“The battle to keep body fat at bay during times of celebration and feasting – that’s the latest challenge. It’s already underway. My weight has gone up by 4 pounds, and my body fat has increased by 2%. With about 6 hours of training last week and a constant influx of calories from celebrations and the natural temptation to indulge during the holiday season, the struggle begins. I keep telling myself, ‘When New Year’s arrives, I’m definitely going to hit the training hard.’ Nevertheless, I must remind myself that I’m still a full 12 pounds lighter than I was at this time last year.
Yesterday, I woke up to a picturesque blanket of snow covering the ground (you can check out the pictures below). I heard one forecaster mention that it’s the most snow the valley floor has seen in quite a while. We don’t typically get this much snow down here. It was the perfect opportunity for me to ski to work. Did I seize it? No, I opted for a mountain bike ride instead (see the photo on the right).
Now, what’s next on my agenda? I’m contemplating training for a half marathon in December known as the Freezer Burn. Last year, I participated in the 5k race and came in second place (you can find the results and photos on their website). I do have pictures from last year, but I haven’t had a chance to process them yet, and I’ll try to get to that soon.
“This is it race fans! The Montana State Cyclocross Championships will be held this Sunday November 18th at Historic Fort Missoula. As a Championship race, double points will be awarded and State Championship Medals are on hand for the top three places in all categories (provided the rider is a resident of Montana and holds a USA Cycling Road, or Mountain License). We will have a separate race for the Men’s A field slated to start at high noon, while all remaining fields will have staggered starts beginning at 11:00 (depending on turnout, some fields may be combined). We are making final preparations and are on target for a great day of racing.
A couple of housekeeping items- 1. My phone number is 406-546-6759 (cell), 2. Fort Missoula is located off of South Avenue West, not South 3rd Street. There are several ways to get to the Fort, but the easiest directions are to take Reserve Street (Highway 93) to South Avenue West. Traveling from the north, you will take a right onto South Avenue, from the south, you will take a left. Traveling west on South Avenue you will go past Missoula Community Hospital and then past soccer playing fields (on the left hand side of the road). The road into the Fort is immediately past the playing fields on the left. If you end up seeing Target Range School, you have gone too far.
Once inside the Fort Missoula Complex, look for the Kona Bicycles Tent (registration).
The weather forecast for Sunday is Cyclocross perfect. A chance of rain showers. Cloudy, with a high near 41. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Bring your embrocation.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the race. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ping me.” ~Mike Beltz
Mike Beltz Race Promoter Northern Rockies Orthopedics Cycling Team 406-546-6759 mbeltz|at|gcs-research.com
Good morning from my apartment in Missoula Montana. It is cold outside and we expect significant snow or rain before this weekends state championship cyclocross race. Last night I was going through the Cross Crusade site. While we may see 50 racers at the most at our cross races they see 5X as many. Cross is really big in Oregon.
Last night I went out to ride the cross bike and do some AT efforts. I rode up in the Rattlesnake and utilized some of the pathways that follow Rattlesnake Creek. I ended up riding to the Jumbo Saddle and doing a short cross loop up there. It included a long run-up and a med speed decent. Nothing too hard, just wanted to get in some efforts. The city lights view was beautiful. The ride only covered 19 miles or so but it was fun and I feel great on the cross bike. I am still polishing the bike this morning, such a sexy ride!
I have been fighting off some seasonal crud! Recently I have developed some coughing and a mild sore throat. I hope this does not led to anything. I remember in Plattsburgh once I had the flu and tried to race in the Charlie Mitchell’s Annual Turkey Trot MTB race (would of been cool to have a cross bike). I lost the race and couldn’t drive home afterwards. I just remember people coming by my car to see how I was doing. I was doing terrible. Ahhh! Good times … aye ROAR?
Last weekend, I finally bought some cookware. It’s the first time I’ve owned real cookware. While house-sitting, I used my friend’s stainless steel to make Annie’s Pasta. What a pleasure it was to cook with real equipment. It set my mind a-dreaming. How nice it would be to have a fry pan and a pan for pasta/popcorn.
Previously, I only had a small set of camping cookware. My friends can testify to this, especially Paul, who had a rough time trying to cook at my place in Missoula during spring break. Well, now I’ve bought some stainless steel. I feel like I’ve finally arrived!
