Category: Blog Posts

Hello from Roundup, Montana! Today’s adventure kicked off before the sun even had a chance to peek over the horizon. At the crack of dawn, 6 a.m. to be exact, my day began. There’s something about waking up while the world is still quiet that adds an extra layer of excitement to any journey.

First stop? City Brew. Any road trip enthusiast knows that a good day starts with a great cup of coffee. City Brew was more than just a coffee stop; it was where I fueled up my attention engine, readying myself for the long drive ahead.

The destination? Billings, Montana. The drive, a scenic stretch lasting about 5 hours, gave me plenty of time to soak in the beauty of Montana’s landscapes. Road trips like these are less about the destination and more about the experience – the open road, the changing scenery, and the uninterrupted time for reflection.

Upon reaching Billings, I had the joy of reuniting with family. Dinner with Uncle Bill and Aunt Cheryl wasn’t just a meal; it was a heartwarming catch-up session, filled with laughter and stories. There’s something special about family gatherings that makes any place feel like home.

The final leg of my journey took me to Grandma’s house in the Bull Mountains. Contrary to their name, they’re more like hills, but that doesn’t take away from their charm. Arriving at Grandma’s felt like stepping into a familiar, comforting world – a perfect end to a day well spent.

From the early start at City Brew to the warm family dinner in Billings, and finally, the tranquility of Grandma’s house in the hills, this trip to Roundup was a reminder of the simple joys life offers.

Resources to Enhance Your Day:

1. City Brew Coffee – Where every great journey begins.
2. Visit Billings – Explore the best of Billings, Montana.
3. Montana’s Scenic Drives – Discover the beauty of Montana’s open roads.
4. Family Gathering Tips – Make the most of your family reunions.
5. Exploring the Bull Mountains – A guide to the serene hills of Montana.

Hello! Hunkered down in my basement apartment in Missoula Montana I am waiting for the big storm (check weather).  All the news stations are reporting a big storm that is supposed to dump two feet of snow is on the way.  This is not good news because I leave for East Montana this Saturday (in two days). My last two years have been hell going to Lambert but memorable.  last year I had to get a new set of tires for my car and this year I finished the project by getting another pair to complete the replacement of my tires. Now to just get a new timing belt and new lenses, the car will be back up to snuff.

Last night I did not take my Yak Trax on my run up sentinel and I paid the price.  I slipped and slid around making the decent back to the car very dangerous.  My new running stance (top secret) helped keep my bones from feeling sore.  I ran for 59:37 with the surprising good news that Marcy was able to keep up (good news). Talking about top secret, I did my top secret CORE last night for a half an hour combined with a half hour on the indoor trainer.  I can really feel my power workout last night.  I think a rest day is in order. Tonight if it does snow I will go skiing.

I put in for a sponsorship at Van Dessel Sports (click here to see bike) and requested equipment support.  I soon received a reply from Edwin Bull that at this time of year their sponsorship budget is very tight but he would be happy to offer me their highest pro-deal sponsorship level which is 37% off of listed price. My thoughts on that are if I had $3000.00 to plop down on a bike would I be asking for support.  I will move on and ask others. My dream bike, if I were to win the lottery, is the Gary Fisher SuperFly (take a look).

Take care and remember … pain is only weakness leaving the body!

Here I am again at the City Brew coffee house, my usual haunt. This morning’s scene? A bit of a shake-up. My favorite spot’s taken by a bunch that could easily win a “least welcoming” award. You know them, those with a glare sharp enough to slice through your digital bubble. It’s like they’re on a mission to banish anyone who dares to embrace the online world.

But let’s not dwell on the gloomy. Instead, let’s chat about the brighter side of things. Picture this: the sun’s out, and the mountains are like a masterpiece painted in fresh, white snow. It’s one of those days that just screams ‘picture-perfect’.

<< Now seated at a new table >>

Managed to snag a table. Now, comfortably seated, I can dive into the day’s musings. If the roads were clear, believe me, I’d be out there, cycling through this winter wonderland. But first, mundane tasks call – laundry, of course. Then, maybe a trip to Lolo Pass for some ski adventures.

Speaking of skiing, yesterday was a blast. I went skate skiing with my friend Alden at Lolo Pass. Check this out – Alden handed me these amazing skate skis. They’re a game-changer. I can glide effortlessly, stand taller, feel the rhythm of the snow. They’ve lit a spark in me, a newfound passion for skate skiing. And with so much winter still ahead, what a time to fall in love with it!

