently at home while I was out getting my fix – this SMSS wouldn’t have been the same without them.
Sure, it was a crazy, messy adventure, but it pushed me, built my mental toughness, and created memories that’ll fuel me for the Togwotee Winter Classic. Now bring it on! I’m ready to crush it.
On this day in history:
2010: Push – This is part 4 in a series of blog posts that I am dedication to my favorite photos of 2009.
2008: Cyclist v.s. Mother Nature – Oh, today’s the day for a beastly two-hour spin! Who’s up for the challenge?
2006: Geeze … Gotta Get Get Going – G5 – I guess you have to be there … in my mind. Too many coffees!
2006: Blackfoot Ride To Potomac – Hey there, friends! Bill checking in after a fantastic day that ended with me glued to the closing ceremonies of the Olympics.
2005: Lolo Peak Area Today – My friend Alden Wright and I have teamed up this weekend to snowshoe up a East ridge of Lolo Peak.
2004: JOB UPDATE – As you all know the government has canceled comanche. Sikorsky aircraft along with UTC has no clue what to do with us.
2003: Computer Funnies – At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry.
2002: Me Fat – Today is blue. I am blue because my body fat reduction and/or weight are not where I want it to be. I seem to be gaining weight with muscle mass.
From the latest outdoor misadventures back to a time of personal reflections and career uncertainties, this list offers a chronological reverse journey through the captivating and varied experiences shared in blog form.
This trail is not new to me. On the contrary it is a old friend. I needed to get in some single track skills and this is what came to mind first. After the usual “behind the neighborhoods” trail prolog I spun my way quietly up a icy road. Suddenly a plow truck, a private one, came thundering by me almost putting me into a snow bank. They were plowing that private drive where the rich and famous live. I was on the road leading up to their actual road but the attitude and complete disregard for me as a road user gave me a moment of anger. I felt like that old moose a couple weeks ago looking back as if to say, “What the hell do you think you are doing on my piece of solitude”?
But my moments of anger passed with every revolution of the crank. I slowly made my way up to the top of the trail we call “mandatory single-track” and pulled my Mukluk over to grab a drink.
Soon I was bombing down some sweeping turns clinching hard to the wide handlebars of my snow bike. My mission was to ride the trail without any brakes. Sort of work on my skills. The season will be here soon and with it comes the increased summer speeds of racing. I needed to get used to trees whizzing just inches past my ears.
It all turned out well and I came ripping into the trailhead parking lot after my run. A couple cross country skiers looked up and scowled but it was too late; no chances I could get annoyed now. I just had a morning wake up ride screaming wildly through the trees and nothing could change that.
I finished up the ride back to where I started dreaming of the big snow bike race this weekend. Why Big?
It is a new sport to me and one that requires patience and anti-power. Power will kill a snow biker. To snow bike effectively you must just gently progress and just let the pedals drop. Any effort wasted would mean a certain bonk later on.
It is also big because to me everything is big, I enter a race and it becomes big. What the hell is the Tour de France? Can’t be as big as the Togwotee Winter Classic … right?
And it is the end of my winter maintenance training. I am peeking and ready to go into training for the 2012 season. What flavor is yet to be determined. I hope I make up my mind soon.
2012: Fallen – Observing the melancholy beauty of trees on Pipestone Pass, where one fallen tree seems to evoke despair in its companion.
2010: Morning Trail – Capturing a quintessential Missoula moment for any mountain biker, “Morning Trail” highlights the beauty of South Sentinel as dawn breaks.
2009: Dirt Coalition – Sharing aspirations to join the GT Dirt Coalition, and catching up on the internet during a rest break from a decent block of training.
2008: Hard Miles – A recount of a challenging 60-mile ride up route 200 in the rain, bringing about a sense of unexpected energy and strength.
2007: Lolo Pass Ride – An ambitious 66.1-mile journey to Lolo Pass, featuring around 5,000 feet of climbing and a cramp that led to late-night blogging.
2007: I Just Keep Ending up Here! – A cozy moment at the Break Espresso, savoring a Carmel roll and a cup of Joe, a simple pleasure amidst biking adventures.
2006: Turah Turah Ride Tonight – Reflecting on a great training ride to Turah and back, feeling good all the way home compared to a previous exhausting experience.
2006: New Pictures Uploaded – The challenge of organizing and uploading pictures likened to herding caffeinated cats, all while chilling at Break Espresso.
