Boneshakerbike

Category: Blog Posts

  • Cooking In The Dark

    Cooking In The Dark

    I was up this morning enjoying a cup of coffee and planning my day.  It had snowed and I was wondering when spring would make it’s surge.  The first race of the season is this week-end in Lewiston Idaho. Today is also “pay bills day” so that was poking at my thoughts.  All that and I wanted to get on to blog about the big graupel storm.  Then the power went out!

    I thought to myself, “Where is my headlamp”. Then I proceeded to cook up breakfast using my camp stove. The only minor annoyance is that I burned my toast.  Getting ready for work went on without a hitch.

    Last night my ride was interrupted by a graupel storm.  The little pellets kind of hurt my face and for a while Rattlesnake Drive was not viable. Between the deer all over the road and people trying to get home after work it was quite busy.  It was a nice fun ride and after leaving most the population behind the snow covered road was un-driven and silently peaceful.

    Today is the first of the month and boss #2 is stirring up stuff at work making a job hunt once again present in my mind.  I think I’ll take my vacation early! If only I can make the weekend without a major stress event so I can enjoy the first race of the season. I am hoping that a good weekend will also smoothly transition into Spring Break when I have a friend come to Missoula for some mental rehabilitation … wow, I just had a urge to watch Wallace and Grommet.

    On This Day In History

    2006: Web Site Problems – FutureHosting.Biz is the company that hosts this site.

    2006: Web Lodge Gets Free Rent – A curious entry with a hint of adventure and a dash of mystery.

    2005: Back From Lolo Peak Ridge – Last Saturday my friend Alden and I took a snow shoe up the East Ridge of Lolo Peak.

    2004: New Pictures From Mom – Heads up, readers! Mom’s latest photos are up in the “Buckey’s” section, found under “Life in Yuma.”

    2004: New Batteries – My mom just got a new charger and I checked into it. It appears to be a great new technology.

    2002: MTB at Brookfield Park Awesome – Hey there, long time no see – or, you know, long time no post! I’m still kickin’, just been swamped with bouncing back from pushing my limits a tad too much and gearing up for a big move.

  • Blackfoot River Road Ride

    Blackfoot River Road Ride

    Howdy, y’all! It’s your favorite pedal-pusher, Bill, strapping in for a breezy two-hour jaunt down Route 200. Got my eyes on the prize: hitting the lodge by 8 PM sharp for our little pow-wow tonight. Catch ya on the flip side!

    …Fast Forward Two Hours…

    7:50 PM: Just wheeled in from the frosty escapades on Blackfoot, sliding into eChat with seconds to spare. My fingers? More like frozen fish sticks than anything human, and trying to type is like waltzing across a keyboard in ski gloves. It was chillier than a Yeti’s icebox out there, folks.

    Kicked off at the crack of 5:30, soaking up every last ray of sun. About 9 miles short of Bonner, I bumped into a gang of road warriors – and I’m not talking about cyclists. Picture this: 15 rams, lined up like they own the place. And from the tales I’ve heard, these guys could give a junkyard crusher a run for its money.

    Seeing them hog the road, I wasn’t about to play chicken. Some daredevils in cars just whizzed past, not giving a hoot. One joker even honked at me, like I was the one causing a traffic jam. I sent them the most cordial “how do you do” with my frostbitten finger as I could. After a Mexican standoff with the woolly blockage, I zipped past and made it back in the nick of time.

    If you’re itching to get a glimpse of where this chilly showdown went down, hit up the map link. Till we meet again, keep your digits toasty and those wheels spinning!

    On This Day

    My past posts from Feb 28th in history.

    View
  • Lolo Pass Ride

    Lolo Pass Ride

    I was just about to fall asleep when I got this leg cramp.  Well since I had to get up to jump around and scream I thought why not blog today’s ride.  Today I rode to Lolo Pass from Lolo.  It is a 66.1 mile journey with around 5,000 feet of climbing.  It is all up then all down.  From warm dry roads to freezing slushy mountain pass with 6 feet of snow covering the sides of the roads.  They actually dig out the signs it gets so deep up there. The ride back can drop your body temperature and send you into a shivering mess of discombobulation.

