Author: Bill

Hello from an undisclosed place in Missoula Montana where I am surfing on the wave of societal busy-ness.  I promised to answer emails, get blogs, and pictures posted but I have run amuck in the red tape of paying bills and arranging my financial position in order to self sponsor a imaginary cycling career. let us forget that I have to have this real job and pretend that I am a professional mountain bike racer.

In reality I am not! So I must get things in order so I can participate in this weekend’s MUCH anticipated trip to Boise for a AMBC mountain bike race.  I am real excited to be making the trek with friends and it should be a great time.  First however; I must get my poop in a group and when I have aligned the necessary pieces I’ll get to those emails and pictures.  In the meantime stop by again and I’ll be in touch.

Hey there from the cozy corner of Missoula, Montana, right by those bustling fairgrounds! First off, my bad for ghosting you all and not getting back to those emails. Been kinda MIA since the race last weekend (huge shoutout to RBrown’s dynamic duo for snagging the top spot – you rock!). It’s been a wild ride of licking my wounds, both in my head and on my body, while also juggling the everyday circus.

Yesterday? Full-on chore marathon. I’d say I nailed it. Today’s mission? Tackling those bills to keep the mountain bike dream alive for another month. Can’t let up on the training either; gotta keep those wheels spinning and my heart pumping to conquer those mountain trails.

Promise, I’ll be back in action by tomorrow, ready to spill all about the weekend adventures in a fresh blog post and dive into that email backlog. Till then, keep ripping those trails and stay dirty, my friends!

Hello from Missoula—for the next 15 minutes, anyway. Yep, you read that right. Today, I’m on a fleeting stopover in this slice of Montana before hitting the road again. Destination? Grandma’s house. And no, this isn’t the start of a fairy tale, though with all the twists and turns life throws our way, it might as well be.

Missoula’s been a blast of fresh air, literally. There’s something about this place that makes you want to bottle up its essence and take it with you. But today’s not about mountain trails or riverbanks; it’s about family, about reconnecting with roots that run as deep as the rivers here.

Going to Grandma’s feels like stepping back in time, to a place where the world slows down just enough for you to catch your breath. It’s about the warmth of her smile, the stories that seem to have added chapters since the last visit, and yes, the inevitable cheek pinch that she swears you’ve never grown too old for.

As I prep for the journey, I can’t help but think about the road ahead—both the one leading to Grandma’s house and the bigger journey of life. Missoula, with its brief but impactful cameo in today’s chapter, has been a reminder of the beauty in pausing, even if just for 15 minutes, to appreciate where you are.

So, here’s to the short stops that make the long journeys worthwhile. Next stop: Grandma’s. I can almost taste the cookies now. Stay tuned for tales from the other side of the mountain—where time stands still, and the stories flow as freely as the tea.

Catch you on the flip side!

Hello from Missoula Montana moments before work as I drink my coffee and eat my morning grub.

Hello from the Green Hanger where I finish up my chores this morning before going riding in the nice new sun shine.  I say nice and new because lately we have not seen good weather.  Yesterday’s race sucked due to the conditions and the only good thing to come out of it was a nice relaxing drive through the Pintlers [see photos].

I woke up Saturday (yesterday) late because for some reason the alarm decided to not wake me up.  I decided to ditch the dog and camping plans to rush out to Anaconda for the start of the race.  The drive was awesome and I vowed to stop on the way home to take it all in.  I arrived and with some difficulty finding the registration area finally arrived.

After registering I broke my seat post.  I got my money back and prepared to leave and go back home.  I was pissed! Fellow racers John, Lisa, and Al scrounged up some washers and post parts so I regained my number and set out on a fixing session.  I was able to rig a situation where I could sit on my seat but it was an inch lower and the nose was high.  At least I would get to race.

I signed up in Masters A (see previous blog) and we rolled out at a very very slow pace.  The wind was high, in our face, and kept the temps in the 40s.  When we reached the turn around point we would be encountering 28 degree temperatures.  I was planning on a great climb to the lake from Anaconda and making my move in the middle of it. This would be my only chance because the race was shortened due to the previous day’s storm which dumped 10 inches of snow on Georgetown Lake.  The roads were not plowed and we had to just go up to the dam and tun around.

