Boneshakerbike

Year: 2012

  • Summertime activities

    Mud, Mukluks, and Missoula: A Day to Remember

    Imagine a perfect summer day, the kind that’s just begging for an adventure. That was our goal on January 15, 2012, when our lodge dreams at Lolo Hot Springs got rerouted, landing us a cozy Sunday cabin instead. But hey, when life hands you detours, you make them epic, right? And so began our Missoula Adventures.

    We set our sights on the Rattlesnake Recreation Area, bikes in tow. Me? I was astride my trusty Mukluk, eager for some snow-covered trails. But what awaited us was something out of an April playbook – tall grass and MUD. Loads of it. And there went our plan, slipping and sliding into a muddy mess. But you know what they say about the best-laid plans…

    Bike cleaning was definitely on the agenda, but surprise, surprise – my Mukluk was as clean as a whistle when we got back. That’s the thing about these beasts; they tread lighter than your average skinny, even when the trail turns into a muk-fest.

    The highlight? Taking the Mukluk up Turkey Run, but in reverse. If you’ve never seen a Mukluk in action, let me tell you, it climbs like it’s got a grudge against gravity. We frolicked through the day, conquering mud and mountains, before pedaling back home.

    The perfect end to our impromptu adventure? A classic barbeque and some serious poolside lounging, soaking up the sun and trading stories of our mud-splattered escapades.

    Resources to Enhance Your Day:

    1. Rattlesnake Recreation Area Guide: Plan your own adventure in this beautiful area. Discover Rattlesnake Recreation
    2. Mukluk Biking Tips: New to Mukluk biking? Here’s everything you need to know. Mukluk Biking Basics
    3. BBQ Recipes for Adventurers: After a long ride, nothing beats a good BBQ. Get Grilling
    4. Sun Tanning Safety Tips: Enjoy the sun safely with these tips. Sun Safety 101

    So there you have it – a day that started with plans gone awry but ended with unforgettable memories. Whether you’re biking through mud or just chilling by the pool, it’s all about making the most of every moment. Here’s to many more adventures, whether they go as planned or take a delightful turn into the unexpected! 🚴‍♂️🌞🍖

  • Breakfast

    Breakfast

    Sitting in a friends kitchen at 6 in the morning I realized that I am different. Everyone else is tucked away in their dreamland human comas but I am alone with my thoughts and this little voice that says, “your not normal”. Oh hush, self.

    I cant sleep. Maybe it is because I really do only need 5 hours of sleep. Maybe my brain doesn’t know what sleep requirements are and waks me up at 5 to start thinking of what adventure to do today. After an hour of going through the possibilities, riding the Mukluk on the Moose Loop at Lolo Pass, backcountry skiing Crystal Theater, or skate skiing Elk Meadows, I decided to come upstairs. Now here I sit with a bowl of granola.

    “Maybe shoot out a blog”, I say to myself and search for ideas. Maybe a blog about a photo. But I have run out of photos and the nocturnal training produces minimal photos during the winter.  Maybe I’ll blog about past years and the journey to where I sit now on designer stools in a huge house on Carriage Way in Missoula. Maybe about my trip to Missoula and the big party that followed. Is that why I have a headache?

    I read some blogs from Jill Homer but that only adds to my anxiety because she posted a really good one. And with that I decide to give up on writting that award winning blog and just start typing.

    But now I am sleepy, tired from all this wonder. I think I’ll go downstairs and snuggle up for a tiny nap. I think I am human after all.

  • The 4 AM Epiphany: Love Over World’s Training

    Meeting my love

    There’s something about the wee hours of the morning that brings clarity. This morning, at 4 AM, I found myself up and at ’em, powering through a core workout. Why? Because today, I’m off to see my sweetheart. But as I pushed through each sit-up and plank, a realization dawned on me – this isn’t something I can commit to every day.

    I know, I know. Everyone’s been hyped about my training for this year’s world championships. But here’s the truth: my heart’s not in it. Not like it used to be. There’s a shift in priorities, and I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to change course.

    Sorry to disappoint the folks who’ve been following my training journey. The thing is, there are bigger trails to travel in life, trails that lead to happiness and love, not just medals and accolades. So, I’m choosing a different path, one that leads straight to my sweetheart’s door.

    Sometimes, love trumps ambition. And that’s a race worth running every single day.