The past couple of days have been rough, though. My first use of the stainless pans was a disaster. Everything stuck so badly that the meals were ruined. I even retrieved my old pan, a cheap Big Lots find, from the trash. I knew to use lower heat, but things still stuck.
However, this morning I think I’ve mastered the new stuff. I used very low heat and fried up some breakfast. Ah! The clean taste of food cooked in olive oil on a non-Teflon surface.
Today, I’m off to see the doctor and afterward, I’ll take my cross bike out for a couple of hours into the Bitterroots. I might even snap some pictures. It hurts the pocketbook to take time off work, but I need to see the doc… and he’s in Victor. It’s only natural to take the rest of the day to play, right?
Howdy, Missoula mavericks! Calling all thrill-seekers and brew-loving bandits, because this blog post is serving up a double dose of adventure – and maybe a side of adrenaline rush! ♂️
Yesterday, yours truly and my trusty riding buddy Larry decided to tackle a long-awaited loop: the Reservation Divide Trail (RDT) in the Nine Mile Valley. With mountain bikes loaded and spirits high, we embarked on our journey, ready to conquer miles of trails and maybe even snag some epic views.
Fast forward an hour of uphill grind on Edith Peak Road (let’s just say our glutes got a serious workout!), and bam! Larry spots a sight that makes your heart skip a beat – a majestic mountain lion strolling up the road right behind us! Talk about a close encounter of the wild kind! This was my first Montana mountain lion sighting, and let me tell you, it was both exhilarating and a little nerve-wracking.
After this unexpected wildlife welcome, we reached the RDT and started tackling the single-track towards the peak formerly known as Squaw Peak (SQP for short, and for the sake of this blog!). The trail lived up to its reputation – rooty, rocky, and oh-so-technically challenging. But hey, that’s what makes our adrenaline pump, right? The only snag? A thin layer of ice on the rocks added a touch of precarious fun (or maybe terror, depending on who you ask).
Despite the icy challenge, we reached the crossroads just a half-mile shy of the SQP summit. With the wind picking up and snow flurries starting to swirl, we decided to switch gears and descend down the alternative trail. Let me tell you, that descent was pure downhill joy – fast, flowing, and over before we knew it!
With our legs buzzing and smiles wide, we rolled back to our trusty steeds parked near the ranger station. And what better way to end an epic adventure than with burgers, beers, and fries at a local Nine Mile Valley joint? As Larry perfectly summarized, the day was a masterpiece of “vigorous new un-ridden scenic loop, perfect timing, refreshing snowstorm, mountain lion sighting, and post-ride grub with a side of Grizzlies on TV!”
So there you have it, folks! Another Montana adventure etched in memories and fueled by sweat, camaraderie, and maybe a touch of wildlife excitement. Remember, even the most planned adventures can take unexpected turns, and that’s what makes them truly unforgettable. Until next time, keep exploring, keep adventuring, and keep an eye out for mountain lions on the trail!
Last summer, I joined a mountain bike race at Bitterroot Resort, part of the MORS series, without signing any additional documents. Surprisingly, I’ve been listed as a resort supporter, which baffles me. I only intended to race, not endorse the place. An email confirmed this unwanted support, leading me to question how my participation translated into endorsement without explicit consent. I’m considering legal options to reclaim my freedom of choice, feeling tricked into supporting the resort under false pretenses. I’ve openly rejected their assumption of my support, emphasizing my right to choose whom I support, especially when there are better places to ride. This situation has prompted me to confront the resort’s administration, seeking clarification on this misleading interpretation of my intent to race as implicit support.
I am lucky to have a friend like Paul and in many ways he is more of a brother to me than anything else. I met Paul Bardis on a mountain bike ride in Plattsburgh New York. I was riding with my girlfriends counselor who invited him to come along as well. We started doing all kinds of mountain bike adventures and eventually lead to Adirondack High Peak bagging .
Ski
When Paul left to come to Montana for school he gave me his car and it is with that car that I started to travel around New England becoming a mountain bike racer.
