Category: Blog Posts

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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:

• 2018: Setbacks – Bill shares a personal reflection on facing life’s setbacks, offering insights into resilience and the art of turning around when a goal seems out of reach.
• 2012: Little Bear Creek – An account of a challenging ride to Little Bear Creek, highlighting the unpredictable nature of adventure and the perseverance required to overcome obstacles.
• 2010: Rebecca In Town – Excitement brews in Missoula as Rebecca visits town, turning an ordinary event into an unforgettable gathering.
• 2010: Pipestone – Bill dedicates a post to his favorite photos of 2009, starting with “Pipestone,” a captivating image that speaks volumes about friendship and the road less traveled.
• 2009: Grand Ride in Bitterroots – Bill recounts a grand ride in the Bitterroots, weaving in themes of perseverance, nature’s beauty, and the joy of cycling.
• 2008: Its Off to Seeley Lake – A narrative about a spontaneous trip to Seeley Lake, reflecting on the excitement and unpredictability of pre-season riding.
• 2007: I’m No Fake – A candid exploration of authenticity and the complexities of human interaction, challenging readers to reflect on their own experiences.
• 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.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

• 2021: Obsession
• 2012: Rescue
• 2010: Thursday Night Meet Up
• 2008: Road Riding West O Missoula
• 2007: Spring Training
• 2006: Beetle In Peril – Looking Back
• 2002: Back to Training, Brookfield Park MTB Tonight
• 2001: I Can Only Do So Much

Each post captures a unique moment, from thrilling adventures to contemplative reflections, embodying the spirit of evolving adventures through the years.

Ever had those mornings where you’re cozily wrapped in your blankets, and then suddenly, bam, reality hits? That was me this morning. The heater buzzed to life, a not-so-gentle reminder that it was time to swap dreamland for the daily grind. I was teetering on the edge of sleep, but a quick blanket-fling and an Olympic-worthy 8.4 dismount from my loft bed had me up and at ’em. Maybe it was nature’s call that got me moving, or maybe it was something else…

Logging in for work, I set my coffee brewing, feeling an unusual spring in my step. Why the extra zing today? Ah, last night. In a fleeting moment of ‘why not?’, I did something I rarely do—I made a purchase. Not just any purchase, but one that had me wrestling with my inner shopper for what felt like an eternity. It was almost comical, the inner debate, the to-and-fro. But this morning, there’s no buyer’s remorse. Just a sense of excitement, a readiness for whatever this new adventure brings.

It’s funny how small things can shift our perspective. A new item, a simple change, can transform an ordinary day into something a bit more interesting. Maybe it’s the thrill of the new, the unknown, or just breaking the monotony. Whatever it is, I’m here for it. So, bring on the day and let’s see where this post-purchase pep takes me!

Resources for Making Smart Purchases and Embracing New Adventures:

• “Smart Shopping: How to Make Wise Purchases” – Read Here – Discover tips and tricks for making smart buying decisions, helping you avoid buyer’s remorse and make purchases you’ll love.
• “The Psychology of Buying: Understanding Your Spending Habits” – Learn More – Dive into the fascinating world of consumer psychology and learn how to make more mindful shopping choices.
• “Embracing Change: How New Experiences Enrich Your Life” – Explore Here – A guide on why embracing new experiences, like making a significant purchase, can be beneficial for your mental and emotional well-being.
• “The Thrill of the New: Why We Love New Things” – Read More – An article delving into why humans are drawn to new experiences and items, and how this affects our happiness and life choices.
• “Coffee Lovers’ Guide: Best Brews for Your Morning Routine” – Check It Out – Because a good day starts with a great cup of coffee. Find the best blends to kickstart your morning.

Is it really helpful to put your thoughts down on a keyboard and on the screen? Is it the same as writing them out by hand? I ask because I am forcing myself to come up with thoughts right now. I always thought I should spend a portion of the day being creative, and this is my outlet. I have also tried videos and photos. I enjoy photos the most, but words seem to flow easier. But is it helpful?

It is nice to look back on previous posts and reflect. I am not big on gratitude journal entries but this is my way of being thankful. I have some great memories on this day in previous years. Let’s see:

Last year was pretty exciting as our fridge showed up. In 2018, we were in a new romantic relationship with Livingston. Even in 2012, I was considering video. 2010 was my first Frog Hollow win. In 2006, I was feeling the same as this year, but probably because of Insomnia.

2005 I THOUGHT I enjoyed biking in snow and was having trouble with the lack of light this time of the year. 2004 was the first time I posted on this day in the past and was having relationship issues.

So I will say it. I am grateful to have these memories and also to have a log to remeber them with.

A mirage, a ghost. Whatever it is, it’s actually beautiful. But be careful, as confronting the ghoul will cause something sinister. Shackled to a life of hike-a-biking endless days to the top of a never ending climb. Lifting the bike over dead-fall. Pulling up sandstone cliffs.

