Boneshakerbike

Category: Blog Posts

  • Ward Mountain Farewell

    Ward Mountain Farewell

    Just dropped my buddy Paul off at the airport, and with it, another epic adventure fades into memory. As always, saying goodbye to a good trip stings a bit. But hey, life keeps rollin’, and the mountain bike season is right around the corner – the only thing that comes close to matching the pure joy of shredding trails with my East Coast brother.

    Speaking of shredding, yesterday we conquered Ward Mountain, a beast of a peak topping out at just over 9,000 feet. And guess what? I got the glorious (and slightly exhausting) privilege of breaking trail the whole way up. Talk about a leg burner! But the summit crew, myself at 3:47, Paul a cool ten minutes behind, and Josh bringing up the rear ten minutes later, made the struggle totally worth it. Hands down the best day of the entire vacation.

    Now, it’s time to trade in the farewell hugs for some serious dirt therapy. The upcoming mountain bike season is calling, and I gotta be ready to crush those trails. Here’s to goodbyes that pave the way for new adventures, and to pushing our limits on two wheels. Until next time, Ward Mountain!

    On this day in history, let’s take a delightful journey through time

  • Narring the Nar Nar

    Narring the Nar Nar

    February in Missoula transforms familiar trails into a shimmering dreamscape of pristine snow. It’s enough to make any mountain biker pause, and as I gaze out at the untouched slopes, a tiny voice whispers, “Maybe there’s more to winter than frozen fingers and numb toes?”

    I’ve always been a creature of the dirt, my heart set on the adrenaline rush of carving singletrack on two wheels. But with the bikes tucked away for the season, the lure of camaraderie pulls me towards an unfamiliar path: backcountry skiing.

    It’s not the graceful gliding down powder that initially draws me in, but the laughter I hear echoing through the trees. The shared struggle of mastering an unfamiliar skill, the triumphant whoops after conquering a slope – these are the things that truly tempt me out of my comfort zone. “How bad could it be?” I joke with my friends, a nervous tremor in my voice despite the bravado. “Maybe I can nar the nar nar on snow instead of dirt!”

    My first foray into skiing is a comedy of errors, each tumble into the soft powder a testament to my clumsiness and the unforgiving physics of gravity. Unlike the controlled chaos of a mountain bike trail, these slopes feel like they have a mind of their own, throwing me off balance with hidden dips and unexpected moguls. “In biking,” I huff, sprawled in a snowdrift, “I chase the trail. Here, it feels like the trail is chasing me!”

    But with each fall comes a laugh, a helping hand from a friend, and the unwavering spirit of adventure that binds us together. There’s a certain camaraderie in shared misfortune, a universal understanding that comes from mistaking a snowdrift for solid ground and ending up waist-deep in powder. And then, the glorious moment: a clean run down a slope, the wind whipping past my face as I whoop with delight, met by the cheers of my companions.

    Through these trial-and-error descents, I discover that skiing, like biking, is about more than just the sport. It’s about the shared moments of laughter and challenge, the memories etched in the snow, and the bonds forged in the crisp mountain air. “It might never replace the feel of dirt under my tires,” I admit, “but there’s an undeniable magic in exploring these winter wonderlands, surrounded by the people who make every adventure worthwhile.”

    On this day in history, let’s take a delightful journey through time

  • Rested Now South To Hamilton

    Rested Now South To Hamilton

    This morning we are leaving Missoula early to go skiing south of Hamilton.  I wish this were a mountain bike ride but it is winter and when in winter, do what the skiers do.

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    Right? Yesterday we rested and reset the batteries by hiking near Waterworks Hill.

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

    Dive into these posts for a glimpse of history, from thrilling adventures to thoughtful musings!

  • Back Home

    Back Home

    Greetings from City Brew, where I’m downloading fresh photos and Paul’s catching up with home. We’ve just returned from our Bitterroots adventure. Last night’s ski down from the cabin was epic—the best descent yet. Managed to ski straight to the car, tumbling just a few times, but nothing that could dampen the spirit for future escapades. Now, we’re brainstorming our next move. Got any suggestions?

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

    let’s take a stroll down memory lane with my captivating(lol) posts!

  • Good Morning From RM Cabin

    Good Morning From RM Cabin

    Hello again from 7,200 feet as I put more wood in the fireplace and thumb-type out another blog from my  PDA.

    I just fried up the last of the wild game salami that my good friend Ross had given me for the holidays. I garnished that yummy meat roll with whole wheat bread fried in olive oil. Here we see what we can fry on top of the fireplace.

    I am thinking that I will skin up and go for a morning ski before Paul wakes up. That way we can enjoy another kielbasa breakfast when he wakes up.

    It looks like we got 5 more inches last night again. When I ducked out of the cabin’s trap door this morning I was greeted with new snow and completely covered tracks.

    Well it looks like the snow that I put in the pots has melted so I am going to fill some water bottles and head out for another ski.

