Boneshakerbike

Category: Blog Posts

  • Resting at 33

    Resting at 33

    Well, well, well, folks! Bill here, and I’ve got a little health update to share. No, I’m not claiming to be 33 years old, but guess what? My resting heart rate this morning decided to take a trip down memory lane and clocked in at a spry 33 beats per minute! Now, that’s a number I haven’t seen since my 20s when I was lightning-fast on two wheels.

    But what does this heart rate revelation mean? Could it be a sign that I’m about to turn back the clock and regain my speed demon status? Or is it a hint that some ailment might be lurking in the shadows? Ah, the mysteries of the human body!

    Last night, I hopped on my trusty bike for a leisurely two-hour spin. But you know what? It felt like I was pedaling with the grace of a three-legged mountain goat. Yep, I had one of those rides where my form seemed to have taken a coffee break, and tiredness crept in. Good thing I’m in a resting week, right?

    Now, here’s the kicker, my friends. I’m throwing out an open invitation. Who’s up for a one-hour single-speed ride today? If you’re game, give me a shout or shoot me a message. Let’s hit the trails and see where our bikes take us.

    On This Day

    My past posts from Feb 28th in history.

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  • Cyclist v.s. Mother Nature

    Cyclist v.s. Mother Nature

    Oh, today’s the day for a beastly two-hour spin! Who’s up for the challenge? Hit me up, call or shoot a message on Meeb. Dive into that saddle and let’s tear it up together! Yesterday? Pure chore day. But hey, big win – the laundry mountain? Conquered. Now, about the finances… yeah, we’re kinda dancing with the overdraft limit thanks to my bike gear spree. But you know what? Chin’s staying up. We’ll pedal through this mess like pros! Who’s in for the ride?

    On this day in history:

    2006: Geeze … Gotta Get Get Going – G5 – I guess you have to be there … in my mind. Too many coffees!

    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.

  • Hard Miles

    Hard Miles

    Yesterday’s ride was hard mileage.  I went up route 200 and it rained the entire way.  Note to self.  Take the clean and possibly snowy road over the sand covered and rumble strip laden one. 60 miles later I was back at home surprisingly energetic and strong although a little hypothermic.

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, A DELIGHTFUL JOURNEY THROUGH THE ARCHIVES:

    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.

  • Great Riding in Seeley

    Um, whatever!

    Yesterday, I took a little jaunt over to Seeley Lake – you know, just a casual training ride and to cheer on my pals who were braving the Snow Joke Half Marathon. Just uploaded a bunch of snaps to my Picassa Web Album, aptly titled “Feb 22 2008 Seeley Lake Training Ride”. Go have a peek, will you? And don’t skip the video section – I’ve got some footage that’ll make you feel like you were right there with us.

    Today’s agenda? A road ride. Three hours. Oh, and would you believe it? It’s snowing cats and dogs out there right now.

    FEB 24 IN HISTORY:

    2007: Home Safely – A brief update on a safe return home and a casual mention of enjoying “Double Haul” at the “Board Room.”

    2007: Product Review – Sharing insights from a 50-mile ride, including the aftermath of cleaning up and a hearty pasta meal.

    2002: Sleeping Giant Hike – A recount of a challenging hike that could tire even Paul Bunyan, exploring the Sleeping Giant.

    2002: Cool – COOL: Discovering a website dedicated to the frequently hiked mountain range.

  • Its Off to Seeley Lake

    I am going to Seeley Lake to watch my friends Josh and Larry do the Snow Joke Half Marathon.  I figure this would be a cool place to do some pre season riding.  Upon leaving the apartment this morning I am thinking maybe it will be cold and snowy over yonder …. what am I doing? Yesterday was amazingly busy and after my one hour ride to East Missoula I crashed for a 9 hour slumber (much needed).  Today I plan a 2 hour ride and enjoy my friends race. Did anyone see Levi take the Tour’s time trial yesterday … those Montana boys ….. watch out

    My default training interval photo for all the posts about working out.

    On this day in history, let’s dive into the captivating tales from my blog, each entry marking a unique snapshot of life’s adventures and musings:

    • 2007: I’m No Fake – A candid exploration of authenticity and the complexities of human interaction, challenging readers to reflect on their own experiences.
    • 2004: Pentagon to Cancel Comanche – A post discussing the Pentagon’s decision to cancel the Comanche helicopter program, offering insights into military procurement and policy.
    • 2004: New Poem in Literature Menu – Bill shares a new poem dedicated to his mother, blending personal reflection with artistic expression.
    • 2002: What’s Up In Plattsburgh? – A light-hearted investigation into the quiet happenings of Plattsburgh, showcasing Bill’s curiosity and engagement with his community.
    • 2002: Psycho – A chilling recount of a late-night call from an ex-girlfriend, opening a window into the darker, more mysterious aspects of life and relationships.

