A late start resulted in a fantastic downhill extravaganza into a great sunset over the peaks of the Bridger Range. We were two people strong and a surging front runner was able to clear the tough climb out of Fairy Lake. We all got to the car just as the sun set. It is that time of year you know.
On Paul’s last day we hit up the Bangtail Divide Ride. Long day. Didn’t take many photos due to some, lets say, stress of concern for others. But we all made it. Some pretty sick and others fine. We have to stop killin off our friends when they visit.
Paul is visiting us for 3 days. On Saturday we decided to rent a mountain bike for him and to take him on some of our favorite rides here in Bozeman Montana. Emerald Lake was our first stop. A nice little 4-ish mile climb up to a little lake that is surrounded by 10,000 ft. mountains. It proved to be a great opening ride visit for my friend Paul. Tomorrow Bangtail maybe.
I was at work on Friday with a massive headache. So I decided to stop by the doctors office to see what we could do and then head home. I was able to take a nap and finally the headache subsided. It was the beginning of the weekend and I wanted to do something with my friend Paul who is visiting here from New York. So with this light background headache we headed up the Sacagawea climb. What a great evening with a friend. Even though the valley was filled with smoke we were presented with things to appreciate close up like the inhabitants on top of this mountain.
Last nights group adventure was two deep for the smoke filled massive climb which led to a short but intense and sometimes pretty downhill.
We came out in the dark which in not unusual for me. Last nights adventure was the The Mysticlly Hidden Trail. In the end it was 2 survivors but no photos. Lost GPS, fading light, and a forgotten trail entrance ensured that there was no time for the pretty photo. We did see Elk moving across a high meadow in the sunset. Totally cool. Also spotted were numerous deer and 1 suprised fox. But no Moose!
Last weekend we got out for a adventure and selected Ross Pass. Neither one of us has done this ride and as you can tell it was a keeper. Amazing how many back yard rides we have not done yet. Well … better get back to finding another one.
My good friend Paul from New York visited us in Yellowstone National Park last year about this time. And he brought his son Nikko. I hope I spelled his name right . We only had a day so we did with all the tourist to, check out the Grand Canyon.
Last night a strong field of two attacked and overcame the Wheeler Gulch climb. All riders were rewarded with a beautiful sunset on the trail. I sure wish I could do the FitzBarn this year 😦 … all my fault. A little ride like this to sooth the soul.
Our last day at the Potosi Campground we decided to head on up to a lake called Bell. The distance seemed easy enough. Only a little over 3 miles. And then there was the 4 mile ride to the trailhead. What we ran into next was some of the most washed out atv trail in these parts. For at least the first mile anyway. But then it got better and eventually turned into a real technical single track. Which we like. And inded the climb was well worth it. After a sit down for some snacks we be-bopped back to camp. Good times. And then realized we had visitors …
Lower twin lakes sits at around 8000 feet and is in the Tobacco Root Mountains. We arrived at our campsite late night as per usual. Set up our camp unknowingly in the perfect place. It always seems to work out. Right?
The next day we did what we normally do. Started climbing, and climbing, and climbing, and ending up somewhere that is unacceptable to the normal human powered party. And then found our way back home. The loop seemed huge but in the end … awesome.
In Hyalite there are two cabins, Maxi and Window Rock. This ride went by both of them. It was the best of rides and it was the worst of rides. Worst because it came to an end and best because of the different kinds of terrain one encounters. We had fire road, double track, mud, dust, rock, swamp, bushwhack, and sweet single track. The best riders in the area showed up for the showdown and was done moments before dark. 2 were in attendance. See you next week.
Tonight’s ride was 2 riders deep. A pretty stacked field of the worlds best climbers. And the test was formidable. with over 2,500 feet of vertical it was tough. but the views and rewards many. Next week … South Cottonwood maybe.
After settling into our cow poop infested campsite we had a great night including campfire, sausage, and all the good things that camping involves. I didn’t early morning hill climb to the top of the ridge. And then for the rest of the day Mo decided we were going to climb Loco Peak on our bikes. Isn’t she awesome?
I just woke up and took a look outside. Did our midnight landing yield us a good campsite. Not too bad except there was cow shit everywhere. We had planned to get up here and camp at the Forest Lake Campground just down the road about 6 miles. But when we got here it was too late and the campsites were kind of, well I must say, a little trailer park. Canvas wall tents and the such. Kind of creepy. But this was a good spot. And today we decided to just get on our bikes and explore. And we almost climbed Virginia peak. All good.
The ride tonight was moved from Wednesday to Thursday in honor of the TNR Missoula. The ride starts at Bear Canyon trail head and follows the signs to Bear lake … well there is some turns here and there one must do. But then again you should join us if you want to know the route. It was real greasy as always. Mo crashed and almost got impaled by a stake. then the mosquitoes sucked our blood dry at the lake. Fun time were had by 2 riders.
Boneshakerbike 