• River’s Solar Road Trip

    Once upon a time, in a van not so far away, there was a dream. A dream to turn a humble vehicle into a powerhouse of solar energy, capable of charging our e-MTBs for endless adventures. Imagine if you will, a van that hums with the energy of the sun, a rolling beacon of renewable…

  • Blog Reflections

    Looking back on Nov 19th, https://williammartin.com/0000/11/19/ A complex montage featuring scenes of mountain bike racing, running in the rain, cyclocross, thoughtful writing, and a cozy indoor moments. The backdrop subtly includes elements of Missoula, Montana’s natural beauty.

  • Finn

    Once upon a late afternoon, in a small, sunlit corner of the city, there lived a chap named Finn. Finn had a van, not just any van, but one he dreamt of turning into a solar-powered haven on wheels. The day had started with a fierce determination. “Today,” he declared to his cat, Mr. Whiskers,…

  • How We Turned a Thursday into an Odyssey

    Okay, picture this: It’s Thursday, and the leaves are putting on their best autumn show, crisp and show-offy. The Thursday Night Ride gang (TNR, for those in the know), is all revved up for what’s about to be an epic night on two wheels. We all meet up at Bonner Park, where the vibe is…

  • Sketchy Tools

    My journey with Autodesk SketchBook started as a serendipitous discovery, all thanks to Google discontinuing yet another useful tool. Ah, Google, giveth and taketh away, but this time, it led me to a gem – crucial for expanding my solar power system in River the Van. Definitely a step up from Samsung Notes, to say…

  • A Mothers Speech

    I remember something I was told when I thought I knew how to tackle the world. It went something like this: When you’re younger, you take risks without a second thought. As you get older, you realize some risks aren’t worth taking. For example, riding a tandem bike with your friend, helmet on and beer…

  • Under Missoula’s Sky

    In Missoula’s embrace, under the brooding sky, Lies a trail untaken, where my thoughts lie. A bike rests silently, against nature’s arm, Echoing my heart’s missed beat, in alarm. Yesterday’s paths, untraveled, whisper low, Of stories untold, in the vlog’s absent glow. The wheels stood still, as did my spirit’s flight, In the quiet of…

  • Backup Brilliance: When GoalZero Decided to Check Out

    This weekend was one for the books. My GoalZero, in a sudden twist of fate, decided to ‘peace out’ – let’s just say it ‘relieved itself’ from duty. Good thing I had a backup plan! There I was, smugly patting myself on the back for setting up a solar system in the van ‘just in…

  • Chasing the Last Rays

    As the golden hues of fall give way to the looming gray skies of winter, there’s a fire that keeps burning within us—the fire to keep moving. Up here on my favorite hill in Missoula, I’m not just chasing the last of the autumn sun; I’m racing against the quiet whispers of winter. Wheel against…

  • November Chronicles: Bear Shenanigans, Porch Visitors, and DIY Adventures

    Ah, November! The month where the air turns crisp, and life seems to buzz with activity. It’s been a whirlwind of events and projects, so it’s high time for a general update to keep you all in the loop. Let’s kick off with Mr. Bear’s latest antics. This furry friend has turned into quite the…

  • Soaring Through the Rhythms of Life: A Spirits Tale

    Greetings, fellow adventurers! Today, I want to share a tale of a day filled with the spirit of freedom, discovery, and unbounded joy. As the sun painted the Montana sky with shades of orange and gold, I spread my wings and saluted the sky. You see, much like you, my dear readers, I too seek…

  • Biking Back in Time: November 7 Adventures

    Today, I’m taking you on a journey down memory lane as we revisit some of my biking escapades from November 7th throughout the years. Strap on your helmets, and let’s pedal through time! 2022: Redneck Full RunIn 2022, I tackled the “Redneck Full Run,” a heart-pounding downhill adventure that left my adrenaline pumping. 2020: Foliage…

  • Winter’s Sudden Embrace

    Late October in Montana often whispers of the coming winter, but this year, it roared. The snow arrived not with a gentle introduction, but as a sudden, unyielding force, plunging us into the depths of winter. The landscape, once a canvas of autumnal hues, is now a blanket of white, transforming our world overnight. There’s…

  • October’s MTB Finale

    October’s final days beckon with one last call for a mountain biking escapade. This time, it’s Carlton Ridge via the Mill Creek trail, a path that promises both challenge and charm. As I load up the van for a weekend of adventure, there’s a mix of excitement and nostalgia; this marks the last van camping…

  • Spring Retreat at Hell’s Gate State Park: Longing for Summer’s Warm Embrace

    Hey there, fellow riders!Just wanted to share a snippet from my spring escape to Hell’s Gate State Park back in April. The trails were alive with the promise of warmer days, and it’s got me reminiscing as I wake up to the first snow shoveling of the season. There’s something about the thrill of biking…

  • Last Ride Before Winter

    As the leaves turn and the days shorten, there’s a sense of urgency in the air. It’s that time of year again for a ‘last ditch’ mountain biking weekend, and what better place to embrace the fall colors than at Lake Como’s MTB trails? Imagine pedaling around the lake, each turn offering a new perspective…

  • Dry Creek Downhill Dares

    It’s October 12, a time when the world is draped in the spooky spirit. Neighborhoods are bustling with ghouls, goblins, and witches, staking claim on every lawn. But away from this eerie ensemble, I find a different kind of thrill – the adrenaline-pumping, heart-racing kind – as I navigate the scary lines of Dry Creek…

  • Fall in Missoula