Author: Bill

There’s a ride I look forward to every fall: Eagle Creek, just outside Gardiner, Montana. October rolls around, and the aspens explode into golds and oranges, turning the trail into something out of a painting. It’s one of those grueling uphill climbs that makes you question your choices about halfway through. But the view at the top? Totally worth it.

I started out in high spirits, but about halfway up, I felt that unmistakable wobble in the tire. Flat number one. Annoying, but manageable. I patched it up, took a breath, and got back on the trail. Not five minutes later? Flat number two. Right there on the side of the trail, watching golden leaves drift down, I just sat for a minute, questioning my life choices and feeling a little deflated myself.

Lately, work had been that same grind, an endless mountain that didn’t seem to get me anywhere. Every day felt like another climb, another hurdle, just spinning wheels and wondering if I was actually moving. It’s a special kind of tired, the kind that starts to wear you thin and make you feel like you’re fading away a bit.

But there, with the aspens blazing around me and the sky so clear and blue, something just shifted. The mountain didn’t care about my emails or projects. And maybe that was the point. I packed up, ready to roll, and headed back down.

That descent? Pure bliss. All that hard work going up transformed into this wild, freeing ride down, with the wind in my face and golden leaves scattering around me. Sometimes, you need to get away from the daily grind to remember that there’s a world out there that doesn’t care about your deadlines. Just you, the bike, and that rush that makes you feel alive again.

In the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone,
where the river carves its restless song,
ancient rocks rise steep and bold,
and autumn’s fire colors the cold.

Golden leaves cling to branches tight,
flames against the slate-gray height,
as the water rushes, wild and free,
weaving threads of mystery.

The cliffs are scarred, the ages told
in every crack and rugged fold;
nature’s hand, both fierce and grand,
etched these walls from river and land.

The air is crisp, the world is still,
save for the murmurs of the chill
and the endless pulse of river’s roar,
a timeless tale on a stony shore.

In this canyon, wild and lone,
I feel the river’s strength as my own.
Here among the amber trees,
I find a quiet, fierce release.

Just posted a new video capturing the magic of our first snowstorm of the year here in Livingston, Montana! ❄️ Sleigh bells ring in the background, adding that cozy, old-school holiday vibe as the snow piles up.

There’s something special about that first snow. It’s like the world hits pause, just for a minute. Take a look if you’re in the mood to get a little lost in some winter wonderland vibes!

Imagine a video opening on an early morning in Livingston, Montana, with a crisp, autumn chill in the air that’s practically visible. The camera sweeps over a bed of golden and fiery-red leaves, scattered along the ground and clinging to the last holdouts on the trees. A soft, dappled light filters through the branches, creating that warm, October glow that feels like a cozy sweater for the soul. The wind picks up in little gusts, making the bushes sway and dance, almost as if they’re whispering secrets of seasons past.

In the background, you catch a glimpse of the Yellowstone River, winding quietly but purposefully through the landscape. It reflects the sky’s pale autumn blue and hints of the surrounding foliage, its surface occasionally rippled by the breeze. There’s a timelessness to the scene, a sense that this same river has watched a thousand autumns drift by. The soundtrack could be the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional bird call, mixed with the faint, soothing rush of the river, grounding you in this perfect, fleeting fall moment in Livingston.

Two riders: Snuggles (a.k.a. Mo) and my buddy Conte from Bozeman. Gonna miss these moments. Enjoy the vid!

2009 was an exceptional year shadowed by my going to the 24 hour solo worlds. But looking back, there were moments that mean more than the long forgotten aspirations.

Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/SmPdEIChD8xxKU0n1
Music: Shark Disco by Elliot Holmes

2008 was a big year, and I found lots of footage of my friends and I playing around in Montana and Idaho. Enjoy the journey to the end of 2008.

Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/dHXtbe47iKdxYhJw6
Music: Feeling Alright by Gavin Luke

2008 was a tough year. One part of that tough year was a severed tendon and spending the spring and summer rehabbing it. Just need to get this 2008 footage off my drive and out there to endure.

Episode 9 is all about kicking back and enjoying the simple pleasures at Pilot Peak. We’re diving into a casual photo shoot, capturing the magic of the outdoors, while fueling up with some good old van-made burgers and chips. You can’t go wrong with a cold drink in hand, the best seat in the house, and the perfect backdrop for those epic shots. It’s the kind of day that reminds you that adventure doesn’t always mean go-go-go—sometimes it’s just about savoring the moment. Check out the full video for the chill vibes and scenic views!

And here’s what we’re talking about—does it get any better than this? Burgers hot off the grill, chips on the side, and a cold IPA to wash it down, all while soaking in a view straight out of a postcard. The towering peaks in the distance, Pilot Peak standing tall in all its glory, with the golden hour light painting everything in that warm, perfect glow. This is the kind of campsite that makes you stop and appreciate the simple moments—good food, great company, and a view you’ll never forget. Who needs a fancy restaurant when you’ve got nature serving up a five-star backdrop?

This is what van life dreams are made of—just look at that burger! Juicy, loaded with all the fixings, and paired with crispy chips that crunch in all the right ways. And then there’s the EcoStar IPA, ready to cool things down with a refreshing sip. But let’s be honest, the real star of this meal isn’t just what’s on the plate, it’s what’s beyond it. The rugged mountain range, with its peaks jutting into the sky, feels like the ultimate backdrop for a meal like this. No city skyline could ever compete with the tranquility of these towering pines and endless views. It’s the perfect combination of food, drink, and nature—life doesn’t get much better than this.

And as the day winds down, this is the view from the inside—sunlight streaming through the van window, casting a soft glow on everything. The gear is scattered, a bag of chips waiting for round two, and the coffee pot standing by for that evening brew. Outside, the mountains are fading into the evening mist, the trees standing tall and quiet, as if the whole world is holding its breath. It’s moments like this that remind you why you come out here. No distractions, just the peace of the open road, the beauty of the wilderness, and the simplicity of life lived on your own terms. Nothing more needed.