  • New Arrival

    Last night I received my new rear wheel from Stan’s NoTubes.com.  The dude has some sweet stuff you can buy.  I also got titanium rotor bolts … Nicceeee! The wheel is super light and looks cool without a sidewall (braking surface).  I can not wait to go riding on the mountain rig!

    On this day in history, let’s take a stroll down memory lane with my captivating blog posts:

    Dive into each link for a slice of adventures and reflections through the years!

  • The Fork is Out For Refurb

    I just sent out my SID(front fork) to have it refurbished for the upcoming season. I feel Hippie-Tech Suspension is the best place to have your forks refurbished. For one this guy was instrumental in the development of Rock Shox forks and has their full endorsement.  Remember last year a local bike shop messed this baby up.  I cant wait to get it back!

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

    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.

  • YouTuber Makes Comment

    DALL-E’s masterpiece… since my camera took a day off or WordPress went on a deleting spree.

    On my latest video, a user named bikenboard74 has made the comment, “Why? Lame!”. I deleted this negative message off of the video page because It is offensive to myself and my friends.  It may be lame but we think it is cool to go for a ride then share our video … just bear with us.  Anyway here is the message I sent back to bikenboard74:

    Subject: Who Is Lame

    Message: I took your comment off my video. I find it offensive and … well … lame. As for the why, it is a video that I wanted to share with a friend and YouTube is a good way to do it.  This video was obviously not intended for users with such tastes as yours. As to lame … Lets set up a bike race to see who is lame. I am game, are you?

    Lets see if mr bikenboard responds!

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

  • Road Riding West of Missoula Day 2

    Tonight’s road ride with Josh was a repeat of last night’s route, but this time we pushed all the way to Frenchtown, looping back via our humorously dubbed climbs, Alp-du-Frenchy and Alp-du-Freds. In reality, our return was along the Frenchtown Frontage Road. We even captured some of the journey on video. Don’t miss the footage—check out the video in my cycling playlist on my YouTube account.

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

    • 2008: So What is Boneshakerbike – An origin story of sorts, Bill explains the significance behind his email addresses and account names, linked to his biking team and the handcrafted bikes they rode.
    • 2007: Another Day, Another Turn of the Crank – A contemplative morning in Missoula, Montana, sparks thoughts on the joys of mountain biking and the beauty of Big Sky country.
    • 2002: Great Day For a Mountain Bike Ride – Bill shares his enthusiasm for a day perfect for mountain biking, along with plans for a hike with his dog, highlighting the simple pleasures of outdoor activities.
    • 2001: 2 Hour Ride – A light-hearted post-ride reflection, Bill compares his biking adventures to the comedic twists of the movie “Shanghai Noon,” finding joy in the unexpected.

    Each post, a story; each story, a memory etched into the trails of time, inviting you to pedal along through the pages of my adventures.

  • So What is Boneshakerbike

    Back in the day

    Ever wonder why all my email addresses and account names are Boneshakerbike? So what was that team I use to be on … what was it? Team Boneshakerbike, and we rode boneshaker bikes made at the hand of Andrew Wellman. Well a close friend of mine finally had a revelation … it’s what I have been saying … the first bike ridden off road (well I assume they didn’t have lots of pavement in 1868).

    “Dude, One of the original BoneShakers!  I did not think about why that term existed until I saw this today at the museum in Albany.  I figure you bike was that name because it was stiff but I did not know it was a term used from wooden bikes…cool.  Well, the best part was if felt like you showed up there to connect. Peace”

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

    • 2007: Another Day, Another Turn of the Crank – A contemplative morning in Missoula, Montana, sparks thoughts on the joys of mountain biking and the beauty of Big Sky country.
    • 2002: Great Day For a Mountain Bike Ride – Bill shares his enthusiasm for a day perfect for mountain biking, along with plans for a hike with his dog, highlighting the simple pleasures of outdoor activities.
    • 2001: 2 Hour Ride – A light-hearted post-ride reflection, Bill compares his biking adventures to the comedic twists of the movie “Shanghai Noon,” finding joy in the unexpected.

    Each post, a story; each story, a memory etched into the trails of time, inviting you to pedal along through the pages of my adventures.