• Winter Wonderland: Exploring the Beauty of Snow-Capped Mountains
  This guide offers breathtaking views and tips for those looking to explore snowy mountains.
• The Ultimate Guide to Skate Skiing
  Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this comprehensive guide covers everything about skate skiing.
• Road Cycling in Winter: Tips and Tricks
  Learn how to safely enjoy cycling during the colder months with these expert tips.
• The Joy of Online Communities: Navigating Digital Spaces
  Discover how to engage positively in online spaces, turning them into sources of joy and learning.
• Lolo Pass: A Hidden Gem for Winter Sports
  Explore Lolo Pass, a prime destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Ah, the aroma of coffee with a hint of cocoa, the buttery goodness of scones, and a heart full of plans! This isn’t just any weekend; it’s the prelude to an escapade filled with skate skiing, cycling, and a bit of car tinkering.

Imagine this: you’re gazing out of the window, coffee in hand, as the world wakes up. The promise of a 30-degree day beckons you outdoors. But first, skate skiing with Alden. You’ve warned him – it’s a short ski today. After all, there’s a mountain of tasks waiting.

And cycling? Oh yes, that’s on the cards too. You’re eyeing those roads, hoping they clear up. Cycling isn’t just a sport for you; it’s a breath of fresh air, a dash of adrenaline.

But wait, there’s more! Prepping for a road trip to Lambert next weekend. Tires checked? Absolutely. That’s priority number one. And your trainer? It’s decided to join the winter orchestra with its squealing symphony. But no worries, you’ll fix it. You need it for those indoor cycling sessions.

Tick-tock, the clock’s hands move, and Alden’s arrival is imminent. You’re a wizard today, magically fitting bindings onto your skis. And amidst this hustle, you’re house sitting and tackling chores. Whoever said weekends are for resting didn’t have your energy!

Through all this, it’s the warmth of friendship that keeps the chill at bay. Shoutouts to RBrown, Roar, Pablo, and Rouge – your crew, your winter cheerleaders. And Roar, we’re all ears about your snow adventures!

So, dear reader, embrace the chaos, relish the rush, and remember – in the whirlwind of life, it’s the moments of connection and thrill that make the best memories.

Winter Weekend Resources

1. The Ultimate Guide to Skate Skiing: New to skate skiing or looking to improve? This comprehensive guide covers techniques, gear, and tips to enhance your experience.
2. Cycling in Winter: A Beginner’s Guide: Learn how to safely enjoy cycling in winter conditions, including gear recommendations and road safety tips.
3. DIY Car Maintenance Before a Road Trip: Ensure your car is road-trip-ready with this handy guide on basic maintenance tasks you can do at home.
4. Silencing a Squeaky Bike Trainer: Annoyed by a noisy trainer? This article provides easy solutions to fix common issues and get back to quiet riding.

Woke up this morning feeling like I’d sprinted a marathon. Yep, last night’s run was nothing short of epic. Picture this: me, charging through Crazy Canyon like a superhero. The aftermath? A body that’s screaming, “What on earth were you thinking?”

But hey, I’ve got a secret weapon against muscle soreness – my killer Recoverite smoothie. Last night, post-run, I whipped up this magic potion. Here’s what goes in it:

• A packet of Recoverite (because, muscles)
• 1/3 cup of yogurt (smooth and creamy, just the way I like it)
• 1/3 cup of blueberries (for that sweet, fruity kick)

Tomorrow’s plan? Hitting the slopes for some skiing action before heading off to Aunt Paula’s. I’m all about that balance – run, recover, ski, and repeat.

Oh, and in the midst of all this, I just realized I’m late for work! More updates coming soon. Until then, keep blending and stay speedy!

What a day, folks! You know those mornings when you’re racing against the clock, and breakfast becomes a forgotten luxury? That was me today. Scrambling out of bed after 7, I realized the only way to not be late for work was to dash out the door. No time for a proper breakfast, so I grabbed a Recoverite packet. Health in a hurry, right?

But here’s the twist. Arriving at work, I found a tray of sugar cookies near the microwave. Now, let’s be honest, my excitement wasn’t exactly for health reasons. It was that deep-seated, primeval sugar craving. And boy, did I give in. So much for the Recoverite. Hello, cookies!

The day only spiraled from there. It turned into an unofficial office bake-off. Platters of goodies started pouring in. It felt like everyone had hit the festive party mode a bit early. Then came the fruit cake. But no, I was on a mission – a mission that somehow still included cookies.

