Boneshakerbike

Author: Bill

  • Spring Training

    My default training interval photo for all the posts about working out.

    So, this weekend was like that movie “Weekend at Bernie’s” – kinda dead on arrival, but then got surprisingly fun. Okay, maybe not THAT dead, but let’s just say Saturday was a tropical smoothie and Sunday was a hailstone margarita. Speaking of hail, did you see the Daytona 500? One dude literally crossed the finish line on his roof! Talk about a pit stop, am I right?

    Saturday was the dream, folks. Chilled indoors on a project (don’t judge, gotta pay the bills!), but eventually that cabin fever hit harder than a rogue squirrel on the Lolo Trail. So, I ditched the keyboard and grabbed my trusty steed for a spin. Sunshine on my skin, wind in my hair – pure bliss, except for the nagging guilt of that unfinished work lurking like a troll under the bridge. #adultingproblems

    Sunday, however, was a different beast. Freezing rain greeted me like a grumpy neighbor, and guess what? Back to the project I went. By the time I finally escaped, it was late, cold, and the wind felt like Mother Nature was giving me the stink-eye. Headwind? More like a head-on collision with a hurricane! ️

    But then, just when I was ready to call it quits and hibernate like a grizzly bear, the clouds parted like Moses and BAM! Sunshine kissed my face and the hail stopped its angry peppering. It was a magical moment, like finding a twenty in your winter coat pocket. The rest of the ride was pure zen, man.

    And here’s the kicker: after five years of being a music-fueled cyclist, I discovered something life-changing. Turns out, ditching the tunes makes the ride, well, more of a ride. No mental music video, just the sweet symphony of wind and water. Bonus points for actually hearing oncoming traffic before they become surprise bumper buddies. No more tunes for me, thanks!

    The best part? Being present in the moment, feeling connected to the road, the landscape, the whole shebang. Gone are the days of clinging to the edge like a scared gecko. Now I’m part of the scene, eyes peeled, ears perked, and having a blast. And let me tell you, cruising back down Lolo with the wind at my back and a sunset painting the sky? Pure, unadulterated zen.

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

    Each post captures a unique moment, from thrilling adventures to contemplative reflections, embodying the spirit of evolving adventures through the years.

  • The Weekend Oasis: Plans, Pivots, and Two-Wheeled Tales

    Created by DALL-E to fill in posts that don’t have a image for blog functionality (prettiness)

    Ah, the weekend. That blissful break that descends upon us like a long-awaited pizza delivery after a week of microwave dinners. Feels like I just cracked open a treasure chest overflowing with “me time” and freedom. Last night, though, I was all about flexing those non-keyboard muscles – conquering some lingering tasks that were clinging to me like stubborn barnacles on a boat.

    This weekend, however? Buckle up, folks, because it’s shaping up like a real-life adventure novel. Bike exploration? Check. Carving down the slopes? Maybe, if this caffeine-fueled optimism holds. But one thing’s for sure, there’s a five-hour date with spring training locked in my calendar. And that’s not just a plan, it’s a sacred pact with myself (and maybe my slightly sore muscles).

    Speaking of plans, let me unveil the latest chapter in my personal saga: The Great Calendar Conundrum. My online calendar and PDA have been playing a stubborn game of tug-of-war, refusing to coexist happily. Honestly, it felt like trying to herd cats while juggling flaming batons. Especially with the season kicking off soon, simplicity is key. So, I’m giving the online calendar the boot – turns out, I was its lone, slightly neurotic visitor anyway.

    New strategy? Embracing the blog life, but with a twist. Building a digital community is cool, but right now, I’m craving the real-life connections of bike races and group rides. It’s time to trade pixels for pavement, screens for the gritty, exhilarating scenes of community and friendly competition.

