Author: Bill

Hello! I am finally here in Lambert, Montana. The roads were a nightmare! I left after work on Thursday and finally arrived here at 2PM this evening. Everything went well until Butte, where I hit black ice all the way to Big Timber. I called my aunt in Billings and she said that she would wait up, so I continued.

Finally, after driving another leg to Billings at a maximum of 40 mph, the black ice still covered the roads. I stayed the night in Billings before moving on East. It took me another 6 hours and just when I thought I drove the worst icy conditions ever … it got worse. I was driving at 40 mph and still drifting off the road. When I would stop, I could not get going again.

But I finally made it, and now we are all enjoying uncle Dave’s 60th birthday. There are around 60 people in the garage. I thought I would take a break to blog that I have arrived safe and sound. I’ll call all you people I promised tomorrow. Until then. Goodnight from Lambert.

Hey, adventure enthusiasts! Today, I’m sharing a little slice of my life that’s sure to ignite the winter spirit in you. Picture this: a brisk December morning, a steaming cup of coffee, and a spontaneous urge to blog. That’s how my day began. But it’s what unfolded next that’s the real story – a unique ski race at Lubrecht Forest, and my own hiking escapade up University Mountain.

The Fun Race at Lubrecht Forest – A Skier’s Delight

Lubrecht Forest, a hidden gem owned by the University of Montana, situated a scenic 29 miles from Missoula, hosted an unconventional ski race. The event, organized by the Missoula Nordic Ski Club, promised a laid-back yet exhilarating experience.

Here’s the twist: it was a 7-kilometer freestyle race with no set tracks – sorry to the classic technique lovers! The entry fee? Just a batch of homemade cookies or brownies to share, making it a deliciously unique event. The focus was on fun, participation, and of course, the post-race cookie feast. This wasn’t just an adult race; plans for a kid’s race and sprints added to the family-friendly vibe.

My Own Adventure – Hiking University Mountain

After the ski race excitement, I embarked on my own adventure. I set out for a two-hour hike up University Mountain, leading to the iconic Beacon. Though the journey was challenging (a change in plans from skiing to hiking meant a quick dash back to town for hiking boots), it was rewarding. The setting sun and the serene environment offered a spiritual experience. Plus, Marcy’s display of her snow skills was a sight to behold!

The Takeaway

Whether you’re skiing in a fun race or hiking up a mountain, there’s something magical about the Montana outdoors in winter. It’s about embracing the cold, the snow, and the community spirit. So, grab your skis, hiking boots, or just a batch of cookies, and make the most of this winter season!

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Explore More:

1. Missoula Nordic Ski Club: Get the latest updates on ski events and trails around Missoula. Visit Website
2. Lubrecht Forest: Discover more about this beautiful forest owned by the University of Montana. Learn More
3. University of Montana Outdoor Program: Offers great resources and programs for outdoor enthusiasts. Check It Out
4. Hiking Tips for Beginners: If you’re inspired to start hiking, this guide is a great place to start. Read More
5. Winter Baking Recipes: Perfect your baking skills for the next ski race entry fee! Get Recipes

Remember, winter adventures are all about the experience, the community, and the memories you create. Stay warm and adventurous!

Good morning from Missoula Montana. Ahh the doldrums of winter! I was just online reading Doug Burners Blog (picture by Doug Burner as well).

"The last couple of days I've been dinking around with the trailer. It's the trailer that Eric used last year which is being handed over to the woman's team because the men are using a different trailer. There really isn't much to do since Eric kept it in great shape. Mostly I'm just figuring out the spacing and where stuff will go. You know, stuff like finding a secure spot for a coffee maker (found a coffee grinder on sale today too). Maybe a little touch up paint here and there. Last week, a second axle and a set of brakes were installed so it should handle really well." ~Burner

 

I also voiced my opinions about next years MORS series. I am hoping that the Wild Rockies have a series for 2007. This weekend has three things going on. We have Buffalo Hill Race, RM Tele Ski, and Lubrecht Fun Race . I am hoping for the event at Lubrecht Forest. My ski form is coming into view and I am feeling excited for the cross country ski season.

