Author: Bill

December 10, 2The RMVQ finished over a month or two ago, and I’m still blogging about it. What gives? Well, we shot a lot of footage, and I’ve been trying to make some movies of our exploits. I’ve endured about four computer crashes, one hard drive failure, and right now, I’m borrowing a computer to post this blog. It’s like some omen has descended upon me. So, I push on… posting teaser photos as I battle to get a computer set up for use. Anyone got a line on a used Mac?

The sun was setting only because I procrastinated way to long. But enough is enough and I needed to finally get out. It has been over a week since I got outside. Was I sick … well no. I did have to take sick days off at work to make up work.  Well not make up … more like keep up. Struggling at work and working a full 80+ hours on this project that is due by the end fo the month. Struggling.  I am used to struggle though so that is nothing new.  But working is not my style.  So I am striking out and now after thrashing through the snow fo a hour I feel much better.  I will never work that much again.  Never.

Life’s path is full of different elements: love, laughter, hard times, and happy times. Ripping down the Beargrass Highway, I look at the path ahead. After all, looking far ahead is the key to speed. Red and yellow grasses, black scree, red dirt, brown dirt, sparkling blue streams, dark green pines—life and what is in front of me. The same, always the same. Treat it as a trail and ride your ass off.

The sky had that look. You know the one. It’s as if the heavens are brewing a storm, daring you to challenge its might. That’s how it looked on December 5, 2012, when Mo, a determined white female, and I decided to brave the elements. Our destination? The legendary Snow Bowl a-frame.

Our journey wasn’t just a climb. It was a testament to our spirit. The kind of spirit that looks at an angry sky and says, “Bring it on.” As we trekked upwards, the air turned brisk, the wind whispered threats, and the clouds? Oh, they were like an artist’s chaotic palette, swirling with grays and whites.

Mo, ever the adventurer, led the way. Her steps were confident, her eyes alight with a mixture of excitement and defiance. There’s something about being up against nature that brings out the rawest part of us. It strips away the facade and reveals who we truly are. Mo was unyielding, a force as formidable as the sky we were about to meet.

As we reached the a-frame, the world seemed to pause. There we were, two tiny figures against a vast, turbulent sky. It was a moment of awe, a slice of time where everything seemed both insignificant and monumental.

But here’s the kicker: the journey wasn’t about conquering the mountain or the sky. It was about pushing on. About moving forward despite the odds, about finding strength in the face of adversity. It’s a metaphor, really. For life, for challenges, for those moments when the sky looks down and dares you to blink.

We didn’t blink. We pushed on. And in that moment, we weren’t just climbers. We were storytellers, writing our tale on the canvas of the Snow Bowl. And let me tell you, it was one heck of a story.

Okay, you caught me. I’ve been lazy, and a lot’s been going on, actually. Work projects are stressing me out, so it’s all I can do to post a little something each day. Since I haven’t gotten to my RMVQ video yet, at least I have these photos.

The sun peeked out for just a moment as we enjoyed our only paved section we’d see for two days.

It took us a couple hours to cycle across the Missoula Valley. We came from The Grave Creek Range and was heading to th Snow Bowl Aframe. Today’s goal was to make it to the Ratlesnake BBQ put on by our friend julie. But forst we needed to go up an over Snow Bowl and then Ravine. A long way to go. First while we are here we might as well stop for breakfast.  I remember the fields and the dark skies. I love the golden contrast. My daydream ended when the lever clicked off. My car was filled with feul and I needed to continue my trek to Bozeman. It was fun dreaming back to the RMVQ though.  Monda Monday.

This year, Kona Bridge was a little different. The sun wasn’t out; instead, it was cold and grey. Mo wasn’t waiting for me as usual; she was right behind me. We stopped for a break. I needed to go down to the river to wash my glasses, and Mo needed to exchange her muddy and cold gear for something warm. It would be another hour or so before we stopped for breakfast at the Crossroads Truck Stop. Last year was warmer, and I was solo. This year, I was part of a team.

Today’s RMVQ adventure began under the threat of rain. Day 2 kicked off with a chilling descent into the heart of the town. The intriguing part? Absolutely nothing was amiss. Autumn was in full swing, its vibrant colors exploding around us, painting a breathtaking scene. So, yeah… there was absolutely nothing wrong. Just me, careening down the hill, surrounded by this unexpected beauty.

Hi! I’m Abe. I’ve been swinging from Bill’s handlebars since the days of Fitzy Barn. I’ve witnessed everything – from the exciting RMVQ to that memorable winter bike retreat with Mo. You’re wondering how I know what’s coming next? Well, I can’t spill all my secrets. We’ve just wrapped up the RMVQ, and now we’re gearing up for an adventurous fat bike retreat this winter. It’s happening soon. My favorite thing? Just hanging around, enjoying the ride. So, let’s keep it at that, no more questions, please!