    I left town and the roads were dry and I was thinking I over dressed.  At around 1.5 hours I started the climb to the pass and it started to snow and the roads were wet.  It took me 30 minutes to make the climb and it was quite amazing.  I had never did a pass in such bad conditions … well since Chief Joseph Pass last year at least.

    On the way down I flatted and I had to change a tire in the worst possible place.  Just after the downhill when I wet wet and cold.  It took me the rest of the ride  to warm up.

    I approached town a head wind tested me to the maximum.  I did make it and just barely. Now I sit here ready for bed calculating my week of training. It looks like I did 12.5 hours total training but the biggest increase is my elevation gain for the week is at 9,300.  Oh yeah! I missed 200 miles by just 8.1 miles but by far the largest week this year.

    Overall in the saddle I am ahead of last years training but far behind what I usually did back in the 90’s when I rode with a passion. In the time spent training department I am not far off my old efforts.

    Now I go into a week of rest in preparation for the first race of the season in Salmon Idaho.  I am all set, just have to change my oil and get my camping gear all set. I hope everyone had a good weekend.

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

    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.

  • I Just Keep Ending up Here!

    I Just Keep Ending up Here!

    Hey there from my trusty spot at Break Espresso, yes, again. I couldn’t resist the siren call of their caramel rolls, which, against all odds, tasted fresher than my optimism on a Monday morning. And the coffee? Let’s just say it’s the kind of cup that makes you wonder if it’s too late to send a thank-you note to the inventor of coffee. It’s one of those days where the simple combo of sugar, caffeine, and a cozy corner is enough to make me feel like I’ve got my life somewhat together. Here’s to finding small victories in the form of baked goods and a decent brew!

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

    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.

  • Product Review

    Hello from my apartment, where I’m waging a one-eyed war against the sleep monster to blog about my epic ride! Just crushed over 50 miles, dodging road-side shrapnel and battling sandy whirlpools like some post-apocalyptic cyclist. (Seriously, why is there always so much junk on the roads?) Cleanup was a sandy, gritty adventure in itself, but hey, that’s the price you pay for freedom, right?

    Speaking of freedom, my new Panaracer Urban Max 32Cs are like chariots for my feet! Big, beefy, and built to handle whatever Mother Nature (or careless drivers) throws their way. Today’s sandy, rocky terrain was their playground, and they didn’t even blink. Sure, they might not be winning any weight-weenie contests, but for spring training abuse and pure confidence-inspiring grip, they’re champions. Just a heads-up, though, they need a lot of clearance, so road bikes might be out of luck. But for anyone else seeking adventure-proof tires, these are pure awesomeness.

    Next up, the Hind Monsoon booties. Light as a feather and surprisingly aero-feeling, they kept my tootsies toasty despite the constant sand-water showers. Plus, at $15, they’re a steal! Seriously impressed.

    Last but not least, the SKS TRA-Dry fender. Snagged it for a tenner, and let me tell you, it’s like the love child of convenience and practicality. Pops on and off my bike in seconds (seriously, 20 seconds!), flares out for extra protection, and is light as a feather. This little fender is a game-changer, folks.

    Rest Stop
    Discovery Mountain Bike Race
    Jill transitioning to the walk a bike
    History reimagined: Pixels paint the past anew.
    Website Biking Photos

    So there you have it, my post-ride ramblings fueled by late-night adrenaline and questionable sleep choices. Until next time, happy riding!

    FEB 24 IN HISTORY:

    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.

  • Home Safely

    Created by DALL-E to fill in posts that don’t have a image for blog functionality (prettiness)

    Hey everyone, just droppin’ a quick one to let y’all know I made it back to my base safe and sound. So, here’s the tea: after clocking out, I stumbled upon this awesome tidbit – the “Board Room” is now serving “Double Haul“. Naturally, I had to indulge in a couple, which led to me wandering around town the whole night just to sober up enough to drive. I mean, sure, I could’ve just walked home, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, I chose to roam the streets for a good three hours. Even ended up at the Break Espresso, sipping on some Joe and munching on yesterday’s goodies while spamming comments from my PDA. Not gonna lie, it was pretty rad.

