Author: Bill

This post is a first in a tiny series (or stages) of my recollection of last weekend’s trip to Lewiston for the Devils Slide Mountain Bike Race. This is the first race of the season and it was a great time. This is how it went down.

I awoke Saturday morning and put on a pot of “Fast Lane” tea. I was so super charged that I got myself into a scone baking project. My plan was to surprise my friends with scones in the morning. Today we were traveling to Lewiston Idaho. The scones were glorious but then my packing fell behind. No worries it was to be a laid back day. This is the happiest I have been in quite a while.

Thanks to Triple Ring Productions I was able to get this race on my calendar and also my friends who gracefully offered to drive me down to Lewiston.

Lets see, what should I take. Carbo Rocket, Action Wipes, shoes, helmet, bike …. cash, license, … on and on. When I had finally put it all together in heaps and started stuffing into a couple containers it was apparent I would be running behind the planned 8 AM departure time.

In the car and headed to the gas station I rounded a corner and that cause my gas gage to ms-read a little. I looked down and saw that I wasn’t completely out of gas, just barely. I would make up time by skipping the gas station.

As I approached Lolo I was a bundle of nerves. Just leaving Missoula the needle dropped below the empty level. It was pegged. But here I was at the city limit sign. I turned off the beetle and coasted into Lolo. Whew! 

I found my friends in the same state of happiness and early morning grogginess. I presented my story of about running out of gas and we had a laugh. It wasn’t long before we were all packed into one vehicle and ready for departure. “Wait”, said Ross. “Should we bring wood”? I replied, “Well then we should also bring brats”. And that decision would be the key to a evening by the fire roasting brats. Finally we were off.

On Lolo Pass we hit snow but I had faith. We had done this trip may times to find sunshine and spring like conditions in Idaho. As we got deeper into Idaho the first signs of spring started to appear. First it was little flowers on a little snapshot stop along the river. Then it was the appearance of flowers alongside the road.

As we rolled into Lewiston it was just as we left it last year. The sun was out, it was hot, and the trees had blossoms on them. The excitement to finally stretch our legs in spring like weather ran through out the car.

Stopping in to pick up our little cabin key we ran into a “tiny” snag.

To be continued … (haha, that was fun)

I don’t know exactly the name of the trail but there are new signs. I think it is MoZ. It zig-zags down the side of South Sentinel in the vicinity of the fire road a beast of a climb straight out of town to Crazy Canyon.

People been thinking I have been scouring the trails looking for the dry single track but in fact I have only been on this little route not even 1 mile in length. I do venture up towards Crazy Canyon once and a while but always find that icy stuff when I hot the trees.

I took this photo with my friend Ed in tow up the climb one evening. We were doing a “quick and dirty” ride. A short “must get out and do something” ride. We were presented with this spectacular view.

Tonight I suspect Ill be up there testing out the equipment before this weekend’s Devils Slide race.

I’ve been experimenting with something new lately: minimal stimulus. For the past month, I’ve ditched TV, radio, internet at home (didn’t have it anyway), and even cut out coffee, sugar, and other stimulating substances. The catalyst for this change was a day I came home from work, mentally frazzled to the core, and realized I was constantly being bombarded with stimuli. Overloaded, overcooked, and undeniably manipulated, I decided to switch off everything and picked up a book instead. For leisure, I’ve been allowing myself to just sit and feel my feelings. I don’t try to dissect them; I simply observe them as they drift by.

Today’s photo ties in with what I’ve been up to. I captured it during a ride, a breath of fresh air after spending a whole day rebuilding forks. At the end of my block, I bumped into my friend Ed. It felt like we had telepathically agreed to meet for this ride. We cycled the MoZ, sharing thoughts on life and happiness. Then, we soaked up the Montana scenery, which felt like watching a movie unfold.

So we have no more favorite photos of 2009 so now I must start taking some photos of my adventure and hope that will keep all of you Lodge fans satisfied. My latest round can not possibly show the fun that we all had yesterday frolicking in the dirt but they don’t do a bad job in showing what summer looks like.

It was last Friday that the call came in. I was to be plucked from my Missoula home, blindfolded, and whisked away to a secret undisclosed location to test some secret and highly classified single track that may make it into a Montana race. I cant disclose the race name so I will call it “some kick ass 100 mile loop race that is our countries finest”. That should not give it away.