2003: What I really Want – A moment of technological simplification, desiring only the essentials like a new camera and a powerbook for summer adventures.
2002: Emotional Alchemy – Sharing the anticipation for a book called “Emotional Alchemy,” following an outstanding mountain bike ride and a need for rest.
This curated list of blog posts offers a glimpse into my biking adventures, poetic reflections, and life’s simple moments, painting a vivid picture of the journey through years.
Driving along I90 heading West I couldn’t help notice some trees on Pipestone Pass that seemed to have been growing out of a rock. One of them became heavy with snow and had fallen over. In that instant it looked to me like the other tree bent over and wept in despair at how it’s friend of probably 30 years had fallen. OK. It was actually the wind; but at that moment I felt despair … for the tree sure … but mostly for someone that had fallen in my own life.
2010: Morning Trail – Capturing a quintessential Missoula moment for any mountain biker, “Morning Trail” highlights the beauty of South Sentinel as dawn breaks.
2009: Dirt Coalition – Sharing aspirations to join the GT Dirt Coalition, and catching up on the internet during a rest break from a decent block of training.
2008: Hard Miles – A recount of a challenging 60-mile ride up route 200 in the rain, bringing about a sense of unexpected energy and strength.
2007: Lolo Pass Ride – An ambitious 66.1-mile journey to Lolo Pass, featuring around 5,000 feet of climbing and a cramp that led to late-night blogging.
2007: I Just Keep Ending up Here! – A cozy moment at the Break Espresso, savoring a Carmel roll and a cup of Joe, a simple pleasure amidst biking adventures.
2006: Turah Turah Ride Tonight – Reflecting on a great training ride to Turah and back, feeling good all the way home compared to a previous exhausting experience.
2006: New Pictures Uploaded – The challenge of organizing and uploading pictures likened to herding caffeinated cats, all while chilling at Break Espresso.
2003: What I really Want – A moment of technological simplification, desiring only the essentials like a new camera and a powerbook for summer adventures.
2002: Emotional Alchemy – Sharing the anticipation for a book called “Emotional Alchemy,” following an outstanding mountain bike ride and a need for rest.
This curated list of blog posts offers a glimpse into my biking adventures, poetic reflections, and life’s simple moments, painting a vivid picture of the journey through years.
This ain’t punctuality by the book, mind you. I’m not one for dustin’ off the “early bird gets the worm” proverb. Nah, I aim for on-time, like clockwork. But suggest a 10 AM arrival, and I might roll in under the stars. Why? Because, hey, sometimes life throws two paths at you: the express lane to the cabin, or the scenic route with a detour sign screaming “adventure!” Guess which one my wanderlust-fueled compass chooses?
My point, in a way that would make Bill Murray himself raise an eyebrow, is that life, well, it does the same thing. You get thrown a curveball, an injury, something that feels like the end of the road. But plot twist! It’s just life taking a detour, maybe leading you to a different kind of “on time,” even if it’s under a starry sky, not the clock’s noon. Embrace the detour, the unexpected sunrise, and who knows, you might just arrive at something even better than the original destination.
2010: Spirit – Part of a series on favorite 2009 photos, featuring Zepahnie Blasi taking in the Pipestone Valley’s vastness.
2008: Great Riding in Seeley – Chronicles a training ride to Seeley Lake and supporting friends at the Snow Joke Half Marathon.
2007: Home Safely – A brief update on a safe return home and a casual mention of enjoying “Double Haul” at the “Board Room.”
2007: Product Review – Sharing insights from a 50-mile ride, including the aftermath of cleaning up and a hearty pasta meal.
2002: Sleeping Giant Hike – A recount of a challenging hike that could tire even Paul Bunyan, exploring the Sleeping Giant.
2002: Cool – COOL: Discovering a website dedicated to the frequently hiked mountain range.
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.
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:
Today is Tuesday indeed but a Monday to me. So what do I expect? Well I expect to be frustrated that I am a day behind my training schedule and that will in return turn to over-eating and frustration of being fat. So in simple terms I will be frustrated. Just how I like it. A nifty motivator don’t you think?
Dive into these snapshots of life’s adventures, from musings on the simplicity of daily moments to the thrill of outdoor exploration. Each post is a testament to the journey of self-discovery and the ever-evolving adventure of life.
Boneshakerbike 