    On a more somber note, the dangers of the road hit a little too close to home last night. A fellow cyclist, tragically, lost their life on Reserve Street, taken down by a semi truck. It’s a harsh reminder of the risks we face every time we hit the pavement. Especially when some folks behind the wheel, particularly those piloting these road-ruling behemoths, seem blissfully disconnected, lost in the glow of their phones rather than the world around them. Just the other day, I had a heart-stopping encounter with a semi truck driver on the same street, more interested in their text messages than the cyclist inches away. Scary stuff, folks. Not just cars, but these lumbering giants piloted by people who seem to forget the lives they whizz past with a blink of an eye.

    Life, as they say, is a rollercoaster. Filled with climbs that leave you breathless and unexpected turns that throw you for a loop. But through it all, we navigate, adapt, and keep rolling, right? Whether it’s conquering the urban jungle on two wheels or decluttering our digital lives, the journey is ours to shape. So, here’s to the adventures, the lessons, and the wide-open road ahead. May it be filled with fewer close calls and more epic tales!

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

  • Exhausted But Riding Strong

    Hard days work

    Balancing the hustle of work, staying fit, and squeezing in some me-time? Man, it feels like I’m always running on fumes. It’s a tough gig, always dancing on the edge of just too much, but hey, gotta keep on trucking, right?

    Now, don’t get me started on my caffeine kick. It’s like my go-to turbo boost, but honestly? It’s messing with my Zs, big time. Thinking of swapping those java jolts for some zen moments or quick zzz’s. Need to dial it down on the espresso express.

    And oh, those bike rides in the evenings? They’re like my daily dose of daredevil. But a flickering bike light? That was a “hello, reality” moment. Gear’s gotta be top-notch, or I’m toast.

    Missoula’s all over the map – hills, flats, you name it. Keeps my cycling spicy and me on my toes. Never a dull moment.

    Work-wise, I’m in the groove. Diving deep into PHP and web stuff has got me all fired up about my job again. It’s a blast, but part of me’s waiting for the other shoe to drop.

    Tonight’s game plan? Pumping iron and playing catch-up with life’s little to-dos. Keeping all these balls in the air’s a circus act, but I’m all in. Here’s to hoping this spring’s training sesh brings its A-game to both my code and my rides.

    On this day in history, a stroll down memory lane

  • The Saga of the Never-Ending Day

    The Saga of the Never-Ending Day

    Just before I crash, figured I’d share the epic tale of my day. It’s been one for the books, truly. Kicked off post-work at 5 PM, thrilled to catch some daylight for a bike ride. Even snagged a new tube at lunch to get a head start on prepping.

    I hate it when …

    But then, the universe had other plans. My pump? Vanished. Last seen on a curb where I patched up a flat. Tore the house down for an hour before deciding to just wing it and go ride anyway.

    Next up, my headlamp decided to join the disappearing act and broke on me. As the daylight began to fade, my frustration was hitting new heights. Needed a light, stat. Sportsman Warehouse was a bust, but REI came through with a new headlamp and mini pump. The catch? There went the cash I’d been saving for a racing license.

    Managed to hit the road by 7:30ish, only for my new light to give up the ghost 18 minutes in. “No sweat,” I thought, pulling out an old battery pack. That’s when Mother Nature threw a blizzard party at Bonner. Ended up looking like one of those snow-caked cars, which was kinda hilarious in a “why me?” sort of way.

    On the homestretch, my backup batteries waved the white flag. Just got back, after an hour of post-adventure cleanup, and I’m beat. Like I said, what a marathon of a day. And now? Pretty sure I’ve got exercise bulimia.

    ON THIS DAY FEBRUARY 13TH

  • Do I Have Exercise Bulimia?

    Do I Have Exercise Bulimia?

    So, there I was, minding my own business, when the evening news throws out this term: “exercise bulimia.” Caught my attention because they mentioned something about never-ending injuries, and I’m like, “Wait, that’s me.” At first, I’m thinking, “No way, that’s gotta be a load of hogwash,” but curiosity got the best of me, and down the internet rabbit hole I went.