I was barley able to collect my things and the next thing I know I was standing on a rock in the middle of sand, sagebrush, and endless miles of mountain biking. I was standing there naked with a kit in my hand. A voice said, “Put it on” and so I did. “Now get out there and ride”.  And I did.

What a day I had. I was astounded to ride some entirely new trail that I didn’t know existed. My fellow trail partners agreed it was a hoot.

I was having such a good time I once took some blissful air to only look down to find no trail to land on. It was then that I knew it was a dream. I would hit the ground wake up.  Right? BAM! I stuck the landing and the judges posted a “9.7” “10” “10” “9.9” “10” “6.1” (Damn Russian judges).

I didn’t wake up and it wasn’t a dream because about a second later my friend Garland came rolling up to the edge of a riser and said, “how the hell did you get down there”. Um yea, kind of missed a corner somewhere.

We rode all day and then I was whisked back home and dropped off back in my previous life. Shoot! I didn’t have any time to get my laundry done, my only weekend chore. So I went to bed.

This is the final installation in a series of 22 blog posts that I am dedicating to my favorite photos of 2009. I took this photo on December 27th, 2009 at 5:32 PM very quickly with my Canon SD 1000.

It is just plain pretty, right? Last night, I was doing my run intervals in the South Hills, enjoying the pretty landscape, and the sun started to set. I have to say this is my favorite time of the day. Imagine if we had no stress at work and were able to enjoy every evening like this?

This weekend, I am going to Pipestone on Sunday with a friend. It will be good to reunite with the Pipestone crew. Then, next weekend, it’s off to Lewiston, Idaho, for the first race of the season. Lewiston is always warm and bursting with spring beauty at this time of year.

Isn’t it remarkable that most beauty and the experiences that come with them are free, just like this photo? Free for us to enjoy. And there are those that yearn to buy the latest cool thing. I am sure glad it doesn’t cost anything to view winter fire.

This is part 21 in a series of 22 blog posts that I am dedicating to my favorite photos of 2009. Today’s inductee and now a resident in my “Outdoor Adventure” photo album is “Hike“. I took this photo December 7th, 2009 at 1:10 PM with my dead (non focusing) Canon SD 1000.

My camera was dead and taking blurry photos but this shot of Ed as we hike up Bass Creek caught my eye. So instead of tossing the photo I made it black and white and here you go. It says “Hike” all over it.

The only thing better then this photo was being there. Julie, Laurie, Ed, and I were hiking up Bass Creek after our first dumping of snow. We realized this would be the last foray into areas like this on foot for the year. It was a great time.

One memory that sticks out was when I saw some hunters and remarked that they looked like Elmer Fud hunting wrabbits. Sure enough, it was rabbit hunters and to make things even more interesting, friends of Ed and Laurie.  Small world.

So today is the first Thursday Night Mountain Bike Ride and fittingly I transition from great hiking memories to the memories yet to be constructed with “the group”.

Oh boy, here we go again, diving headfirst into part 20 of my ongoing saga – a heartfelt homage to my top photo picks from the good ol’ year of 2009. Let’s roll out the red carpet for today’s star, “Painting Tracks,” which has snugly found its place in my “Ice and Snow” album. Snapped this gem on December 27th, 2009, at exactly 5:37 PM, with my trusty, albeit on-its-last-legs, Canon SD 1000.

“Painting Tracks,” huh? Sounds fancy. That evening, the setting sun cast a bronze spell over everything, its beauty almost surreal. In a race against time, and with a dash of eagerness to reach Blue Point, I captured these shots. My so-called deadline had been left in the dust a cool thousand feet and a couple of miles ago. But hey, who’s counting? Extending this escapade turned out to be a stroke of genius, as this photo quickly climbed the ranks to become one of my all-time faves.

Brace yourselves, folks. In the not-too-distant future, I’ll unveil this very scene again, but with a twist – it’ll be in landscape mode. The original, presented in portrait, probably mirrors my inner turmoil as I trudged through the snow, haunted by the thought of the encroaching darkness. Yet, amidst my haste, I stumbled upon a moment of serenity so profound, I had no choice but to capture it in landscape.

