It’s February 2008, and I’m hitting a wall of frustration. Just biked over to Josh’s place to cancel today’s trip because waking Paul up before 8 is a lost cause. After that, hit up the Good Food Store, finally found those groceries they’ve been out of for ages. So, I’m set for now. But here I am, just waiting on Paul to wake up. Makes me wonder what Ross is up to right now!
Yesterday was epic, despite a rocky start with some travel hiccups and gear malfunctions. Paul’s always in his element, which is reassuring.
Our adventure took us to Lolo Pass, which was unexpectedly closed due to an avalanche, blocking the path between Idaho and Montana. We then headed to the GSpot, braving the snow with chains on. The skiing was challenging but unforgettable, diving into the deepest snow I’ve ever seen. Paul heroically (okay, maybe that’s a bit much) saved me after a tumble left me buried headfirst in powder. We capped off the adventure with a delicious spread at HuHot.
Now, I’m dreaming of snow biking on Elk Meadows Road. Wonder what Josh is up to?
Yesterday evening found me in Pattee Canyon, not just among towering trees but atop a pair of skis, gliding through the snow with my friend Paul. The air was crisp, the kind that chills your lungs but somehow feels invigorating. You know the type. Paul, ever the enthusiastic skier, was cutting through the snow like a hot knife through butter. Me? I was trying my best not to turn into a human snowball.
After we had our fill of snowy thrills, our stomachs began to loudly protest. Clearly, they had plans of their own, and those plans involved a mountain of nachos at the Iron Horse. If you haven’t been there, let me paint you a picture. Imagine a plate so laden with nachos that you can’t even see the bottom. It’s like an archaeological dig, but instead of finding ancient artifacts, you unearth jalapenos, olives, and heaps of melted cheddar.
We attacked that pile of nachos with the ferocity of two starved wolves. Every bite was a delightful crunch, a mix of cheese, salsa, and sheer joy. “We shredded the cheddar,” Paul joked, his mouth half full of nacho. I couldn’t help but laugh. It was one of those simple, perfect moments – good food, great company, and a day of adventure behind us.
Sitting here at City Brew, I’m nursing a coffee and reminiscing about last night’s escapades while waiting for Paul to wake up. He’s probably still dreaming about those nachos. I can’t blame him; they were legendary. And once he locates me here, who knows what today’s adventure will bring? But one thing’s for sure – it’s going to be hard to top skiing in Pattee Canyon and conquering a nacho mountain.
No pics of my best friend Paul’s grand entrance from NY – I was exhausted, and he arrived at 11 PM. Spent the day getting Marcy ready, Paul’s her fav. She was all about cuddles. Now, I’m at work, itching to start my vacation. Honestly, I think I just came in for the bike ride. Winter biking on my K2 is a blast – it can handle anything.
And hey, the training plan at https://lwcoaching.com/ is shaping up great!
Finally managed an official ride, but only reached the end of Kim Williams Trail. Recent rains formed a crust on the snow, over a foot deep – tough to pedal through. This bike would be great on snowmobile trails. Anyone know any? Wonder what Paul’s up to now?
Stuck at work and dreaming of a snow bike ride. Anyone got a clever excuse to sneak out? I’m busy with my training plan, but can’t help wondering what Paul’s up to right now.
Tonight is laundry night and I decided to use the bike to do it with instead of starting up the car for a trip down Higgins Avenue. We are due for another big snow storm and it is supposed to hit tomorrow. I’ll be on my bike!
Yesterday I spent the entire day scrounging old parts and putting together a bike I can go brutally beat up on this winter. I have got to ride! I was able to do the Sentinel Fire Road trail last night at 9:30 PM!
In the midst of racing and the relentless pursuit of personal bests, there’s an unexpected joy that comes from capturing the moment—taking photos while navigating the course, a blend of focus and creativity that adds a unique layer to the experience. Taking photos while racing is fun and Looking kind of …. ruff are glimpses into these moments, snapshots that convey more than just the race but the sheer joy and sometimes the rough edges of pushing through physical limits.
This year, I achieved a personal best, improving my time from 5.5 hours last year to a remarkable 3:34:29. It was not just about the time shaved off but the experience gained, the views that can’t be matched, and the exhilaration that comes with each stride and breath. The race, a testament to endurance and the beauty of the landscape, leaves me with memories that linger far beyond the finish line.