Well it is off to work for me (Yuk). Take care everyone and keep in touch (comment on this site).

It is apparent I have been offline quite a while as I have 3652 emails waiting for me in my inbox. whew! I ran in a 5k last weekend and went skiing with a friend. This week I had to recover from too much exercise on the weekends. Tonight is the big football game between the Griz and UMass. And of course this weekend is working itself into a skI frenzy.

Last weekend I went to Frenchtown to run the Freezer Burn 5k. I came in in 4th place with a time of 22:12. Not too bad considering the last time I ran was a couple years ago in the Double Dip Run. I started out and ran most of the race in third but was passed in the end by a scrappy cross country runner from one of the local schools.

On Sunday I went to Lolo Pass with Alden and he proceeded to ski me into the ground until we finally made it back to the car after what seemed to be 4 hours of skiing. That was the last time I walked or did anything for three days. I became very ill and could get around. I will never skate skI for more that two hours at a time. Also learned is to stay on the trails groomed for skating … very important!

Tonight is the Griz game and I had to stay up until 1 AM last Wednesday morning to score some last remaining seats. The game has been sold out ever since. the news is reporting that we will see the largest crowds ever at Washington Griz Stadium. Go Griz.

This weekend is probably looking like ill be skiing. Tomorrow I am thinking about a skI trip with the Rocky mountaineers. Sunday looks like Lolo pass with some friends. Whatever the case … its beginning to look a lot like winter.

Hello from my apartment in Missoula Montana. i just got done posting a couple things and thought I must blog a short mention of last nights activities. I had a weird dream last night so I posted it to my Going Todash site. Also I have posted a calendar item about this Saturday when the Griz take the field in the playoffs. I am hoping to do a 5k run in the morning and relax and recover in front of the TV watching the Griz in the afternoon. Anyone want to watch the game together? let me know!

This Sunday i hope to go skiing or at the very least cycling but last night was my first ski of the season. I headed up Pattee Canyon to the FOLF course to see if there was enough snow to ski. And there was! A good covering and the ski area was in good shape. i brought Marcy so i couldn’t ski the area and headed up University Mountain to see how far I could ski up.

Astonishingly i skied all the way to where the route gets steep and gains the ridge to the top. I hiked up to the next road then up onto the ridge.

I skied the rest of the way to the summit of the Mountain (the beacon). the view was great and I yelled in victory. I decided to ski all the way down and take a side road to lengthen the ski.

Half way down the ridge I hit a large rock and re-broke my boot but it was not fatal for my set up. I was still able to ski down. I took a side road that wound around to the beacon road and blasted down hitting the occasional rock. It was a surprisingly fast decent and with a little more snow could be a weekly event for me.

So now it is off to work and the stresses that thrown a dark cloud over this kind of happiness. By noon I will have had at least three anxiety attacks and i will not even know that I do get to escape to the summits once n a while. have a good day all!

Hello from Break Espresso in downtown Missoula. I am going to post a quickie blog since I wasted most of the morning doing up pictures from Thanksgiving. More on that later when I get more time. Not much going on besides snow and a couple links to point out. Doug Burner has posted a new blog and the Lodge has been given a front page link spot at the Team ROAR web site .

The Grizzly game is today so I must rush off to do some chores (laundry, groceries, ski stuff shopping) before kick off. Now that I look down at my computers clock I better get going.

The cycling season is officially gone with all our new snow and I will be pulling out my skis for a run to Lolo Pass tomorrow. It is all white from here on out.

I hope every ones Thanksgiving was great and you were able to pound some calories.