Once there was a young seagull named Flynn who, unlike every other gull in his flock, had absolutely no interest in mastering the art of graceful flight or precision diving … like that hack Jonathan. No, Flynn had other plans, plans that had nothing to do with speed and everything to do with getting as far away from his humdrum seaside home as possible. While the others spent their days perfecting their swoops and dives, Flynn would drift along the shoreline, gazing at the endless horizon with a look in his eye that said, What if?
One morning, Flynn spotted a fishing boat bobbing way out on the water, the kind with colorful flags flapping wildly and nets trailing like it was in the middle of some kind of big fish drama. He squinted at it, feeling a weird little twist of excitement in his gut. “That’s it,” he muttered to himself, feathers ruffling in the sea breeze. “That’s where I’m going. Whatever’s out there, it’s got to be better than fish scraps and sand.” Without waiting for another gull to convince him otherwise, he flapped his wings and launched himself into the great unknown.
The further Flynn flew, the smaller the shore behind him became until it was just a smudge on the horizon. Finally, after what felt like hours (and okay, maybe a few doubts along the way), he landed on the deck of the fishing boat. But the boat didn’t have fish, oh no, turns out it was headed for a tiny, strange little island with jungles, waterfalls, and all sorts of mysterious creatures Flynn had never seen before. Just as he was taking it all in, a flamboyant parrot named Rico landed beside him, eyeing Flynn with a grin.
“Well, well, what have we here? A humanoid adventurer with bird-like features!” Rico chuckled, clearly amused.
Flynn puffed up his chest. “I’m Flynn, the explorer,” he announced. “And I’m looking for adventure. Got any?”
Rico’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, you bet your tail feathers I do. Stick with me, and I’ll show you things that’ll make your beak drop.”
And so, Flynn and Rico teamed up, hopping from one wild island to another. Flynn discovered caves filled with glowing crystals that lit up like stars, cliffs that played haunting songs when the wind was just right, and hidden coves brimming with seashells that sparkled in colors he’d never even known existed. Every new sight, every new challenge, was exactly what Flynn had been searching for without even knowing it.
Some days were rough, storms, close calls with some very cranky creatures, and once, an unfortunate incident involving a coconut and an angry crab. But Flynn learned to laugh at it all, even the setbacks, because he was out there living it, not just watching from the shore.
In the end, Flynn didn’t return to his old flock, and he didn’t miss them either. He was too busy chasing mysteries, charting new waters, and carving his own path through a world that stretched out as far as his wings could carry him. He might have been “just a seagull,” but Flynn knew better. He was an adventurer. And to him, every horizon was just an invitation for the next big “What if?”
Hello from my cozy apartment in Missoula, Montana! I’m just settling in with some breakfast while storm clouds start to gather outside. Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous, though, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap up the season—well, at least until the state championships roll around in a couple of weeks. Can’t complain about going out on such a high note.
Yesterday started pretty normally, woke up, had my usual breakfast, nothing too crazy. Just one of those perfect days where everything feels right.
Hey, folks! Let’s chat about the heart-stopping, wheel-turning spectacle known as the “Spiral of Death” in the world of cyclocross. Imagine this: a dizzying maze that wraps riders in tighter and tighter circles, only to spit them out like they’ve been through a blender—on two wheels. It’s not just a test of skill; it’s a mental game where the bravest souls dare to tread. This feature turns a regular race into an adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster. So, if you’re up for a challenge that’s as much about outsmarting yourself as it is about out-pedaling the competition, the Spiral of Death awaits. Buckle up; it’s going to be a wild ride!
Riding in wildfire smoke? Bad idea. It’s full of nasty stuff that messes with your lungs and even your blood. Worse for folks with asthma or heart issues, but it’s rough for anyone. Kids, older people, and anyone with health issues are most at risk.
Think hard before you hit those smoky trails. Gym might be a safer bet, or an N95 mask if you can’t resist. Watch those air quality reports – they’re crucial.
The take-away? Put your health first. Smoke’s no joke. Chill indoors, enjoy some TV. Better safe than sorry!