These moments have since transformed into sweet, sweet memories. Just last night, I wrapped up a 2-hour training ride under the lingering gaze of the sun. It was glorious. As winter’s chill reluctantly gives way to the promise of spring and summer, our beloved painted tracks will be replaced by a riot of wildflowers. Ah, the circle of life, folks. It’s a beautiful thing, isn’t it?

Ah, welcome to episode 20 of “Through My Lens: The 2009 Chronicles.” Today’s star, making its grand entrance into my cherished “Ice and Snow” portfolio, is none other than “Escape.” Captured on the brisk afternoon of December 27th, 2009, at precisely 2:15 PM, with my trusty (albeit on its last legs) Canon SD 1000.

So, there I was, a couple of days post-Christmas, feeling a tad bit like the last slice of fruitcake nobody wanted – a classic case of holiday blues. Try as I might, I couldn’t coax or guilt-trip anyone into joining me for a hearty trek into the great outdoors. Hence, armed with nothing but my camera and a stubborn resolve, I ventured solo onto the Sheep Mountain Trail. My journey led me to Blue Point, where I paused, contemplating the return trip, and that’s when “Escape” happened. With a swift click, I captured the serene beauty stretching from the Rattlesnake to Missoula Valleys.

Winter, with all its icy allure, truly shines in the mountains. The pièce de résistance? That moment when the sun begins its descent, casting a golden hue over the already stunning panorama. It’s Mother Nature’s gentle reminder that, despite the encroaching darkness, there’s an inherent tranquility, a peaceful calm, and, above all, an indescribable beauty.

Welcome back, fellow adventurers and photography enthusiasts, to installment numero 19 of what’s shaping up to be the never-ending saga of “Photos I Adore from 2009.” This time around, we’re diving into a snapshot taken on a crisp November 7th, 2009. Now, let’s be real – this photo won’t be winning any beauty contests. But hey, this series is all about the pics that stole my heart, not those that polished their way onto magazine covers. And considering this was snapped with the ol’ Apple iPhone, it’s not half bad, right?

This gem features my buddy Ed S. and yours truly, setting off for what would be one of our final treks with the gang around the scenic Nine Mile area that year.

In yesterday’s episode of “How Far Will I Go?”, I managed to clock a cool 82 miles cruising in zone 1, going full knobby tire mode. During the epic 5-hour saga, I kept the engines running on Carbo Rocket and Perpetium, making them my go-to snacks for those crucial pit stops. My journey took me over the majestic Lolo Pass and right into the heart of Idaho. It was the kind of ride that leaves you feeling refreshed, yet buzzing with energy – honestly, I could’ve kept pedaling, but duty called. Home was beckoning, along with the promise of a week filled with life’s little joys.

As I sit here now, tea in hand, it feels like the perfect moment to reflect. Let the reminiscing begin.

Welcome back, photography aficionados and cycling enthusiasts, to yet another chapter of my 2009 photo anthology! Today, we’re rolling out the red carpet for a snapshot that’s earned its stripes and a permanent spot in my “Cycling” photo collection—introducing “Clearing The Ridge.”

Snapped on the sunny afternoon of September 27th, 2009, precisely at 1:29 PM, this moment was captured through the lens of my trusty Canon PowerShot SD1000. Ah, the good ol’ point-and-shoot days!

“Clearing The Ridge” is more than just a photo; it’s a nod to the annual pilgrimage to Sheep Mountain—a journey that’s as scenic as it is fraught with the unexpected. It’s like Mother Nature’s own roller coaster, with twists and turns that can sometimes serve up a bit more adventure than you signed up for. Case in point: the year one of our fearless riders, Dave C., gracefully conquered Wishard Ridge, while the rest of us basked in the sunshine, lost in the breathtaking vistas.

On a slightly related note, I bumped into Ed S. just yesterday—yeah, the same Ed who had a bit too close an encounter with the mountain last time, leaving with a souvenir of smashed ribs. Glad to report, it was his first MTB ride of the year, and we took it as a chance to hone our skills, aiming for a “Sheep Mountain” expedition this year that’s notably less eventful in the injury department.