  • Road Riding West O Missoula

    Road Riding West O Missoula

    Tonight, I left work immediately and enjoyed a full 1.5 hours of daylight. I rode to Blue Mountain Road, then continued to Big Flats and joined the ever-dangerous Mullan Road towards Frenchtown. On my way back, I completed a two-hour spin by the airport.

    Hanging onto wheels

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

    Each post captures a unique moment, from thrilling adventures to contemplative reflections, embodying the spirit of evolving adventures through the years.

  • Let Levi Ride

    Let Levi Ride

    Levi Leipheimer, a former professional cyclist from Butte, Montana, faced challenges during his career including Team Astana’s 2008 disqualification from the Tour de France.

  • First Road Ride of the Season

    A Previous Thompson Pass Road Ride

    Yo, picture this: Ross and I, armed with bikes and the unshakeable delusion that today would be EPIC (read: conquer-all-the-hills, wind-in-our-hair, picture-perfect kind of epic). Montana rolled out its golden carpet, sun beaming and wind doing its best Beyonce impression (fierce, unpredictable). Scenery? Forget about it, Mother Nature was flexing hard.

    Now, every hero’s journey needs a plot twist, right? Ours arrived in the form of Ross’s tire performing a dramatic interpretive dance… with gravity. Yeah, a flat tire was about as welcome as a surprise tax audit. There we were, surrounded by majestic views, suddenly playing roadside pit crew.

    But hey, these unplanned pit stops are the secret sauce of adventure, right? While Ross channeled his inner Formula 1 pit stop magician (seriously, dude was possessed by tire-changing skills), I took a moment to truly soak it all in. Funny how a flat tire forces you to hit the brakes and appreciate the beauty you might’ve whizzed past.

    In the end, the flat was just a blip on what turned out to be an awesome day. It’s a reminder that adventure ain’t just about reaching the finish line or conquering hills like a boss. It’s about the journey, the laughs (even at your buddy’s tire woes), and yeah, even the unexpected detours. Cheers to more adventures, Ross, flat tires and all!

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, FEB 18:

    Dive into these snapshots of time for a mix of humor, adventure, and the beauty of the outdoors through the lens of my experiences.

  • Pedal Punk

    I was not called a pedal punk; it’s a term I coined myself. It sounds right and captures what I felt I was being labeled as. This is my blog, after all, and it’s about my feelings. Plus, the phrase adds some flavor and helps me share a lesson learned… or another “Bill Quote.”

    I had plans for an adventure with a friend, but things got tough, and now I might be going solo.

    Imagine you suggest a 4-hour ski trip with me, and I respond that I need to be cautious with my training as the season approaches. I propose skiing for just 2 hours and waiting for you at the car. Would that annoy you? This guy starts calling me a “wuss.” Even though he’s joking, I remember he nearly collapsed last week on a long trip. Why would I risk the same fate this season?

    His calling me a wuss got me angry. Then, driven by male pride, I challenged him to a race, leading to plans for a grueling 2-day trans-Bitterroot journey that could be too much for both of us. I felt like I was being labeled an asphalt junkie and a pedal punk.

    It all boiled down to a wager, and then I remembered: my summer races are what truly matter. Now, I might owe him $100 and have to acknowledge his dominance. So, what do you think happened? Bipolar mood swings? Testosterone? Poor diet?

    I have another friend who acts like he’s battling an illness, as if he has control over it. “Dude,” I tell him, “you can’t control it, and you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.” That’s a rant for another time, but I coined a saying to make my point. I dedicate this saying to him and to today’s situation: “Don’t fight it, ride it!”

    That’s exactly what I’m going to do: ride it! This summer is going to be amazing, and I can’t wait. Anyone have $100 I can borrow?

    On this day in history, a stroll down memory lane

  • First epic stage race

    Hey team, guess what? I just stumbled upon this article on Velo News and, man, you’ve gotta hear this. So, there’s buzz about the first-ever epic mountain bike stage race hitting the U.S. this summer. We’re talking about the Brian Head Epic, set to unfold in the stunning backdrop of Brian Head, Utah, a spot well-known for its ski and bike trails.

    This whole shindig is getting whipped up by some of the big names in mountain bike race organizing. They’re drawing inspo from mega events like South Africa’s Absa Cape Epic and Costa Rica’s La Ruta de los Conquistadores. Mark your calendars, folks—August 21-24 is when the magic happens.