Looking ahead, I’m drawn to the idea of tackling the OSCR Loop during the summer, this time on a mountain bike. The allure of a main climb boasting around 2,000 feet of vertical gain (not accumulative) beckons, a challenge that promises the same breathtaking views under a different guise. It’s these moments, these challenges, that fuel the passion for the next adventure, the next opportunity to push beyond the known limits.
Have a good day, everyone, and may your own pursuits bring you joy, personal bests, and the satisfaction of a challenge met head-on.
Good morning from a frosty Missoula! Winter’s icy grip still holds our city, but beneath its breath, whispers of spring stir. Tomorrow, I’ll trade frosty air for a flurry of snowflakes as I take on the OSCR 50K Nordic ski race at Seeley Lake.
Chasing the Sun, Chasing Goals:
Last night, after work, Pattee Canyon called. As if guided by the setting sun, my skis sliced through the snow, each stroke etching another line towards an unseen finish. The days are lengthening, and soon, I’ll outrun the sun, its golden kiss gracing my face before it dips below the horizon. Then, spring won’t be a whisper, it’ll be a symphony. And you know what that means? Mountain bike season is right around the corner!
By the time I reached my usual parking spot, the sun had vanished, but its embers glowed in the fading light. Two glorious laps later, darkness painted the canyon, yet I skied in pure daylight. Tomorrow, the OSCR promises five hours of similar splendor, five hours of pushing my limits, maybe even shaving an hour off my dream sub-four finish.
Adventure Beyond the Skis:
Post-ski, REI beckoned with another challenge: a Grizzly Man Adventure Race clinic. April 19th will see me tackling this Missoula-held sprint adventure (five hours, max!), and I’m ready! My arsenal is stocked, except for one crucial skill: orienteering. But hey, I know every weed on Sentinel and University Mountains! My inner Boy Scout is confident, and a familiar face added fuel to the fire – Josh, a friend I might conquer this race with… or maybe solo. Time will tell.
The GMAR’s coolest perk? It’s like having your own race-day paparazzi! Big screens will track the action, capturing every sweat bead and snowflake. And for $40? Can’t beat that! Speaking of navigation, where did I stash that trusty Boy Scout compass?
Reasons, Goals, and Spring Fling:
Back to the present: five reasons tomorrow’s 50K will be epic: no staff infection, a healthy ankle, Perpetuum fuel, real skate skis (no more rentals!), and hopefully, no detours off course! Are these reasons or goals? A bit of both, a cocktail of preparation and optimism.
But the excitement doesn’t end there! Next week, my New York bestie arrives for our 3rd annual spring break. Snow-fueled adventures, laughter echoing through the mountains, and delectable feasts await. Can’t wait!
So, while winter may linger, the sun-kissed slopes of spring whisper on the horizon. And I, for one, am ready to chase them, skis first, adventure in my heart. Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!
It’s been freezing for three days straight, making me second guess my upcoming ‘spring break’. This break’s all about skiing and eating with my friend Paul from NY. We usually do it in March, but he’s trying out this chilly time this year. Right now, it’s just 1 degree, and I bet it’s 20 below at the Rocky Mountaineers Cabin. So cold!
Last night at Pattee Canyon, I almost broke my ski record. I used ski wax (Swix CH6) recommended by my NY buddy Chris. He said it’s for “18 to almost 26 degrees”. With only enough cash for one wax block, I chose what seemed right for the OSCR 50K. Despite the sub-zero temps, the skis were super fast, so much so that I ended up freezing ‘the dudes’. Planning to layer up more and do two laps tonight before the weekend’s big adventure. Really hope it warms up a bit.
There’s also the first meeting/class for the Grizzly Man Adventure Race tonight. I’m thinking of going solo!
Howdy from Missoula, Montana, where the sun sparkles like diamonds on fresh snow and squirrels stockpile pinecones like they’re prepping for the apocalypse (those little buggers are masters of winter hoarding, I tell ya!). As you might’ve guessed from the headline, I’m knee-deep in the throes of OSCR 50k training, which, let me tell you, is about as intense as trying to outrun a mama grizzly protecting her cubs. The good kind of intense, though, the kind that leaves you feeling as invigorated as a woodpecker on espresso.
