Pedals of Love and the Valentine’s Day Odyssey

Ah, Valentine’s Day, that annual spectacle of love and last-minute scrambles for meaningful gestures. It’s a day when even the most seasoned adventurers, like yours truly, can find themselves caught off guard, the calendar flipping to February 14th with all the subtlety of a snowball to the face. This year, in a twist that might have seemed inspired by a blend of cupid’s arrow and sheer procrastination, I embarked on what I’ve now dubbed “The Urban Legend.”

The quest was simple: navigate the maze of Missoula’s bike paths in a heroic bid to secure a token of affection for my partner in love and life, Mo (affectionately dubbed Snuggles). The journey, plotted with the precision of a treasure hunt, took me across the city’s arteries – from the bustling Reserve Street, around the historical bastion of Fort Missoula, and back via the serene Milwaukee Trail. Each pedal stroke was a line in a love letter written on the asphalt, a physical testament to the lengths (quite literally) one will go for love.

This Valentine’s vigil culminated at the Good Food Store, my modern-day X marks the spot, where I procured a card and a pint of Cardamon Ice Cream – an offering to Mo that was both sweet and, given my usual disdain for shopping, incredibly brave.

Presenting this last-ditch effort to Mo, I couldn’t help but reflect on the Valentines past, each a chapter in our ongoing adventure. From dreaming of home not as a place but a feeling with ‘Snuggles’ at its heart, to the snowy escapades in Pattee Canyon, and even the whimsical notion of biking through ghost towns – each year has been a testament to our evolving journey.

It’s curious how, on a day so often commercialized and scripted, our most genuine moments spring from the unscripted and the spontaneous. As I handed over the card and ice cream to Mo, I realized that the essence of Valentine’s Day, for us, has never been about grand gestures or expensive gifts. It’s in the shared laughter over ice cream that’s slightly too frozen, the warmth found in a hand-drawn card, and the love that grows not from what we give, but how we give of ourselves.

So here’s to Valentine’s Day – a reminder that love, much like the best adventures, isn’t found in the destination but in the journey. And if that journey involves a last-minute bike ride across town for cardamom ice cream, then all the better.

On this Valentines Day in history:

• 2023: Snuggles my valentine – A heartwarming reflection on the concept of a dream home, which is not a place but a feeling of comfort and love, found in the heart of ‘snuggles’.
• 2018: Good Crust – Celebrating the perfect conditions for fat biking in Bozeman, a newfound joy in February’s usually elusive crust, offering freedom on two wheels.
• 2017: Team MoBill Part 2 – The Investigation – The first in a series exploring the origins and adventures of Team MoBill, tracing back to cryptic posts and a story rooted in 2010.
• 2014: Meetup – A day filled with anticipation and preparation for a friend’s visit, likened to the excitement of a group ride.
• 2010: Half Ass – A day where plans fell through, leading to an unexpected dive into troubleshooting a Sports Tracks plugin.
• 2009: Ghost Town Idea – Proposing an adventurous bike ride through Montana’s ghost towns, combining history with the thrill of exploration.
• 2008: To Deer Creek and Back – An impromptu cycling and hiking adventure in Pattee Canyon, embracing the snowy landscape.
• 2008: Deer Creek Snow Sneak – Swapping traditional Valentine’s Day plans for a snowy bike ride up Deer Creek, seeking untouched trails and epic views.
• 2004: Mount Ellen Vermont – A solo venture into Mount Ellen’s wintry embrace, detailing a challenging hike amidst a Valentine’s Day whiteout.
• 2002: My Emotional Profile – A reflection on the quest for love and understanding, highlighting the importance of emotional connections and self-awareness.

Each post captures a moment in time, offering insights into my personal journeys, challenges, and the beauty of adventure. Enjoy delving into these snapshots of life’s rich tapestry.