    So here I am, back at the ranch, and surprisingly, I’m not feeling too shabby. Actually, I’m penning this post as a test run for this nifty blog editor I just got my hands on. It’s called w.blogger, and you can peep it here: http://wbloggar.com/faq.php. It’s a slick tool that lets me blog directly from my Windows setup, no browser needed.

    Here’s the scoop on w.bloggar: it’s basically this cool app that bridges the gap between you and your blogs. Think of it as your blogging Swiss Army knife – it’s got all these neat bells and whistles that you just don’t get with the usual browser-based tools.

    BIG NEWS ALERT: I’ve switched gears to using Windows Live Writer Beta now. It’s this epic, free app that’s gonna up my blogging game. It lets you jazz up your posts with all sorts of rich content and gives you a sneak peek of what your post will look like live. Best part? I can tweak my blog without ever opening a browser. Check it out here: http://ideas.live.com/programpage.aspx?versionId=4372c8c2

    FEB 24 IN HISTORY:

    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.

  • I'm No Fake

    I know this person and I know that you do too. They are nice, polite, and seem interested in how you are doing. Yea, well I know that person too but I feel weird when they give me complements, apologize, or ask how my racing is going. I am human and with being a human comes an internal intuition. It is that intuition that make me feel weird. Why? because they are fake. Fake compliments! Fake compassion! Its all fake. Its their way to navigate the channels of the ever political societal flow. So if you are one of these people, think twice if you want to give me a compliment because I know you.

    Ok, now I have made myself feel better. I was feeling a little down this morning because I am not nice to be nice, polite to be polite, and in being so felt I had no heart. in fact i am being true. I am true to the path. Not a fake!

    I wish I could of at least faked a ride last night but I had mechanical problems with my cross bike. I was up all night trying different fixes so that I could have a working front derailment system (even though home made). Today I must find a way to purchase a new one. Its is always something.

    I wanted to get out because I wanted to try the new booties, tires (how this ‘fix a bike’ started), and fender. I will get my chance as this weekend is looking to be stormy, slushy, and cold. Yuck!

    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:

    • 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.

  • Back From Riding

    The first hour in my new apartment

    Hello everyone from my apartment in Missoula Montana. Hey, check out Mom’s new photo uploads ! Looks like dad is having fun with the ladies 🙂 🙂 . I am back from tonights 3 hour road ride. It was great and the conditions could not be better. The bike is already cleaned up and ready for tomorrow. Looks like I am late for bed :(:(

    Yesterday I had a pretty decent ride as well. I can not really complain about the weather. I am so freaking tired I cant even blog correctly. Good Night!

    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!

  • Another Day, Another Turn of the Crank

    Big Sky Montana

    Good morning from my basement apartment in Missoula Montana . This morning I was thinking about Big Sky Montana .

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

    • 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.

  • Spring Training

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

    So, this weekend was like that movie “Weekend at Bernie’s” – kinda dead on arrival, but then got surprisingly fun. Okay, maybe not THAT dead, but let’s just say Saturday was a tropical smoothie and Sunday was a hailstone margarita. Speaking of hail, did you see the Daytona 500? One dude literally crossed the finish line on his roof! Talk about a pit stop, am I right?

    Saturday was the dream, folks. Chilled indoors on a project (don’t judge, gotta pay the bills!), but eventually that cabin fever hit harder than a rogue squirrel on the Lolo Trail. So, I ditched the keyboard and grabbed my trusty steed for a spin. Sunshine on my skin, wind in my hair – pure bliss, except for the nagging guilt of that unfinished work lurking like a troll under the bridge. #adultingproblems

    Sunday, however, was a different beast. Freezing rain greeted me like a grumpy neighbor, and guess what? Back to the project I went. By the time I finally escaped, it was late, cold, and the wind felt like Mother Nature was giving me the stink-eye. Headwind? More like a head-on collision with a hurricane! ️

    But then, just when I was ready to call it quits and hibernate like a grizzly bear, the clouds parted like Moses and BAM! Sunshine kissed my face and the hail stopped its angry peppering. It was a magical moment, like finding a twenty in your winter coat pocket. The rest of the ride was pure zen, man.

