Category: Blog Posts

I am finally home and putting things away and at the same time watching Sunday Night Football. I arrived about an hour ago and sat down to enjoy yesterday's winnings a big sandwich from Starky's. Starky's is a sandwich shop in Bozeman that makes a pretty big and tasty sandwich. More of that later. I thought I would get out a blog to announce a winning effort and what I had to overcome tin today's Cyclocross race. I better get to the story because I still have chores (grocery shopping) to do tonight.

I left off from my last blog as the sun went down in Big Sky and I was about to head out to find a camping spot. Well I did find a camping spot but only after climbing about 4,000 feet into the mountains. The snowy peaks were right next to my window as the partially full moon lit them up for me to star at and fall asleep. I awoke to a pretty frosty morning and a big trip down the hill to the road back to Bozeman.

After a small stop at McDonalds (hey it worked for me yesterday) I arrived in Bozeman to look for a little park on Main street. I found it without getting too lost and again i arrived early. I took Marcy for the run around the course and she gave it a big paws up. There was one interesting section where you had to dismount and run down some layers of rail road ties. The terrain included everything but mud. There were sidewalk sections as well as a small hill climb.

At the beginning of the race I felt a little uneasy and told myself to just go out and have fun while at the same time try to keep with the leaders as much as passable. I was also nervous about my chain dropping problem. The race started and the pace seemed reasonable. It seemed that no one wanted to go out on their own so I took the lead. Later on my competitor said that I passed so fast he decided he couldn't follow.

I did not feel as strong as it appeared and the usual hard breathing and pain arrive right on schedule. I attacked the first hill climb and zipped across a street. I kept getting lost and I could feel the competition catching up. I was like a confused rat. I jumped off my bike to do the run down and heard a weird clinging sound. I thought, "shoot there goes my chain again".

I put the bike down and the chain was not off the ring so I jumped on and peddled off. The clanking got louder and louder. Obviously I had broken a spoke. I was very disappointed that I finally had a chance to win and I would DNF. I rode on.

I rode as if nothing was wrong because what could I do. As long as that back wheel would turn I would peddle on. On the next lap I went to the climb hard and the spoke went into my chain and derailed the chain. I put it on. it came back off. I lost about 15 seconds messing with it trying to get it all working again. Finally I got going again.

Each lapped I prayed that the wheel would hold up. I caught and passed numerous A racers and on the one lap bell I felt like I was going to win. I rode it in and felt very lucky the back wheel held up missing spokes. Lucky for me the spoke wrapped around the other side away from the chain ring and I was able to keep going. I won the race!

This race was not as lucrative as Saturdays race but I did get a new floor pump. It would of been nice to get gas money. The big reward was finally getting some results for this seasons hardships. I calibrated at Starky's with a big sandwich. I was able to get two sandwiches, some tea, a bag of Boulder Chips, and 2 monster cookies with my gift certificate I had won the day before.

Unfortunately I could not find a wireless hot spot to blog earlier so I now site here blogging away and ready to wrap things up to go grocery shopping.

On the way home I stopped in Butte and drive um Montana Street and then over to the college. I was looking for a coffee shop to blog in and grab some coffee to keep me awake for the final leg home. After driving around sight seeing Marcy and I grabbed some gas and headed home.

Well that's about it! I am happy to announce a win and a second place this weekend. What is next … finding a new wheel. This one is probably done for good. I hope everyone had a great weekend!

How cool is this? I am sitting in Big Sky with a wireless connection and blogging my heart away while at the same time munching a real good banana nut muffin. I am at the Hungary Moose Deli in Big Sky and the scenery out the window is spectacular. The race is over and I have good news to report. It all began around 5:30 this morning. The alarm sounded and I did not want to get up and drive to Big Sky.

I finally packed the car complete with my feather bed for the camp out in the car that would take place later tonight. I packed up my dog Marcy, the bike, tools, and headed out. But first I had to stop at McDonalds for a quickly breakfast. I got the big breakfast with bacon instead of sausage. I ate it as I drove to Big Sky.

I did get out of town late but I did not panic and even stopped in Butte for some gas and some coffee. I almost dozed off once and had to battle direct morning sunlight in my eyes for a while. Soon the Mountains appeared and I drove to them.

