Author: Bill

So, tonight’s run was almost a DNF (Did Not Finish) thanks to a post-work chocolate binge and some serious couch potato vibes. But hey, even heroes have cheat days, right? After dozing off for what felt like an eternity, I finally dragged myself out the door, determined to get some blood pumping.

Originally, Mount Sentinel via Hellgate Canyon Trail was the plan. But let’s face it, after a nap and indulging in my sweet tooth, even a squirrel could outrun me. So, I downshifted my ambition and opted for the more manageable Kim Williams Trail, with a promise to myself to conquer Hellgate Canyon on Monday (rain or shine!).

Made it to the end, lungs burning, sweat dripping, and feeling pretty good… until it came time to turn around. Running back felt like pushing a boulder uphill, so I surrendered to a walk, forcing myself to run the last mile just for some semblance of a workout.

Now, back home, I’m a puddle of exhaustion, hoping tomorrow brings better energy and banishes this scratchy throat. Birthday weekend is upon me, and the plan is epic: a bike ride into Idaho with the Deer Creek Ride crew, followed by a kayak adventure film night at the Pipestone Store. Sounds perfect, right?

But there’s one snag – the weather gods. Please, universe, no birthday rain! All I want is to celebrate by exploring Idaho on two wheels. So, weather gods, I’m begging you, be kind to this birthday biker!

Here’s to hoping for a healthy, adventurous, and weather-blessed birthday weekend!

Well, it is Friday, and this weekend I start getting into shape for the upcoming summer season of fun in the sun on a bike. I have selected Lolo Pass because of its vicinity (just up the road … have you checked the gas prices lately?) and it has a pass. I have taken the week off to recover from my “mountain run a day for 31 days straight” campaign and I feel out of shape as usual.

The weather is a different story. Our spring-like weather has left, and a more seasonal briskness has returned. I am hoping to have warmer temps visit us as I begin to go road biking.

So tomorrow off I go on my first road bike ride in Montana. Last year I did not have a chance to do a real long ride anywhere since I was new to the area and succumbed to the mountain biking season.

• BIKELOG 2005
• Total Miles This Month: 108.56 miles
• Total Miles This Year: 236.00 miles
• Total Climb This Month: 1,368.5 feet
• Total Climb This Year: 2,490 feet

The content reflects a deep passion for cycling, endurance challenges, and the spirit of adventure. It’s inspiring to see individuals push their limits and embark on such extraordinary journeys. The dedication and determination of the participants shine through in these engaging narratives.

If you’re a cycling enthusiast, these links will provide you with a wealth of information about challenging biking routes, personal achievements, and the incredible spirit behind these adventures.

Citations:
[1] https://www.adventurecycling.org/resources/blog/one-big-circle-the-first-90-degrees/
[2] https://www.komoot.com/guide/44269/road-cycling-routes-in-montana
[3] https://williammartin.com/mountain-biking/2013-rmvq
[4] https://williammartin.com/mountain-biking/the-rmvq/
[5] https://www.ridethehiawatha.com/the-trail

The recovery of last weekend’s climb up Lolo peak is complete, and now I am preparing for my road cycling months here in Montana. April and May, I usually hit the road to get into shape and to get into a better shape. Being poor, all I could get to prepare my road bike was two cheap tires, and with those, I will overhaul my bike tomorrow. This means getting the mountain bike somewhat going so I can ride to work on something that is not tricked out with clip-less pedals and a greasy big chain ring. If you are a commuter who likes to keep their pant legs clean, you know what I mean.

This Friday I will complete my days off from training by going on a run, and this weekend I am planning a 50-mile bike loop or mountain pass ride somewhere. I am thinking Lolo Pass since it is close, and I have never explored beyond the pass itself. The weather is turning spring again, but the rains are supposed to keep the spring feelings at bay. Let us hope April will be better.

Last night was FFOL, and it was just mom and I. Kathi came in a little later with some digital photo questions that I must research a little further today for her. In addition, my aunt Paula needs a map to Iowa for her swaray. Therefore, I better run to work and get busy there. Cheers to the adventurous today; May they find the week adventurous.

The content reflects a deep passion for cycling, endurance challenges, and the spirit of adventure. It’s inspiring to see individuals push their limits and embark on such extraordinary journeys. The dedication and determination of the participants shine through in these engaging narratives.