    According to the all-knowing Wikipedia, exercise bulimia is basically when you’re obsessed with working out to the point it’s harming your health. We’re talking about not giving your body a break, pushing it past its limits, all in the name of burning off that extra slice of pizza. And if you’re eating okay but still overdoing the exercise, it’s like you’re walking a thin line with anorexia. Here’s the link to that brain dump: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_bulimia.

    The more I read, the more I see myself in the description. Choosing exercise over everything else, considering ditching work for a workout, pushing through injuries like they’re badges of honor, getting all moody if I don’t sweat it out for a day. And let’s not even start on my self-worth being tied up in how much I can bench or how fast I can clear a trail. According to the gospel of the web, I’m textbook “exercise bulimia.”

    Lolo Pass

    And the kicker? Keep at it, and I’m looking at a shopping list of health woes – think injuries, turning into a human raisin from dehydration, bones as fragile as my grandma’s china, and a heart that’s working overtime.

    But here’s the million-dollar question: Is this legit, or just some made-up nonsense by folks who’ve never felt the rush of a downhill ride? Part of me’s ready to call BS, but another part’s wondering if there’s a hint of truth in there.

    Anyway, existential crisis aside, I’ve got a race to prep for. Yep, in three weeks, and not a moment to lose. Tonight’s agenda? A solid 90-minute ride, fresh off last night’s strength training session. So what if my day’s scheduled around my workouts? And hey, if there’s a way to skive off work for more bike time, I’m all ears.

    So there you have it. Me, possibly dealing with exercise bulimia, but also me, not quite ready to hang up my cycling shoes. Priorities, right?

    ON THIS DAY FEBRUARY 13TH

  • Lolo Pass Tele Ski

    Lolo Pass Tele Ski

    Hello from the Green Hanger where I am doing laundry and getting caught up after yesterday’s tele ski on Lolo Pass [check out the pics ]. After a stressful week at work my friend and I met at the Kettle House for a Discombobulator Doppelbock and to make plans to ski on Saturday. We decided on Lolo Pass and with that decision the weekend was on.

    This is the last weekend of un structured work outs because starting tomorrow I begin my quest to be fast in 2007 on the Montana mountain bike circuit. My body fat project is going well and with a month or so of base training I should be right on schedule.

    But first I have to get in some tele ski trips. Right! As previous blogs has eluded to I have an ankle injury. It has been feeling better and better with each passing week. So why not give it a test by going tele skiing.

    Saturday looks bleak both on the web cam shot of Lolo Pass and in town as my friend and I headed out. I had forgotten my coffee and was kind of panicked but I hit it well. I stared out the window dreaming of the creamy mocha broth!

    Oh yea! Back to the trip! Anyway, we showed up at the pass and the sun was out and it appeared we were in for a blue bird day. And what a day it was because it was so warm I had to strip down to just a short sleeve shirt….

    Time shift to later on at Break Espresso: Whew! What happened … oh yea. And now the rest of the story. It was a blue bird day and by the time we reached the top of Fuji we continued on to the higher mountain along the ridge to the South. It was a good ski but my ankle started to ache. I wondered if I was going to be able to ski down.

    On the top where it is not so steep we did well and I was able to complete some turns but as we neared the bottom of Fuji my ankle hurt so bad and I could not put any weight on it. My day was through. I struggled to the car and we discussed the medical care in our country on the way home. It looks like I may need to see a bone a joint doctor.

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

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

  • After A Ride

    I just got back from a winter training ride. This morning it was apparent that I may not even get to ride. It rained all day and the conditions after work were dismal. After some good ol coffee, a bag of barbeque chips, and yogurt I was up for anything. So I set off on my Trek single speed.

    My route was unique. It took me through the streets of Missoula and behind the university. Then I threaded some bike paths along the river to the California Street Bridge. This bridge is cool and it is like a mini golden gate bridge for bikes and pedestrians. I then headed up and over the bridge on Scott Street. Then out to Reserve and up to Snow Bowl Road.

    The entire route was around 26 miles with 1,100 feet climbing. The conditions were not cold but after getting wet it did start getting cold. Now it is over and I am about to hit the sack. This weekend is still up in the air and this work week was once again one of the most stressful. I must get caught up in sleep and so then I must go.

