Category: Blog Posts

The Wisdom River Gallery showcases a quality selection of Montana art and photography, antiques and collectibles, handcrafted furniture, vintage western fashions for both men and women, and Made-in-Montana native crafts. Their web site presents a fraction of the many items currently on display in their store.

While I was working and searching for items pertaining to Montana I happened upon a picture that I had taken.  After reading the article [read article here] I realized it was this site featuring my site.  I am proud and honored to grace another’s site.  So go give this place a try, stop in, buy some stuff!

I must note that not only my site is gracing theirs but my friend Paul Bardis is now “Biking The Montana Backcountry”  (that’s him in the picture).  Actually this picture looks like an adventure picture but in reality he was building a fort out of stone.

Hello from the Green Hanger in Missoula Montana where I am doing chores (laundry). I got up this morning aching (from sleeping on a futon) and ideas dancing in my head on how to make my front fork perform better. Yesterday was race 2 of the Knobby Tire Series of Idaho (The official state championship series). Marcy and I just went into Albertsons to use the change machine where I poured all the change I could find around the house into the slot and waited to see if I had enough to do laundry. I did, in fact enough for a bagel and Starbucks coffee (and do laundry too). How cool is that.

I left last Friday after work. Well, not right after work because I had to ride my bike down to the Good Food Store to get supplies and stop in at the bank. After that I went home and packed the car. I didn’t get out of town until 4pm.

I drove 70 in hopes of stretching my gas mileage. I was not carrying enough cash to buy two takes of gas and pay the entry fee so I was going on a wing and a prayer. As I approached Idaho Falls I was excited to see that I was only down 2/3 a tank. I figured that I would go sign up for the race on Saturday and put the rest in the tank. Maybe it was possible to make it home.

At around 10 PM I stopped at a rest stop about 30 miles from Pocatello. I was almost there and I would camp out in the back of my car. The rear seat turns and lays flat and make a really comfortable bed. It worked well except for the occasional group of travelers looking in my windows to see how I was sleeping in my beetle. I felt like an animal on exhibit at the zoo.

In the morning I awoke and went exploring the lava fields nearby. It was pretty exciting but soon I felt the need for a bagel and a cup of coffee. I set out for Pocatello in hopes of going by a Starbucks. I was hoping my card had enough coffee bucks on it.

I did find a Starbucks and when I got my coffee I found a way to do some grocery shopping at the same time. I found out that Starbucks has that pure cane sugar in little packets. I stuffed a handful in my pocket. If I did this each time I had a coffee I could sweeten my evening Chai. I was excited.

The Knobby Tire Series is Idaho’s State Championship Series. When I registered for the race I commented that maybe the series should track all participants even the out of state ones. The person at the desk said that they would, just not for the State Championship. That’s cool by me. I would be honored to go for the Knobby Tire Series Championship. I was also pleasantly pleased to find out that it was only 25 bucks … I still might make it home.

The course was spectacular! It started out in town (Desert) and wound its way up through gulches and sagebrush weaving through the dry dusty terrain. After a fair amount of climbing the scenery changed to flowers and more of a mountain and alpine terrain. the course was all singletrack and plenty of climbing. Near the top of the course (12.5 mile loop) there were groves of aspen and the track went through them getting deep and dark at times. Some of the trail reminded me of being back out east again. There were roots and dark soil! The descents were fast and technical and even crossed a scree slope and at time forced a dismount to clear fences. Just when i thought I could not stand any longer I was treated to sitting finally while I climbed up switchbacks. This course had it all.

The race started out well and it seemed as though i would catch the pros again. I left the expert field in the dust and bridges up to the pro single speeders. Then the course got to me but not in a bad way. I had so much fun I forgot I was in a race and after lap one I decided that I better concentrate on my race and not worry about the pros. The course was great but it took its toll. My knees hurt from so much standing due to the technical and the downhill. I had been scared in some parts and wanted enough energy to concentrate on them for lap two. I slowed down and enjoyed lap two hoping my knees would hold out. They did and I scooted across the finish line in first place.

I came home a different way going through Lemhi and the Lemhi Valley. The scenery was spectacular but soon I realized that I would need gas and I was out of cash. i stopped in salmon and used the credit card. I was hungry and exhausted from all the adventure and I just wanted to know i could make it without walking so I gave in. I finally did make it and soon I was in bed at home resting.

So the gas mileage was astounding and the beauty of the trip was the usual majestic and spiritually soothing self. Now it is on to next weekend and the possibility of two races in Salmon and Cour d’Alene. Have a good week everyone!

