Ah, Lake Como, tucked away in the Bitterroots, just a stone’s throw from my buddy’s Red Barn. It’s our go-to escape every so often. Sometimes she’s a frozen wonderland, other times she dazzles under the summer sun. This last visit, with her icy cloak on, we trekked around on foot, just basking in the splendor. Seriously, what’s life without a solid van camping adventure at Lake Como?
Looking back on this day in history, how did I end up here at Lake Como?
In the early days of 2002, I remember waking up to the challenge of a Busy Day, feeling the rush of excitement as I prepared my trusty mountain bike for the upcoming race season. It was the start of something new, a journey that would take me through the highs and lows of life, each pedal stroke a step into the unknown.
By 2004, I found myself in a darker place, with Depression Creeping In. It was a time of reflection, realizing that even in my lowest moments, there was a lesson to be learned, a strength to be gained from the silence and solitude.
In 2007, the spirit of adventure was rekindled with Spring Break 07 Highlights, reminiscing about the good times spent in the mountains, the joy of friendship, and the simple pleasures of life. It was a reminder to cherish the moments that bring us happiness and to always seek the beauty in the world around us.
The year 2008 brought Perfect Blizzard Conditions, where I found myself embracing the challenges of nature, finding peace in the midst of a snowstorm, and learning that sometimes, you just have to weather the storm to appreciate the calm that follows.
2010’s Escape taught me the importance of finding moments of tranquility in a world that never stops moving. It was a reminder to pause, breathe, and take in the beauty of the present.
In 2012, Pipestone on the Way served as a symbol of the journey itself, a path that leads through unexpected landscapes, teaching us to embrace the journey, not just the destination.
By 2017, the 2017 Togwotee Winter Classic Report reflected on the solitude of racing alone, reminding me that sometimes, the most significant battles are the ones we fight within ourselves, pushing through doubt and discomfort to emerge stronger on the other side.
Most recently, in 2023, I took a moment to reflect on Walking in Sunshine, a serene walk through the forest that felt like a secret garden of peace. It was a moment of clarity, a realization that no matter how far I’ve come, the journey of self-discovery and growth never truly ends.
Looking back on this mosaic of experiences, I’ve come to realize that life, much like a bike ride, is filled with unexpected turns, steep climbs, and exhilarating descents. Each post, a chapter in my life’s story, taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of living in the moment. And if there’s one witty reflective life lesson to sum it all up, it’s this: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” But never forget to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Boneshakerbike 
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