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

    let’s take a stroll down memory lane with my captivating(lol) post!

  • Drunkin Summer Sausage Party

    Drunkin Summer Sausage Party

    Good morning from the Break Espresso . I have had two cups of coffee and a roll already and now my computer has finally started. This morning I awoke with a head ache after last nights big “drunken summer sausage party”.

    You see I had thawed out a summer sausage for the super bowl party this weekend and it was sitting in the fridge awaiting the festivities. I came home from work last night and was absolutely fried. I knew I was approaching the clearing at the end of the path so I grabbed some wine.

    After walking the dog I poured another. The week was so stressful. I had an opportunity to do web work and wanted to get caught up on some projects that on paper looked easy. Unfortunately my code wasn’t the problem. We had problems in the hosting department. It seemed everything was going wrong and in the end I feel like I did not get to a point I wanted to be and feel comfortable.

    So there I was on a Friday starring at the wall wondering what to do next. When would I become human again and start the weekend festivities. By now it appeared that I was going to do nothing else that night so I decided to eat all that I could and enjoy it before the 6 PM FSD (food stoppage deadline; If you do not know what this is you are not a frequent reader of this blog). And there is was! The summer sausage!

    It was there for me when nothing else was. No food in the house, what is a man to do? In about 30 minutes the entire thing was gone along with a half bottle of mustard. I feel asleep.

    So this morning I had a headache quite possibly a mustard hangover. It is cold and frosty today and I hope to get out to ski possibly. Of course I have plenty chores to do since I stumbled last night into the arms of wine, food, and a snuggly pillow. I must get caught up.

  • Blog and You Shall Receive

    Blog and You Shall Receive

    My recent blog mentioned Missoula’s lack of snow. Right after, it snowed! Just returned from a two-hour skate ski in Pattee Canyon, in the best conditions ever (https://www.missoulanordic.org/snow_grooming/messages/1/1.html?1170445054). So it seems, blog it and it happens!

  • Snowless in Missoula

    Snowless in Missoula

    I am about to start breakfast and get a start on this day. I am not looking forward to it. I have never looked forward to this one. I remember being excited to go into work at MARS Stout and at times they had to kick me out at the end of the day. What a contrast. More disappointment came later that evening as I decided (using my foolproof decision machine) to take a ski up in Pattee Canyon.

    I figured that I would not try to skate after going to the Missoula Nordic Website to see thee conditions. I figured I would take my back country set up and go down the Deer Creek Sneak route (a logging road).

    As I started I noticed that the 1 new inch of snow would not be sufficient but we were higher up in the mountains … right? Not right? False? At times I was walking through the forest (no snow) to avoid the bobsled run ready ice covered road. I did enjoy the ski however as the moon was out and making the night as clear as a cloudy day. I could see across the valleys and all the mountains around. Bonner glowed in the distance. it was a nice ski … except for the rocks an lack of snow.

    My ankle did not fair as well and the reason of the ski was to test another boot to see if my skating boots were the culprit. They are not and I must have now a weird foot thing. Paul we can start a foot problem club now … right?

    So its off to make some breakfast and go to the dungeon. Oh yea! Good news! They are no longer watching us on camera at work. I can now pick my nose at will.

  • The Day After The 60K

    The Swan Range This week I have skied 60k (37.3 miles) but have only cycled 18 miles. Is this the bizaro world or what? I have not been outside all day. I plan to go outside since the sun is trying to poke it's way through my blinds asking me to play. My ankle is sore and I fear the there is some kind of tendon pull or hairline crack. The staff infection seems to be under control. The reason for not going outside to play is my soreness after yesterdays …. what should I call it? Adventure, no! Ordeal! Yes! That is a good term to explain it. !Wanna see pictures ?

    PDA Blog : 1/27/07 8.02 am

    I feel sick! I am in Alden's car as I blog to take my mind off of puking all over. We are at that stretch of road between Bonner and Potomac. Real twisty! !See our trip !