    You know I’ve already slapped this onto my calendar. Now, all I need is a stroke of luck with the lottery and maybe a little time off work. No joke, I’d dive into this adventure in a heartbeat if I could. Caught wind of this epic news over at FatCyclist.Com http://www.fatcyclist.com/2008/02/15/i-admit-i-am-giddy/.

    So, to my racing fam (yeah, not every single one of ya, just the die-hards), what do you say? Are we game or what?

    On this day in history, a stroll down memory lane

  • To Deer Creek and Back

    Morning on a snowy Deer Creek Sneak

    My training plan tonight was for an endurance cross-training workout off the bike, but I couldn’t resist. Once home, I grabbed my bike and headed to Pattee Canyon, donning hiking boots and traps for a mix of cycling and hiking.

    The ride turned snowy at the top of the climb, exactly what I aimed for, to tackle some snow terrain. Reaching the southmost turn towards East Missoula, I followed a well-used path past a gated road, not the snowmobile trail I expected but a logging route.

    I reluctantly turned back at the Crazy Canyon Parking Area, then took the road to the Treasure Trail. This summer favorite led me back to town via the Fire Road.

    I recommend the route past Deer Creek Road’s gate and Crazy Canyon Road. The Treasure Trail, icy and challenging, requires a “Fatty” or studded tires. It was an awesome ride, rejuvenating my training enthusiasm. For the route map, check here. It’s great to be back on the bike!

    On this Valentines Day in history:

    • 2008: Deer Creek Snow Sneak – Swapping traditional Valentine’s Day plans for a snowy bike ride up Deer Creek, seeking untouched trails and epic views.
    • 2004: Mount Ellen Vermont – A solo venture into Mount Ellen’s wintry embrace, detailing a challenging hike amidst a Valentine’s Day whiteout.
    • 2002: My Emotional Profile – A reflection on the quest for love and understanding, highlighting the importance of emotional connections and self-awareness.

    Each post captures a moment in time, offering insights into my personal journeys, challenges, and the beauty of adventure. Enjoy delving into these snapshots of life’s rich tapestry.

  • Deer Creek Snow Sneak

    Ditch the dress-up this year, lovebirds! Tonight, I’m trading chocolates for powder and heading up Deer Creek on my trusty snow bike.

    Plan is to cruise up Pattee Canyon Road and carve around into the epic Deer Creek Drainage (think untouched snow and epic views!). Hoping some snowmobilers prepped the path towards Miller Peak, but hey, even if they didn’t, shredding down the Treasure Trail is always a win.

    Feeling adventurous? Wanna ditch the sappy stuff and join me? Comment below or shoot me a message – I’m down for an epic Valentine’s Day adventure (minus the cheesy romance)!

    https://www.google.com/maps/@46.821677,-113.90831,14z/data=!5m1!1e4?entry=ttu

    On this Valentines Day in history:

    • 2004: Mount Ellen Vermont – A solo venture into Mount Ellen’s wintry embrace, detailing a challenging hike amidst a Valentine’s Day whiteout.
    • 2002: My Emotional Profile – A reflection on the quest for love and understanding, highlighting the importance of emotional connections and self-awareness.

    Each post captures a moment in time, offering insights into my personal journeys, challenges, and the beauty of adventure. Enjoy delving into these snapshots of life’s rich tapestry.

  • Regeneration & Revival

    Tonight’s agenda? A chill regeneration workout. It’s the perfect backdrop to finally dive into editing the video from this year’s spring break vacay. Gotta say, slipping back into a proper sleep and nutrition routine feels like coming up for air after a deep dive. Let’s face it, running on empty and junk food is a one-way ticket to feeling down in the dumps.

    But hey, looking back, wouldn’t trade the good times for anything. And now? I’m buzzing with excitement to ramp up the training. Kicking things off tomorrow with a snowy adventure to Deer Creek on the hunt for some snowmobile trails. Fingers crossed it stays nippy out. If you’re feeling brave, snatch up your snow bike and let’s make tracks.

    In other news, stumbled upon a swanky new spot in Flathead Valley – Great Northern Cycles. They’re assembling a team (check them out) and I’m seriously considering joining the ranks. They’ve got a vibe that’s hard to ignore.

    Oh, and get this – got a buzz from Kelli Lusk over at USA Cycling. Turns out, I’ve snagged a spot for the US Nationals at Mount Snow Vermont without even hitting a race in 2008. How’s that for a plot twist? Yo Pabby, if I jet over to Burlington, can you play chauffeur to the championships?

    ON THIS DAY FEBRUARY 13TH