    And here’s the kicker: after five years of being a music-fueled cyclist, I discovered something life-changing. Turns out, ditching the tunes makes the ride, well, more of a ride. No mental music video, just the sweet symphony of wind and water. Bonus points for actually hearing oncoming traffic before they become surprise bumper buddies. No more tunes for me, thanks!

    The best part? Being present in the moment, feeling connected to the road, the landscape, the whole shebang. Gone are the days of clinging to the edge like a scared gecko. Now I’m part of the scene, eyes peeled, ears perked, and having a blast. And let me tell you, cruising back down Lolo with the wind at my back and a sunset painting the sky? Pure, unadulterated zen.

    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.

  • The Weekend Oasis: Plans, Pivots, and Two-Wheeled Tales

    Created by DALL-E to fill in posts that don’t have a image for blog functionality (prettiness)

    Ah, the weekend. That blissful break that descends upon us like a long-awaited pizza delivery after a week of microwave dinners. Feels like I just cracked open a treasure chest overflowing with “me time” and freedom. Last night, though, I was all about flexing those non-keyboard muscles – conquering some lingering tasks that were clinging to me like stubborn barnacles on a boat.

    This weekend, however? Buckle up, folks, because it’s shaping up like a real-life adventure novel. Bike exploration? Check. Carving down the slopes? Maybe, if this caffeine-fueled optimism holds. But one thing’s for sure, there’s a five-hour date with spring training locked in my calendar. And that’s not just a plan, it’s a sacred pact with myself (and maybe my slightly sore muscles).

    Speaking of plans, let me unveil the latest chapter in my personal saga: The Great Calendar Conundrum. My online calendar and PDA have been playing a stubborn game of tug-of-war, refusing to coexist happily. Honestly, it felt like trying to herd cats while juggling flaming batons. Especially with the season kicking off soon, simplicity is key. So, I’m giving the online calendar the boot – turns out, I was its lone, slightly neurotic visitor anyway.

    New strategy? Embracing the blog life, but with a twist. Building a digital community is cool, but right now, I’m craving the real-life connections of bike races and group rides. It’s time to trade pixels for pavement, screens for the gritty, exhilarating scenes of community and friendly competition.

    On a more somber note, the dangers of the road hit a little too close to home last night. A fellow cyclist, tragically, lost their life on Reserve Street, taken down by a semi truck. It’s a harsh reminder of the risks we face every time we hit the pavement. Especially when some folks behind the wheel, particularly those piloting these road-ruling behemoths, seem blissfully disconnected, lost in the glow of their phones rather than the world around them. Just the other day, I had a heart-stopping encounter with a semi truck driver on the same street, more interested in their text messages than the cyclist inches away. Scary stuff, folks. Not just cars, but these lumbering giants piloted by people who seem to forget the lives they whizz past with a blink of an eye.

    Life, as they say, is a rollercoaster. Filled with climbs that leave you breathless and unexpected turns that throw you for a loop. But through it all, we navigate, adapt, and keep rolling, right? Whether it’s conquering the urban jungle on two wheels or decluttering our digital lives, the journey is ours to shape. So, here’s to the adventures, the lessons, and the wide-open road ahead. May it be filled with fewer close calls and more epic tales!

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

  • Exhausted But Riding Strong

    Hard days work

    Balancing the hustle of work, staying fit, and squeezing in some me-time? Man, it feels like I’m always running on fumes. It’s a tough gig, always dancing on the edge of just too much, but hey, gotta keep on trucking, right?

    Now, don’t get me started on my caffeine kick. It’s like my go-to turbo boost, but honestly? It’s messing with my Zs, big time. Thinking of swapping those java jolts for some zen moments or quick zzz’s. Need to dial it down on the espresso express.

    And oh, those bike rides in the evenings? They’re like my daily dose of daredevil. But a flickering bike light? That was a “hello, reality” moment. Gear’s gotta be top-notch, or I’m toast.

    Missoula’s all over the map – hills, flats, you name it. Keeps my cycling spicy and me on my toes. Never a dull moment.

    Work-wise, I’m in the groove. Diving deep into PHP and web stuff has got me all fired up about my job again. It’s a blast, but part of me’s waiting for the other shoe to drop.