Just yesterday, I left work, eyes glued to the horizon like a lovesick loon yearning for its mate. And there it was, Mama Moon, draped across Woody Mountain like a celestial shawl. I whipped out my phone faster than a jackrabbit on rollerblades (yes, you read that right, saw one last week on Main Street – talk about surreal) to capture the scene. It was the kind of beauty that makes you sigh and whisper, “Montana, you magnificent beast, you never disappoint.”
But with winter’s icy grip tightening, it’s hard not to worry about Spring Break, which looms like a fuzzy mountain goat on the horizon (those things are adorable, by the way, like walking cotton balls with horns). The forecast predicts temperatures colder than a yeti’s breath, which could throw a wrench in our hiking plans. Still, gotta stay optimistic, right? Maybe the sun gods will take pity on us snow-starved souls and unleash a few warm days just in time. Wish us luck, folks!
Speaking of snow, my trusty skis are practically vibrating with anticipation. I’m itching to carve up the trails like a hot knife through butter. Anyone else brave the cold for some Nordic adventures? Shout out if you want to join me – there’s strength in numbers (and shared hot cocoa)!
Until then, it’s spin class till my legs scream “uncle” and those oh-so-glamorous regeneration stretches. Gotta keep the body limber and the mind focused, even if it means contorting myself into shapes that would make a pretzel blush. It’s all part of the dance, the behind-the-scenes hustle that fuels marathon dreams.
But hey, the finish line isn’t the only destination, right? It’s the journey, the quiet mornings on frozen rivers, the camaraderie around crackling campfires, the thrill of pushing your limits and discovering a strength you never knew you had. And soon, it’ll be a different kind of challenge: tearing up dusty mountain trails on my trusty steed, the mountain bike. Transition periods, they call them, but I call them opportunities for new adventures.
So, wherever you find yourself, whether navigating ice storms or chasing sunbeams, remember – keep the fire of adventure burning! And if you ever find yourself in Missoula, come join me for a moonlit ski, a squirrel-defying picnic, or a heart-pounding mountain bike ride. This town welcomes you with open arms (and maybe a plate of huckleberry pie for good measure). Until then, stay wild, stay warm, and keep dreaming big!
P.S. Anyone got any tips for conquering pre-marathon munchies? My inner yeti has been on a rampage in the pantry lately. Send snacks (and sanity)!
I wanted to go skiing at the Crystal Theater but the roads were so bad and my car is not good in deep snow. I barely made it to Lolo Pass so I just paid the $5.00 and headed out to test my new tele setup.
The roads were icy and it looked like the area just got a fresh 8 inches of new snow. As I headed up rout 12 from Lolo I wondered if I would even make it to Lolo because there was black ice and snow drifting over the road.
As I approached the parking area for the snow stash that I skied last weekend I noticed that if I were to drive into the fresh deep snow I would get stuck. So I drove on hoping that the Theater’s parking area would be packed in. Hopefully there would be enough tele skiers to pack it down.
I only saw three trucks parked at the numerous parking areas along the way and it appeared it was all they could do to park in a way to not get stuck.
Frustrated I drove to Lolo Pass and found a parking spot. Maybe I would get out of the parking fee due to my late start. No luck! Well, at least I found a place I could park and be able to get out and go home later.
I took the tele boards and tried to mount up. The snow was much more deep here already this year than any time I have seen so far in my short stint here in Missoula. For some reason I could not figure out how to get into the bindings. It seemed to me the back clip/wire apparatus was too narrow. I just clamped them down the best I could expecting them to fall off.
I headed out to Fuji and found that my TUA skis with the narrow skins off my Black Diamonds were a great match for cross country skiing. I zipped along pretty well. As I headed off trail into the deep snow they seemed to float a little more but I was wishing I had full skin coverage. These will work though and when I used the little wire do-dad for climbing I went up through the powder pretty well. The snow was very light and deep.
I stopped in numerous places to take photos of the snow covered trees. They felt like these big snow giants. At times while I was concentrating on climbing I felt like I was being watched … or followed. The trees are alive up there.