If you’re a cycling enthusiast, these links will provide you with a wealth of information about challenging biking routes, personal achievements, and the incredible spirit behind these adventures.

Before I forget

Ah, hats off to the folks at MARS Stout Inc., for turning what I anticipated to be a dull evening into a marathon reading session of my own life’s chronicles. There I was, supposed to be scoping out last May’s weather patterns in Missoula for this year’s cycling escapade, when I tumbled down the rabbit hole of my own blog. It was like binge-watching my life’s series, from my inaugural day in Missoula right up to the present. Quite the emotional rollercoaster, let me tell you.

Citations:
[1] https://williammartin.com/mountain-biking/2013-rmvq
[2] https://www.adventurecycling.org/resources/blog/one-big-circle-the-first-90-degrees/
[3] https://williammartin.com/mountain-biking/the-rmvq/
[4] https://www.komoot.com/guide/44269/road-cycling-routes-in-montana

Man, I just crawled back from Lolo Peak last night, rolled in around 10:30 like a deflated beach ball. It was an epic battle royale with Mother Nature – 5,000 feet of elevation gain, snowdrifts deeper than a Kardashian’s weave, rocks more treacherous than a politician’s promise, and wind that could rip the shingles off a dragon. Talk about character-building! My legs feel like overcooked linguine, but I’ll write more when I’m not face-planting into the keyboard.

Honestly, this might be the toughest peak I’ve tackled yet. Up top, the weather went rogue – winds howling like a banshee on a bender. Brutal doesn’t even begin to describe it. But hey, there’s something weirdly satisfying about pushing yourself to the limit, right? Like, even when my brain was screaming “Dude, turn back!”, my feet kept moving. Especially when the sun started setting and I realized I wasn’t even close to the summit. Talk about a motivator! By the time I finally made it down, it was pitch black – I practically navigated by glow-in-the-dark socks.

Now, I just finished sorting through my pictures, and let me tell you, they’re mountain masterpieces. Seriously, the best I’ve ever captured. Stay tuned for an upload tomorrow – they’re so stunning, I might even try to sell one (don’t judge, gotta feed this hiking habit somehow, right?).

Anyway, gotta crash. My body is begging for a truce, but my brain wouldn’t shut down until I said hi and scrubbed my hiking plans off the web. Don’t want anyone thinking I became a permanent resident of the peak!

Until next time, happy adventuring! (And maybe pack an extra layer next time… just sayin’.)

The recovery of last weekend’s climb up Lolo Peak is complete, and now I am preparing for my road cycling months here in Montana. April and May, I usually hit the road to get into shape and to get into a better shape. Being poor, all I could get to prepare my road bike was two cheap tires, and with those, I will overhaul my bike tomorrow. This means getting the mountain bike somewhat going so I can ride to work on something that is not tricked out with clip-less pedals and a greasy big chain ring. If you are a commuter who likes to keep their pant legs clean, you know what I mean.

This Friday I will complete my days off from training by going on a run, and this weekend I am planning a 50-mile bike loop or mountain pass ride somewhere. I am thinking Lolo Pass since it is close, and I have never explored beyond the pass itself. The weather is turning spring again, but the rains are supposed to keep the spring feelings at bay. Let us hope April will be better.

Last night was FFOL, and it was just mom and I. Kathi came in a little later with some digital photo questions that I must research a little further today for her. In addition, my aunt Paula needs a map to Iowa for her swaray. Therefore, I better run to work and get busy there. Cheers to the adventurous today; May they find the week adventurous.

The content reflects a deep passion for cycling, endurance challenges, and the spirit of adventure. It’s inspiring to see individuals push their limits and embark on such extraordinary journeys. The dedication and determination of the participants shine through in these engaging narratives.

If you’re a cycling enthusiast, these links will provide you with a wealth of information about challenging biking routes, personal achievements, and the incredible spirit behind these adventures.

Citations:
[1] https://williammartin.com/mountain-biking/2013-rmvq
[2] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28947-Activities-c61-t214-Montana.html
[3] https://www.komoot.com/guide/44269/road-cycling-routes-in-montana
[4] https://williammartin.com/mountain-biking/the-rmvq/
[5] https://www.ridethehiawatha.com/the-trail

Marcy’s spirit of relishing every adventure truly sets her apart. She doesn’t merely cross the stream; she leaps energetically into its deepest parts and joyously bounces through. The sheer amount of energy this little dog exhibits is unmatched by any human. Outdoors, she’s an absolute whirlwind of excitement.