I am currently in first place in the MBRA Cyclocross Series. This weekend I put in some constant results while series leader John Curry was absent. That is why I say “brief” because after Helena John should take the top spot back. I am only keeping it warm. Frank Gonzalez should be there as well to show me a lesson after taking advantage of his mishaps. You can only go so far on luck. So in preparations I must get a little faster to back up my current situation. Here is the rundown:
Greetings, Missoula! Back in my humble (finally!) apartment after a whirlwind Kalispell trip filled with cyclocross, camaraderie, and enough lactic acid to power a small village. The “Woodland Cross” and “Heron Park Cross Race” threw everything at me – brutal climbs, epic battles, and the ever-present reminder that maybe I should listen to advice about better starts (oops!).
Saturday’s race started hopeful, quickly evolving into a rollercoaster of “could haves” and “almost got its.” The course was killer, but hey, everyone keeps suggesting better starts, right? Well, I achieved that… then promptly forgot how to utilize it strategically. Led five glorious laps, felt the burn, and got outpaced in the final stretch. Third place – bittersweet, but a learning experience nonetheless.
Post-race, fate (and some sweet discounts) landed me with the Bozo crew – Sten and Corey, legends of the Muleterro team. Turns out, the Grand Hotel wasn’t just a place to stay, it was a rustic haven complete with Zen vibes, homemade cookies, and flicks paired with delicious Thai food (Thai Palace, maybe?). Pure bliss.
Sunday’s race? Not exactly what my sore, “Old Dude” ailment-riddled body craved. But hey, races have a way of starting, and as always, I warmed up, channeled my inner diesel, and clawed my way through the pack. Doug snagged the win, but the cheers of “The Kaiser” and “warming up the diesel” fueled my fire. Gotta love the support!
Now, with a car full of unpacked gear and a body protesting like a teenager, it’s time to hit the hay and dream of epic comebacks (and maybe some injury-free races, fingers crossed!). This season has been one for the books, good times and all. Until next time, Missoula!
UPDATE 11/8/7: A new infection has started on the other cheek. The main one is flattening but sore, like a burn. Lots of peeling on the sores.
UPDATE 11/5/7: Race went well and no damage done. Swelling continues to subside. I am to call the doc today for updates.
UPDATE 11/4/7: Going racing. can not sit correctly yet and inflamation still a bit hing but what can you do on such a nice day.
UPDATE 11/3/7: I am starting to respond to the celfuroxime and have decided to go to the race tomorrow. The inflamation is still high but I am hopeful that by tomorrow in Helena I will be as ready to go as I was in the Buttee 100! Thank you for all the calls and emails!
UPDATE 11/1/7: Just got back from the doctor (well not just, fell asleep). I have had a staff infection . We are trying a more agressive approach with 1000MG cefuroxime a day for ten then we will see. The doc says I’ll be able to race Sunday. He put me on a IV with antibiotics for 10 minutes today because we needed to take action immediately. I should go in sooner next time.
It is back, the 5th bout of this infection that seems to come out of no where. Last Saturday I felt sore after the race and then Sunday I knew it was back as the undercarriage started to swell. Monday I had a golf ball size lump and now it is the size of a hockey puck. It was only 3 months ago that I had a nightmare with this thing and it almost did me in. I missed last nights race and with this week end’s race in Helena looming I am calling the doc. I have decided to make a timeline (from past blogs) to try and figure things out:
May 12, 2006 : New Job! Started Racing!
May 28, 2006: 1st Infection (11 days)
July 10, 2006: Stress at work and paying bills! Racing!
Aug 6, 2007: Surgery, not as expected, continue antibiotics
Oct 22, 2007: Week of stress, Friday stressed at work.
Oct 27, 2007: 5th infection.
Nov 1, 2007: 1000MG cefuroxime a day for ten days.
Nov 3, 2007: Started draining and getting smaller.
Nov 5, 2007: Raced yesterday with decreased performance. Inflamation continues to go down and knee infection drained after the race. It looks good this morning.
Nov 8, 2007: A new infection has started on the other cheek.
Yo peeps! Guess where I’m chilling? My friend’s cozy pad, soaking up the good life: blueberry ice cream, classic horror on cable, and (hallelujah!) high-speed internet. The perfect antidote to a stressful week, let me tell you. Sadie the dog went off on her adventures with some lovely ladies, and tomorrow morning, it’s Kalispell-bound for the first race of the weekend – the Woodland Cross!