    Resources to Enhance Your Day:

    1. Embracing Change: Learn how to navigate life’s unexpected turns with grace and positivity.
    2. Love and Relationships: Discover the beauty and challenges of modern relationships.
    3. Fitness for the Soul: Explore how physical fitness intersects with emotional well-being.
    4. Balancing Life: Tips on finding harmony in life’s competing demands.
    5. Trail Running for Fun: Because sometimes, running is not about the competition, but the joy of the journey.

  • Lunchtime mishap

    Sun, Skis, and a Beetle’s Bump: A Day at Bozeman Creek

    Today’s tale is a mix of winter wonder, a dash of misadventure, and a sprinkle of human kindness, all set against the backdrop of Bozeman Creek’s picturesque trails. Let’s glide into the story!

    The day promised perfection for skiing – the kind of conditions that make you feel like you’re floating on powdered sugar. So, there I was, skis in tow, ready to conquer the groomed trails, but not without a little prelude. As I navigated my way up the canyon, my attention split between the road and the pile of car parts occupying my front seat – remnants of my Beetle’s recent encounter with a bit of roadside trouble.

    Then it happened. Just a moment’s lapse in concentration was all it took. Before I knew it, my car lost traction, skidding towards a frozen wall of ice just feet from the parking lot. The impact left my Beetle cozily wedged in a ditch, its front a jumble of light and mangled plastic. But that was it – the only hiccup in what was about to be an otherwise splendid day.

    Once freed from the icy embrace (thanks to a kind stranger), I hit the trails. Under the brilliant sun, surrounded by a winter wonderland, my worries melted away. The crisp air, the rhythmic swoosh of skis on snow, the breathtaking scenery – it was therapeutic, a balm for the earlier mishap.

    About an hour later, fate had a little twist in store. I crossed paths with the man who had pulled me out of the ditch. “Thanks again,” I said, grateful for his earlier help. His reply was a nugget of wisdom, “Hey, no problem… don’t you wish everything was that easy?” Indeed, wouldn’t that be something?

    In the end, despite the rocky start, the day was a win. The trails delivered their promised beauty and peace, and a stranger’s kindness reminded me of the simple joys of human connection. It was a day of contrasts, where a little bump in the road led to hours of smooth skiing under a wide-open Montana sky.

    Resources to Enhance Your Day:

    1. Bozeman Creek Trail Guide – Discover more about Bozeman Creek’s scenic trails.
    2. Winter Driving Safety Tips – Stay safe on the roads with these tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
    3. Skiing Tips for Beginners – Get some helpful advice from REI for your next ski adventure.
    4. Car Repair Basics – Handy tips from Popular Mechanics for dealing with car troubles.
    5. Mindfulness in Nature – Learn how to find peace and mindfulness in the great outdoors.

  • Tracks

    Moose on the Loose: A Blizzard, a Bike, and a Brush with Nature

    There I was, in the midst of a blizzard, when I spotted a moose out of his element. The poor creature, more accustomed to soft bogs and willow branches, found itself on a highway, slipping on the icy surface. The road, blanketed with eight inches of snow, seemed to have caught the moose off guard. With visibility near zero, it struggled in front of my car’s headlights.

    This scene took me back to a memory in Zion Park, where the footprints in the sand made me think about how our paths, so natural to us, might be alien to the rest of the planet. Yet, here we were, our paths crossing unexpectedly.

    Texture

    Earlier that day, I was pushing through deep snow on my Mukluk, trying to keep my heart rate in zone 3. The challenge wasn’t just the snow but the icy, rutted conditions underneath. My descent was cautious, marked by sliding sideways and veering off the trail. Each time I went off the beaten path, the deep snow engulfed me, triggering a brief panic. I’ve always had a fear of being buried in snow.

    In Zion Park, I had once looked at rock formations resembling drifting snow. I realized then why I’m drawn to dirt and rocks – they pose no threat of drowning, unless, of course, you’ve crossed the mob.

    Curves

    Two hours into my blizzard journey, my tracks had vanished. The realization hit me late, wrapped in a calm anxiety, like a child who knows they’ve done something wrong. In the open area, I could only guess I was near the last junction above where I’d parked my car. But the relentless snow made it impossible to see. I rotated my 2000-lumen headlamp in every direction, searching for a path, but all I saw was a blur.

    This reminded me of a photo I once took in Zion Park. It wasn’t sharp or detailed, but it captured the area’s beauty and colors, much like my current, blurry situation. I remember thinking, “this is a keeper.”

