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!
On This Day In History
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.
On This Day In History
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?
On This Day In History
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: 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.
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, A DELIGHTFUL JOURNEY THROUGH THE ARCHIVES:
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.
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, A DELIGHTFUL JOURNEY THROUGH THE ARCHIVES:
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.
FEB 24 IN HISTORY:
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.
From snow to dirt in 3 feet.I negotiate some snow machine tracks on the decent.Passing the cliffs near the half way point.Leaving the cabin for the journey back to the valley floor.Almost thereLittle Bear Cabin at dawnVarieties of color just before dawn.Exploding ColorsSun rising over the cabinThe moon lingers over the wood shedFrosty sunriseWith the snow warm and the lack of machine traffic we were delegated to walking the last 5 miles.The view out the windowAfter a 5 hour journey we sat around the fire to warm our bodies.Little Bear Cabin Gallery
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:
2010: Rebecca In Town – Excitement brews in Missoula as Rebecca visits town, turning an ordinary event into an unforgettable gathering.
2010: Pipestone – Bill dedicates a post to his favorite photos of 2009, starting with “Pipestone,” a captivating image that speaks volumes about friendship and the road less traveled.
2009: Grand Ride in Bitterroots – Bill recounts a grand ride in the Bitterroots, weaving in themes of perseverance, nature’s beauty, and the joy of cycling.
2008: Its Off to Seeley Lake – A narrative about a spontaneous trip to Seeley Lake, reflecting on the excitement and unpredictability of pre-season riding.
2007: I’m No Fake – A candid exploration of authenticity and the complexities of human interaction, challenging readers to reflect on their own experiences.
2004: Pentagon to Cancel Comanche – A post discussing the Pentagon’s decision to cancel the Comanche helicopter program, offering insights into military procurement and policy.
2004: New Poem in Literature Menu – Bill shares a new poem dedicated to his mother, blending personal reflection with artistic expression.
2002: What’s Up In Plattsburgh? – A light-hearted investigation into the quiet happenings of Plattsburgh, showcasing Bill’s curiosity and engagement with his community.
2002: Psycho – A chilling recount of a late-night call from an ex-girlfriend, opening a window into the darker, more mysterious aspects of life and relationships.
My default training interval photo for all the posts about working out.
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.
Frustration for me is the accumulation and realization that I am cheap and lazy. It is this manifestation combined with the results of this lack of attention to the needs of what I am trying to do that pushes me over the edge. But that alone is not enough for me to lash out. I can usually keep my frustration under wraps. Today I tried to tele ski with old crusty gear and inadequate skills.
It all comes busting out when while dealing with my own shortcomings and the results of which start piling up. For instance watching my adventure partner climb the hill and disappear while I struggle helplessly with crappy skins on my skis that do not provide the necessary foot hold.
I slid back one more time and struggled to go again. A couple steps later I slid all the way back to where I began. So I used my poles and weasely arms to pull myself up the mountain. I was cranky and started mumbling some “feeling sorry for myself” terms under my breath. Still I looked like I was having a good time. And under a certain layer I was.
Dealing with all this and the certain end to my upper body strength I just kept on struggling. And now I figure I will catch up … eventually. Then the last straw … ah, the last twig … snaps.
A branch. A fucking branch that looked like a crusty old arm stuck out and grabbed at my coat. It felt like this old tree was trying to pull me back. I pulled my arm away angrily and lost my balance. I got up busting with anger. That branch would not get away with this.
I swung my pole at it and it bounced back vibrating wildly and smacked me squarely on the shoulder.
The gloves were off, “You Ass%$#@ F#$%!er”, I shouted and pushed the branch downward trying to bust the tree’s menacing dead arm. I pushed with all my might but the branch held firm. I was sure it would break. Kerwack!!!
The branch broke loose from my pole basket and cracked against my forearm with such force it knocked my gloves off and put me back into the snow. My arm shot with pain and a tingling sensation of a nerve gone wild. I was sure it broke my arm.