    We are headed to the OSCAR ski race in Seeley Lake. I think O means Ovando and the S is Seeley Lake. I don't know what C or A means but R is race. The history is that there was this race from Ovando to Seeley Lake. Now it is a annual 50k race.

    PDA Blog : 1/27/07 3.54 PM

    The race is over and I came in around 2:15, which means that it took me around 5 hours and 15 minutes to do approximately 60k. I know you may be wondering why it was 60 instead of the advertised 50. Well let me tell you!

    Flash To Today

    The scenery of the race course was some of the most beautiful that I have experienced during a race. The Swan Range towering and beyond that the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The scenery was so stunning I escaped into it to endure the pain in my ankle.

    Closeup Of The Swan RangeMy ankle has been injured for about a month and I spent all of last week getting it ready for the race. Starting off it felt good although I noticed that my left ski was un reliable. Like I had no control like my right side.

    The morning was cold and soon I realized that the course was hard and so frozen that only a good strong style and good set of skate ski boots would make the ski controllable. I had neither. Soon I hooked my ski in a snowmobile rut and when I put my weight on my sore side the ski went to the root and redirected my ski in a way that threw my balance off to the left. I balanced on one ski trying to ovoid a fall. I was able to overcome but my ankle bristled with pain. I started to become disgusted.

    Suddenly the parking lot where we started the race was coming into view. Some front runners started to turn around. This was a sure sign that we had gone the wrong way. We turned around to find where we had left the course. In all we had gone a mile off course and the mile back was all uphill. When we reached the intersection (Unmarked) I started to pass all the racers that I had passed before.

    The scenery was gorgeous and I felt like I was going the wrong way. Why did I think this? I was gawking at the mountains so much I was not paying attention. I stopped to loosen my skate boot. The others caught up and surely enough we were still on the course. I soon realized that a loose but hurt worse than a tight one and re tightened. My ankle was hurting so bad my leg was going numb. I cringe now thinking of it.

    Then I reached the climb. I started to climb and noticed that I could catch my friend Alden and some others if I stayed strong. I got into a climbing mind set.

    And hour passed and I was still climbing. I remembered reading about a seven mile climb. I was on it and I will tell you that I never have skate skied a climb that long. The views of the Swan range was just spiritual. I wished I was up on them skinning up.

    On the other side of the pass that I was climbing was the Mission Mountain Range. When I saw them and reached the summit of the climb I was excited and relieved. My ankle hurt but it was all downhill from here. Right! I took and Advil from a first aid person and skied down the other side and back towards the finish line.

    The decent was not as long as I thought and I realized that I was frozen solid. The sweat of the climb had frozen my clothes and I felt like a knight in armor. I felt the Advil start working. My stomach felt funny and my ankle became looser in my boot suggesting that the swelling had gone down. That or the stuff was actually numbing it. One major drawback of Advil while racing is that your upper body cramps up. I couldn't use my poles. I was starting to panic. I was so far out.

    The rest was a matter of pure survival. Making little goal just to survive to the end. After what seemed a week of skiing, suffering, and survival I reached another aid station (a man with a snowmobile full of drink and gue packets). The man said that I was within 5 miles of the finish and it was all downhill.

    At the RaceI decided to double poll the rest of the way. I just couldn't skate any more because my ankle hurt so bad I could not control the ski or put all of my body weight on it. As I got closer I became more excited. When was back on the ski trails near the finish line I started skiing strong again. I ignored my ankle and just went for it.

    I was looking forward to a finish line. I reached a sign that said"<- 50K". The arrow was pointing left. I asked a bystander if the sign was correct. She said it was. As I started to head up the trail away from the direction from the finish line I muttered, "Is this some kind of sick joke"? I skied and skied. I was heading towards the Bob Marshall and the finish line area was the other direction towards Seeley lake. I skied and skied! I kept hoping for the trail to turn and go back. I climbed and climbed. I started to get passed. I was totally out of gas.