As for today’s agenda, I’m venturing up route 12, bracing myself for a splash or two (or maybe more) courtesy of the melting snow from the mountains. Who knows what picturesque scenes await?

Till next time, catch you on the higher trails!

Here we are, at episode 18 of my photographic homage to 2009’s visual feasts, dedicating today’s spotlight to a gem tucked away in my “Cycling” album: “South East Bitterroot Riding.” Captured on the idyllic afternoon of September 13th, 2009, at precisely 2:50 PM, with my trusty Canon PowerShot SD1000 (yeah, that little warrior of a point-and-shoot).

Now, I’ll be the first to admit the name of the photo sounds like my creativity took a little nap—essentially, it’s named for what it is, not what it evokes. Truth be told, it might not clinch any photography awards. Yet, it embodies the sprawling beauty Montana generously offers to anyone on two wheels. A real treasure, indeed.

On a related note, my brain’s been noodling over the Butte 100 and its burgeoning popularity. Some folks might fret over the swelling participant numbers, fearing overcrowded trails. However, I see a silver lining. The more of us that revel in Montana’s outdoor splendor, the stronger the message we send to those in charge: our trails are invaluable. Plus, a little birdie named Bob shared that the event’s proceeds are funneled right back into the trails we cherish and compete on. It’s like giving back to the very paths that give us so much joy.

So, see you at the starting line? Anything you need to make this happen, you’ve got my number. Let’s make it a reality.

This is part 17 in a series of blog posts that I am dedication to my favorite photos of 2009. Today’s inductee and now a resident in my “Cycling” photo album is “Push“. I took this photo July 30th, 2009 at 7:39 PM with my Canon SD1000 point and shooter.

Connecting with friends, both the story behind this photo and last night have one thing in common, connecting with friends. Isn’t that the essence of living life to its full happiness? That great feeling when you first spot a friend that you haven’t seen in a while.

Last night I gathered with friends and made new ones. We gathered because of a movie playing at the Roxy called Race Across the Sky. The movie was Olympic coverage style and so that was not what made the night great. It was connecting with fiends. So this weekend make a effort to connect with friends and go mountain biking.

When I got back from the worlds last year I gathered with my friends from Plattsburgh New York. The little one “Willow” was about to take her first MTB journey. She rode in this cool seat that fits between the rider and the handle bars. It was pretty cool.

This shot was taken in the Rattlesnake when “Niko” and I left the group for a little outing on some side single track. We took on some gnarly stuff and I took this awesome photo that because my camera was broken blurred the image. So I went with it and burred it some more and made it high contrast black and white. The result I think kind of stand for the image or icon in my inner soul of the sport I love, mountain biking. Mountain biking, the reason friends gathered last night.

Welcome to the latest slice of my 2009 photo anthology, folks! We’re diving into part 16, where I shine a spotlight on another gem, affectionately dubbed “Master.” Picture this: it’s a sunny July 28th, 2009, at 11:30 AM, and yours truly is behind the lens of my trusty Canon EOS 10D, a beast of a camera that’s seen more action than a summer blockbuster.

This hulking mass of nature, the star of today’s post, stood as a beacon throughout our adventure in Canmore. Not only did it catch our eye, but it also captured the hearts of the locals, serving as a silent yet imposing guardian of the town. This rock wasn’t just a rock; it was the unsung hero, the master of ceremonies at the World Solo Championships, immortalized in my snaps, various videos, and even a 24 Sports documentary.

Fast forward to today, and the echoes of the championship are about to reverberate through Missoula. The town’s gearing up to welcome none other than Rebecca Rusch, the World Solo Champion herself, and Bob Waggoner, a fellow titleholder. They’re bringing the spirit of the WSC right to our doorstep! And if that wasn’t enough, tonight’s screening of “Race Across the Sky” promises to sprinkle a little stardust, with Reba basking in her well-earned fame and Bob armed with an arsenal of Butte 100 posters.

Now, let’s keep it real for a moment. Watching “Race Across the Sky” might light a fire under you, sparking dreams of conquering the Leadville 100. A word to the wise: pump the brakes on that thought. The odds are stacked against newcomers hoping to snag a spot. But fear not! The Butte 100 is your silver lining, offering a challenging yet rewarding alternative with its bounty of single track — a course that veterans whisper is a tougher nut to crack than Leadville.