The conditions also made the field very small.  Most of my friends did not show up and I found myself without any mentors.  The only guy I knew was John and I took tips from him and urged him to let me work for a win in his favor.  He had been in a car accident this winter and was just coming back from some injuries.  He commented that he was not ready to make a winning move.

It seemed like just moments before the first lake came into view.  I panicked!  What happened to the anticipated climb?  I missed my opportunity because from the first lake to Georgetown Lake was pretty flat and so was the ride around to the dam.  I was out of climb and everyone was fresh.  I decided that John would be the challenge …. could I help him win?

I started attacking every 5 minutes.  I launched attacks on every incline.  I countered every counter attack.  I attacked on the descents. Since there was not long climb for me to break away from the pack I knew I could not break apart the group.  The course was also short so I was running out of time for myself, but I could wear everyone down so that John could go for the win.  I attacked and attacked … then let them catch back on.

At one point near the end I opened a small gap but I was too fried to stay away.  So I attacked until the final corner. John was right there and I asked how he felt.  He said that he was strong and I knew that we could pull it off.  I surged at the final corner and went wide as John pushed through low.  I let off the gas and he sprinted forward.  Everyone expected me to sprint but I sat up and waited.  Everyone surged after John but it was too late.  I screamed “Go John, Go”!  He held them off.  Congratulations john!

As I look back I am disappointed that I coasted in and did not sprint for better position.  I forgot I was in the race and was watching the action.  I lead most of the race and pushed a pace so hard no one could break away.  I had controlled the race and lead out a rider but in the end I finished pretty much last place.  Training for me and the mountain bike season is coming soon!

So there you have it, my low down on yesterday’s race. As you can see I posted pictures of Georgetown Lake.  Feel free to go to the gallery to post comments and even order or download them to your Picassa application.  Most of all get out and enjoy the rest of the weekend.  As soon as I get tout of here, I am!

One side note! I have a set of Neuvation Wheels.  My bearings in the front felt weird so I emailed the owner John Neugent.  He just emailed me back saying that he is sending me new bearings, now that is support.  I am happy with my wheels and the customer service is awesome!  Check out the site http://www.neuvationcycling.com/!

Hello from Missoula where I am sorry to say I am not at Starbucks heading out of town. I am in no hurry any more since learning of the conditions in Anaconda. I will race today but not go camping. Some of the abrupt change in my plans this weekend are due to the fact that my alarm did not go off this morning and I am running late. My plans were to go camping. Instead I will go to the Georgetown Road Race and then return. I just got word that even the race is in peril

The Highlands Road Race will still take place, albeit shorter distances. There was 10

As many of you know I don’t even have a road bike.  I have been riding my cross bike with road tires. Also this is my first year ever racing road bikes not forgetting a couple road bike races that I tried back in New York and Vermont.  Being all the facts as they are I have a cat 5 road racing license.  I feel like I would not get enough competition at cat 5 so I have been racing in the harder Masters  Division due to my age qualifying me to do so. Well those days are over when I read a welcome email from the president of Montana Cycling.

One other item (before it becomes an “issue”):  I’ve been advised to urge you to (strongly) consider riding with the Masters A group, rather than the Bs.  And, from what I’ve seen, you’re certainly well qualified to do so.  Normally, the Master B division is for those (often-, but not always) older masters racers who aren’t quite as competitive as their (often-) younger peers.  And, since we allow our Masters fields to be self-seeding, the Bs usually race (by agreement) for glory only — i.e. no prizes.  This way, “sandbagging” doesn’t become a concern.  You’re welcome to race in whichever group you like, but be advised that you’re probably better suited to the A group…

I don’t know who is doing the “strong urging” but I say to that person, “bring it on baby”. I relied that I would prefer to race cat 1 pro if they would let me.  But you know the rules (specially roadie ones)!  I am a cat 5 with a possibility of an up and coming upgrade.  I would prefer to be at least a cat 3 but that may not be possible. So this weekend I am proud to announce that I will be Master A and will get to ride with my friend.