I arrived at Big Sky with the sun shining and the air a crisp 38 degrees. I was a little early so I walked the course and went for a bike ride up to the Blue Moon Cafe to make sure it would be open after the race. I was here before with some friends after a mountain bike race.

The race took place right in Big Sky at a community park. It included two barrier sections both on grass (good for the knees). It had a nifty run up and some brutal rock sections. It also had some pavement and a climb up through some wood chips. The climb was brutal and real hard. On the top you had to dismount and jump some barriers. It was extremely difficult. The course also had a long trail sections with a real sharp turn where both wheels drifted. Fast and exciting.

My race started and we rolled out pretty slowly at an easy pace but as we all know that would not last long. Soon there was a break. I tried to answer and dropped my chain after the first run up. What a bad start. I finally caught back up to third but the first place guy had taken off. I passed second place and dropped my chain a second time. I repaired and set out to catch up once again. I decided that first was now out of the question so I held a steady pace to the end. I got 2nd place.

The awards ceremony was great. I laid back to enjoy the sun and we relaxed beside a rushing stream. Marcy whined as usual because she wanted to run free. I got my award and was please to get some cash to go eat at the Blue Moon with and have some extra for gas and breakfast. That part was great. I also won a gift certificate for a deli in Bozeman for 20 bucks. Before I come home tomorrow I will stock my car with deli goods.

After the race I went to the Blue Moon cafe for some chili and pizza. I meet some other competitors from this area and at with them at their table. It was nice to meet some new folks. After that Marcy and I took a scenic drive up to the resort and then towards Yellowstone Park.

So here I sit, getting sleepy by the moment. I am content and really enjoying the area and the mountains. As soon as I sign off I am headed just up the road to Moose Meadows Camp Ground or something near there. I am planning on sleeping in the car. This morning I converted it to a camper complete with featherbed.

Tomorrow I will sew up the weekend by going into Bozeman for race number 4 of the series. I am hoping for another good result so I can get a solid hold on a top place in the standings.

So signing off for now as the sun is starting to warm the mountains with a more golden glow as it dips down to the horizon. It will be getting dark soon so I better go find a camp spot. This is Bill signing off from Big Sky.

I just repaired my back wheel again this time doing some bending and twisting and re-tensioning. It looks pretty good and there is no weak spots. I looked all over town tonight with my friend for a wheel but only settled on a big ol bowl of Ice cream. That means I must race … to work it off.

So I am going to bed now at 11:30 in hopes of getting up at 5:30 to set off on a journey to Big Sky Montana for the 3rd race of the Montana Cyclocross Series where I think I firmly reside in 4th place (unofficially).

My plans are to race in Big Sky Tomorrow and then camp out along the road in my car. If I can brave the frigid temps I will arrive in Bozeman bright and early for Sundays race which is the 4th in the series.

I hope to return home with my trusty side kick Marcy (my dog) on Sunday evening. See you all then and if I find a WI FI hot spot I'll blog there!

I woke up this morning feeling better than I would have figured given the fact that when I went to bed last night the big bruise on my thigh was really disturbing. It is particularly disturbing because it is from a muscle pull. Last weekend I was racing with a slight muscle pull when I ripped it good jumping over some barriers. I figure it must be severe to bruise like that. That thought brings me to this mornings topic. Why am I always hurt and why am I always in a martyr?

Sometimes it seems I may be receiving a payoff from relationships that cause myself distress. It may be feeding into my helplessness or my martyr role. Maybe it feeds my need to be needed, enhancing my self esteem by allowing me to feel in control or mortally superior to the other person. Sometimes I feel alleviated from financial or other kinds of responsibility by staying in a particular friendship.

I saw a story the other day where a woman said that her father sexually abused her as a child. Then she said, "I went on to spend the next twenty years blackmailing him emotionally and financially".

So what if I do this to some extent? Just realizing that I may have gotten a payoff from a relationship is not cause for shame. It is not because it is a perfect opportunity for the means to search out the blocks in myself that may be stopping my growth.

