Author: Bill

Last evening turned into an impromptu grocery adventure. After ticking off my to-do list, I ventured to North Hills for a bit of soul-soothing hiking. That’s when I stumbled upon a hidden gem on my camera: the “long shutter speed” setting. Now, I’m no tech wizard, but having that sort of wizardry in a simple point-and-shoot was a pleasant surprise. Managed to capture the night in all its glory – you can gawk at the larger snap in my Picasa Gallery, tucked away in the 2009 Photos section.

Post-haul, before I could even stash away my spoils, I made a beeline for the good ol’ Pain Lab for a solid core session. And boy, did those Tricep Dips make me question my life choices. Mid-exercise, got a bizarre call from someone in California, rattling off about needing $5,000 or else. Classic high school prank call vibes – claiming I owed him 5k from back in the day. Right…

Today’s agenda? Pattee Canyon awaits for some exhilarating winter mountain biking. Fingers crossed the trails are nicely compacted, courtesy of dog walkers (you guys rock), so I can relive my summer escapades through trails like treasure and pattee wagon, just to name a couple.

And then, tomorrow? It’s all about Carbo Rocket (https://carborocket.com/) – aiming for a 5-hour ride on hopefully dry roads in Bitterroot Valley, stretching from Florence to Hamilton. Might give Chad at Red Barn a shout too.

ON THIS DAY FEBRUARY 13TH

• 2009: Friday Feels After a Beast of a Week
• 2008: Regeneration & Revival
• 2007: The Saga of the Never-Ending Day
• 2007: Do I Have Exercise Bulimia?
• 2005: Failed McLeod, Black Tail Peak
• 2002: Bedtime Thoughts & Unplanned Wins
• 2002: Best Trail Site
• 2002: Listening To My Inner Self
• 2001: Homework Hustle & Inner Voices

Chillin’ at City Brew, gearing up for a chill recovery hike in the North Hills. Made an impromptu pit stop post-grocery haul. Honestly, wasn’t feeling the vibe of squatting in the chilly woods tonight, so I swung by the old haunt to sort some stuff and spill the tea on last night’s adventure.

Not a lot to dish about. Found myself at Woods Gulch (nicknamed the poop luge, which is kinda harsh considering the tragic news from the Olympics luge track today), trying to plow through the new snow when I bumped into the TNR crew. It was all planned, ’cause later we hit up Iron Horse for a bit of grub and laughs.

Now, my ride’s packed with groceries (shoutout to Noel and Julie for the run-ins), and I’m off for a quick half-hour hike to shake off the cobwebs. Then, it’s home to tackle the legendary Friday core sesh for an hour.

Super stoked ’cause, as you know, my place is pretty much a furniture desert. Just snagged this cool gadget at Target that turns closet chaos into neat shelves. Finally, my cycling socks will know order!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and explore some remarkable moments captured in blog posts. Join me as we uncover the tales and snapshots that have shaped my digital diary:

• 2006: Yuk!
• 2005: McLeod Peak This Weekend
• 2003: We Have Moved!
• 2002: Grown Up Job Deserves Pizza!
• 2001: New Energy

Alrighty, let’s dive into another tale from the life and times of a trail blazer.

So, yesterday was a mixed bag of “I’m okay” vibes until I hit the hill. That’s when my legs decided to stage a mutiny, practically screaming, “Nope, not today, pal.” But did I listen? Nah. I went full drill sergeant on them, pushing through the pain in a display of tough love. The trails were a hot mess, all thanks to a sneaky snow dump the night before, forcing me—for the first time this winter—to hop off my steed and tackle some hills on foot.

Fast forward to today, and there’s zero denial in the air. I’m fried, thoroughly cooked. But hey, at least my legs and I are on speaking terms, sharing our true feelings like an open book.

Now, for tonight’s adventure: the infamous “Poop Luge.” Yep, Woods Gulch, notorious for being the go-to toilet for our furry overlords. The trail’s squeezed into a narrow gully, leaving the pups with no choice but to do their business right there. Not their fault, really. It’s the owners, strutting around with their noses in the clouds, pretending they missed their dog’s not-so-stealthy squat. I’m just praying everything’s frozen solid tonight. And with any luck, I’ll bump into the TNR crew. Wonder who’s showing up for the fun?

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane with my intriguing blog posts:

• 2009: Need A Race Bike?
• 2007: Lolo Pass Tele Ski
• 2003: Old Fashioned HTML
• 2002: Still Mounain Bike (able)
• 2002: Trust Our Higher Power
• 2002: Paul, Montreal, and Burlington
• 2001: Training Sucks!

Last July, right before the world championships, I embarked on an epic training day known as the North Bitterroot Grand Loop. While uploading some old photos, I stumbled upon images from that adventure. It’s a ride I’m eager to tackle again this year. Who’s in? Check out the map!

What a ride it was—literally and figuratively! That’s me in the top-right, peace sign flashing, headlamp shining, grinning like I’ve just aced a downhill track. The thrill of the night, the crisp Montana air, nothing could beat that feeling meeting up with the Thursday Night Rides-er-Hike.

Alden, Ed, Aaron, Lydia, Julie, and I—we were a tight crew. Those nights under the stars, our laughs echoing through the woods, our breaths misting up in the cold air, it was more than just about biking. It was about the bond, the shared pulse of adventure that throbbed in our collective heartbeat.

And then there’s me again, the other side of the coin, the winter warrior in training. I’d huddle over my laptop, planning routes and strategies, my workspace strewn with maps and snacks—fuel for both the rides and my thoughts. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was the grit behind the glory, the unseen miles that made the seen ones possible.