    Resources to Enhance Your Day:

    1. Winter Wildlife Watching Guide – Explore the habits and habitats of winter wildlife with this insightful guide. Winter Wildlife Watching
    2. Blizzard Survival Tips – Stay safe during extreme winter conditions with these expert survival tips. Blizzard Survival Strategies
    3. Photography in the Wild – Enhance your nature photography skills with this comprehensive resource. Nature Photography Mastery
    4. Zion National Park Visitor’s Guide – Plan your visit to Zion Park with this detailed guide, complete with trail maps and sightseeing tips. Visit Zion
  • Perfect speed

    Perfect speed

    Continuing on from the post about our accent on Angels Landing today I have some images from a side trip to some kind of pools. Not an ordinary side trip, not for me anyway. Think there was the words reflection or something cool like that in the names. I cant remember but what is so important about names and labels anyway? Specially since this place dosent even exist.

    On our journey to Angles landing I noticed a side route and upon coming back down from our jaunt I was leaning towards checking it out. Once down the trail the scenery started to change and as I looked back realized we had stepped into another dimension. Was there really even a path there to begin with? I don’t know but curiosity got the best of me and I didn’t tell my hiking partners of my discovery.

    No one noticed that our world had changed and I kept it all to myself. Even when I was taking photos and noticing large reptiles the size of box vans in the valley below. I just directed everyone’s attention to the beautiful foliage until I could get this thing figured out.

    The colors were distorted and everything green had become red. Browns became yellow. Like someone colorblind. I didn’t say a word and started to hatch a plan to get us back to our cars … back in another time. I suggested we turn around and with that we headed back to where we began. I feared that when we got back we wouldn’t find the portal.

    Suddenly I figured it out and suggested they walk ahead while I get some evening shots. I took my time even while creatures started to reach from the bushes and grope at my ankles. The world was starting to come alive and I had a small chance before we were devoured by this entity. I tried to time my move to the exact spot we had come through the portal. When the time was right I blasted down the trail. I was right, all physics were suspended and my gate quickened until I was traveling at the speed of light. I saw my friends in the distance and my timing was perfect.  As I came to them I broke the sound barrier and we stumbled back to our dimension. They noticed nothing and it appeared to them that I tripped and fell.  What did I find out?  That the perfect speed is being there.

  • Skate ski extravaganza

    Skate ski extravaganza

    We decided to explore something new on skate skis and since the map at the Bridge Ski Foundation showed a 15 mile loop that would be groomed for skating we planned for a full out assault. My training plan had me doing anything I wanted, including eating bon bons on the sofa. Problem was that a loop this demanding with icy conditions would require the party to begin at the latest noon. We got to one of the access points like around 4ish so our hopes of completing this thing was questionable at best.  It was pretty icy but pretty cool and doable considering other places in Montana were looking at dirt and weeds instead of snow.

    I am learning that Bozeman has lots of cross country ski opportunity.  We got a little off track and ended up at the dam in which we had to use our adventure skills to traverse. Once on the Wet side of the big loop, and back on the course, we zipped down to the car in the darkness (our attempted route). Following up this type of adventure with a soak in the Bozeman Hot Springs is totally mandatory. And that is what we did.

  • Zion memories

    Zion Memories – Scaling Angels Landing

    What happens when you mix a 25-hour race with a spontaneous trip to Zion National Park? Pure, unforgettable adventure. That’s exactly what Mo, Jill, and I found ourselves embroiled in. Picture this – sore muscles, relentless enthusiasm, and the majestic Angels Landing ahead of us.

    Our pace might have been a tad slower than usual, thanks to the weekend’s biking saga, but the spirit was unyielding. Angels Landing isn’t just a hike; it’s an odyssey. Every step up the massive rock ridge brought new vistas, each more breathtaking than the last. The drama of the landscape unfolded like a nature’s theatre, with us as its humble audience.

    Climbing higher, I felt a mix of awe and a tiny bit of terror. The “helper chain” became my best friend, turning my knuckles white. But the views! Each glance back was a reward, a panoramic spectacle showcasing the ridge’s raw beauty.

    Remember that tiny speck we saw from above? That was our breakfast… or lunch spot. A little gem that served a meal as memorable as the views. And then, there was ol’ number 99, nonchalantly braving the heights. Wayne Gretzky, is that you in spirit?

    Mr. Snowman seemed to relish the scenery too. Who knew snowmen vacationed in Zion? The quirky sights along the way were a reminder of the park’s diverse allure.