Next, three kinds of fudge appeared. And yes, I partook. I mean, who wouldn’t? It was like the universe declared an unofficial ‘no-real-food’ day. And now, the thought of a healthy lunch filled me with a weird mix of sugar-infused guilt and calorie-counting dread.

So here I am, reaching out for help while simultaneously planning to meet everyone at Sean Kelly’s tonight. Oh, the irony! Can one escape this sugary vortex? Stay tuned!

Check out this page I just posted, featuring some members of the Thursday Night Ride Group, including myself. I created it on the website http://www.elfyourself.com, and the results are absolutely hilarious.

The stars of the show are Ronnie, Ross, myself, and Larry. If only we could replicate these moves on our bikes!

There’s a nor’easter headed for the East Coast, but I’m safely tucked away here, doing winter training “stuff.” Yesterday, I blacked out for the second day in a row. I came home, and the next thing I knew, it was 8 in the evening. I quickly did an hour of Tae Bo and then spun down on the rollers before talking to Mom and Dad on the phone. Maybe that half marathon affected me more than I thought.

Well, I spent too much time responding to the chatter here at the lodge, and I’m late for work. Some of us have to work, Rogue! lol … talk later!

It’s snowing out East, and the rowing records are being shattered here in the West (shoutout to ROAR and ROGUE!) while I sit here, dreaming of next season. Today is a rest day, and I’ve spent the evening preparing my plan of attack for next year’s season.

I was supposed to do chores but fell asleep after work instead. As Marcy gave me a dirty look for not going hiking like I had promised, I felt the urge to do something constructive. Now that I have something to focus on, it’s off to training I go.

Yesterday, I went for a road ride out to Turah and back. Initially, I had planned to go to Clinton and back, but as I rolled out of town, I realized I might cut the ride short from my previous plan of 3 hours to 2 or even 1. My CamelBak nozzle accidentally got exposed and froze solid, so I figured I’d go home and get on the rollers.

As I left Bonner and Milltown, I decided to try that road called ‘Rustic Road.’ I was pleasantly surprised to find that it looped back under the Interstate at Turah. Cool, a new shorter loop (possible multi-loop on a sparsely traveled road)!

As I rode under the interstate at around mile 12.1, it looked like it was going to snow a little. As I approached East Missoula, I found myself in a full blizzard. I rode home in a complete whiteout and arrived as the snow started to pile up.

Here we go again with the snow! And I was psyched to get back out on the bike. I’m thankful that I have other outlets like running and skiing; maybe I’ll try out Pattee Canyon this week. I just noticed Missoula Nordic has posted the race calendar. Let’s race!

Good morning from my apartment, where I find myself running late again, probably because I was updating my 2007 training log. So, I guess I’ll have to skip my emails and other morning routines and cut this blog post short. I’ll try to update everyone more if I catch a break sometime today. Isn’t it funny how we just try to survive on Mondays? I’m thankful that today I’m feeling rested and not as sore as I thought I would be. More later, have a great morning!

*People, please feel free to comment. Hi ROAR!

This frosty morning in Missoula finds me gearing up for a recovery ride. The roads are inviting, and with the right layers, it’s bound to be a good one. Yesterday’s ride wasn’t just for the sake of it; it was a journey to the Freezer Burn Half Marathon.

After an 18-mile spin out to Frenchtown with Josh, we met Larry at the race. A bonfire warmed us before the start, where the entry fee was a steal. Early on, I was doing well, close to the lead pack, until my leg warmers began their descent. A quick stop to remove them, and I was off again, this time with bare legs. The weather was kind, sunny and encouraging.

Running alongside Ashley, she nudged my pace from 160 bpm to 168 bpm. It seemed doable until my stride began to falter. Eventually, my pace dropped to a shuffle, the hard pavement challenging every joint and ligament. Crossing the finish line at 1:41, I smashed my 2-hour goal. Mission accomplished.

We capped off the event at Iron Horse Brewery, celebrating with Cold Smoke and a heap of nachos. What a day!

I’m off to bed. Has anyone been to Woot.com? It’s a site with incredible deals, one day at a time. Sometimes, they have “Woot-offs” like today, where they post an item until it sells out. People buy it to see what’s next in line.

The other day, I received my Woot from a Sunday morning purchase. I saw this 1GB Scandisk memory card, media player, and radio for about ten bucks. With a click of a button, it was on its way.

Well, all the excitement is over, and I need to get an early start to pack and get my bike ready for the ride to Frenchtown for the half marathon. See you there! Otherwise, you’re a wuss!

The weather is good enough to feel like spring.  It is raining outside and the air is warm.