On top the wind hit me and the below zero temps bit into my exposed skin. I covered all the exposed skin immediately and set up my camera for a self portrait against the sun set. As always the view was beautiful. I decided to leave the skins on for the first bomb off the summit. The snow was so light and my skins so narrow I figured I would ski off then take them off in a slightly less windy spot.
I was disappointed to find that the skis felt very uncontrollable and I could not even bend my knees to do a turn. Something was not right. Suddenly I realize that I still had those little wire do-dads up. When I put them down … skiing bliss.
I got out of the wind and took off the skins. The skis instantly gave me float and I skied with much more speed and control. At time I felt like I was actually skiing. It felt good! Soon I was attacking steep terrain and got a little out of my abilities. I went off a drop and landed in the powder with my skis sticking straight up. It was a great landing, much like jumping from a couch to a bean bag (what I used to do as a kid).
After the powder follies I shuffled out and back to the lodge and parking lot. It was a good tele ski and really .. first real tele ski (equipment). The night was not over as it took me two hours to drive home. There was black ice and drifting snow on route 12.
Hello from da frozen coffee shop in Missoula. I am on my third scone as well as second cup o joe. I am watching all the people stroll in, warm their hands, and get greeted by this friendly little joint. I am uploading new photos. The snow outside not only increases but has started to drift around and the winds are howling. I can not even see virtual Lolo Peak from here. It is truly not hospitable out there. Makes me want to climb a mountain.
I have not received any calls so I guess I am to embark on a solo journey out into the frozen wilderness to try out my new boards given to me by my friend Ronnie. Also just to make thing real exciting I am not going to report where I am going. That way life will seem more exciting during this “down time” of the year.
What did I do yesterday? It all started with no motivation so off to the coffee house I went. When I got back home I spent the rest of mid-day mounting up my tele skis. It took me longer than I thought as I had to re-drill new holes and figure out some G3 binding mounting caveats.
Since I had no time to go tele skiing I went up to Pattee Canyon to skate ski. Between myself sucking at it and the warm temperatures my glide was not good and I slowly trudged around the loop. My friend gave me some wax recommends but it was for teen temps, not 40s.
After the small skate ski up in the canyon I went to Alex’s house for a party where I experienced some things that I should not have. Now that some weird memories are burned into my head I can only think that time will heal. I did get some shots of hundreds (yes, I said hundreds) of elk in the back yard at night. Truly bizarre because it looked like they were ascending upon Missoula. I wondered if when I got back the town would have been over run with elk and all the humans held prisoner.
Well I better skin up. Take care.
Hey there, fellow thrill-seekers and snow enthusiasts! Grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and let me paint you a picture of my weekend, one that’s shaping up to be a wild ride into the heart of winter’s embrace.
So, there I was, sitting in the Brew, my favorite local haunt, as I watched the snow outside turn the world into a marshmallow wonderland. The view was nothing short of a winter postcard, with snowflakes dancing in the air, transforming everything into a powdery paradise. And me? I was cozily nestled inside, sipping on a hot coffee and munching on a delicious scone, reveling in the fact that the weekend had finally arrived.
Let’s rewind a bit to yesterday. Talk about a slog! Work was like being stuck in quicksand – the more I tried to find something engaging to do, the slower the time passed. But hey, all good things come to those who wait, right? And wait I did, until finally, freedom rang and I was out of there, ready to dive headfirst into the weekend.
First up, the usual – chores. You know the drill. But after ticking off the grocery list, I swung by my buddy Ronnie’s place. This guy, let me tell you, he’s like the wizard of winter sports. There he was, juggling phone calls and gearing up for his epic weekend in the Bitterroot’s pow pow. And me? I’m still a greenhorn in the snowy slopes department, but hey, we all start somewhere, right?
Ronnie, being the guru he is, handed me some tools of the trade for my own pow pow adventure. In return, I brought him a four-pack of Double Haul and some cash for the boards. Fair trade, I’d say! So, my mission now? Mount some tele bindings and get my practice on.
Last night was all about the prep. But you know how it goes – you need those little screw hole plugs before you can get down to the nitty-gritty. A minor setback, but part of the process.
And that brings us back to this morning. Here I am, ready to brave the “white fluffy, burning, white hell” (as I fondly call it), on a quest for skate ski wax from Open Road and some flash memory from Radio Shack. Yep, that means venturing into the mall – a materialistic jungle if there ever was one. But a mountain biker’s gotta do what a mountain biker’s gotta do, right?
