Yesterday, we decided to embark on what I’d call an epic adventure. Remember, it’s been practically summer here, unless you decide to venture up the mountains. So, in my infinite wisdom, I figured, “Why not keep the summer vibes rolling?” and planned a 6-hour escapade, aiming to cover about 15 miles, steering clear of any snowy mishaps. Because, honestly, who wants to trade flip-flops for snow boots in March? Our daring spirit paid off big time when we found ourselves on the banks of the Madison River, right smack in the heart of Beartrap Canyon.
Suddenly summer is a reality. Winter, where did it go? Even the mud is drying up. This and other realizations bring us to this week when the daylight savings time thingy expired. And now there is more light.
Spring fever season is upon us and with it brings outdoor adventures.
On this day in history, ‘Hey Zeph! Want an Action Wipe?‘ I asked, after cleaning the blood from my shin.
Just a matter of showing up for a fat bike race and getting second place in 3:10, destroying the course record in the process. All without any carbs at all. In fact I would cry foul and point my finger at the performance enhancing carb burner that beat me but I did have a coffee that morning. The rest was all vacation.
2015 TWC
2015 TWC
2015 TWC
2016: TWC Travel day – Marking a strategic move against the 40-hour work week with a journey to Togwotee Pass, Wyoming.
On This Day In History
2011: Hucker – Sharing a daring moment off a drop between Taco Bell and Burger King, a testament to the thrills sought on two wheels.
2010: Spring Sun – Part of a series dedicated to favorite photos of 2009, featuring the serene “Spring Sun” captured in Missoula, Montana.
2008: Lolo Hot Springs Ride – A recount of a scenic ride past Lolo Hot Springs, setting the stage for an even grander cycling challenge.
2008: Broken Shifter – An unexpected turn during a bike ride leads to a reflective moment at City Brew, with plans for a hike and more adventure.
2007: Getting Ready to Go – Preparations for a journey, from oil changes to air filter challenges, all narrated with a sense of anticipation and adventure.
2004: Waiting To Be Laid Off – A personal reflection amidst job uncertainty, capturing the emotional landscape of facing potential layoff.
2002: Wallingford Mountain Biking – A muddy but exhilarating mountain biking adventure in Wallingford, marking a weekend well spent in nature’s embrace.
From 1803-1806, in an exciting journey to the Pacific Ocean and back, Lucy and Buck’s Corps of Discovery mapped the lands, described the natural wonders, and encountered the people of western North America.
But, as Bill Martin wrote on his blog, “If not for the . . . epic the captains scratched out while crouching on hillsides and squatting on riverbanks, we might not remember Lucy and Buck at all.”
On this day in history:
2014: Life Path – Last weekend my partner and I did a ride from Wise River to Elkhorn Hot Springs and then back the next day.
2012: SMSS – Alright, listen up! Sunday morning? More like Sunday Mourning Shit Show, or SMSS.
2010: Push – This is part 4 in a series of blog posts that I am dedication to my favorite photos of 2009.
2008: Cyclist v.s. Mother Nature – Oh, today’s the day for a beastly two-hour spin! Who’s up for the challenge?
2006: Blackfoot Ride To Potomac – Hey there, friends! Bill checking in after a fantastic day that ended with me glued to the closing ceremonies of the Olympics.
2005: Lolo Peak Area Today – My friend Alden Wright and I have teamed up this weekend to snowshoe up a East ridge of Lolo Peak.
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.
Last summer we climbed Avalanche Peak down yonder in Yellowstone Park. The climb was an arduous one with a ton of verticle. Which is a good thing. The wind was so strong we rested behind cairns. It seems it was the most desolate place. Until a tiny cute creature greeted us. And we dicovered what posers we were up there. This guy was … what wind? Isn’t it a nice sunny day? You got snacks?
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, A DELIGHTFUL JOURNEY THROUGH THE ARCHIVES:
2012: My piece of solitude – Revisiting an old friend, a trail that brings back single track skills memories, and an encounter with a private plow truck on an icy road.
2012: Fallen – Observing the melancholy beauty of trees on Pipestone Pass, where one fallen tree seems to evoke despair in its companion.
2010: Morning Trail – Capturing a quintessential Missoula moment for any mountain biker, “Morning Trail” highlights the beauty of South Sentinel as dawn breaks.
2009: Dirt Coalition – Sharing aspirations to join the GT Dirt Coalition, and catching up on the internet during a rest break from a decent block of training.
2008: Hard Miles – A recount of a challenging 60-mile ride up route 200 in the rain, bringing about a sense of unexpected energy and strength.
2007: Lolo Pass Ride – An ambitious 66.1-mile journey to Lolo Pass, featuring around 5,000 feet of climbing and a cramp that led to late-night blogging.