Am I just thinking to much this morning or should I really start thinking about taking responsibility for the part I may be playing in keeping myself victimized. Am I really beat up? I mean I am alive and not in the hospital! I need to look honestly and fearlessly at any payoff that I am getting from my actions and let go … and find the real healing that I am seeking. Only then can I receive the positive, healthy payoff available from my friends. The payoffs I really need!

So what do you think? Feel free to comment .

I’m sorry to hear about the death of Colin Heffernan. It’s a tragedy that a young life was lost in such a way. While I can’t comment on the specific details of the accident, I can say that it’s important for both drivers and cyclists to be aware of their surroundings and to follow the rules of the road. Cyclists should always wear a helmet and ride defensively, assuming that drivers may not see them. Drivers should yield to cyclists at crosswalks and intersections, and should give them plenty of space when passing. If you’re ever unsure about who has the right of way, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

According to the Missoulian, Colin Heffernan was hit by a Chevrolet Avalanche while riding his bike near the intersection of Higgins and Beckwith avenues at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday evening. The driver of the Avalanche, a 52-year-old man from out of town, was not injured. The accident is still under investigation.

The number of times I ride my bike down Higgins Avenue depends on a number of factors, such as the weather, my destination, and my mood. However, I always make sure to follow the rules of the road and to be aware of my surroundings.

Yesterdays Cyclocross race did not go well and I feel like I want to hide under a bush today. I don't want to face others until I have had time to get to the truth of what happened last night. What exactly caused me to get lapped? Well, I don't know; and until then leave me alone. Let me guide myself into truth.

I will know what I need to know, when I need to know it. i do not have to feel badly about taking my own time to reach my insights. I don't have to force insight or awareness before it is time. This line of thinking can be applied to everyday life as well. So when people are on you to make a decision you have every right to make them wait.

Yes! Maybe the whole world saw a particular truth in my life, and I denied it … until I am ready to deal with it. That is my business, and my right! My process is my own, and I will discover my truth at the right time, when I am ready, when the experience is complete.

The most growth producing concept I can develop for myself and others is to allow myself to have my own process. I can give and receive support and encouragement (another hang up) while I go through this process. I can listen to others and say what I think. I can set boundaries and take care of myself, when needed. but I still give myself and others the right to grow at our own pace, without judgement, and with much trust that all is well and is on schedule.

When i am ready, when the time is right, and when mother earth is ready … I will know what I need to know. Then you can ask me how the race went.

Good morning. I am sitting behind a big plate of my patented potatoes turnover and just finished up a cup of joe. At the beginning of this racing season I had no idea if and how I was going to go to all the races. With my money situation it seemed impossible. Now that the season is winding down i can look back and learn that everything turned out ok.

Sometimes there is not enough money to pay all the bills and afford any luxuries. Luxuries like real Cyclocross parts! People tell me to make a budget, and I chuckle. The expenses that I need to pay for survival surpass the income.

I know many of you have lived through this kind of situation. This is not time to panic; this is not time to despair. Looking back to the start of the season I almost did, but in the end, like magic, I did indeed get to race.

Panic and desperation lead to bad judgement and desperate moves. This is the time to substitute desperation with a belief that all this turn out. It is time to take life one day at a time. It is time to use survival skills and know that my possibilities are not limited by the past or the present. Like in a race, at the beginning if you let desperation take over you'll have a bad race.

When you start looking down the trail at the things you want to miss you will find yourself hitting them all. On the other hand if you just look down the trail at the places you want to go you will have a much better experience. Money is a necessary part of being alive and living; so does the perfect trail!

I’m back from today’s race to the top of Pattee Canyon. It is a great sunny day and a low turn out had my hopes up for a big finish. But, it was not meant to be.

Today’s Winner!

Place: Definitely not 1st
Time: 15:4?
Distance: 4 miles
El. Gain: 840 feet
Goal: 13:00 (2,5:30,9,12:30)

My goal was to beat 15 minutes and as I crossed the finish line I was stunned to see that I was not much faster than three years ago. My excuse; I am thinking the bike is a fat pig. Two years ago I went up that hill in the large chain ring. This year I had to spin in some pretty easy cyclo cross gears. I didn’t even come close to getting into the big ring.