    After another 30 minutes I joined the others coming back towards me. They said that the trail could not possibly be the race course. If we turned around though we had to climb another 600 vertical feet to get back out of the valley we just skied into. After some discussion (when has this happened before?), we headed back. I could not continue. I stopped to remove my skis. There was someone behind me suffering too so I decided to keep them on and just wait for him to pass me. I climbed and climbed.

    This was an extra 3 miles at least and soon I was up and over the hill. I struggled to get up enough energy to continue my skate back the finish line. I went the wrong way one more time before taking my final finish place behind someone that I had skied with since getting lost the second time.

    So I guess you can call it an ordeal. My friend Alden had come in an hour and a half in front of me.

  • 25th Annual OSCR 50k

    25th Annual OSCR 50k

    I just checked my lottery tickets for any winners. I got one number right on one of them but overall my 401k is not looking good. I am laying on my side eating breakfast and getting my head together before another stressful day at work. It looks like they are steering me away from PHP and MySQL … anyone know of any job openings where all I can do all day is PHP and web sites? I wish I had more of a graphics background.

    Today is Friday so I will be getting a two day leave from the rock. My plans are going to a ski race (I don’t know yet if I can participate). The race is in Seeley lake Montana and here is a brief description of the 50K course from Lynn Carey:

    “The 50k course at OSCR this year is mildly uphill for the first 8-9 miles,then it tilts up pretty dramatically for 3-4 miles. After the aid station it will be pretty much down hill.

    Near the end you will turn onto the Augie creek cut off road, soon after that you will enter the ski trails at the west gate and follow the 10k course back to the finish line. Anyone who is not in real good shape or competing for a high place finish should plan to start at 9AM and tour the course. This is a celebration of 25 years of OSCR and an adventure, treat it as such. Check out the Seeley Trails snow/grooming page for Lynn’s comments on aid stations and hydration.” ~MissoulaNordic Org

    Last night I hiked with my dog Marcy for about two hours. We hiked up South Sentinel through the gulch between Sentinel and itself. We hike over the ridge and down the Pengally Ridge Trail. We hiked around 5.6 miles and did around 1,943 ft of climbing.

    This weekend is all about recovering and / or going to a doctor to help me with my staff infection. In those plans I hope to try and get some more pictures done and try to re-adjust my training regimen in order to get started early for the first mountain bike race of the season in about a month or so.

    Everyone have a good day and weekend.

  • 50k Race This Weekend

    50k Race This Weekend

    Got my hot water bottle positioned so I can sit down for the first time today. I have made breakfast even though my body fat project is in a lull. And now I can blog just before I realize that I am late for work and vowing to never blog again. Time is precious. I have also went through the latest “Windbriefs” blog to find two new developments in the North Country Ski culture. I sure do miss Plattsburgh New York.

    I don’t know how one prepares for this weekends ski race with conditions that we ave here in Missoula Montana. We have been experiencing warm weather and with that the local haunts are not ski-able. About the only thing left to do is go cycling or hiking; but then I can not go cycling because of a recent health development.

    Tonight I plan to hike around 2 hours and my route is up for debate in my twisted mind. I want to gear up for this Saturday when my friend and I head out to Seeley for a 50k race. I haven’t even skied for two weeks and I wonder if I can even finish the race. My ankle was previously injured but is now feeling better. Tonight will be the fist time on a boot, so I’ll see.

    And … hiking has it’s merits. Marcy for example will benefit from this decision to go hiking tonight. She loves the hike, the mountains, and running wild. Even though my last paycheck was not large enough to even buy her food for this big adventure.

    Ok, before this blog goes into a e-bitching session I will just log off. Have a good day.

  • Reflecting on Past Glories: Gearing Up for Lewiston

    Reflecting on Past Glories: Gearing Up for Lewiston

    The Countdown to Lewiston: Pre-Season Musings

    The calendar’s about to flip another page, and Lewiston, Idaho looms on the horizon like a beacon for us mountain biking enthusiasts. It’s almost surreal to think that in just over a month, I’ll be revving up for the first race of the 2007 season. And here I am, nestled in a cozy corner on a frosty winter evening, lost in the whirlwind of thoughts about my upcoming pre-season rides in April.

