Author: Bill

Forget “tooting” or the symphony of the nether regions – I have to admit, the title just tickled my funny bone like a toddler’s giggle. The Barking Spider Mountain Bike Race in Nampa, Idaho this weekend had my name on it, and let me tell you, it was a doozy. Racing, driving to Butte, six hours of dirt-slinging fun, and making it back home in one piece – challenge accepted! (Check out the pics – they’re worth the click!)

First off, I nearly missed the whole shebang if it weren’t for Bob and Triple Ring Productions. Big shout-out to those guys for squeezing me into the first race of the season. Cheers! So there I was, fueling up at the Travelers Rest, prepped for my Idaho escapade.

Seven hours later, I found myself camped out in the back of my car – surprisingly comfy, considering my bed situation at home is basically a glorified hammock. Slept like a log, or should I say, a sleepy spider.

Sunrise greeted me, and I was on a mission – spreading the word about the Butte 100 like a seasoned flyer-posting ninja (thanks for the tip, Triple Ring crew!). Carbo Rocket fueled my veins, and soon I was ready to tackle the trails.

Gotta say, my Turner was a rocket on two wheels that day. Thanks for the nudge away from that “other” bike, Chad (Red Barn Bikes, you da man!). After an hour of messing around, it was game time. Back at the car, I see a Dirt Coalition tent popping up next to me. Talk about irony! I was trying to join their squad, but now I’m thankful for the trusty Turner. Gave a couple of “what’s up” nods to my friendly rival, you know, the one I was secretly plotting to dust.

The starting gun fired, and so did my competitive spirit. I took the lead, settling in for a scenic race through Southern Idaho. Then, boom! The DC dude rockets past me, making his grand move. I dug deep, chasing him like a cheetah after a gazelle. We battled it out, pushing each other to the limit, conquering climbs and bombing downhills like possessed mountain goats. We even lapped the pro group who started a minute ahead – no big deal, right?

Eventually, I found myself solo, the Turner eating up the trail, leading me to first place in my category. Overall, I snagged third, but wrong category for the prize money. Oh well, still a win in my book!

Next day, I’m in Butte, Montana, shredding Pipestone with my crew for six glorious hours. My efforts earned me a sun-kissed souvenir (read: sunburn), and I’m hoping my buddy Rich isn’t suffering as much – dude was looking like a lobster afterwards!

So, yeah, that was my weekend. A whirlwind of racing, camaraderie, and maybe a touch of sunburn. But hey, that’s the beauty of mountain biking – pushing your limits, soaking in the scenery, and maybe making some new friends (and rivals) along the way. Now, excuse me while I go slather on some aloe vera…

Alright, so you’ve got a pretty packed schedule before hitting the road for Boise! Sounds like an adventure. Here’s the game plan:

1. Today’s mission: snag that racing license and grab a “right to ride” coupon.
2. Hit the road for Boise by 4, cruising down route 12. Fingers crossed those passes are looking clear!
3. Plan for the night: Z’s in the back of your VW.
4. Race time at the Barking Spider: you’re tackling the Experts category, 3 laps, starting at 12:30pm.
5. Post-race, you’re off to Butte by 5. If you make it, great; if not, it’s another cozy night in the VW.
6. Sunday’s for riding at Pipestone in the morning (timing TBD).
7. Home by Sunday afternoon for those pesky chores and unpacking… gonna be a whirlwind.
8. Quick thought: Are grocery stores open on Easter evening?

Let me know if we’re gonna cross paths! Would love to sync up.

Decided to treat myself to a dose of pedal therapy, taking my new bike, affectionately dubbed “Ghost Rider,” out for its inaugural jaunt. The atmosphere was crisp, painted in the rich, late afternoon hues that make you feel like everything’s ticking along just fine in the world… or so I was led to believe before the “Ghost Rider” chronicles kicked off.

As Tuesday dawned, I was all set for another escapade with Ghost Rider. Yet, something felt off-kilter. The bike seemed… perturbed? Almost as if it held a grudge against me for abandoning it to the mercy of the night’s chill. I brushed aside the eerie notion, blaming it on my lack of morning coffee or perhaps the daring choice of breakfast—an expired yogurt.