    Thank goodness for those helper chains, despite their occasional gaps that led to some unexpected tree hugging. The descent was a different kind of drama, akin to getting off a ski lift but with more adrenaline.

    A locked potty halfway down? That was a bit of a predicament. The Forest Service might need to tick off some maintenance chores on their list.

    The coolest part of the descent? The fridge sections – nature’s own air conditioning. But if I were to pick a favorite, it would undoubtedly be the company. The winding trail etched into the cliff was incredible, sure, but nothing beats sharing these moments with friends.

    Zion left an imprint on my heart. It wasn’t just about conquering a trail; it was about the laughter, the challenges, and the shared experience. That’s the essence of adventure – it’s not just where you go, it’s who you’re with and the memories you create along the way.

    Resources to Enhance Your Day:

    1. Zion National Park Official Guide – Your go-to resource for planning your own Zion adventure.
    2. Hiking Safety Tips – Stay safe while enjoying the trails.
    3. The History of Angels Landing – Dive into the fascinating backstory of this iconic hike.
    4. Healthy Post-Hike Meals – Refuel the right way after a day of exploration.
    5. Travel Buddies Meetup – Find like-minded adventurers for your next trip.

  • Birthday Surprise in Billings

    January 7, 2012, held a secret, one sure to light up a special someone’s world. With hearts full of anticipation, we approached an unassuming apartment door in Billings, Montana. A gentle knock and the door swung open to reveal my mom, her day about to turn extraordinary.

    “Happy Birthday, Mom!” Our voices were the fanfare to her smile, a beacon of joy in the Montana morning. Her astonishment was pure, and her words tumbled out in delight, “Oh my gosh… this is the best gift ever!” In our embrace, I felt the warmth of shared memories and the spark of new ones to come.

    Mo and I, with spirits high from the successful surprise, ventured into Billings for some urban exploration. And what did we stumble upon? The Billings canal, a frozen playground just waiting for the treads of our Mukluks. It was the kind of day that reminded us that the best adventures are often the ones we don’t plan.

  • Down the path to another season

    Down the path to another season

    Time flies – it feels like just yesterday we were in Zion, and now here I am, diving into a new training plan for 2012. The season’s looking packed and exciting. Kicking off with a 50K skate ski race and some snow bike races, including a 24-hour one. Then there’s the usual mix of an adventure race, cross country mountain bike races, and those 24-hour races I’m keen on defending. Plus, I might add a couple of 100-mile races and possibly the Devils Backbone run.

    I began my training last night with some core exercises, which honestly left me feeling more like an old man than a racer. It’s like being an old tree, shedding its crusty leaves, ready to grow anew come spring.

    This weekend, my plan is to get some skate skiing in. Then, I’m off to Billings to surprise my mom for her birthday by cooking dinner (and she’s none the wiser since she’s not on the internet. Let’s keep it that way – no spoilers, please, or you’ll face consequences worse than any pain you’ve known… but don’t worry, you’ll live).

  • Time travel

    1st Place

    It’s already January 5th, 2012, and I’m finally catching up on all the projects I left hanging in 2011. Now that things are settling down, I can’t wait to share some of the amazing photos I took at Zion National Park in Utah! Expect stunning scenery from the canyon walls to decorate some of my upcoming blog posts.

    Speaking of Zion, can you believe we were just there a day after racing for 25 hours straight? We were practically limping through the trails, but the park’s beauty quickly won us over. It instantly became my all-time favorite, and I’m already planning my return trip for this summer or fall. Can’t wait to explore more of its magic!

  • 25 Hours of Frog Hollow 2011

    25 Hours of Frog Hollow 2011

    It was cold but I did not care. I figured as long as I kept going I could produce heat. Movement equals heat. And I WAS moving, although barely. To stay on my bike required weaving so as to keep my balance. Suddenly I noticed that I was not on a noticeable trail any longer. Just as I was processing the details … thud … I hit a something.  A split second before the thud I was gazing in amazement about how grassy and comfortable it looked under a tree. Before that, I was thinking, “what the hell is grass doing in the desert”? I heard coughing in the distance.

    “Oh no, are you ok?”, I shouted. I was extremely concerned about my girlfriend’s cold and sat up to get a better view of the source.

    “Whaaaat?”, a gruff voice mumbled.