This morning, running late for work gave me the perfect excuse to pedal my bike faster than usual. In the woods, I channel my inner Marcy on my bike. However, as I rounded a corner, my gracefulness fell short of Marcy’s expertise in navigating terrain at high speeds.

It had snowed earlier, and the wind was so fierce it felt like being in a wind tunnel. The temperature was bitterly cold, the kind that hinted at black ice hiding around every turn. Approaching a traffic light that started to turn yellow, I thought, “Hey, I’ll just zip around this corner and keep going… that way, I don’t have to stop.” So, I dove into the turn – and straight onto the black ice.

I hit the ground, performing the classic road bike slide. Quickly, I got up, gathered my bike, and continued on. As I rode, I adjusted my rear fender and assessed the situation. My bike seemed fine, but I was left pondering over a sharp pain in my elbow.

At work, I noticed the damage to my ROAR jacket and braced myself for what I’d find underneath. Sure enough, there was a significant patch of skin missing. My knee also ached, but I was more concerned yet relieved that my only pair of jeans had survived unscathed. Jeans truly are unbeatable. Had I been wearing my cotton pants, I’d be sitting here with a hole in them.

Hey there, folks! Bill here, and let’s dive right into this Monday, which is, well, feeling like a classic Monday. It’s all coming back to me, especially last Friday. You see, I’m still a software guy at heart, and on that fateful Friday, I was supposed to create a flow chart. Sounds simple, right? Well, not so much. My co-worker and I couldn’t quite agree on what we wanted, and long story short, I ended up working an extra hour. Yep, that’s Friday for you.

But let’s turn our attention to today, shall we? Monday means picking up where we left off, but before we get into the nitty-gritty, I have some exciting news to share. I went hiking yesterday, and it was an absolute blast. A long, 10.5-mile hike that didn’t feel half as long because the sights were simply spectacular.

Spring is in full swing, and everything is turning a vibrant shade of green. I couldn’t resist stopping at times to capture the beauty of this lush greenery. And just when I was about to swing left and head up the Lantern Ridge, guess what? Snowfall! It was like a magical touch to the already stunning landscape.

Instead of tackling Lantern Ridge, I decided to venture a little further on the South Fork Lolo Creek Trail and then follow the creek back to capture some mesmerizing waterfall shots. But here’s where adventure met reality – once I hit the wilderness boundary, things got rugged and thick. It became clear that following the creek back wasn’t the best idea, so I retraced my steps.

As I made my way back, a storm tagged along, but just when I was within 3 miles of the trailhead, the sun burst through the clouds. And that’s when it happened – I captured a magnificent picture of a rainbow touching down right in front of me. Mother Nature sure knows how to put on a show!

After basking in the sun for a while, I headed home, but there was one small hiccup – a huge blister on my heel. So, this week’s project? Fix those boots, no doubt about it.

Don’t forget to check out the pictures from the hike for a visual treat. Until next time, keep exploring, stay prepared for Monday surprises, and always keep those boots in tip-top shape!

Good morning, world! Bill here, and it seems like the apartment’s shrubs have met their match – the landlords decided to give them the chop. Now, anyone strolling down the street can take a sneak peek into my humble abode. But hey, let’s not dwell on that because there’s a snowy spectacle outside right now. Snowstorms are putting on a show, but the catch is, it all melts away within an hour.

Now, let’s rewind a bit and chat about last week. Well, it wasn’t the most successful adventure, I must admit. I wasn’t exactly feeling like a million bucks, but I decided to give the South Fork of Lolo Trail a shot. I made it to the junction where Lantern Ridge begins, and the trail continues back down to the South Fork of Lolo Creek. But then, Mother Nature decided to throw a fierce snowstorm my way, and visibility went from hero to zero in seconds. I had about a foot of snow dumped on me in that last mile before I had to make the tough call to turn back.

But you know me, I’m not one to shy away from a challenge. Today’s plan, weather permitting, is to tackle Lantern Ridge and conquer Lolo Peak. Now, why am I a bit skeptical? Well, those pesky snowstorms are in the forecast, and if I can’t snap some decent photographs, then Lolo Peak will have to wait for another day. As a side plan, I’m thinking of sticking to the South Fork of Lolo Trail until I stumble upon some creek or waterfall opportunities. And yes, Marcy’s joining me on this adventure!