By Wednesday, I was firmly convinced of a conspiracy. Ghost Rider appeared to have acquired a taste for unexpected adventures, transforming a simple errand run into a comprehensive exploration of the neighborhood. It reminded me of those tales where vehicles possess their own will, except it felt less “Christine” and more “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” with a twist of rebellion.

Come Thursday, the plot indeed thickened. Stepping outside, I was met by the sight of my old bike, Leader, “staring” back at me. If bikes were capable of expressions, I’d bet it was shooting me a look of utter disdain. Could inanimate objects harbor jealousy? If so, Leader wasn’t just envious; it was scheming—a bicycle rendition of sibling rivalry, if you will.

And now, it’s Friday. I’m semi-convinced that my living room, which has become the new abode for both bikes (because really, who needs furniture amidst such two-wheeled melodrama?), has morphed into an arena where they vie for their owner’s affection.

So, am I losing my mind, or have I accidentally found myself in a Pixar film where objects carry emotional baggage and vendettas? I’ll let you be the judge. In the meantime, I’m on the lookout for a bike exorcist or, failing that, someone interested in trading a queen-sized bed for a gently used, possibly spirit-possessed bicycle. Oh, and if you ever find yourself in Bozeman, drop me a line. We could form a convoy—you, me, and my bicycle nemeses.

As for helping your friends Paul, Lucy and their children visit Missoula, I’d be happy to provide some suggestions. Here are a few ideas:

• Recommend they look into renting a car or RV to make the trip more comfortable, especially with children. This will allow them to explore Missoula and the surrounding area at their own pace.
• Suggest they research family-friendly activities and attractions in Missoula, such as the Missoula Art Museum, the Montana Natural History Center, or the Splash Montana water park.
• Provide them with a list of recommended kid-friendly restaurants and accommodation options in Missoula to make their stay more enjoyable.
• If they need any other local insights or assistance with planning their Missoula visit, I’d be glad to help further.

Let me know if you need any additional information to help your friends plan their trip to Missoula!

The Epic Hunt for Zzz’s: Mattress Adventures

Ah, the quest for the elusive good night’s sleep—a journey I didn’t anticipate being quite the saga. Think less Hercules battling monsters, more me wrestling with air mattresses that have a penchant for dramatic deflations. Picture the scene: for three long years, my bedroom floor and I have been on uncomfortably intimate terms, punctuated by the occasional sojourn on a futon and a parade of treacherous air mattresses. The latest blow in this saga of betrayal? A $30 air mattress that fancied itself the Titanic, embarking on a maiden voyage straight to the floor, leaving me, quite literally, on the ground.

But wait, a plot twist! In my most sleep-deprived hour, a knight in shining armor (or, you know, a good buddy from Bozeman) emerges, offering me a queen-size box spring and mattress like some kind of sleep fairy. I’m ecstatic—albeit a bit loopy from sleep deprivation—about this turn of events. The only snag? Figuring out how to transport my newfound treasure from Bozeman to Missoula.

Thus, I’m putting out an SOS to any road warriors making the trek from Bozeman to Missoula. Let’s strike a bargain: you help my bed-in-waiting catch a ride, and I’ll be eternally grateful (or at least until the next mattress-moving day dawns).

While we’re at it, if anyone’s got the scoop on where to find a queen mattress for a steal—or, let’s face it, for as close to free as humanly possible—give me a shout. I’m all done with the air mattress tango, dancing through the night only to wake up closer to the floor. Let’s sort this sleep saga once and for all, so I can shift from dreaming about air mattress disasters to, well, anything else.

Saturday I loaded up my beetle and set out for Polson to do the Speedwagon Classic. Matt Seeley started the race last year and this year we were able to do the loop he had in mind [http://tinyurl.com/swagon].  This year my friends Chad (Red Barn Bikes), Erik, Corey, and Andrew attended as well. Fun times!

Things went well for me except for one tiny setback. On a wash-board downhill I lost all my Carbo Rocket (Doh).  I was able to snatch up some water at the unique

I want to start by mentioning how impressed I am with Neuvation Cycling’s customer service. Just five minutes after I emailed them at http://neuvationcycling.com about my rear wheel issue, I was informed that a new wheel is already on its way, along with a return postage label for the old one. Their customer support is exceptional. Although I used to email John directly, I now contact them through customerservice@, but the service remains outstanding.