    Tonight’s game plan? Pumping iron and playing catch-up with life’s little to-dos. Keeping all these balls in the air’s a circus act, but I’m all in. Here’s to hoping this spring’s training sesh brings its A-game to both my code and my rides.

    On this day in history, a stroll down memory lane

  • The Saga of the Never-Ending Day

    The Saga of the Never-Ending Day

    Just before I crash, figured I’d share the epic tale of my day. It’s been one for the books, truly. Kicked off post-work at 5 PM, thrilled to catch some daylight for a bike ride. Even snagged a new tube at lunch to get a head start on prepping.

    I hate it when …

    But then, the universe had other plans. My pump? Vanished. Last seen on a curb where I patched up a flat. Tore the house down for an hour before deciding to just wing it and go ride anyway.

    Next up, my headlamp decided to join the disappearing act and broke on me. As the daylight began to fade, my frustration was hitting new heights. Needed a light, stat. Sportsman Warehouse was a bust, but REI came through with a new headlamp and mini pump. The catch? There went the cash I’d been saving for a racing license.

    Managed to hit the road by 7:30ish, only for my new light to give up the ghost 18 minutes in. “No sweat,” I thought, pulling out an old battery pack. That’s when Mother Nature threw a blizzard party at Bonner. Ended up looking like one of those snow-caked cars, which was kinda hilarious in a “why me?” sort of way.

    On the homestretch, my backup batteries waved the white flag. Just got back, after an hour of post-adventure cleanup, and I’m beat. Like I said, what a marathon of a day. And now? Pretty sure I’ve got exercise bulimia.

    ON THIS DAY FEBRUARY 13TH

  • Do I Have Exercise Bulimia?

    Do I Have Exercise Bulimia?

    So, there I was, minding my own business, when the evening news throws out this term: “exercise bulimia.” Caught my attention because they mentioned something about never-ending injuries, and I’m like, “Wait, that’s me.” At first, I’m thinking, “No way, that’s gotta be a load of hogwash,” but curiosity got the best of me, and down the internet rabbit hole I went.

    According to the all-knowing Wikipedia, exercise bulimia is basically when you’re obsessed with working out to the point it’s harming your health. We’re talking about not giving your body a break, pushing it past its limits, all in the name of burning off that extra slice of pizza. And if you’re eating okay but still overdoing the exercise, it’s like you’re walking a thin line with anorexia. Here’s the link to that brain dump: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_bulimia.

    The more I read, the more I see myself in the description. Choosing exercise over everything else, considering ditching work for a workout, pushing through injuries like they’re badges of honor, getting all moody if I don’t sweat it out for a day. And let’s not even start on my self-worth being tied up in how much I can bench or how fast I can clear a trail. According to the gospel of the web, I’m textbook “exercise bulimia.”

    Lolo Pass

    And the kicker? Keep at it, and I’m looking at a shopping list of health woes – think injuries, turning into a human raisin from dehydration, bones as fragile as my grandma’s china, and a heart that’s working overtime.

    But here’s the million-dollar question: Is this legit, or just some made-up nonsense by folks who’ve never felt the rush of a downhill ride? Part of me’s ready to call BS, but another part’s wondering if there’s a hint of truth in there.

    Anyway, existential crisis aside, I’ve got a race to prep for. Yep, in three weeks, and not a moment to lose. Tonight’s agenda? A solid 90-minute ride, fresh off last night’s strength training session. So what if my day’s scheduled around my workouts? And hey, if there’s a way to skive off work for more bike time, I’m all ears.

    So there you have it. Me, possibly dealing with exercise bulimia, but also me, not quite ready to hang up my cycling shoes. Priorities, right?

    ON THIS DAY FEBRUARY 13TH

  • Lolo Pass Tele Ski

    Lolo Pass Tele Ski

    Hello from the Green Hanger where I am doing laundry and getting caught up after yesterday’s tele ski on Lolo Pass [check out the pics ]. After a stressful week at work my friend and I met at the Kettle House for a Discombobulator Doppelbock and to make plans to ski on Saturday. We decided on Lolo Pass and with that decision the weekend was on.