    I awoke immediately and looked around. There was a bright light on the horizon progressing ever so slowly from right to left. I realized it was a stranger slowly making his way along a trail. I didn’t want any one to know I had stopped so I hunkered down. I realized that I had veered off course and I had been dreaming.

    In the days leading up to the 2011 Frog hollow 25 Hour Race my girlfriend was very ill, probably the effects of food poisoning. But as the big day grew closer and we picked up another friend she recovered. All was very well but hat was then and now I was in a 25 hour race. And I was cold, shivering, and seemed to be dazed and lost.

    When the light disappeared over the horizon I got up and walked to the where I saw the moving lights. I found the course and began to slowly ride. Still weaving I was at least back on course and racing. I wondered how long I had passed out. I was letting everything slip away and this is not how I had imagined my first race with the girl of my dreams in attendance. Experiencing extreme fatigue and emotional pain I had to let my mind drift into a dreamy state. I  started to relive the moments leading up to that night.

    Jill, Mo and I arrived at Hurricane in the afternoon so by the time we retrieved Jill’s bike from Over the Edge Sports it was too late for a pre ride. So we set up the pit and our  tents then gathered at some burn barrels to catch up with other racers. This included the race director Cimarron who was pleased to see Jill and I. For just a moment it seemed that they would talk Mo into riding as well but after contemplating what she had just went through she declined. So we meandered back to the tents and fell fast asleep.

    I awoke to the sound of rain. I quickly got up and helped Mo put the sides on the canopy. As time progressed and the start of the race got closer the rain turned to snow.  Just as we were about to line up the sun came out and Jill seemed to be relieved.  This kind of shocked me. I mean I thought we were rooting for bad weather … right?

    Soon the race was underway and I raced to the front of the pack to asses who I figured was solo and who was on a team. It seemed to me the trio way out front was definitely team so I must have been in the solo lead. I settled in for a long days ride. It became apparent to me that another rider was interested in my pace. The rider was John Todd Mallow and he kept pretty good tabs on me. I looked back at one point and noticed he indeed was a solo racer so I let him pass and caught his wheel.

    Three laps later my quick pit stops put me out of sight slightly so I decided to pick it up a notch and try to put some distance on John.  But I was already going at a pace over my planned effort level and the new faster pace started to take it’s toll on me. At one point I was around 40 minutes up on him but towards evening time he had taken advantage of my long pit to put on lights and reeled me back in. Upon entering the pit Mo informed me that he was not only holding me off but was gaining some time. I sat down to contemplate and announced that I was done racing.

    “He can just have the race, I am through. I am exhausted”

    Mo did her best to just lend me her ear and patiently waited for me to regain my composure. I slowly put on my lights and went out for another lap. I was struggling to motivate myself and was riding pretty slow when a rider seemed to be closing in on me. I didn’t want to hold anyone up so I stopped and started walking my bike. Everyone asked if I was ok and I announced that I was just “taking a break”. Then John passed me.

    It wasn’t long before I processed what had just happened and then my competitive side took over and I latched onto his wheel. I knew he must be hurting too and I wanted to see how fast he was going. if he was going strong I would just relinquish the lead and let him go. Surprisingly though, he was going slow. And then on top of a climb he just stopped and got off his bike. I figured he had trouble shifting and rode slower so he could catch back up. I really wanted some company and to monitor this guys energy levels. It is surprising that when you wait for another rider what that does to their phycology. They figure your just being nice and then when you do surge they let you go. I was hoping I could pull this trick again.

    I rode away never to see John again. I was riding with new confidence. And I was happy to discover that this new pace that he was riding at made me feel better by the mile. The slower pace was giving me a chance to rejuvenate.  I was feeling a lot better until I pulled into the pits late that night.

    “That guy you were racing has disappeared”, Mo informs me.

    “Yea, I saw him drop his chain or something and I rode away. He will be back. I just need to …”

    “It’s weird, I mean he is totally gone from the results. And some other riders are now on your lap … one guy is in front of you and …”

    “WHAT”

    “Another guy … is leading the race”, Mo looks at me with confused eyes.

    There was a hint of concern as well. She studied me to see how I was doing because she noticed that I had been deteriorating throughout the night.

    “Oh C R A P …. oh well!  Whatever. I quit anyway … I mean …”, I threw down my bike and sat down.

    I waited 2 minutes before I finished my sentence.