    Last Year’s Adventures: A Walk Down Memory Lane

    I find myself meandering down memory lane, reminiscing about last year’s escapades. You see, I’ve unearthed some gems – four pictures from a ride towards the end of April last year. They’re snapshots from my journey on the Triple Divide Ride (do check out “To Hel and Back” for that story), and I realized I hadn’t shared them yet. So, why not sprinkle a bit of that old magic on this chilly evening?

    Here they are, waiting for your eyes and comments. Rate them, critique them, or just enjoy them – your call.

    A Promise Kept: The Power of Friendship

    But hey, there’s more to these photos than just a trip down nostalgia lane. They’re a testament to a promise I made. A buddy of mine pulled off something impressive, and I vowed to share these photos if he succeeded. Well, he did, and here I am, staying true to my word. Last night, while visiting some friends, we dived into a treasure trove of memories. It’s astonishing to realize how many stories are still untold, captured in those unshared pictures. In the next couple of weeks, I aim to bridge that gap.

    Today’s Ride: The Clinton Ride Conquest

    Oh, and about today! I hit the Clinton Ride, clocking in at just over two hours – my personal record on this trail! The sun was out, playing a delightful game of hide and seek with the clouds, and the temperature hovered around a brisk 35 degrees. Perhaps it’s this splendid day that’s got me all revved up about the upcoming rides.

    Looking Forward

    As I gear up for the pre-season, these memories and today’s exhilarating ride serve as a powerful reminder of the journey so far and the excitement that lies ahead. Lewiston, here I come!

    Resources

    1. An article detailing the 26th edition of the race, including its challenges and the eco-friendly initiatives undertaken: To Hell and Back: The Legend Continues – mtbapp.

    2. Information on the 25th edition of the race, including the course layout and rider experiences: Celebrating 25 Years of Riding To Hell and Back.

    3. More details about the 26th edition, including changes to the race route and the community vibe at the event: To Hell and Back: The Legend Continues with the 26th Edition.

    4. For additional event information, like route starts and distances: To Hell and Back – StageRaces.com.

    5. Entry details and descriptions of the race, including information on accommodation and pricing: To Hell and Back MTB Stage Race – Entry Ninja.

  • Biking Through the Freeze

    Biking Through the Freeze

    Last night, I found myself amidst a feast at a party, piling on calories like a freight train chugging to Saint Louis. But the real story here isn’t about the food, it’s about the aftermath. Post-feasting, I joined Marcy for a hike. Sure, it uplifted my spirits, but the scale this morning had a different tale to tell. It nudged me, rather insistently, towards my road bike.

    Today’s journey? A 22-mile round trip to Clinton. Now, 22 miles might not sound daunting, but let’s paint the full picture. Imagine cycling in a frigid 19 degrees, dodging icy patches on the road. The silver lining? Daylight – something that’s been a rare guest this week.

    Despite today’s icy adventure, it’s been a somewhat disheartening week. Work stress aside, my ankle’s been a real party pooper. It’s ironic – I can walk barefoot with ease, but put on a boot, and suddenly, I’m hobbling around. This ankle saga reached its peak during my skate skiing attempt in Pattee Canyon last Thursday. Let’s just say, I ended the night with more of a limp than a glide.

    In the midst of this, I’ve been on a quest, scouting out summer race locations. But tonight, I’m pressing pause on all that. It’s movie night, and my ankle insists on it. So, as I sign off and dive into cinematic escapism, here’s to hoping the coming week brings less ice and more ease!

  • Ski Race and Season Planning

    Racing and Planning: A Weekend on Skis and Strategy

    January 7, 2007, finds me nestled in the heart of ski race season planning, my mind buzzing with the excitement and complexities of the sport.