“For a local race, not too many Missoulians came to the old fort to watch the warriors of cyclocross battle it out in the final race of the Montana cycling season. We had the Red Bull girls from Bozeman and a strong contingent from Kalispell who had to overcome some extreme construction conditions on their way south. I was hoping to see more friends and possibly have someone take some photos, but that wasn’t in the cards, and neither was a win for me. That honor went to Chance Cooke, the state champion from Kalispell.

The course turned out to be a surprise. I was expecting the usual Wednesday Night Race Series caliber course, but I was mistaken. The back end of the course followed some bumpy single track, leading to a sandy run-up that was quite challenging. The course was flat with lots of turns and even some muddy sections.

As usual, the fields were divided, with the Masters group being the largest. As soon as the seven Men’s A riders came by, we took off to see how many we could pass. Even before the run-up, we had started overtaking the A group.

I began the race strongly, expecting to settle down after bridging the initial gap to the A group. However, as I sprinted out, Chance Cooke took the lead and created some distance between himself and the rest of the pack. They just vanished into the distance in our wake. This was not acceptable, and after overcoming some form issues, I managed to catch back up to Chance within 5 laps.

With 4 laps to go, we realized that we were closing in on the Men’s A leaders and decided to help someone from our pack catch them.

On the third-to-last lap, I took charge. I pushed hard, and we started gaining significantly on the front group. I could hear heavy breathing behind me. Could I be putting everyone in difficulty?

I pushed until I felt like I needed a little break before the last lap quagmire. As I swung around a corner approaching a railroad crossing (relatively smoother), I went too wide and hit the tracks head-on. The rails are about 6 inches high… I expected to crash, damage the wheels, and possibly end up in the hospital. Remarkably, I bunny-hopped the first rail and managed to lift my wheel again to clear the second one. The back wheel banged on the rails.

I fully expected to get a flat tire. The leaders took off, and my pace slowed. I nursed the bike, anticipating a flat. I would still secure second place if I could baby the bike for the last lap.

Fortunately, I didn’t get a flat tire, but my late charge to catch back up proved fruitless. Chance charged to the finish line and took the win. I came in a close second.

So, that’s how the last race of the season unfolded. There were some enthusiastic cheering sections, and the race was top-notch. It sure feels great to be up with the front group, battling it out.”

Hello from Missoula Montana. There is a heavy snow advisory today for the mountains and it is becoming ever apparent that I better get out my skis. The sun is not up yet but the skies are getting dark blue. Dawn is eminent. My back aches and I am slowly getting things going this morning and I am on the verge of becoming late for work. I must blog!

The car is not even unpacked yet and that will probably get done around noon. I rolled back into town last night from Helena. I immediately grabbed a Double Haul and sat down to enjoy a evening of Sunday Night Football. I did not move all night. So now here I am after a nights rest ready to spill the beans on yesterday’s events.

I arrived a little early so I ran into town to enjoy one of my favorite things in life. A Starbucks coffee (hey no one has coffee like theirs … well maybe Bernices Bakery) and a blueberry scone. I don’t know what is in the coffee and scone but I can tell you this; I am now officially unbeaten in the Cyclocross scene using this form of taste bud entertainment.

Sunday the 12th was in the 40s in Helena Montana but the wind was threatening to make it brutal. As I walked Marcy around the course to get her input on the terrain Centennial Park was brutal. Marcy approved the course and I signed up for the masters race.

I did around 6 warm up laps and the center piece of this course was a section called “The Spiral of Death” (click to see pic ). The SOD is a spiral where you ride 360 degrees in a circle into the center. In the center is a barrier. You jump that and ride back around 360 degrees back out of the spiral. I think it was pretty cool but a little confusing at first. Almost an optical illusion.

The rest of the course was pretty fast except for the sections heading west into the wind. The triple barriers were on the fastest part of the course so a dismount at full speed could be rather scary.

There were 2 run up sections which made me jump for joy. I love the run up! The first one had a barrier so trying to ride it would not work. This was a small run up. Before the second run up there was an off camber section that could cause a wipe out if one did not stay on line. The second run up was interesting. You approach it at high speed and must dismount after a little riser but before a sand pit. Then scramble up the steepest run up of the year.