  • Hello From 7,200 Feet

    Nestled in the serene embrace of Little Saint Joe Mountain, the RM Cabin offers a respite from the world below—a place where the night whispers through the trees and the crackle of the fireplace dances with shadows. Here, in the stillness of the mountain night, I find myself wide awake, Paul’s gentle snoring and the comforting warmth of the fire my only companions. With candlelight flickering softly, my PDA becomes my conduit to the outside world, a bridge from this secluded haven to the vast expanse of the internet.

    The day’s adventure looms large in my memory, a vivid tapestry of effort, exhilaration, and the raw beauty of nature untamed. The summit of Little Saint Joe claimed my footsteps, while Paul sought shelter among the trees some 500 feet below the peak. The wind, a fierce guardian of the mountain’s solitude, lashed out with icy fingers, leaving its mark on any skin daring to face its wrath. Amidst this wild orchestra, I captured moments of our conquest on video, a tangible reminder of nature’s unyielding power and majesty.

    Our descent was a tale of challenge and resilience, my skis betraying me to the mountain’s icy clutches time and again. Each fall, a testament to the mountain’s rugged beauty and the relentless conditions we braved. Yet, in this dance with the elements, there was joy, a celebration of the raw, untamed spirit that drives us to explore these heights.

    The journey back to the cabin was a blur of powdery trails and fleeting thoughts of ascent, the temptation to chase the thrill of another run a siren call against the growing weariness of the day’s efforts. The decision to seek the warmth of the cabin, to nourish the body with smoked oysters, pasta, and the simple pleasure of freshly roasted almonds, marked the end of our physical journey but the beginning of a reflective respite in front of the stove’s embracing warmth.

    Now, as the night deepens, the effects of one too many cups of hot tea wrestle with my desire for sleep, leaving me in a state of restless contemplation. This cabin, perched upon Little Saint Joe Mountain, becomes more than just a shelter from the elements; it’s a sanctuary of memories, of moments shared and challenges met. From this vantage point, by candlelight and the glow of a PDA screen, I share this slice of our adventure, a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who seek to embrace the wilderness and all its untamed beauty.

  • Spring Break Day 4

    Spring Break Day 4

    Hello from my apartment as we get ready for three nights in the Bitterroots.  Packing it all up and making plans to drop Marcy off at a friends house. Yesterday we took a day off from adventure, but I was able to get out with Marcy and do a hike on the Sentinel Fire Road. Yesterday was chores day as we did laundry, got groceries, and had some grub at Sean Kelly’s Pub.

    Its all good now and I bid farewell until we step out of the Bitterroots.  We plan to do the Rocky Mountaineers cabin and Little Saint Joe Mountain.

  • Nipple Nob Day II

    Josh celibrates the end of a hard day skiing

    I’ve realized something special about a ski spot I recently visited: it’s a secret shared only among friends. Unlike the crowded GSpot, bustling with tele skiers and snowboarders, the Nip offers solitude and unmatched skiing. Today, Paul and I experienced what could only be described as legendary skiing, bringing us closer to the spiritual side of the sport, despite my usual annoyance with the overuse of “nar.”

    As I’m catching up on emails, I’m tipped off about a new secret spot. And as the snow falls outside, I can’t help but feel excited about what’s next. I wonder, what’s Ronnie up to now?

  • Trip Report From The Brew

    Remember that time Paul nudged me to write an apology for our disastrous GSpot ski trip? No way, Jose! Sure, it wasn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows, but hey, that’s part of the adventure, right? And speaking of adventures, let me tell you about this epic shred-fest we just had south of Victor, Montana.

    This wasn’t your average ski trip. We ditched the well-trodden path and followed a skin trail that led us deeper into the snowy wonderland. It felt like we were explorers on a new frontier, and let me tell you, the payoff was epic! We were surrounded by untouched powder, begging to be carved up by our skis.

    And carve we did! The descent was pure magic. Imagine this: fluffy snow spraying up with every turn, the wind whipping through your hair, and the feeling of pure freedom as you zoom down the mountain. It was like shredding on a cloud, dude! I’m telling you, this trip was off the charts, and I don’t just mean the gnarly terrain.

    Now, as I sit here at the Brew, I can’t help but grin. Today’s another day, another adventure waiting to happen.

    By the way, if you’re ever in the area and looking for a ski adventure, check out these resorts near Victor, Montana:

    • Discovery Ski Area: Mountain sports area with ski slopes for varying skill levels in winter & bike trails in summer. It has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps.
    • Lost Trail Ski Area: Straddling the Montana-Idaho border, this area in Bitterroot Range is known for reliable snow & ski. It has a 4.6 star rating on Google Maps.
    • MontanaSnowbowl Ski Area: It has a 5 star rating on Google Maps.
    • Snowbowl: Low-key spot for skiing & snowboarding, plus a rental shop, summer hiking/biking & dining options. It has a 4.2 star rating on Google Maps.
    • Great Divide Ski Area: Ski runs & terrain parks on 3 peaks known for winter sun, plus cross-country trails through valleys. It has a 4.6 star rating on Google Maps.

  • Morning from the brew

    It’s February 2008, and I’m hitting a wall of frustration. Just biked over to Josh’s place to cancel today’s trip because waking Paul up before 8 is a lost cause. After that, hit up the Good Food Store, finally found those groceries they’ve been out of for ages. So, I’m set for now. But here I am, just waiting on Paul to wake up. Makes me wonder what Ross is up to right now!