My parents are setting off to visit me this next week.  They are willing to stay in Missoula for three weeks and I have planned some memorable stuff for us to do (may be the last time we meet up).  I have not seen them in almost 5 years. They can not stay with me and I told them I would rent a place for them.  So they will be able to visit only if I can find a place for three (or even two) weeks. Otherwise they will visit for a weekend and move on to Roundup.

My problem is that I have not been able to find a place within my ability to pay for it. The best I can do is put them up at Jellystone Park in one of those little cabins! Can you help me [click here] ! Let me know if you know of any place I can put them up at a reasonable price.  I also welcome any ideas that I am not thinking of.  I tend to go blank when I panic!  So if you can suggest something that would be great.  thanks!

Hello from somewhere in Missoula Montana as I get ready for my trip to Pocatello Idaho this weekend for the second round of the Knobby Tires Series, Idaho’s State Championship Series. I am about to go get supplies and pack the car and I thought why not upload another set of pictures and give remembrance to last years great adventure that a friend and I had in the mission Mountains in August [click here for pics].

Paul and I set out to do Panorama Peak and camp out for an evening on his yearly trip to Montana.

Hello from the Green hanger (still) in Missoula Montana.

Today was one of those days that you wish you could frame and hang on the wall of your heart forever. I spent it at Grandma’s, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of magical. Not in the Harry Potter kind of way, but in the warm, fuzzy, homemade cookies kind of magic. The kind that only grandmas can conjure up.

Being at Grandma’s is like stepping into a world where time not only slows down but sometimes, it feels like it’s taken a seat right beside you, just enjoying the moment. We talked, laughed, and yes, ate—oh boy, did we eat! Grandma’s cooking has this way of making you forget about the world outside her kitchen window.

And here’s a little confession: I’m behind on uploading photos. I know, I know, in this digital age, that’s almost like saying I forgot to breathe. But hear me out. Spending the day at Grandma’s, soaking in every story, every laugh, and yes, every single one of those delicious cookies, I couldn’t bear to look away, not even for a moment. Not even for a photo.

But don’t worry, I’ve stored every detail in my mind’s eye. From the way the sunlight danced through the kitchen curtains to the soft hum of Grandma’s voice as she shared stories of yesteryears—each moment is etched in my memory. And honestly, isn’t that where the most precious memories live?

So, while I might be a tad late in sharing those snapshots with the world, I’m perfectly on time in the moments that truly matter. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the real beauty of spending a day at Grandma’s. It’s not about capturing the perfect photo; it’s about living in the perfect moment.

Tomorrow, I’ll try to sift through the photos and share a few. But for tonight, I’m content with the beautiful day that was. A day at Grandma’s, a day well spent.

Hello from an undisclosed place in Missoula Montana where I am surfing on the wave of societal busy-ness.  I promised to answer emails, get blogs, and pictures posted but I have run amuck in the red tape of paying bills and arranging my financial position in order to self sponsor a imaginary cycling career. let us forget that I have to have this real job and pretend that I am a professional mountain bike racer.

In reality I am not! So I must get things in order so I can participate in this weekend’s MUCH anticipated trip to Boise for a AMBC mountain bike race.  I am real excited to be making the trek with friends and it should be a great time.  First however; I must get my poop in a group and when I have aligned the necessary pieces I’ll get to those emails and pictures.  In the meantime stop by again and I’ll be in touch.

Hey there from the cozy corner of Missoula, Montana, right by those bustling fairgrounds! First off, my bad for ghosting you all and not getting back to those emails. Been kinda MIA since the race last weekend (huge shoutout to RBrown’s dynamic duo for snagging the top spot – you rock!). It’s been a wild ride of licking my wounds, both in my head and on my body, while also juggling the everyday circus.

Yesterday? Full-on chore marathon. I’d say I nailed it. Today’s mission? Tackling those bills to keep the mountain bike dream alive for another month. Can’t let up on the training either; gotta keep those wheels spinning and my heart pumping to conquer those mountain trails.

Promise, I’ll be back in action by tomorrow, ready to spill all about the weekend adventures in a fresh blog post and dive into that email backlog. Till then, keep ripping those trails and stay dirty, my friends!

Hello from Missoula—for the next 15 minutes, anyway. Yep, you read that right. Today, I’m on a fleeting stopover in this slice of Montana before hitting the road again. Destination? Grandma’s house. And no, this isn’t the start of a fairy tale, though with all the twists and turns life throws our way, it might as well be.

Missoula’s been a blast of fresh air, literally. There’s something about this place that makes you want to bottle up its essence and take it with you. But today’s not about mountain trails or riverbanks; it’s about family, about reconnecting with roots that run as deep as the rivers here.