I know because I chased down the figure only to stare into her eyes and into the never ending adventure of pushing bikes and prodding along on an adventure without an end. For eternity, I will march to the beat of my heart. And I’ll climb.

I can’t sleep. Tonight is not feeling right. Feeling abandon and thoughts not justified. Feeling like a pest to others. I have retreated into the van, alone. It’s just me … and my thoughts.

I get up and take 6 glycine and then within 20 minutes all goes blank.

I wake up early wondering if today I will feel better. While making coffee, the news is maddening, and I get angry. More negative words. Maybe I’ll go for a walk.

All my thoughts are negative at this point. Simply just going to walk. Just wish I could see the sun and the winter hasn’t even started. I have to think of a way to switch my thoughts positive. Any hints?

Running in the dark is quite special. Dodging cars. Remember Montana, if one was to hit an animal and call it into the coppers, you could take home the carcass. Some people drive through Gardner like a bat out of hell, hoping to get some meat for the fridge.

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This morning, I was a target three times over. Then there’s that creepy diesel truck that turned on their lights and started following me when I ran by. Gardner is such a creepy place.

This week I have been testing my fun factor and manner of efficiency regarding riding gravel or cross-country mountain bike. Obviously, it is fun to always ride my enduro bike or as I call it, a real mountain bike. But with cush core and heavy casing tires that are necessary to do anything meaningful on a bike, it is really too heavy and the rides on normal gravel and dirt paths are too slow. Thus no fun. But then I ride my hardtail “adventure” bike, which is a glorified gravel bike you can put fat tires on … well … harsh and really eye jarring.

So I rode the same loop three days in a row with my three main configurations. Gravel/Cross Bike, Adventure/Fat Tire Bike, and Moki my Enduro Bike with a cross-country wheel combo (really really light with fast tires). Also, I took 10 psi out of Moki’s front fork. To bring the geometry around to be more of a cross-country, what I call fitness roadie bullshit, style. Oh, I am disgruntled, don’t get me started. I yearn to do a cross-country race now and then … with a REAL bike.

Let’s get this out in the clear. I don’t understand the people that do not have dropper posts on all their bikes. It is like … why would you go cross-country skiing with a barstool stuck to your ass? You have ruined the sport of cycling for way to long. Let it go and drop it.

Ok, so the verdict is that Orca my adventure hard-tail seems to be the most efficient but only with its Plus sized 27.5 wheels. With its gravel cross country wheels it is a nightmare. NOT efficient and eye jarring. I totally hate to ride that thing unless I am doing a paved road hill climb … which will be … NEVER.

But the most fun is Moki my 170mm enduro bike with the super light wheels. I know on an enduro run I would totally rip these skinny ass lightweights off the spokes … butt … wow, how fun in the gravel and cross-country. Except real mountain biking of course. For fitness style, Cape Epic, cross-coutry racing, Moki in cross-country mode is the most fun. And I know that my gravel grinder local time-trial that I set my fastest time in this mode during the spring and could never touch that time with my hardtail cross country gravel grinder.

I had so much fun last night that I rode extra, even did some veritable mountain biking on the Carcass Downhill. Instead of turning at “the creek” like the previous two rides I continued on to do Beatiee Gulch to the cabin. I had to be careful but it rips. I love you Moki.

Well … until I get an ebike.

So yea, writing a blog post by hand. Or are they calling it a personal journal? Or a gratitude journal. Or a balanced post of a little good and a little bad. You know words … hmm, don’t know.

If I remember correctly, my old process was to jot down the moments that came to mind of a recent outing. Add a little drama somewhere. Overcome it all. And then brief words of wisdom at the end. I think … hmm, don’t really remember how those words went.

So I have tried a post without photos or videos. Because that is hard and words used to rumble from my fingertip on the keyboard of a computer. I want to see if that still is the case. But where is that word?

So I went on a morning walk. It was before sunrise … which is easy to do recently. I guess the word is cold? Dark? Hm, don’t know.

Yeah, it was cold. But not really. Actually, quite mild for this time of year. What is the word? Pleasant? Don’t know.

Did I say it was dark out? Oh yeah, I did. Shit, dunno, can’t focus on words right now.

So it was dark and there I was running. Running in the dark. Suddenly, a dark group of shadows rushed in front of me. The last one stopped. I stopped. It did not move. So I said, “hey Google, turn on my flashlight”. In front of me was a young bull elk, still not moving. So I just shuffled by and said, “Excuse me”. I guess the word at this point is smell. I could smell the elk now. Why didn’t I smell it before. And why can’t I come up with a better word, then smell?

I don’t know. Can I still come up with words? Can I put them together into something that makes sense? Can I? Dunno.