Finding a cheap hotel in sub-zero temps? Mission: not impossible, but definitely tricky. Camping isn’t exactly appealing in this weather, so the plan is to conquer both races (including Sunday’s Herron Park Cyclocross, same venue as last year’s state champs!) with some strategic car maneuvers. Let’s just say, my inner explorer is getting prepped for a chilly adventure.
Wish me luck on the races, folks! And prepare yourselves for next week’s potential cycling withdrawal drama. Because after battling snowy roads and epic courses, real life might feel a little… slow-paced. Until then, I’ll be dreaming of podium finishes and maybe some hot cocoa breaks between races. Stay frosty, everyone!
The results are in and I have placed 4th in the Mens A category (standings). In first place was Dave Hartman with 430 points and in second was a tie between Toby Meirbachtol and Doug Shryock with 360 points. I followed with a skimpy 335 points a far cry from last year when i tied for first. Apparently I have become slower and I must evaluate why and make the necessary adjustments.
In the class that I am supposed to be in, Masters, John Weyhrich took the title. John is the man who lent me his wheel in the Thunder and Lightening race. Good job Dave, John!
Its off to Kallispell for the Montana Series where I am currently 3rd. Go to http://www.montanacyclocross.com/ and vote for who you think will win this weekend.
Hello from a house that has behaved bravely and it’s inhabitants are surviving the onslaught of a k9 that misses it’s owner. Its day 5 of the house-sitting project and things are getting interesting. I have a race tonight but I fear my chances of doing well are slim due to stress and all the work involved with this certain project. What started out as a “almost” vacation in a cool house complete with laundry facilities has turned into a stressful situation. Its not that bad, no one is hurt or lost, but I don’t want that to happen and that is where the stress comes in.
Day 2 – Where in the world is Sadie: I came home from my race to find the yard and the kennel empty. There was a large hole in the side but no dog. I panicked and went looking around. No Sadie to be found. I found three messages on the house owners tel-machine.
The first one was a guy that found Sadie and brought her back. Little good that did as she escaped again out her previous escape route.
The second one was a lady that did the same and I started to realize that Sadie was on the lose and no one had the sense to hold on to her.
Finally the last message had a person that had custody of the delinquent beast. The problem was that she recorded her phone number so fast I ha to play it back. I hot what I thought was the repeat button and heard the message, ‘Message deleted”. I had deleted the message by accident. Shit!
After numerous stabs at the phone number I scored the correct one. the woman brought Sadie back and I proceeded to stay up half the night mending the fence and dragging cinder blocks to stack around the kennel.
Day 3 – Victorious, Sadie held at bay: I was glad to find Sadie still in her cage after a stressful day at work. All day I was worried that she got out again. To celebrate I took the girls out for a hike up University Mountain. We had a great hike and the only bad part was that we got sort of lost and came out of the woods late. All in all, a good day.
Day 4 – Sadie makes a comeback: When I arrived at the house that I am sitting I was hopeful that we would have another good hike that night. As I opened the gate I was dumb founded. There was two holes in the kennel and as a bonus there was garbage strewn around the yard. The only good part was that Sadie had failed to break out of the outer fence (I learned of a new latch at the bottom of the fence).
I felt that I could mend these holes as well but it seemed that that night’s hike would have to be postponed for cleanup and mending. When I went into the house that was confirmed. Sadie had ram-sacked the house and garbage was all over. I set out to start picking up.
The icing on the cake is when I went out the front to pick up the mail. What did my wondering eyes fall upon? A citation from the animal control department about a nuisance dog. It seems ol’ Sadie had been barking all day as well. I figured I would have to take Sadie to work or take time off work as she definitely could not be left alone.
Day 5 – Now what? This brings us to now and what I have to do to make it to Saturday when i am freed of this venture. My bright idea this morning may be a bad one but one that I only have time to do without losing my job. I am going to lock the pet door and leave Sadie sleeping on her bed while I go to work. then after a couple hours I will come and mend the fence (extended lunch) and place her in the kennel. Hopefully she will not bark at mid day and if she does maybe no one will hear and call the cops again. Then I can attend my race this afternoon. So wish me luck and we will see what the future brings as I come back tonight after the race.
Boneshakerbike 