Going to Grandma’s feels like stepping back in time, to a place where the world slows down just enough for you to catch your breath. It’s about the warmth of her smile, the stories that seem to have added chapters since the last visit, and yes, the inevitable cheek pinch that she swears you’ve never grown too old for.

As I prep for the journey, I can’t help but think about the road ahead—both the one leading to Grandma’s house and the bigger journey of life. Missoula, with its brief but impactful cameo in today’s chapter, has been a reminder of the beauty in pausing, even if just for 15 minutes, to appreciate where you are.

So, here’s to the short stops that make the long journeys worthwhile. Next stop: Grandma’s. I can almost taste the cookies now. Stay tuned for tales from the other side of the mountain—where time stands still, and the stories flow as freely as the tea.

Catch you on the flip side!

Hello from Missoula Montana moments before work as I drink my coffee and eat my morning grub.

Hello from the Green Hanger where I finish up my chores this morning before going riding in the nice new sun shine.  I say nice and new because lately we have not seen good weather.  Yesterday’s race sucked due to the conditions and the only good thing to come out of it was a nice relaxing drive through the Pintlers [see photos].

I woke up Saturday (yesterday) late because for some reason the alarm decided to not wake me up.  I decided to ditch the dog and camping plans to rush out to Anaconda for the start of the race.  The drive was awesome and I vowed to stop on the way home to take it all in.  I arrived and with some difficulty finding the registration area finally arrived.

After registering I broke my seat post.  I got my money back and prepared to leave and go back home.  I was pissed! Fellow racers John, Lisa, and Al scrounged up some washers and post parts so I regained my number and set out on a fixing session.  I was able to rig a situation where I could sit on my seat but it was an inch lower and the nose was high.  At least I would get to race.

I signed up in Masters A (see previous blog) and we rolled out at a very very slow pace.  The wind was high, in our face, and kept the temps in the 40s.  When we reached the turn around point we would be encountering 28 degree temperatures.  I was planning on a great climb to the lake from Anaconda and making my move in the middle of it. This would be my only chance because the race was shortened due to the previous day’s storm which dumped 10 inches of snow on Georgetown Lake.  The roads were not plowed and we had to just go up to the dam and tun around.

The conditions also made the field very small.  Most of my friends did not show up and I found myself without any mentors.  The only guy I knew was John and I took tips from him and urged him to let me work for a win in his favor.  He had been in a car accident this winter and was just coming back from some injuries.  He commented that he was not ready to make a winning move.

It seemed like just moments before the first lake came into view.  I panicked!  What happened to the anticipated climb?  I missed my opportunity because from the first lake to Georgetown Lake was pretty flat and so was the ride around to the dam.  I was out of climb and everyone was fresh.  I decided that John would be the challenge …. could I help him win?

I started attacking every 5 minutes.  I launched attacks on every incline.  I countered every counter attack.  I attacked on the descents. Since there was not long climb for me to break away from the pack I knew I could not break apart the group.  The course was also short so I was running out of time for myself, but I could wear everyone down so that John could go for the win.  I attacked and attacked … then let them catch back on.

At one point near the end I opened a small gap but I was too fried to stay away.  So I attacked until the final corner. John was right there and I asked how he felt.  He said that he was strong and I knew that we could pull it off.  I surged at the final corner and went wide as John pushed through low.  I let off the gas and he sprinted forward.  Everyone expected me to sprint but I sat up and waited.  Everyone surged after John but it was too late.  I screamed “Go John, Go”!  He held them off.  Congratulations john!

As I look back I am disappointed that I coasted in and did not sprint for better position.  I forgot I was in the race and was watching the action.  I lead most of the race and pushed a pace so hard no one could break away.  I had controlled the race and lead out a rider but in the end I finished pretty much last place.  Training for me and the mountain bike season is coming soon!

So there you have it, my low down on yesterday’s race. As you can see I posted pictures of Georgetown Lake.  Feel free to go to the gallery to post comments and even order or download them to your Picassa application.  Most of all get out and enjoy the rest of the weekend.  As soon as I get tout of here, I am!

One side note! I have a set of Neuvation Wheels.  My bearings in the front felt weird so I emailed the owner John Neugent.  He just emailed me back saying that he is sending me new bearings, now that is support.  I am happy with my wheels and the customer service is awesome!  Check out the site http://www.neuvationcycling.com/!