As the Mens A came around we lined up for the Masters Race. A minute after the last straggler we started our race. The pace was pushed right off the bat. When we arrived at the SOD we were already catching the Mens A group. I stayed din 2nd place.

As we came out of the SOD I decided to clock in. I took off on a strong pace and quickly broke away. Throughout the race I continued to increase my lead.

My goal was to catch all the Mens A group and i did catch two. In the end I caught all but four of the top group. And that was it … I won my third Montana Cyclocross Series Race.

Next week is the last race of the season here in Missoula Montana. Come out and see me race! I better go now and read my emails.

Greetings from my Missoula digs, fellow off-road enthusiasts! Tomorrow I’m swapping city streets for singletrack as I head to Helena for the epic MBRA Cross Race #7 at Centennial Park. Fingers crossed the midday start time offers a merciful dose of warmth, because let’s be honest, Montana weather is a fickle beast!

Today was a whirlwind, starting with a caffeine fix at the trusty Break Espresso, naturally. Laundry, groceries, the usual adulting stuff… then bam! Bank account says “nope,” forcing me to retreat home. But a technical meltdown like that? Not on my watch! Turns out the Web Lodge is back online, thanks to some troubleshooting magic. Phew!

But what do you do when life throws a wrench in your plans? Simple: grab your bike and hit the trails! My special Pattee Cross circuit in Pattee Canyon was the perfect antidote to frustration. With Marcy, my trusty canine companion, by my side, we spent a glorious half-hour leaping over barriers and conquering climbs. Felt rusty at first, but that familiar flow soon kicked in, leaving me feeling invigorated and ready to shred.

Now, back in my messy apartment, it’s time to pack, prep, and mentally shift gears for one of the season’s final races. Excitement crackles in the air – I can feel it! This Missoula meltdown has transformed into mountain magic, and I’m ready to tackle Helena with everything I’ve got. ‍♀️

So stay tuned, folks! Expect race updates, epic trail tales, and maybe even a glimpse into the post-race celebrations (think muddy glory and well-deserved beers). Remember, even when life throws curveballs, there’s always a trail waiting to be ridden, a challenge to be conquered, and a reason to get out there and explore. Until next time, keep it wild, keep it muddy, and keep on rolling!

UPDATE: It was one of my scripts. I got my hands slapped but the site will be allowed to remain. I am a bad coder!

It has come to my attention that my site may be bringing down my hosts server. I may just get suspended. It all started this morning when I tried to post a blog. That is what I am doing now to try to re-produce the affect.

The site was down all day. This evening I found that when it went down the blog that I posted was corrupted and I deleted it. Now it seems the site is running fine except the guys that I host with say the server is still bogging down. I am using 95% of the CPU. How could that be.

So there you have it. Tonight may be the last night you see the lodge.

Hello from a chilly, dark morning in Missoula, Montana. The outside cold has crept indoors, but I’m about to remedy that with some cooking. Mysteriously up since 2 am, my mind’s been racing with thoughts of work, refusing to let me sleep. It seems dozing off on the couch has thrown off my routine—I’m instating a new rule: no feet up until 9 pm, then it’s straight to bed.

In local news, John Tester has secured the election, but Conrad Burns hasn’t conceded defeat. It’s time to step aside, I’d say.

Apologies for the radio silence on the blog; the Missoula rains have turned my biking trails into hiking paths, but I managed a night ride yesterday. There’s no rest for the wicked with the Thursday Night Group ride calling my name—no post-work naps today.

This weekend’s cyclocross race in Helena marks my last travel race of the year. With the holiday season upon us, I’m eyeing a Christmas at Aunt Paula’s, a cozier trip compared to the long haul to Yuma.

Time to gear up for a challenging day at work. With a bit of grit (and coffee), I’ll conquer it.