2007: I Just Keep Ending up Here! – A cozy moment at the Break Espresso, savoring a Carmel roll and a cup of Joe, a simple pleasure amidst biking adventures.
2006: Turah Turah Ride Tonight – Reflecting on a great training ride to Turah and back, feeling good all the way home compared to a previous exhausting experience.
2006: New Pictures Uploaded – The challenge of organizing and uploading pictures likened to herding caffeinated cats, all while chilling at Break Espresso.
2003: What I really Want – A moment of technological simplification, desiring only the essentials like a new camera and a powerbook for summer adventures.
2002: Emotional Alchemy – Sharing the anticipation for a book called “Emotional Alchemy,” following an outstanding mountain bike ride and a need for rest.
This curated list of blog posts offers a glimpse into my biking adventures, poetic reflections, and life’s simple moments, painting a vivid picture of the journey through years.
Funny the weekend approaches and we really don’t have anything to do. Then we wake up to snow. And then we know what to do.
As with every good fat ride we needed a wardrobe stop. Through Spooky Woods and by Cherry Creek. The Northern trail turns South towards town.
Once in town my partner discovered her toes were cold. Good thing the Urban Legend goes right by REI. Wholla, warmed toes via footbeds.
It became apparent that my chohart had a hankering for some pizza. Good thing the Legend goes by Bridger Brewing.
After a little snack we headed out to do the southern tip of the loop. First by the haystack and on to the sourdough trail.
The sourdough trail is our favorite. With multiple stops along the creek. And bushes or trees that are so entangled that they cross over the trail in a huge arch.
Every now and then you gotta stop for a kissy poo. And a snuggle hug.
At around the 20 mile mark we topped out on Pete’s hill. Now just the descent down to the library where we pick up season 9 of the Seinfeld series.
Mission accomplished. Now to hit up some alleys and on the backstretch.
Of course one must stop by the Bozeman Brewing Company to enjoy a liberation.
Soon we were through the tunnel and on the home stretch. Only the black bunny byway to go.
Across Bridger Canyon Drive we were surrounded by black bunnies signifying the upcoming finish.
Dive into these snapshots of life’s adventures, from musings on the simplicity of daily moments to the thrill of outdoor exploration. Each post is a testament to the journey of self-discovery and the ever-evolving adventure of life.
Dive into these snapshots of life’s adventures, from musings on the simplicity of daily moments to the thrill of outdoor exploration. Each post is a testament to the journey of self-discovery and the ever-evolving adventure of life.
Starting the 4th annual thanksgiving weekend adventure
We knew it was going to storm.
Finally at the lake
A late evening view of the lake.
Early morning personal journey
Morning sunshine
Storm clouds gather once again
Getting ready to leave on the last day
After the storm it was a blue bird day
Pushing out that morning after a night of snow storms and watching a stick to measure the snow depth
The push out lasted for 6 miles.
The last 5 miles we could ride out fatties
Some scenery along the way out
Adventure well done
We knew it was going to storm. We could see it on the horizon. At first it was just a dark cloud over the valley that we were heading into. But then the mountains disappeared. And then it started to drizzle. That led to a rain.
At one point I told my partner that I had to just keep going to stay warm. By the time I arrived at the cabin I was sopping wet. There were a little lakes around the cabin as if a monsoon had hit. I burst into the cabin and started a fire. Then I took all the bags off my bike.
I was headed back down the trail to go find my partner when I spotted her orange coat in the distance. As she rounded the corner on the straight away to the cabin I was amazed that she was not that far behind me afterall.
“Happy Thanksgiving snuggles”
We cooked up some brats and quickly put out the fantastic pair of lounge chairs. If anyone has stayed at Twin Lakes then they would know about these lounge chairs that double as cots. Luxerous.
The morning after we ventured out to check out our suroundings.
The lake was frozen. It was as we left it numerous times before.
The last night it snowed … a lot. At one point we pushed a tree branch into the snow and tied a ribbon around the spot of last resort. In the morning the snow was up to the ribbon. It was a full day of pushing out. At least the storm stopped right at the ribbon. I was just thankful we did not have to leave in the middle of the night.
It was one of those days. One in which I woke up with an idea. And this wasn’t the first time I’ve tried to ride my bike all day long without eating or drinking. You know to see if the new ketosis is working. So I left my car at Madison Junction and rode my bike through the Firehole Canyon Road. And then proceeded to go up Fountain Flat Drive, which turns to a primitive dirt bike trail, to the Grand Prismatic. I climb the hill and took some photos. Then on to the grand mall of Yellowstone, Old Faithful. Then to Lodestar Geyser in which I did not get any photos due to assanine tourists climbing on it. Overall it was a great day. And these are the photos. And yes went all day without even a thought of food or water.
Boneshakerbike 