    “I cant ride that THING …”, motioning to my mountain bike, ” … any longer. I just cant”

    Mo stood there and just let me talk about how I felt and listened contently.  All the while she gave me some meat sandwiches and food to try and jump start me.

    “Well … can’t you just go out there and walk a lap?  And … just keep moving.  Your doing GREAT!”

    I sat there and contemplated what she just said. I mean, this is what I would of told someone, just keep the momentum going. It couldn’t hurt to just go out and walk another lap. So I got up and silently rode off into the darkness.

    I was now walking slowly along the trail when two more riders passed me and asked if I was ok. Again I just replied that I was taking a break. In reality I had been dream walking and now that I had relived the entire weekend while I walked I started to feel like I could ride again. I hopped back on and was back in the race. I just wanted to finish the lap.

    The lap was long and I stopped one more time to doze off to only be woken up by a passing racer. But finally the lights of the venue popped into view and I slowly rolled into my pit.

    “Are you OK?”, Mo looked at me with great concern.

    “You are doing great still but that lap was really long. You are still in third place I think”

    “What, third now?”

    “Yea. That guy that was in the lead dropped out and then you  were in the lead again. But then you never came in and two other guys are out in front of you now.”

    I thought back to those riders that passed me and asked if I was OK.  Darn they had just taken the lead from me. I slumped into the chair. It would be dawn soon and I was contemplating just resting until day light. I didn’t care any more about doing well, just to get this damn nightmare over with. I winced from pain coming from my sit bones.

    “I think I will take a Motrin. I can not sit any longer. Otherwise I should just quit”

    Mo quickly found the little blue pills and dispensed a couple to me. I drank it down with coffee.

    “Wow, can I have more coffee … and some Laura bars”

    “Yea, drink it all”

    I grabbed three bars and finished the coffee. By the time I reached the top of the hill leading out from the timing tent I felt the magic of caffeine. Suddenly I felt great and the pain in my ass was going away. I sat for the first time in like 4 hours and began to spin the cranks. The pace seemed pretty fast and I kept taking it up a notch to test to see if indeed I was getting better. I stopped a couple times to wolf down a Laura bar and with each break I seemed to be going faster and faster.  Before I knew it I was on the pit row finishing another lap.

    Mo leaped up from her chair dazed and discombobulated.

    “Um … I think one of the guys has dropped out and so you are in second now … but I am not sure.”

    She looked really surprised to see me so quickly. I grabbed the coffee container and started gulping. Suddenly I realized the contents were hot and I screamed and spit out hot coffee all over my bike. My mouth was now scalded and I started coughing. That must of woke me up because when I started the next lap I was out for blood. I ripped up the first climb and started slamming as much Carbo Rocket as I could swallow. This was the first time I was keeping the fluids down and it seemed to be working. I was firing on all cylinders.  I decided to rip out a lap so fast that I would retain second place and respectably close to the guy in front.

    I put in one of the fastest laps of the race and soon I was ripping back up pit row. I came to a skidding halt and asked for status.

    ”Dave Byers is the guy who is leading the race. Um … I am not sure but last lap he had 45 minutes on you …”

    wp-1477842697225.jpgThis news seemed to bug me, how could this be. I just put in a real fast lap.  I glanced to my right and there sat Jill Homer my friend and fellow solo racer. She was sick and seemed to be out of it. It all seemed like bizarreo world at that point. I was losing a race and my hero was down for the count. I grabbed more Carbo Rocket and shot out of the pits.

    “I will not be stopping any more … have Carbo Rocket ready”, I yelled back to Mo.

    Another fast lap. I was on fire and I wanted everyone to know I was not going to lay down gently.  IF Dave was going to win this race I was going to make him work for it.  I came into pit row again and blasted to the timing tent only pausing to grab more fuel from Mo.

    “30 minutes”, she said in a calm but stern voice as she handed me another bottle.

    Another fast lap but the quick pace started to take its toll. My body started to fatigue but I reached down further then I have all year to keep it going.  Again I approached the timing tent. Mo step forward to give me one more bottle. This would be my final lap.

    “10 minutes”

    As I raced across the desert I knew that I would catch Dave and as I turned onto the final rocky section I saw his lime green jersey. About two miles from the finished I passed him.

    “Go get-em”

    It must be that they thought I was a team racer because I was going so fast. I looked back to make sure … YES … I just took the lead.