Don’t forget to check out the map for a sneak peek at the route. So, whether it’s clear skies or a snow-filled wonderland, the adventure must go on. Stay tuned for updates, and let’s see if we can make it to the peak today. Until next time, keep exploring, stay warm, and embrace the unexpected!

Just slapped some fresh pics up on the ‘gram. So, last Thursday, I needed a bit more oomph than the usual pep talk to lace up for a jog. Armed to the teeth with my camera and a smidgen of hope that it might actually see some action (aside from the usual dust gathering), I ventured out. But let’s be real, trotting around with a camera that feels like it’s got its own gravitational pull is no picnic. That’s when the lightbulb went off – a pit stop at Starbucks for my ultimate pick-me-up. A piping hot coffee of the day paired with a blueberry scone that’s basically heaven in a bite. Alas, the evening had set in, and the bakery section was screaming “night owl snacks,” so a cookie had to play understudy to the scone.

And would you believe it? That was the magic potion I needed. I hit the trail at Grant Creek, camera in tow (because let’s face it, who am I if not the paparazzi of nature?). So, take a gander at the snaps!

Ah, a groggy hello to the world from my little corner of it. The thermometer’s flirting with 27 degrees this fine morning, and here I am, for the umpteenth time, staring at the ceiling at 4 AM, wondering if sheep have a union to ensure they’re counted in proper working conditions. Here’s to sharing new snapshots today (feast your eyes on this teaser from the South Fork of Lolo Creek).

Last evening’s escapade involved me attempting to conquer Woods Gulch by trail running. Marcy, in her typical superhero mode, zoomed ahead, while yours truly was more like a vintage car on its last legs—sputtering and coughing. Today marks day 20 of my mountain running marathon, and I’m eyeing 10 more before I allow myself the luxury of rest. Yep, that’s a new record in the making for my tired legs.

And now, as the last of my Malt O Meal bids farewell and my toast plays its swan song, I must too part ways with this digital confabulation. Until next time, adieu.

Howdy, adventure seekers! Bill here, and I’ve got a little tale from our recent outdoor escapades. Last week, Marcy and I set out to conquer Carleton Ridge from Mormon Peak, but after a solid 6 miles and a “snow too deep” roadblock, we had to make the tough call to turn around. That adventure turned into a 12-mile marathon, and it ate up a whopping 9.5 hours of our day. The kicker? I didn’t even make it to the ridge!

Now, today’s a different story – no grand expectations, just a quest for the summit of Lolo Peak. This time, I’ve decided to go solo, leaving Marcy behind. Last weekend, she might’ve overindulged in something she ate, and I don’t want to push her too hard. She’ll join me for this hike again next weekend, and fingers crossed that the last climb won’t be too much for her. If it is, I won’t hesitate to call it quits.

As always, you can check out the link to the map online. Today, my sights are set on the Mill Creek to Lantern Ridge Route. However, there’s a twist in the weather forecast – rain! After over a week of clear skies, it looks like this trip might be a bit dampened, quite literally.

But you know the drill, folks. When it comes to adventures, we roll with the punches, rain or shine. Stay tuned for updates, and let’s see if Lolo Peak is ready to welcome us today. Until next time, keep exploring, keep hiking, and keep that adventurous spirit alive!

On this day in history, ‘Hey Zeph! Want an Action Wipe?‘ I asked, after cleaning the blood from my shin.

— Saved by a Package, 2013

Last night was rough; I was sick, but Excedrin helped this morning. Today’s plan? A hike up Mormon Peak and North Ridge of Lolo Peak with Marcy. We’re starting at 9 AM. Check out the map for more details: See map for details.

The Week in Review: Caught up with family last week. Had lunch with Aunt Paula, Wanda, and my uncles at a place called 3Ds or 4Ds. Enjoyed a massive mushroom burger and received a gigantic care package from Aunt Wanda. It’s so much food, I’m thinking of saving up for a haircut, car wash, or gas. The possibilities are endless!

This Friday, my photos caught some attention, especially after sharing with The Friends of Lolo, who then spread the word to the media. This led to a frenzy of requests for photos and my take on the events.