At the beginning of the race all seemed good as I got to the first mile marker in just under 2 minutes. A mile after that it appeared that I was taking it too easy but I could not answer the call when I went by the second mile marker at 5:30 a full 20 seconds past my goal pace. The course gets steep at the 3 mile marker and I found myself reaching for granny gears. The bike was getting real hard to pedal. I reached the 3 mile marker at 10 minutes a full minute off my goal pace. I figured I would not make the goal but at least would better my previous mark. I was horrified to see that I was approaching 15 minutes at the 4 mile marker with .4 miles to go. I was 2:30 off of my pace at that point but I went for it without thinking. Across the finish line it sunk in. I had a bad run and my time was slow. I was a full 3 minutes off my goal pace and it appeared I had the same time as two years ago.

In the end I do thing I was 10 seconds better than my 2004 15:50 time. I sit here now in my apartment coughing up film and feeling beaten down. Oh well, I think I got some good pictures.

2004 Hill Climb

Saturday Night Live is playing on the TV and I am about to slip into the sack for a night of rest before my start time of 10:09 tomorrow . I m trying my best to stay up and get no sleep.

Well I lost this battle but the war is not over. Tonight was my first cyclocross race out at Fort Missoula and I got pulled from the race for being lapped. I started out behind the main pack untill it split into two groups. The wann bees (me) and the pros.

I dropped my chain on the first lap setting my bike down too roughly. Then I proceeded to drop my chain 6 more times. Soon I realized that my seat post clamp was broken and the seat post had fallen down about 4 inches. I got my knee bashed in on a remount error. My run ups were very, how do I say it? Not elagent! With my friends rooting me on I struggled to at least look like a crosser.

Then … I had to ride my bike home standing up and collapsed on my front lawn. THAT WAS FUN! I cant wait for next week!

So now as I struggle to hit the showers I got a bike to fix back up and a Thursday Night Ride to prepair for tomorrow. It doesnt get any better than this.

I just got a cup of coffee going but this morning I am out of soy creamer so I put a little soy milk in my brew. Yuck! Oh well, what can you do. Tonight after work is the first Cyclocross race of the season. I don’t have time to get nervous because I go right to the starting line from work. I get out of work at 5 and the race begins sometime after 5:30. Work has become stressful so I don’t have to worry about thinking about anything but what I have to grab as I walk out after quitting.

Last night’s Online Meeting was a pretty big success as I won the bowling tourney and chatted with a couple users. there were 4 of us chatting. One topic was what we should do now that the entire world hates us as a country. Some recommendations were to get rid of our nukes, stay out of other countries business, knowing thy neibourough (who knows how to spell), starting a way to go club, and drinking beer.

Tomorrow is the Thursday Night Ride and we will be doing the Sidewinder Trail. This trail is quite popular so I expect to at least see my comrades one more time as winter approaches and threatens to smother the mountain biking fun. Well it is off to make some breakfast.

I Have just completed cleaning my cross bike after watching an episode about Glacier Park on PBS. Tonight's ride took me over Pattee Canyon Road and then down Deer Creek road. I finished up coming back into town via the Kim Williams trail. It was only an hour and twenty minute jaunt but all I needed was a relaxing ride.

Coming down Deer creek road was not as relaxing as I would of preferred. I managed to dodge an light blue truck whose driver tried his best to actually run me over and kill me head on. As I ducked under his mirror I could feel his stubborn anger as he pretended to not see me. I don't know, maybe he didn't … maybe he was drunk. This even came after getting flipped off by some young jerk in a jeep.

I survived the drivers but the real danger was whistling down a gravel road abut 45 miles an hour on skinny tires as they skipped across sharp rocks and bedrock peeking out of the roads surface. The last time I tried this I got a flat and just about crashed. My front rim is still dented from that last adventure.

I did make it and once home I ignored my promise to get the car leaned up for its appointment tomorrow. I even ignored my "do not eat past 6" policy as I made up pasta, had chips and salsa, and cearl as well.

So now it is time to retire and look ahead to Wednesday's races. Tomorrow I take the car in and give my money away to the VW mechanics. I really need to get rid of this car.