“You son of a F#$%!ing B^%$&. F#$%!ing F#$%!ity F#$%!er”, I shouted angrily at the inanimate object.
Around 3 minutes of consistent cussing at the top of my lungs later I realize that I was going to be ok. I look over at the tree for a third round of name calling and I hear a soft voice just above me.
“Are you ok?”
Just then I realized what a fool I made of myself and the blood rushed to my head as I hung my head in defeat.
“Yea, this god damn tree smacked my wrist …”, I caught myself from going any further. The tree had won and it brought out of me the side that is not good. It freaked onlookers out and made me seem completely wacko.
Later on I mumbled, “I just don’t get along with trees”.
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:
2010: Artistic Juice – After a recovery hike, Bill muses on photography and the creative process, offering a glimpse into the soulful side of outdoor exploration.
2008: Road Riding West of Missoula Day 2 – A repeat of a challenging route with a friend, complete with dubbed climbs and a touch of humor to lighten the grueling journey.
2008: So What is Boneshakerbike – An origin story of sorts, Bill explains the significance behind his email addresses and account names, linked to his biking team and the handcrafted bikes they rode.
2007: Another Day, Another Turn of the Crank – A contemplative morning in Missoula, Montana, sparks thoughts on the joys of mountain biking and the beauty of Big Sky country.
2002: Great Day For a Mountain Bike Ride – Bill shares his enthusiasm for a day perfect for mountain biking, along with plans for a hike with his dog, highlighting the simple pleasures of outdoor activities.
2001: 2 Hour Ride – A light-hearted post-ride reflection, Bill compares his biking adventures to the comedic twists of the movie “Shanghai Noon,” finding joy in the unexpected.
Each post, a story; each story, a memory etched into the trails of time, inviting you to pedal along through the pages of my adventures.
Sun ignites the Bridger Range, painting the sky in hues that make yesterday’s blizzard seem like a fever dream. My coffee steams, mirroring the excitement bubbling in my chest. Telemark boots, packed and prepped by the door, whisper promises of powder and pristine slopes. Madison Range, here we come!
Except… hold on. My idyllic window-gazing gets hijacked by a news flash: six unlucky souls stranded near Sacajawea Peak. Stuck since yesterday, battling deep snow, avalanche danger, and communication glitches. Thirteen hours the search and rescue heroes fought, and still nothing. I sip my bean juice, squinting towards the peak, a shiver snaking down my spine. Is that my future self clinging to a rock face, dreaming of a warm mug and blue skies? Nah, surely not. But the thought lingers, a fly buzzing in the ointment of my adventure.
Those poor folks, I bet they never imagined… well, maybe they did. Maybe they knew the risks, the thrill of pushing boundaries sometimes laced with a healthy dose of fear. I mean, have you seen Keanu shredding in the backcountry in those new “John Wick” flicks? Dude’s got skills, but even he doesn’t tempt fate without a shred of trepidation.
Anyway, gotta shake this morbid daydream. Fresh tracks and untouched slopes await! But maybe, just maybe, I’ll pack a little extra emergency beacon today. You know, just in case the mountains decide to remind me who’s really in charge. Wish me powder, but mostly, wish me safety!
Each post captures a unique moment, from thrilling adventures to contemplative reflections, embodying the spirit of evolving adventures through the years.
In two weeks we will be in our first snow bike race somewhere near Togwotee Pass and today was good training. We “tried” my urban loop which comprises mostly green space fitness paths. In the winter these become pretty fun snow biking opportunities. Today dodging the poop bombs (bad dog owners) was not a problem but interestingly enough it actually snowed in Bozeman. Enough to test our resolve on these inner city trails.
Whenever we turned West the fierce wind blew snow into our faces so hard that the snow stung like hail and opening the eyes was a trick. It was hard to see and with the snow piling up the trails started to disappear.