Official Statement: Alden and I were snowshoeing when stopped by Tom Mclain’s crew, who advised us to seek permission next time. We noticed a snow grooming machine and logging activity on National Forest Service lands. Captured it all in photos. That’s all there is to it!

“she is running … holy shit”

— Spectator at Togwotee Classic 2018

Last Saturday my friend Alden and I took a snow shoe up the East Ridge of Lolo Peak. We drove up the access road from the East until the snow was to deep. Apparently we hiked across Tom McClay’s property because a mile or so from the State Forest Boundary his thugs drove up on snow machines to give us a little intimidation talk.

Apparently ol Tom might have taken his snow cat up into the national forest when there was a lot of snow and now they are having trouble getting it out. Well, that is my take on it and I have taken a couple pictures to prove it.

Alden and I did not reach any real heights but we did go to a pretty high spot on the ridge before turning back. It was pretty exhausting given the distance of the approach to the real climbing.

BIKELOG 2005

Total Miles This Month: 80.24 miles
Total Miles This Year: 127.44 miles
Total Climb This Month: 1,011.5 feet
Total Climb This Year: 1,121.5 feet

My friend Alden Wright and I have teamed up this weekend to snowshoe up a East ridge of Lolo Peak. Today is a sunny day and should prove to be perfect for Peak pictures. We will not attempt the entire summit because the journey is too long since we can not get to the trailhead due to snow conditions this time of year. See the map for details.

UPDATE: Posted a gallery of the event over here.

The week in review, well let’s get the bad news out of the way. Win-Dixie, MARS biggest customer has filed bankruptcy. What does this mean, I don’t know but there are talks at work to find other jobs. This is really distressing to me since I really like working there. I was hoping to make myself a regular employee and make a little more money to support my new life here in Missoula. I hope my higher power has me in mind.

Love the job. I have been coding in PHP and have developed some great applications. This is the first job that i would do for free.

Hike a day for 31 days done now a run a day for 31. Last week i completed my hike a day campaign for 31 straight days. I am rested up from a week of inactivity and now am ready for my running phase of springtime fitness. I need it too, last night I noticed that i gained some inches around my waist and have also gained weight. That is bad news for someone that loves to climb.

On this day in history:

2004: JOB UPDATE – As you all know the government has canceled comanche. Sikorsky aircraft along with UTC has no clue what to do with us.

2003: Computer Funnies – At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry.

2002: Me Fat – Today is blue. I am blue because my body fat reduction and/or weight are not where I want it to be. I seem to be gaining weight with muscle mass.

From the latest outdoor misadventures back to a time of personal reflections and career uncertainties, this list offers a chronological reverse journey through the captivating and varied experiences shared in blog form.

A hike a day has continued and now I am on my 22nd day if I go today, and why wouldn’t I. Today I am planning a climb up McLeod Peak today. Once again I am getting out late but I am struggling. I am exhausted for some reason, although the excitement of a new adventure is perking me up. There are a series of roads called McClure and Gray wolf off of route 93 that I will attempt to start from. I intend to skirt the boundary of the Vision Quest territory of the Salish Tribe, being careful not to intrude upon the sacred areas. The boundary seems to follow a ridge line over to McLeod. I intend to follow that and stay north of the Finley creek drainage. I intend to drive as far as I can go and set out from there.

As I remarked earlier I am “Wore Out”. Big Big. I guess I can attribute the fatigue to this weeks hikes, or shall I say runs. For some stupid reason I have ran all my hikes this week. I am getting out of hand. Next week I hope to slow down and relax a little. For gods sake, it is only February.

Julie sent me a DVD movie of the Wrangle St. Elias National Park. It is a place where she lives next to and I have been wanting this movie called “Crown of the Continent” for quite some time. On Tuesday I received a package and was overwhelmed with joy to find it was the movie I wanted. Thanks Julie, I watch it all the time. Ok, it the only movie I own.

At work I have been creating some great stuff. Not only is my interview server working out nicely but now I can use data collected and build pdf files dynamically as easy as creating a web page. How cool is that.

Well it is off to the task, god speed all!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and explore some remarkable moments captured in blog posts. Join me as we uncover the tales and snapshots that have shaped my digital diary:

• 2003: We Have Moved!
• 2002: Grown Up Job Deserves Pizza!
• 2001: New Energy