For those itching to be part of the action, the movie night at the Roxy is the place to be. Snag your tickets at the pre-party hosted by Big Sky Bikes in their swanky new location. But hurry – word on the street is tickets are flying faster than a cyclist down a hill.

In essence, this chapter of my 2009 photo saga, peppered with the excitement of the World Solo Championships and the allure of mountain biking tales, serves as a reminder of the adventures and stories that lie waiting in the great outdoors. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of community, challenge, and the pursuit of passion. So, lace up your adventure boots, folks – there’s a whole world out there just waiting to be explored.

This is part 15 in a series of blog posts that I am dedication to my favorite photos of 2009.

Could I use a little Peace today. Current events have me unable to sleep and I am contemplating giving up relationships, societal requirements, and my job to go to this place of Peace.

I was trying to get back to the lodge last July when the sickness I had required me to stop by the roadside to take a break from concentrating on the road and the consistent nausea. I found a little turn out and refuge. This scene made me feel better actually and I was able to continue shortly after taking this shot.

I took a mandatory break last night on my training ride out to Clinton. The one time I put a tube in my tire (to lazy to run Stans) I got a flat. Only 9 minutes down the road. Welcome back to tire/tube life again

This is part 14 in a series of blog posts that I am dedication to my favorite photos of 2009. Today’s inductee and now a resident in my “Creeks Streams and Rivers” photo album is “Perfect Place is Being There“. I took this photo Jul 28, 2009 at 4:27 PM with my Canon EOS 10D.

Another photo taken after the 24 Solo worlds on my sightseeing day (http://goo.gl/oJa4). This place was truly magical. This is actually a rest stop just down the mountain from the Ptarmigan Cirque. Numerous hiking trails went from this place and when I return I want to hike them.

I remember this was where I realized that my day was over and that I must turn around and head back to the lodge. I really really wanted to stay but I was feeling weak and getting sicker by the moment.

There was this family playing Frisbee in the parking lot. I remember them well because they were so happy. Here in the states you see families on vacation and they are always bickering and arguing.

This is part 13 in a series of blog posts that I am dedication to my favorite photos of 2009. Today’s inductee and now a resident in my “Meadows” photo album is “Alberta Meadow“. I took this photo Jul 28, 2009 at 2:45 PM with my trusty Canon PowerShot SD1000.

It is the same area as the last two days but believe me if I had time, health, and tripod at the time I shot these I could of spent the entire day just in this meadow. Some elements I like are the foreground silt laden creek and the moose and its little mooselett in the mud hole. And of course those majestic mountains. What a place to build a homestead.

So on this Monday if work is really getting to you just go visit this meadow.

This is part 12 in a series of blog posts that I am dedication to my favorite photos of 2009. Today’s inductee and now a resident in my “Mountains” photo album is “Thrust“. I took this photo Jul 28, 2009 at 1:40 PM at the same time as yesterday’s photo. I know, posting the same photo twice is boring but it really isn’t the same photo. This one was shot with my  Canon EOS 10D because I wanted to get across that meadow to capture the mountain.

Another photo taken after the 24 Solo worlds on my sightseeing day. I really wish I could go back but not today. It is sunny here in Missoula and the skies are blue. There is no need to find a better place as this is it. I don’t know how I will utilize the day but I am sure I can come up with something.

Yesterday I did my 20 minutes threshold test up route 12 from Lolo. I warmed up and noticed that riding was effortless. i was really going to have a great time trial. About 30 minutes from Lolo I launched my effort.

I flew and I covered more ground then ever before. I swear I averaged 28 miles an hour uphill in full knobby tires. I cooled down and stopped to turn around at the 20 mile mark. I thought, “Wow! Nice! 40 miles in 2 hours, that’s cooking on this cross bike”. Then I turned to head back and it hit me.

Rarely does the wind blow from Lolo West. Yesterday decided to mix things up and fool anyone out on route 12. I passed a flag completely unfurled and whipping in the wind. I knew my return trip would be a slow one.

Then I met up with my friend Ross and he towed me back into town. Damn wind always humbles me. Better get used to it because the upper plateau at the Devils Slide is windy and the best effort through the wind will win the race.