Training in winter, that’s a different beast altogether. It’s just me, my bike, and the silent snow-covered trails. The solitude is profound, almost sacred. It’s where I’d push myself, where each pedal stroke was a conversation between me and the trail, where the snowflakes dusting my jacket were badges of honor.

This is a pivotal chapter in my life, a blend of camaraderie and solitude, of shared trails and solo treks. The experiences, molding me into the rider I am today—hungry for adventure, yet always ready for the quiet, introspective rides that winter brings. So here’s to the rides, the friends, the training, and the trails—may they always bring out the best in us!

 

This morning, my eyelids fight a losing battle against the sunrise. Why? Job stress from last week, a persistent gremlin in my brain, gnawed away at my weekend sleep, leaving me with Monday Blues that could rival the deepest shade of indigo.

Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t a total slouch. Two glorious bike rides, culminating in yesterday’s Pattee Canyon sunburst, helped mask the gnawing anxiety. I zipped past countless others basking in the outdoors, all seemingly escaping their own anxieties. But guess who was the only one tackling trails with knobby tires, looking like a cartoon villain escaping on a runaway shopping cart? Yep, yours truly.

So, here I am, embarking on the workday battlefield, armed with shaky coffee and a heart rate that could power a small generator. The real kicker? I’m not just stressed about my own Monday blues, but also the stress contagion that’s bound to ripple through everyone else with their own cases of the Monday mope. It’s like walking into a room full of hangry toddlers demanding juice boxes.

But, hey, maybe the camaraderie of shared misery will be a bonding experience. We can commiserate over coffee spills, groan in unison at overflowing inboxes, and maybe even find some twisted humor in the whole mess. After all, what’s better than knowing you’re not alone in the Monday madness?

So, fellow warriors of the workday, here’s to us. May our coffee be strong, our deadlines manageable, and our laughter echo through the cubicles, drowning out the Monday blues symphony. Onward, to whatever adventures (or misadventures) this day may bring!

Last night’s chat turned to cannibalism, of all things. Glad we didn’t actually get lost – who’d want that? I joked about Larry being our “survival option.”

I wanted us to split up in Marshall Canyon for a hide and seek adventure. No takers. Guess my fam’s not too wild.

We ended up just hiking back. Weird talks aside, it was a fun family night outdoors. There’s something about the stars that brings out our quirky sides. Wouldn’t change it for the world.

1. Outdoor Safety Tips: The National Park Service offers excellent guidelines for staying safe while enjoying outdoor activities. This includes tips on preparation, wildlife encounters, and navigating different terrains. National Park Service – Outdoor Safety
2. Navigation Skills: Learning basic navigation skills can make hiking more enjoyable and safer. REI Co-op offers a guide on map and compass basics that could be a fun and educational activity for the whole family. REI Co-op – Map and Compass Basics
3. Family Hiking Guides: “Families on Foot” by Jennifer Pharr Davis and Brew Davis is a great book that offers practical advice on hiking with family, including engaging children and ensuring everyone has a good time. Families on Foot on Amazon
4. Team Building Activities: If you’re looking for group activities that promote teamwork and are fun, there are guides available online with creative ideas that can be adapted for family outings. Team Building Activities
5. Local Hiking Groups and Events: Sometimes, joining a local hiking group can introduce you to new trails and like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. Websites like Meetup can help you find local hiking groups. Meetup – Hiking Groups

A Chilly Trail, Warm Spirits

Last night marked the inaugural Missoula Thursday Night Hike of 2010, and it seemed everyone brought their New Year’s resolutions along. As I joined eleven other enthusiastic hikers, the air was crisp with the promise of adventure and the fresh start of a new decade.

Under a canopy of stars, we embarked on our journey, each step crunching the frost beneath us. The trail, newly blanketed with winter’s touch, beckoned us forward. It wasn’t just a hike; it was a declaration of intent for the year ahead. Resolutions hung in the air as palpably as our breaths, forming clouds of determination and hope.

There’s something about the first hike of the season that ignites a spark within. Maybe it’s the shared camaraderie, or perhaps the primal connection to nature. As we ascended, conversation ebbed and flowed like the trail before us. Laughter mingled with the rustling leaves, creating a symphony of human connection and natural beauty.

The hike wasn’t just about reaching the summit; it was about the journey. Each of us, in our own way, was marching not just up a hill, but towards our goals for the year. Some resolved to get fitter, others to find more time for nature, and for a few, it was about embracing the community spirit of Missoula.

As we reached the crest, the city lights below twinkled like a carpet of stars, mirroring the night sky. We stood in awe, a moment of collective triumph. It was a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us and the strength we find in each other.

Returning down the trail, the energy was electric. We were no longer just a group of hikers; we were a team, bonded by the shared experience of a cold night turned warm by friendship and exercise.

Resources to Enhance Your Day:

1. Missoula Thursday Night Hike – Join the community and stay updated on future hikes.
2. Beginner’s Guide to Hiking – Essential tips for those new to hiking.
3. Missoula Trail Map – Explore more trails in the Missoula area.
4. Fitness Goals for Hikers – Set and achieve your fitness goals.
5. Nature Photography Tips – Capture the beauty of your hikes with these photography tips.

The Pengally Ridge Trail from the “tanks” is about 4.5 miles long round trip (up then down) and has 1,946 feet of elevation gain.

Perfect for some running intervals and great views. Yesterday I rode my bike to the propane tanks on Patte Canyon Drive and did some running intervals up to the