    Just this Saturday, I embarked on an adventurous race at Seeley Lake, Montana, alongside my friend Alden. We opted for the challenging “2 race” format, tackling 10k on classic skis before switching to skate skis for another 10k stretch. The race was tight, with Alden and I finishing within a minute of each other. Despite my struggles with classical technique and a bit of confusion during the transition (I even missed my start time!), the experience was exhilarating. Keep an eye on Missoula Nordic for the official results.

    Today, nursing a sore ankle from last week’s rocky misadventure, I stayed indoors. It was a day for reflection and planning, interspersed with some football watching. A brief respite came in the form of a hike in Pattee Canyon with Marcy, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the race season buzz. I’ve also started piecing together next year’s training plan, building on last year’s races. For those interested in my journey or planning their own, check out my new year’s log and race list.

    So, that was my weekend: a blend of adrenaline, strategy, and a touch of nature’s calm. I hope your weekends were just as fulfilling and eventful!

    Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just getting started, the world of Nordic skiing is rich with opportunity. For those looking to dive in, Beginner’s Guide to Nordic Skiing is a great resource. And if you’re in the mood for some scenic Montana trails, Explore Seeley Lake offers breathtaking routes for all skill levels. Let the snow be your canvas as you carve out your own winter story!

  • Weekly Online Meeting Canceled

    Weekly Online Meeting Canceled

    Speaking of transitions, some news on the personal front – I’m putting the Weekly Online Meeting on hold. It started as a Friends and Family thing about four years ago, and while it’s been great, I’m just not in the right headspace for it right now. Low interest, high stress, you get the drift. But hey, I’m still here for a chat, anytime. We can even schedule a time if you want a more structured catch-up. I’m planning to use this extra time to hunt for new employment opportunities and to find a better mental space. It’s all about finding that balance, right?

    So, that’s where I’m at, folks. Skiing under the stars, seeking new beginnings, and always up for a chat. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, no matter how tough the transition, there’s always a path forward.

    Resources to Enhance Your Day:

    1. Pattee Canyon Recreation Area: Discover the beauty of Pattee Canyon
    2. Mental Wellness Tips: Strategies for Improving Mental Health
    3. Career Change Guidance: Navigating a Career Transition
    4. Online Chat Platforms: Stay Connected with Friends
    5. Starlit Skiing Adventures: Exploring Night Skiing

    There you have it – my life lately, wrapped up in a blog post. Keep moving forward, everyone! 🌟

  • So Long Lambert

    Montana Memories: From Lambert to Missoula

    As I pack up my car tonight in Lambert, the chilly zero degrees air nips at my fingers, a stark contrast to the slightly warmer 19 degrees back home in Missoula. It’s a quiet evening for me, reflecting on the whirlwind of a vacation I’ve had, while the rest of my crew paints the town red in Sidney.

    My journey began last Friday, after braving two days of icy roads. The adventure kicked off with a bang at a big party for my uncle Dave’s 60th birthday. Imagine a room filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and stories that warm the heart more than any fireplace could.

    Saturday was a day of digital escapades, as I dived into “Call of Duty” 3 with my cousins. The surround sound system and massive HDTV in their basement made me green with envy. The evening was a more local flavor, as I mingled with the town folk at the only bar in Lambert, playing darts and enjoying the night.

    Today, I found myself lacing up my running shoes, regaining a sense of normalcy and dignity. As I pack, I can’t help but feel a tinge of sadness that this visit is drawing to a close.

    As dawn breaks, I’ll be on the road, the beetle packed and ready to go. Missoula, here I come, with a heart full of new memories and a smile that just won’t fade.

    Resources to Enhance Your Day

    1. Visit Montana: Discover the beauty and adventures that Montana has to offer.
    2. Road Trip Essentials: Packing tips and essentials for your next road trip.
    3. Classic Dart Games: Learn the rules and techniques of various dart games.
    4. Call of Duty Strategies: Up your game with these Call of Duty tips and strategies.
    5. Running in Cold Weather: Tips for running safely and comfortably in cold conditions.