Of course I can also say, “who gives a shift!” Mountain bike season is about to begin and I will be doing what I truly love.  Playing in the dirt … Beau-Yea!

Hello from Missoula Montana were I have been home since around 4 tonight.  I worked on my bikes and went for a late MTB ride up the fire road. Earlier today I was in the Montana Velo Road Race [map]. The course was a 20 mile flat course with a gravel road section and a small set of rollers by a lake.  Here is my recollection of how it went down.

We rolled out to start the race in a comfy group of 20 riders in our group. We had the usual hard work at the front with a couple attempts at breaking out early.  I stayed at the back and just bid my time and tried to rest and just take in the situation until it was time to go to the front to work.

As we approached the half way point of the first lap I was told to push the pace a little because we were about to hit the dirt and I shouldn’t be in the back.  I did try to move up a little bust stayed back in the pack so I wouldn’t get tricked into doing the work at the front. A NRO rider broke out hard and his fellow team mates slowed the pace.

I was stuck in the pack for about three miles.  by the time I could get a clear run to the front the rider that broke away was a half mile ahead.  I notice a corner coming up and everyone started to swing left and slow down.  I hit the hole hard and sprinted free of the peloton.

I ran a 172 beats per minute heart rate to the rider that was out front. I felt I would reel him back in and show the group that no one breaks out.  I looked back and the peloton was sitting back almost enjoying my expenditure of extreme energy to bring this guy back. So I tried something else instead.

I asked the guy if he felt strong and to my relief he said yes.  I told him to catch on and we would attack.  he shouted that he did not feel as strong as I was riding so I slowed down.  We worked together to finish out the first lap.

Is we rode out to the second lap the peloton was a minute or tow behind.  We clearly were going to make the break work.  To my disappointment the break started to fall apart. My break away partner started to slow down.  I wondered if he was pulling me back to the peloton.  He told me to be smooth and try to stay consistent.  I slowed down and worked with him until about a mile from the halfway point where the courses only climb awaited. He was clearly slowing down and behind him was the peloton.  I was within moments of being caught.  I took off!

I climbed as hard as I could and looked back.  the peloton was right behind me.  I went harder and struggled over the rollers with as much power as I could muster.  As I settled into a time trail mode I stayed focused and at one with the bike.  My heart rate was up to 174 bpm and it had been there for 15 minutes.  To my surprise I was able to actually pick up the pace on the flats and rode away from the peloton.  I thought I was free and clear all I had to do was survive the last 5 miles to the finish line.

As I rounded the last corner and about 3 miles from the finish I looked back.  The peloton looked far enough back but there was a rider making a break to bridge up to me.  It was my friend that I went to Pocatello with.  I hunkered down and tried to keep a steady pace.

With a mile to go my friend pulled up behind me.  I was impressed with his strength!  He was in another class so I knew I was going to win Masters B and he was going to win Masters A. We went into the final kilometer and I started to show my happiness with a on the bike dance.  as we neared the finish line he sprinted but I did not care.  I had won my race and he was a seasoned racer and quite the sprinter.

Stay tuned as next week I am off to Georgetown Lake for the last road race before the MTB season.  I am going to miss the peloton.

Hello from the Green Hanger in Missoula Montana.

Hey from my cozy corner of the world where I’ve finally dived into my inbox and guess what? The kick-off race for the Montana Off Road Series is a done deal, flyer and all! This time around, the Yellowstone Valley Cycling Club is turning up the heat with the YVCC BEAT THE HEAT XC, and it’s all going down on Sunday, May 13th – yep, you guessed it, Mother’s Day.

But hold on, there’s a twist! They’ve shaken things up with a brand new name and a fresh spot for the showdown. This year, the cross-country mountain bike challenge is taking over the Billings Motorcycle Club. Talk about revving up the excitement!

