Category: Blog Posts

Top Ten Tips for Climbing Sheep Mountain Backwards:

1. Do not tell your traveling partner, “Just relax and let the pedals do the work.”
2. Single track should be renamed “tightrope,” and biking it requires a stint in Cirque du Soleil.
3. Don’t start the climb at 3 PM in the afternoon.
4. The climb is longer than you think.
5. No one does this backwards, and you should ask yourself why you want to.
6. There are no coffee shacks or brew pubs along the way.
7. If you can’t pick up your bike, then turn around and go back to where you came from.
8. Don’t take someone you are trying to date for the first time.
9. Don’t drink out of the streams.
10. Don’t forget your camera.

Honorable mention by Mo: “Biking is good training for roller derby (see photo).”

Mo had succumbed to walking entirely, abandoning any pretense of enduring further climbing. My own burden was beginning to weigh heavily upon me as well, but as you know, I’m one to suffer until I drop. And so, I continued my slow, arduous ascent, while Mo followed behind at a leisurely pace.

We were now traversing the “kulump de dump” section of the trail, a moss-covered and rain-soaked expanse where riding down required a constant lurching of the bike over roots, producing a distinctive “kaulmp de dump” sound with each maneuver.

Sometimes, in the grand scheme of things, you find yourself waiting for landmarks. It’s like playing a game of mental hopscotch where each small goal becomes a stepping stone to endure the bigger picture. So there I was, fixated on reaching the “creek crossing.” It was more than just a point on the map; it symbolized our halfway mark. Yet, with the whisper of the creek in the background, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we still had a long, long way to go…

Finally, we’re on “the climb,” and it’s time for our first breather. Mo reports that the climb is tough. For me, it’s super tough. The large bike, burdened with our load, is succumbing to gravity. I don’t have the heart to tell Mo how much further we have to go…

So it has been decided that we should stop for lunch before the big climb. I just bide my time until we are on “the climb.” It is there I will be at home. I wonder how hard it will be on my body?

Finally, at Franklin Bridge, we have stopped to filter water. Lollygagging usually uses up the day’s water supply. For me, it’s a chance to take some photos. Still, a big day lies ahead…

Mountain biking in the beautiful trails around Missoula, Montana, in the fall. The scenery is amazing, with vibrant fall colors and a cool, crisp air. I took my time to enjoy the ride and appreciate the beauty of nature.

I faced a dilemma when I realized that we were moving slower than usual. I didn’t want to spend the night out, so I suggested that we try to catch the sunset from a viewpoint ahead. This way, we could keep the spirit of the adventure alive while gently nudging ourselves towards a timely return.

Mountain biking is not just about the thrill of the downhill or testing your endurance. Sometimes, it’s about being in the moment, enjoying the company of friends, and appreciating the natural beauty around us.

Stay safe on the trails, and remember, whether it’s a race against time or a leisurely ride, it’s all about the experience and the memories you create.

Fall colors in the Rattlesnake are superb. We are finally moving towards the start of the climb up Sheep Mountain. It is slightly late because we felt that we needed to take a small break from yesterday’s push. So a great lazy morning at the tent felt great. It’s going to be a big day …

We used to call them “Bitches” but she does not like that term. And at first she really didn’t understand why. But as she pushed her fully loaded bike up the last of the three “Bitches”, a term a group of friends and I coined after our first Grave Range Growler, she let out a grunt.

“What was that”, I inquired.

“These B A S T A R D S … are hard … I hate them”

So now we call them the “Bastards”.

Continuing on with trying to make Day 1 of the RMVQ video I have run into some issues.  Not necessarily with the video itself but fun stuff in life.  Not to mention that I spent all last night traveling from Bozeman to Missoula in a freaking white out blizzard. Today I was in Hamilton at Red Barn Bikes were I enjoyed some snow biking up Ward Mountain and lots of new Salsa Fat Bike demoing. Kick in some hot stew and beer and you have a full day of distractions.

So no progress … come on snow, come to Missoula.  Everyone has it but you.

Diving into the edit for the RMVQ video, I’ve got the visuals down. The challenge now? The soundtrack. Mainstream royalty-free sites are coming up short—nothing there hits the right note.

So, what’s the plan?I’m toying with a unique idea—collaborating with a buddy of mine. He’s a drummer, and I’m thinking, why not tailor-make the beats? Picture this: he watches the scenes unfold and lays down tracks that echo the rhythm of the ride. But hey, it’s a big ask. Is it fair to rope him into my creative escapade?

For now, as I mull over the music, here’s a sneak peek with a photo from the shoot. Sure, it might not have the dynamic energy of the video, but there’s something about a still shot—capturing a moment in time—that motion can’t quite grasp. At least, that’s my take.

Today, Mother Nature threw a wintry surprise our way – snow, and plenty of it! ❄️ But that’s just the beginning of the story. As if on cue, the wind decided to join the party and blew away the freshly fallen snow, leaving the trails in pristine condition.

Now, you might be thinking, “Great, perfect conditions for a ride!” Well, here’s the twist – it wasn’t just cold; it was bone-chilling, teeth-chattering cold. The kind of cold that makes your breath turn into frosty clouds. And the relentless blowing wind? It didn’t let up.

Yet, in true mountain biking spirit, I embarked on my usual 25-mile commute, affectionately known as ‘The Urban Legend.’ As I pedaled through the frigid air, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of adventure, a touch of madness, and a whole lot of determination.

The ride took on an almost eerie quality as I ventured through what I fondly call “spookywoods.” The trees stood tall, their branches covered in a delicate dusting of snow, casting long shadows in the fading light.

Then, as the day turned into night, I knew it was time to head back home. After all, there’s Missoula waiting for me tomorrow. Despite the cold and the snow, I relished the ride, knowing that I was squeezing in some quality time on the trails.

As I reflect on today’s winter wonderland adventure, I can’t help but wonder what tomorrow has in store. Will it bring more surprises, more challenges, and more opportunities to explore the rugged beauty of Montana? One thing’s for sure – the thrill of mountain biking and the mysteries of nature will always keep us coming back for more.