Last night, I broke the wheel during hill sprints up Marshal Canyon Road.

Today is my birthday, and I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has sent me birthday wishes. This morning, I went for a training ride on my Trek MTB, only to remember that I had removed its brakes last weekend. I ended up running through the first stop sign I encountered – that was a close call! Additionally, when I arrived at work, I realized I had forgotten to pack my regular clothes. Fortunately, thanks to Action Wipes and an extra pair of riding shorts I had, the situation was somewhat salvaged. Close one!

And yes, I am 43 today!

My friends Warren & Christal Smith of Chiropractic Plus in Butte have set us up with lodging for my 24 Solo World Championship debut in Canmore, Alberta Canada. I am grateful for this kind of help and consider them a part of my team.

Chiropractic Plus, located in Butte, MT, is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of their patients. This is a husband and wife team that moved to Butte in 2000 from Seattle and we all know why. It is the outdoor and family oriented life that I find very inviting every time I go over there from Missoula.  Oh yea, I have been there a lot lately, visiting Pipestone to MTB.

It was just last summer I was cussing out Warren and he zipped past me during the 8 Hours of Labor making me look like a beginner. I hold grudges and want a rematch but first I will be staying in a comfy place and enjoying my once in a lifetime trip up north.

Warren, next 8 Hours of Labor

Last year’s ride? Oh, hands down, it was the champ of all road bike adventures. Might’ve been the gravel roads that made it feel like a throwback to the wild, wild west, allowing us to dust off those cross bikes with the knobby tires. Or, perhaps, it was that stroke of luck where I somehow, against all odds, ended up winning the race (let’s not talk about this year, shall we?). But you know what? The real cherry on top was the epic barbeque at Matt Seeley’s place afterwards. Nothing wraps up a day of pedaling like good company and even better BBQ.

Hey everyone! Huge shoutout to my parents, Team Buckeys, on their 36th anniversary! 🎉 Sending all my love.

This takes me back to a tough race day at Mount Snow, Vermont. I was dead last, totally beat. But then, my folks arrive, cheering as if I’d just struck gold! Despite my flop, they saw me as a winner just for being me.

That’s my parents – they focus on love, not mistakes. Their 36th anniversary reminds me how amazing their support is.

Cheers to Mom and Dad, the heart of Team Buckeys! They taught me real winning is about who’s with you at the finish line, not just crossing it first. Happy Anniversary! 🥂

To my racing buddies, remember: In our loved ones’ eyes, we’re always winners. Keep racing and loving!

Hey there! So, Muleterro, part of the Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club gang, is throwing a Bike Swap bash at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. It’s the place to be for snagging deals on all kinds of bikes, parts, gear, and even bike and jogging strollers.

Here’s the lowdown:

• Early birds who help out (and are GVBC members) get in at 7:30-8:00 a.m.
• GVBC members get exclusive access from 8:00-9:00 a.m.
• The general public can join the fun from 9:00-11:45 a.m.
• Then, everyone’s gotta clear out for a bit at 11:45 a.m., making room for the discount frenzy from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Wanna know more? Check out their flyer and all the deets on their website. Click the pic or head over here for the flyer, and don’t miss out on the full scoop over at the Bike Swap Website.

Hello from the snug, albeit somewhat nippy, nook of my home here in the heart of Missoula, Montana! This morning threw a frosty wink my way, sparking a hearty internal debate over the merits of leaving the warm embrace of my blankets. But, folks, fasten your seatbelts because Mother Nature’s got a plot twist up her sleeve. The sun, in its infinite kindness, has chosen today of all days to make a grand entrance. And if the local grapevine holds any truth, we’re on an upward trajectory to the lofty realms of the upper 30s.

So, what’s the word on the street for us, the proud inhabitants of this picturesque burg? It spells a day teeming with possibilities. Whether you’re itching to explore the trails, mildly perturb the wildlife with your fledgling photography skills, or simply savor a steaming mug of joe amidst the flora, today is shaping up to be more than just a pretty picture outside your window. Bundle up, my friends—it’s shaping up to be a spectacularly average day in Big Sky Country!