I think I have perfected my recovery meal which is a wrap with veggies and oils and such things to repair tissues that have been damaged with intense exercise.  I don’t know what to call it but here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

• Boca Chick Patties Sliced
• Olive Oil
• Flax Seed Oil
• Plain Yogurt
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Green Pepper
• Onion
• Tomato
• Multi Grain Tortillas

Procedure: Spray down a fry pan with olive oil and slice up your Boca Chick Patties.  Throw them into the pan and brown.  Chop up veggies and pile them onto the tortilla. Also a dollop of yogurt and a squirt of flax seed oil. Add the chick patti slices and enjoy!

The first mistake occurred when you dropped your water bottle, and the second one led to a near-accident in the peloton. These incidents affected your hydration and forced you to launch an attack to regain lost ground. As the race progressed, you experienced moments of strength and weakness, and you made a strategic error in misjudging the race course’s finish line, which ultimately impacted your final placement.

Your account provides a candid and detailed reflection on the race, highlighting the physical and mental challenges you faced throughout the event. It’s clear that you’re passionate about cycling and dedicated to pushing your limits, even in the face of setbacks. Your willingness to share both the triumphs and the disappointments of the race offers a relatable and authentic perspective on the realities of competitive cycling.

The search results include various links related to cycling events, such as the Chevron Houston Marathon, the Big Sur International Marathon, and The Woodlands Marathon. Additionally, there are references to the Remember Marcy Vision Quest (RMVQ), a challenging cycling route designed to honor a friend and test the endurance of cyclists.

Your detailed account of the race provides valuable insights into the physical and mental demands of competitive cycling, as well as the importance of strategic decision-making during high-stakes events. It’s evident that you’re committed to continuous improvement and learning from each race experience, which is a commendable approach to athletic pursuits.

Citations:
[1] https://www.adventurecycling.org/resources/blog/one-big-circle-the-first-90-degrees/
[2] https://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/race-weekend/course-info/
[3] https://www.bigsurmarathon.org/race-day/
[4] https://www.thewoodlandsmarathon.com/Race/TheWoodlandsMarathon/Page-22
[5] https://williammartin.com/mountain-biking/the-rmvq/

Good morning from my cozy apartment in Missoula, Montana! Today’s the day I’ve been gearing up for – the Rocky Mountain Robeaux race in Frenchtown, Montana. My bike’s all packed in the car, and after a hearty breakfast of hash browns, I’m doing one last weather check online before heading out. Despite the overcast skies and a chilly 25 degrees (a far cry from the spring weather we’ve been enjoying), my spirits are high. The forecast promises a climb up to 50 degrees, and I’m determined to make the most of it.

I’m also planning to indulge in a bit of photography during the race. Given that the trek is 14 miles, I’m bracing myself for an all-day adventure – and possibly even an all-nighter. Marcy’s coming along for the ride, though she might have to sit out the more intense and scary parts. Our route will take us up the South Fork of Lolo Creek. For those curious about the path we’ll be taking, here’s a map to give you a better idea.

Today marks the grand finale of my “run a mountain for 31 days straight” campaign. It’s been a record-setting journey for me, and I plan to take a well-deserved three-day break from exercise afterward. But there’s no rest for the wicked – my next challenge is to cycle for 31 days on the road to whip myself into summer biking shape. Weekends will be reserved for some epic mountain pass rides, hikes, and possibly some camping.

For those interested in exploring the best of Montana’s biking routes, the search results offer a treasure trove of information. From the Top 20 Most Beautiful Road Biking Routes in Montana to the 2013 RMVQ and the Missoula Marathon 2023 course map, there’s plenty to get excited about. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, Montana’s breathtaking landscapes and challenging routes offer something for everyone.

So, here’s to a day filled with adventure, determination, and perhaps a little bit of madness. Wish me luck – and if you’re feeling adventurous, why not join me on one of these rides? The more, the merrier!

Citations:
[1] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28947-Activities-c61-t214-Montana.html
[2] https://www.komoot.com/guide/44269/road-cycling-routes-in-montana
[3] https://williammartin.com/mountain-biking/2013-rmvq
[4] https://www.goandrace.com/en/map/2023/missoula-marathon-2023-missoula-course-map-1.php
[5] https://williammartin.com/mountain-biking/the-rmvq