  • Spring Break Day 1

    Buzzing With Joy

    Yesterday was epic, despite a rocky start with some travel hiccups and gear malfunctions. Paul’s always in his element, which is reassuring.

    Our adventure took us to Lolo Pass, which was unexpectedly closed due to an avalanche, blocking the path between Idaho and Montana. We then headed to the GSpot, braving the snow with chains on. The skiing was challenging but unforgettable, diving into the deepest snow I’ve ever seen. Paul heroically (okay, maybe that’s a bit much) saved me after a tumble left me buried headfirst in powder. We capped off the adventure with a delicious spread at HuHot.

    Now, I’m dreaming of snow biking on Elk Meadows Road. Wonder what Josh is up to?

  • Ski Pattee Canyon

    Ski Adventures and Nacho Mountains

    Yesterday evening found me in Pattee Canyon, not just among towering trees but atop a pair of skis, gliding through the snow with my friend Paul. The air was crisp, the kind that chills your lungs but somehow feels invigorating. You know the type. Paul, ever the enthusiastic skier, was cutting through the snow like a hot knife through butter. Me? I was trying my best not to turn into a human snowball.

    After we had our fill of snowy thrills, our stomachs began to loudly protest. Clearly, they had plans of their own, and those plans involved a mountain of nachos at the Iron Horse. If you haven’t been there, let me paint you a picture. Imagine a plate so laden with nachos that you can’t even see the bottom. It’s like an archaeological dig, but instead of finding ancient artifacts, you unearth jalapenos, olives, and heaps of melted cheddar.

    We attacked that pile of nachos with the ferocity of two starved wolves. Every bite was a delightful crunch, a mix of cheese, salsa, and sheer joy. “We shredded the cheddar,” Paul joked, his mouth half full of nacho. I couldn’t help but laugh. It was one of those simple, perfect moments – good food, great company, and a day of adventure behind us.

    Sitting here at City Brew, I’m nursing a coffee and reminiscing about last night’s escapades while waiting for Paul to wake up. He’s probably still dreaming about those nachos. I can’t blame him; they were legendary. And once he locates me here, who knows what today’s adventure will bring? But one thing’s for sure – it’s going to be hard to top skiing in Pattee Canyon and conquering a nacho mountain.

  • Paul Has Arrived

    No pics of my best friend Paul’s grand entrance from NY – I was exhausted, and he arrived at 11 PM. Spent the day getting Marcy ready, Paul’s her fav. She was all about cuddles. Now, I’m at work, itching to start my vacation. Honestly, I think I just came in for the bike ride. Winter biking on my K2 is a blast – it can handle anything.

    And hey, the training plan at https://lwcoaching.com/ is shaping up great!

  • Snow Biking

    Finally managed an official ride, but only reached the end of Kim Williams Trail. Recent rains formed a crust on the snow, over a foot deep – tough to pedal through. This bike would be great on snowmobile trails. Anyone know any? Wonder what Paul’s up to now?

  • Any Good Excuses?

    Dall-E Cartoon added later

    Stuck at work and dreaming of a snow bike ride. Anyone got a clever excuse to sneak out? I’m busy with my training plan, but can’t help wondering what Paul’s up to right now.

  • Laundry Night

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    Tonight is laundry night and I decided to use the bike to do it with instead of starting up the car for a trip down Higgins Avenue. We are due for another big snow storm and it is supposed to hit tomorrow. I’ll be on my bike!

  • The K2 is Back

    IMG_0393 IMG_0394_port

    Yesterday I spent the entire day scrounging old parts and putting together a bike I can go brutally beat up on this winter. I have got to ride! I was able to do the Sentinel Fire Road trail last night at 9:30 PM!

  • Hello From The OSCR

    Hello From The OSCR

    In the midst of racing and the relentless pursuit of personal bests, there’s an unexpected joy that comes from capturing the moment—taking photos while navigating the course, a blend of focus and creativity that adds a unique layer to the experience. Taking photos while racing is fun and Looking kind of …. ruff are glimpses into these moments, snapshots that convey more than just the race but the sheer joy and sometimes the rough edges of pushing through physical limits.

    This year, I achieved a personal best, improving my time from 5.5 hours last year to a remarkable 3:34:29. It was not just about the time shaved off but the experience gained, the views that can’t be matched, and the exhilaration that comes with each stride and breath. The race, a testament to endurance and the beauty of the landscape, leaves me with memories that linger far beyond the finish line.

    Looking ahead, I’m drawn to the idea of tackling the OSCR Loop during the summer, this time on a mountain bike. The allure of a main climb boasting around 2,000 feet of vertical gain (not accumulative) beckons, a challenge that promises the same breathtaking views under a different guise. It’s these moments, these challenges, that fuel the passion for the next adventure, the next opportunity to push beyond the known limits.

    Have a good day, everyone, and may your own pursuits bring you joy, personal bests, and the satisfaction of a challenge met head-on.