    This is the last weekend of un structured work outs because starting tomorrow I begin my quest to be fast in 2007 on the Montana mountain bike circuit. My body fat project is going well and with a month or so of base training I should be right on schedule.

    But first I have to get in some tele ski trips. Right! As previous blogs has eluded to I have an ankle injury. It has been feeling better and better with each passing week. So why not give it a test by going tele skiing.

    Saturday looks bleak both on the web cam shot of Lolo Pass and in town as my friend and I headed out. I had forgotten my coffee and was kind of panicked but I hit it well. I stared out the window dreaming of the creamy mocha broth!

    Oh yea! Back to the trip! Anyway, we showed up at the pass and the sun was out and it appeared we were in for a blue bird day. And what a day it was because it was so warm I had to strip down to just a short sleeve shirt….

    Time shift to later on at Break Espresso: Whew! What happened … oh yea. And now the rest of the story. It was a blue bird day and by the time we reached the top of Fuji we continued on to the higher mountain along the ridge to the South. It was a good ski but my ankle started to ache. I wondered if I was going to be able to ski down.

    On the top where it is not so steep we did well and I was able to complete some turns but as we neared the bottom of Fuji my ankle hurt so bad and I could not put any weight on it. My day was through. I struggled to the car and we discussed the medical care in our country on the way home. It looks like I may need to see a bone a joint doctor.

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

    Let’s take a stroll down memory lane with my intriguing blog posts:

  • After A Ride

    I just got back from a winter training ride. This morning it was apparent that I may not even get to ride. It rained all day and the conditions after work were dismal. After some good ol coffee, a bag of barbeque chips, and yogurt I was up for anything. So I set off on my Trek single speed.

    My route was unique. It took me through the streets of Missoula and behind the university. Then I threaded some bike paths along the river to the California Street Bridge. This bridge is cool and it is like a mini golden gate bridge for bikes and pedestrians. I then headed up and over the bridge on Scott Street. Then out to Reserve and up to Snow Bowl Road.

    The entire route was around 26 miles with 1,100 feet climbing. The conditions were not cold but after getting wet it did start getting cold. Now it is over and I am about to hit the sack. This weekend is still up in the air and this work week was once again one of the most stressful. I must get caught up in sleep and so then I must go.

    ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

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

  • Drunkin Summer Sausage Party

    Drunkin Summer Sausage Party

    Good morning from the Break Espresso . I have had two cups of coffee and a roll already and now my computer has finally started. This morning I awoke with a head ache after last nights big “drunken summer sausage party”.

    You see I had thawed out a summer sausage for the super bowl party this weekend and it was sitting in the fridge awaiting the festivities. I came home from work last night and was absolutely fried. I knew I was approaching the clearing at the end of the path so I grabbed some wine.

    After walking the dog I poured another. The week was so stressful. I had an opportunity to do web work and wanted to get caught up on some projects that on paper looked easy. Unfortunately my code wasn’t the problem. We had problems in the hosting department. It seemed everything was going wrong and in the end I feel like I did not get to a point I wanted to be and feel comfortable.

    So there I was on a Friday starring at the wall wondering what to do next. When would I become human again and start the weekend festivities. By now it appeared that I was going to do nothing else that night so I decided to eat all that I could and enjoy it before the 6 PM FSD (food stoppage deadline; If you do not know what this is you are not a frequent reader of this blog). And there is was! The summer sausage!

    It was there for me when nothing else was. No food in the house, what is a man to do? In about 30 minutes the entire thing was gone along with a half bottle of mustard. I feel asleep.

    So this morning I had a headache quite possibly a mustard hangover. It is cold and frosty today and I hope to get out to ski possibly. Of course I have plenty chores to do since I stumbled last night into the arms of wine, food, and a snuggly pillow. I must get caught up.

  • Blog and You Shall Receive

    Blog and You Shall Receive

    My recent blog mentioned Missoula’s lack of snow. Right after, it snowed! Just returned from a two-hour skate ski in Pattee Canyon, in the best conditions ever (https://www.missoulanordic.org/snow_grooming/messages/1/1.html?1170445054). So it seems, blog it and it happens!