Author: Bill

So, picture this: I’m pumped, ready to tackle some cyclocross action, only to end up feeling like a deflated tire. Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly the glorious day on two wheels I envisioned.

First off, I roll up to the venue, feeling a bit conspicuous with my trusty mountain bike amidst the sleek cyclocross rigs. No biggie, I figure, just gonna check out the course before registering. And what a “course” it was…flatter than a pancake! Seriously, the most uninspiring cyclocross terrain I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Undeterred, I head over to register, feeling the competitive spirit rising. But then, bam! The official throws me a curveball. “License, please?” he inquires, eyeing my mountain bike with suspicion. Now, licenses and I aren’t exactly BFFs, and apparently, neither were they with him. Turns out, he hadn’t bothered asking anyone else, but hey, lucky me, right?

“No thanks, I’ll just watch,” I mumble, deflation setting in faster than a popped inner tube. My heart sank faster than a lead weight in that nonexistent cyclocross terrain. So there I was, watching the actual race, feeling like a spectator on the sidelines of my own adventure.

Yeah, you could say it sucked. But hey, at least I got a story out of it, right? And maybe a reminder to check license requirements before rolling up to future races, mountain bike or not.

Here’s to future adventures, hopefully with less flattened spirits and more exciting courses!

Larry’s latest update has us meeting at the junction of Marshall Canyon Road and HWY 10/12 at 6:00 pm for this week’s ride. Last time, we tackled Jumbo Saddle, reaching the peak of Woods Gulch before heading back down. The real thrill came afterwards at Rattlesnake Gardens, where we indulged in delicious soup, black bean quesadillas, and incredibly tasty cookies.

I just came back from Taco DeSoul and I heard that Senator Conrad Burns said, “I am pleased that my Flathead and Kootenai National Forest Rehabilitation Act … frees up 20 million board feet of timber”.What a jackass. Hey I also learned about a festival coming to Missoula called “Festival of the Dead”. How cool is that and Ill bet there will be lots of beer. I know that there are Festival of the Dead flags hanging at Taco DeSoul which is what brought up the event. Anyway my hike up Sentinal was abruptly ended with this threatening storm that never hit. poop face …. oh well now I must get to other business, like laundry. Hope everyone’s day is good.

All who celebrates life, death, and the arts, Festival of the Dead is coming Monday, November 1st. This years theme is called "End of Life Issues." A procession is scheduled to go down Higgins Avenue with the kickoff of celebrations on Wednesday September 22nd around 3 to 8 at Kettle House Brewing on 602 Myrtle Street. Inquiries can be directed at Kelly Robinson at 549-1801.

This was one game I was hoping we would win. It is Bush”s state and I was hoping that a team from Missoula would put those over-rates oil ranchers back out on the range with the cattle. Not going to happen. Sadley the Griz lost big time as Sam Houstin”s Long (a player) smacked around the University of Montana defense for 329 yards and two touchdowns. Another player, Fuller caught 10 passes for 133 yards. The top-ranked Grizzlies were spanked 41-29 Saturday at Bowers Stadium. To make it worse for them they come home to rain, rain, and more rain.

Happy weekend everyone. Here in Missoula it is raining all weekend so my plans for a camping trip has been postponed. I want to get out one more time before it gets below 20 degrees. Today my friend Corey and I are going to Blue Mountain for a quick mountain bike ride. Tomorrow I plan to attempt McCloud in the Rattlesnake Wilderness. I will provide my plans if I go. Next week I really must get serious about employment and I plan to get started with a new haircut. Well time for some smoothie action before the ride. Take care all!

I got free MSN when I bought my computer. Well now they want $20.00 a month and will start taking it out of credit cards I never even provided to them. I bought the computer with my Best Buy Card but somehow MSN has started charging another card I never use. Well then I want to unsubscribe. You can not unsubscribe. The web site will not allow you to access a way to cancel anything. I cant get a phone number to cancel. Here is their phone numeber if you want internet access 1-866-205-6768 … call that to cancel, that is what I am going to do when I get home. It is the only one they have. Can you believe that. Now I have to run a block on my card, which is the only way to unsubscribe. FUCK THEM!