So, stay tuned, folks! I’m about to embark on a journey that’s part cold, part thrill, and all adventure. It’s going to be a wild ride, and I can’t wait to share every snowy, exhilarating moment with you.
Stay stoked, and keep shredding the gnar!
Resources:
Snowbound Solitude: Two Wheels and a Wilderness Epiphany
Snowflakes swirling, city snoozing, and my soul screaming for solitude. Forget holiday parties and picture-perfect mornings; today, I’m chasing freedom on two knobby tires.
The urge to escape the social swirl had been brewing for days. Every chirp of my phone, every forced smile at the office, felt like sandpaper on my already frayed nerves. This morning, the snow-dusted streets were a siren song, calling me away from the fluorescent-lit monotony.
But even the simple act of capturing this yearning for isolation felt tainted by potential scrutiny. The mere thought of someone commenting on my Canon-wielding antics sent me scurrying back into my shell. The need for solitude, it seemed, had become a shameful secret.
Yet, the snow kept falling, blanketing the world in a pristine hush. And with each flake, the yearning for my bike grew. The studded tires, a wintery promise of freedom, beckoned from the depths of my garage. My skis, once a source of wintery joy, now felt like relics of a bygone era.
No, this wasn’t just about a bike ride. It was about shedding the layers of forced connection, of embracing the raw, unfiltered me. It was about carving my own path through the white canvas, leaving behind the well-worn tracks of expectation.
So, I’ll trade the holiday cheer for the wind in my hair, the crunch of snow under my tires, and the quiet symphony of my own thoughts. This solitude, this communion with nature on two wheels, is my gift to myself. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound connections are forged in the quiet spaces, away from the clamoring crowd.
And who knows, maybe this solo adventure will lead me back, not just to myself, but to a more authentic way of connecting with others. After all, a soul nourished by solitude can offer a far richer tapestry to the world.
Resources:
Happy trails!
It’s been one of those weeks where everything feels a bit too much, leaving me feeling fried. Whether it’s the excessive skate skiing that I’m still trying to master, the long hours of workouts, stress, or a mix of all, I can’t quite put my finger on it.
Tonight, I left work with the intention of unwinding at Pattee Canyon with some skiing. It started well enough, but soon I was struggling. My wax was sticking, sabotaging any chance of a smooth glide. Managing just one lap, I decided to call it quits and headed home. That nagging feeling of underachievement led me to squeeze in a core workout and some spinning on the trainer, but it wasn’t quite the same.
Now, as I prepare for bed, one thing is crystal clear: I need rest. My body and mind are screaming for it. And about the photos of me spinning – I realize they’ve become a bit repetitive. Truth is, I’m lacking creativity and motivation these days. It’s like being stuck in a loop, doing the same things over and over.
Hopefully, a good night’s sleep will help reset things a bit. Here’s to finding that spark again, and maybe, just maybe, coming up with something new and exciting to share. For now, rest is the priority.
As the snow blankets Missoula once again, what better way to embrace the winter chill than a post-work skate skiing adventure in Pattee Canyon? Just last night, I managed a full lap enveloped in the soft glow of daylight before the valley succumbed to the evening darkness.
Amidst these snowy escapades, I stumbled upon a gem of a website, a blog titled “Up In Alaska,” authored by a woman named Jill. As a journalist, her flair for storytelling is evident, and her blog is nothing short of captivating. It’s not just the words that draw you in; her photography is stunning, adding a vivid dimension to her tales.
Jill’s adventures in the Alaskan wilderness are awe-inspiring. She has traversed more snowy miles than I could dream of covering in a year. Her experiences, from the thrilling to the serene, left me in awe. It’s a reminder of the vastness and beauty of our natural world, and the extraordinary feats humans are capable of.
For anyone looking for a dose of inspiration or just a beautiful read, I highly recommend checking out “Up In Alaska.” It’s a blog that not only entertains but also broadens your horizons, showing what’s possible with a bit of courage and a love for the great outdoors.
If you want to learn more about skate skiing, Pattee Canyon, or “Up In Alaska” blog, here are some helpful resources that I recommend:
Boneshakerbike 