Once home the storm subsided and stopped. Maybe 3 inches fell during our ride but it was enough to give us a taste of riding for multiple hours in challenging conditions. In two weeks we find out if this toughened us up. Maybe next time I can actually show my girlfriend around Bozeman. Today was just a complete white out which made it seem more like Togwotee Pass.
DALL-E’s masterpiece… since my camera took a day off or WordPress went on a deleting spree.
I excitedly waved my girlfriend over to take a peek at my workout stats, and she couldn’t help but let out a little chuckle. To me, this collection of numbers and charts was as breathtaking as a flawless sunset snapshot.
“Check out this beauty of an interval set,” I said in a hushed tone, brimming with pride.
My leg was still doing that funny shake thing – a souvenir from today’s epic sprint up Bridger Ridge. I was practically mesmerized by the neat pattern glowing on the screen before us. It was a masterpiece. Well, except for that minor hiccup when I found myself in a spontaneous race with an ultra runner who was out seizing the day just like me. In my head, I was already overtaking her, my feet thundering past in a victorious march. Alas, she zoomed ahead, leaving me in her dust, scoring the win. But hey, other than that little episode, it was an absolute dream day on the trails.
On this day in history, let’s dive into the eclectic and adventurous world of my blog, showcasing a variety of experiences and insights:
Created by DALL-E to fill in posts that don’t have a image for blog functionality (prettiness)
So there I was, scrolling through Wikipedia late one night, when I stumbled upon a concept that hit closer to home than I expected: Withdrawal. Not just any kind of parting, mind you, but the soul-gnawing type that you feel in your bones when you suddenly stop seeing someone, stop calling them, or even stop being near them. It’s like one day you’re in the thick of it—love, friendship, what have you—and the next, you’re out in the cold, wondering how you ever got so hooked.
This whole ordeal, according to the wisdom of the internet, isn’t just about the emotional hangover you get from binge-watching your favorite series and then realizing it’s over. No, it’s about the real, palpable symptoms you face when you abruptly cut off something (or someone) you’ve grown way too used to. I learned that whether it was listening to the same voice over the phone night after night or getting those big, bear hugs that made everything seem alright, the way we get these doses of affection matters a lot. And just like that, quitting cold turkey isn’t just a phrase for kicking bad habits—it’s about the shock to your system when you suddenly stop doing what your heart’s gotten used to.
The more I read, the more I saw myself in those lines. There’s this rollercoaster of feeling worse, hitting rock bottom, and then slowly climbing back up to normalcy. And let’s not even get started on the dangers of pulling away too fast from something—or someone—important. That’s a whole other level of heartache.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, this dive into the concept of withdrawal gave me a lot more than I bargained for. It was like finding a mirror in the most unexpected of places, reflecting parts of me I’d rather not admit were there. But hey, that’s the beauty of the internet, right? One minute you’re a casual browser, and the next, you’re deep in the rabbit hole of self-discovery, all thanks to a simple click.
The trail home is a mixture of about 80% path, 5% road, and 15% sidewalk. In the wintertime this trinket of snowy goodness is nice because there is no traffic and one could bomb the winding trails with a snow bike. This is how my Mukluk (Larry) and I spent the afternoon. The jaunt home is a snow bikers wet dream commute … almost.
Riding across the campus of Montana State University is like riding in Pipestone. The buildings are the spire rocks, and the sidewalks are like the ATV trails. And cutting across the lawns or landscaping in the snowy bliss of winter is like riding the sand at ol “Pipy”. First you ride past the duck pond, which was super crowded if you were a duck, and then ducked, no pun intended, across 11th street. Once across the campus main auto throughway you skirt around the Plant Growth Center. I recommend stopping for a moment to do some trails before heading towards family housing. Cross one of the many walking bridges by the Bio Science Building and you are on your way to exiting the first leg. The campus leg is purely urban riding and transition leg is a mixture of fitness path and sidewalks. Soon you are leaving campus and entering the transition over to the Bozeman Ponds.