I have not been to any football games this season due to unemployment and the fact that the tickets are $22.00 a game. I do have friends that went to the game and they said it was a great game. I guess Hofstra came out swinging and it took two big plays for the Griz to tame their opponents by the second half. [blockquote]The Pride pulled within 20-to-13 on a 69-yard pass play from Bobby Seck to Devale Ellis just before halftime. And Gian Villante returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown to tie the score at 20 in the third quarter. Montana responded when Craig Ochs connected with Levander Segars on a 75-yard pass play for a touchdown. Segars broke several tackles and spun out of others on his way to the end zone. Jefferson Heidelberger returned a kickoff 96 yards for another touchdown. Heidelberger caught 12 passes for 147 yards while Segars had six receptions for 108 yards. Ochs passed for a career high 364 yards. Freshman Dan Carpenter kicked field goals of 40 and 22 yards and made all five of his extra point attempts. Hofstra quarterback Bobby Seck passed for 300 yards and a touchdown. He was intercepted by Kevin Edwards in the first quarter, who scored on a 38-yard return. Montana could end up with a first-place ranking next week, after top-ranked Southern Illinois fell 23-22 to Northern Illinois.[/blockquote] ˜KPAX

Well the big news is that snow is on its way. Well according to the weather on the TV. I have been lagging behind on getting stuff I need done. I think I am bummed about being out of money. Last night and this morning I was on my site coding and adding to it. I must get out and get things done. Really I am excited about getting a job its all the footwork that sucks.

My car is ready for its service interval and that bums me out. I hope it wont be over $100. On top of that I still need to replace the lens that covers my turn signal. To be more behind, I have decided (not really) to not clean it for a while. Damn I must get on the ball.

Last night we had our Friends and Family Online meeting. It was fun with Kathi and Mom in attendance. Paul almost made it but couldn't get MSN messenger working. We decided to play a game online. I have to go to best buy to see what their is for multi roll online games. Mom and I played Monopoly once online and it was fun but it took so long. You know how long Monopoly takes … Right?

Today I want to go hiking and exploring a new ravine up Sentinal mountain. It is on the verge of snowing but it is raining for now so the bike is out since I only have so much brake pad to Last me the rest of the month.

Today I have Wilma Movie night. Its a nice day for a movie. During the day though, I must get stuff done like laundry, groceries, and post the remainder of my resumes and other documentation that might help others realize my potential. LOL. I must also, if this all wasn't enough, get ready for this weekend as I want to go camping and climbing. (McCloud Mountain) That reminds me, I have also to get this pics of Mosquito Peak online.

Well its off to the bank.

This Friday, Missoula’s set for a blast with two downtown events. First up at 4 PM, the Maverick BrewFest, celebrating Montana and Northwestern brews, music, and food. Entry’s $10, netting you 5 beer tickets. Buzzed and merry, next stop: First Friday Gallery Night. Dive into Missoula’s art scene, with galleries unveiling new works and hosting receptions. It’s a monthly treat, starting at 5 PM and goes for 3 hours—plenty of time, so no rush finishing those BrewFest beers. For gallery details, check with the MDA (Missoula Downtown Association). Enjoy a leisurely downtown stroll; it’s all part of the fun!

Man, this breakfast is hitting just right. And let me tell you, we more than deserve it after this morning’s heroics. Yeah, you heard that right—heroes. And by ‘we,’ I mean my fearless dog Marcy and yours truly.

So, there we were, hitting the trails, when Marcy suddenly goes into full alert mode over some deer, which was totally out of character for her. These deer were booking it like I’ve never seen before. Turns out, Marcy had spotted a massive coyote on the prowl, sneaking up on a young deer. The moment Marcy lost her cool, it was like a scene out of a wildlife chase—coyote bolts, deer darts off. Now, without me, that coyote might’ve had Marcy for breakfast, but let’s not kid ourselves; it was her guts and sharp instincts that saved the day and the deer family. Absolute legend, that dog.

I sit here with smoothie in hand and must get into the shower. I am running down to the Liquid Planet for friends and Family Online. I think a glass of wine and some online chatting will be filling out the rest of my night.

I just did the Treasure Ride tonight. I didn’t time it but I have done the route as planned today, taking the trail to the right at the junction in the first wooded area. On top there was hand gliders taking off and some were already flying. What a great sight, I wish I had my camera.

On the way down the access road I noticed some single track to the left. It is just a quarter mile before the Crazy Canyon Road turns left and you go right onto the logging road for the decent into the wooded gully.

The trail was good but short and at the junction I went right and it came out back on Crazy Canyon Road. So its an extension to the loop. I did not take the junction to the left. I imagine it goes straight over towards the Folf course.

Dive into Missoula’s art scene every first Friday monthly, showcasing new gallery exhibits and receptions. A must-see! For gallery info, reach out to the Missoula Downtown Association.

Event Time: Sep 10th, 2004, 5:00PM – 8:00PM
Location: Downtown Missoula
Contact: Missoula Downtown Association
Phone: 406-543-4238
Discover More: missouladowntown.com

I must go to bed. Damn I have been spending way to much time in front of the computer. In a way it is good because I am getting some time in with PHP and databases while I work on my site. This is what I want to do in the professional world. So in a way this is good exercise. Tomorrow I MUST pay the bills if there is enough money to go around. I want to explore the Brew Pub part of Missoula tomorrow also and then maybe a back pack trip into the Rattlesnake this weekend.

Well, maybe it is time for bed … OK, goodnight!