Hello from Missoula where I am sorry to say I am not at Starbucks heading out of town. I am in no hurry any more since learning of the conditions in Anaconda. I will race today but not go camping. Some of the abrupt change in my plans this weekend are due to the fact that my alarm did not go off this morning and I am running late. My plans were to go camping. Instead I will go to the Georgetown Road Race and then return. I just got word that even the race is in peril

The Highlands Road Race will still take place, albeit shorter distances. There was 10

As many of you know I don’t even have a road bike.  I have been riding my cross bike with road tires. Also this is my first year ever racing road bikes not forgetting a couple road bike races that I tried back in New York and Vermont.  Being all the facts as they are I have a cat 5 road racing license.  I feel like I would not get enough competition at cat 5 so I have been racing in the harder Masters  Division due to my age qualifying me to do so. Well those days are over when I read a welcome email from the president of Montana Cycling.

One other item (before it becomes an “issue”):  I’ve been advised to urge you to (strongly) consider riding with the Masters A group, rather than the Bs.  And, from what I’ve seen, you’re certainly well qualified to do so.  Normally, the Master B division is for those (often-, but not always) older masters racers who aren’t quite as competitive as their (often-) younger peers.  And, since we allow our Masters fields to be self-seeding, the Bs usually race (by agreement) for glory only — i.e. no prizes.  This way, “sandbagging” doesn’t become a concern.  You’re welcome to race in whichever group you like, but be advised that you’re probably better suited to the A group…

I don’t know who is doing the “strong urging” but I say to that person, “bring it on baby”. I relied that I would prefer to race cat 1 pro if they would let me.  But you know the rules (specially roadie ones)!  I am a cat 5 with a possibility of an up and coming upgrade.  I would prefer to be at least a cat 3 but that may not be possible. So this weekend I am proud to announce that I will be Master A and will get to ride with my friend.

Of course I can also say, “who gives a shift!” Mountain bike season is about to begin and I will be doing what I truly love.  Playing in the dirt … Beau-Yea!

Hello from Missoula Montana were I have been home since around 4 tonight.  I worked on my bikes and went for a late MTB ride up the fire road. Earlier today I was in the Montana Velo Road Race [map]. The course was a 20 mile flat course with a gravel road section and a small set of rollers by a lake.  Here is my recollection of how it went down.

We rolled out to start the race in a comfy group of 20 riders in our group. We had the usual hard work at the front with a couple attempts at breaking out early.  I stayed at the back and just bid my time and tried to rest and just take in the situation until it was time to go to the front to work.

As we approached the half way point of the first lap I was told to push the pace a little because we were about to hit the dirt and I shouldn’t be in the back.  I did try to move up a little bust stayed back in the pack so I wouldn’t get tricked into doing the work at the front. A NRO rider broke out hard and his fellow team mates slowed the pace.

I was stuck in the pack for about three miles.  by the time I could get a clear run to the front the rider that broke away was a half mile ahead.  I notice a corner coming up and everyone started to swing left and slow down.  I hit the hole hard and sprinted free of the peloton.

I ran a 172 beats per minute heart rate to the rider that was out front. I felt I would reel him back in and show the group that no one breaks out.  I looked back and the peloton was sitting back almost enjoying my expenditure of extreme energy to bring this guy back. So I tried something else instead.

I asked the guy if he felt strong and to my relief he said yes.  I told him to catch on and we would attack.  he shouted that he did not feel as strong as I was riding so I slowed down.  We worked together to finish out the first lap.

Is we rode out to the second lap the peloton was a minute or tow behind.  We clearly were going to make the break work.  To my disappointment the break started to fall apart. My break away partner started to slow down.  I wondered if he was pulling me back to the peloton.  He told me to be smooth and try to stay consistent.  I slowed down and worked with him until about a mile from the halfway point where the courses only climb awaited. He was clearly slowing down and behind him was the peloton.  I was within moments of being caught.  I took off!

I climbed as hard as I could and looked back.  the peloton was right behind me.  I went harder and struggled over the rollers with as much power as I could muster.  As I settled into a time trail mode I stayed focused and at one with the bike.  My heart rate was up to 174 bpm and it had been there for 15 minutes.  To my surprise I was able to actually pick up the pace on the flats and rode away from the peloton.  I thought I was free and clear all I had to do was survive the last 5 miles to the finish line.

As I rounded the last corner and about 3 miles from the finish I looked back.  The peloton looked far enough back but there was a rider making a break to bridge up to me.  It was my friend that I went to Pocatello with.  I hunkered down and tried to keep a steady pace.

With a mile to go my friend pulled up behind me.  I was impressed with his strength!  He was in another class so I knew I was going to win Masters B and he was going to win Masters A. We went into the final kilometer and I started to show my happiness with a on the bike dance.  as we neared the finish line he sprinted but I did not care.  I had won my race and he was a seasoned racer and quite the sprinter.

Stay tuned as next week I am off to Georgetown Lake for the last road race before the MTB season.  I am going to miss the peloton.