  • Morning ride

    Winter Wonders on Placid Lake

    Nothing beats the feeling of crisp, cold air brushing against your face as you venture into a winter wonderland. This was exactly how my weekend at a friend’s cabin near Seeley Lake, Montana unfolded. It was a weekend of firsts, fun, and frozen adventures with friends from Missoula, where every moment was a story waiting to be told.

    The Thrill of Stalling Style Broom Ball

    Imagine hockey, but with a twist! That was my introduction to Stalling style broom ball – a game as quirky as its name. It’s a wild ride of fun and, yes, a bit of chaos. Picture us, slipping and sliding, trying to control a ball with brooms on a frozen surface. It’s like Minnesota rules hockey but with more laughter and unexpected falls. And when I say falls, I mean those hilarious, everyone’s-laughing-too-hard-to-get-up kind.

    Muckluk Magic on Skis

    Next up, we amped the excitement with my Muckluk – not the furry boots, but my trusty snow bike. I had the joy of pulling some friends on skis, creating our own version of a winter parade. There’s something undeniably fun about skimming through the snow, towing your giggling friends behind you. It’s like being kids again, but with better toys!

    A Serene Morning Ride

    But the highlight? It was the morning before everyone else stirred. Alone, I took my Muckluk for a spin around Placid Lake. It was just me, my bike, and the serene beauty of Montana’s winter. With the Swan Mountain Range as my backdrop, I discovered my new favorite sport – frozen lake biking. It’s not just about the ride; it’s about embracing the moment, soaking in the majestic views, and feeling a sense of peace that only nature can offer.

    Can’t Wait for the Next Ride

    As I browsed through the photos of this fantastic weekend, a sense of longing washed over me. I can’t wait for my next adventure on the frozen lakes. The thrill of exploring, the beauty of the surroundings, and the joy of sharing these moments with friends are what make these experiences unforgettable.

    Resources to Enhance Your Day

    1. Placid Lake State Park Guide – Discover the beauty of Placid Lake State Park and plan your visit here.
    2. Montana Winter Sports – Explore various winter sports you can enjoy in Montana here.
    3. Bikepacking Basics – Learn all about bikepacking, a perfect combination of biking and backpacking here.
    4. Minnesota Rules Hockey – Curious about Minnesota rules hockey? Find out more here.
    5. Beginner’s Guide to Broom Ball – New to broom ball? Start your journey here.

    Hope you enjoyed this slice of my winter adventure, and maybe it inspires you to create your own!

  • Snow Bikes and Moonlit Lakes

    Kicking Off 2023 with a Ban

    Happy New Year, everyone! Last night was nothing short of magical, and I’m here to spill all the frosty details. Picture this: me, floating in the middle of Placid Lake, surrounded by the eerie yet comforting groans of freezing ice. The moon was our spotlight, casting a dreamy glow on fluffy clouds that looked like they’d been plucked straight from a fairytale.

    The clock struck midnight, and I was there, clutching something incredibly dear to my heart (more on that later). It was the perfect moment to wave goodbye to the old and welcome the new adventures waiting on the horizon.

    And speaking of new adventures, today’s agenda includes something I’ve been itching to try – snow biking! That’s right, I’m swapping my regular two-wheeler for something a bit more winter-friendly. The thrill of whizzing through snow-covered trails is just a pedal away, and I can’t wait to share every chilly detail with you. Stay tuned for an update on how many times I manage to stay upright (spoiler alert: it might not be many).

    Alright, before I zip up my coat and embrace the cold, let’s talk about what I was holding at midnight. It was a tiny, hand-carved wooden boat, a family heirloom passed down through generations. As I held it, I made a silent promise to embark on new journeys, both literal and metaphorical, in the year ahead. It was a moment of quiet reflection in a night filled with laughter and the promise of new beginnings.

    Let’s make 2023 a year of embracing the unknown, trying new things (like snow biking), and holding onto the things that matter most. Here’s to a year filled with adventure, laughter, and lots of warm cocoa post-snow bike rides!

    Resources to Enhance Your Day:

    1. The Beginner’s Guide to Snow Biking – A great resource for anyone looking to start snow biking.
    2. The Art of Ice Skating on Natural Ice – For those inspired by the moonlit lake experience.
    3. Family Heirlooms and Their Stories – A site dedicated to the preservation and sharing of family heirlooms.
    4. Best Winter Trails for Snow Biking – A comprehensive guide to the best trails for snow biking enthusiasts.
    5. Mindful Reflections for a New Year – A site offering guidance on setting intentions and reflecting on life’s journeys.