Leaving the campus leg you cross one of the two major road ways. The first crosses 19th Street and later goes on to across Huffine lane near Rosauers (shopping for the ultra rich). Between these the fitness path turns briefly to sidewalk and then back to fitness path. I suspect in the near future this will all be fitness path. Once past the transition leg we enter Bozeman Pond and the neighborhood paths.
The neighborhood paths are 4 sections of creek side dirt and green space / park pea gravel surfaces. I call this the fun leg. The first section is around Bozeman Pond and that shoots you out in the alley behind the mall. A tiny parking lot crossing leads you to the second section. This section is dirt path and leads you between communities and along a narrow creek (as seen in the photo). To get to the third section you cross Babcock Street and head up Hunters way. This in one of only two road/street sections. The third section is more dirt path which includes more visual access to everyone’s back yard. Kind of cool to have a fitness path in your back yard don’t you think? The fourth section is just across Durston Avenue and the surface changes to pea gravel. In the winter it doesn’t matter because it is all packed with snow and slight traces of ski tracks. This last section goes through green spaces and parks between two major human villages.
To finish up the commute a quick ride down Oak Street takes you to the commercial walking path on the West side of 19th street. This path is dirt and goes behind all the businesses. From my apartment to REI, for example, it is just a matter of a quick ride down this path. And there you have it. My commute home in the winter. Sure it is “the long way home” but believe me it goes by like a snap. Just like all fun rides do.
At 39, biking in Bridger Foothills, I reminisce. As a kid, Valentine’s Day was tough. School was a show-off fest: fancy cards, treats, a popularity contest. I was the odd one out, handing out cheap cards, receiving few. It wasn’t fun being the unpopular red-headed kid.
Fast forward, there’s me, proposing over Pac-Man, hoping for a better future. Didn’t work out, and I kept running, avoiding more heartbreak.
Now, as I ride in Bozeman’s cold, watching a stunning sunset, I think maybe it’s time to stop running. Bozeman isn’t about popularity or relationships for me. It’s about being in the right place, at peace, on a new road.
Ah, the familiar chaos of life in motion! It’s one of those moments where you’re on the phone, and your brain is dividing its attention between the conversation and your surroundings. You know, you’ve long lost that carefully crafted core exercise list, and you’re attempting to recall it from the depths of your memory. All the weekend’s paraphernalia, from clothes to gear to electronics, is strewn around you like confetti at a party you didn’t expect.
You manage to carve out a tiny open space on the floor amidst the clutter, fully intent on doing your workout, but there’s one small problem – you can’t remember which exercise you were supposed to be doing. Just as you’re scratching your head in confusion, your trusty GPS watch chimes in, a gentle reminder of… something. Unfortunately, you’re drawing a blank.
Meanwhile, your phone decides to join the symphony of beeps, sending a notification that the battery is on its last legs. Panic sets in as you scan the pile of gear spilling out of your backpack, and it hits you like a ton of bricks – you left your charger back in Missoula. Mentally, you add it to the ever-growing list of things you’ve either forgotten or misplaced. Things like your heart rate monitor and camera, both MIA.
Just as you start pondering the likelihood of ever finding your camera, the phone beeps again. Overwhelmed by this cacophony of beeps, you give in, collapsing on the floor, your sports watch continuing its relentless beeping, the phone chiming away, and your mind in a state of utter befuddlement.
And then, just as you’re about to be overtaken by the chaos, a voice reaches your ears, attempting to guide you towards the land of sleep and dreams. “Honey, it’s late, and remember, you must try to get some sleep…”
But alas, the phone decides to pull the plug, and your watch finally silences itself. As your eyelids flutter closed, you make a silent vow to yourself: “I will not go quietly… I must blog.”
Boneshakerbike 