Category: Blog Posts

This post marks the third entry in my series celebrating my top 2009 photos. Today, I highlight “Morning Trail,” captured on March 14, 2009, as dawn broke over South Sentinel. It embodies the quintessential Missoula moment for any mountain biker—the return to town from Pattee Canyon, greeted by the cityscape.

That morning was set for a City Brew meet-up, aimed at combining scones, website work, and, of course, a pre-meet bike ride to assess the trail’s conditions.

With tonight’s TNR hike, I’m gearing up early for one last intense training session before joining fellow enthusiasts for a night of sharing tales, insights, and philosophies. It’s also a chance to spot the latest in trail gear, like the trend of reinforced shoes.

And let’s not forget: “Race Across The Sky” is just two weeks away!

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

2009: Dirt Coalition – Sharing aspirations to join the GT Dirt Coalition, and catching up on the internet during a rest break from a decent block of training.

2008: Hard Miles – A recount of a challenging 60-mile ride up route 200 in the rain, bringing about a sense of unexpected energy and strength.

2007: Lolo Pass Ride – An ambitious 66.1-mile journey to Lolo Pass, featuring around 5,000 feet of climbing and a cramp that led to late-night blogging.

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.

Today work has presented me with the usual boss conflicts and mental mish mash. Its a case of the Mondays. To clear my mind I will set forth to write down some notes on yesterday’s great ride.

Sunday the sun rose and it looked like a stunning day. Once you stepped out the door you were quickly reminded that it is still winter. When I headed over to the coffee shop (for some tea and wifi) it was about 15 degrees. I started to wonder if I shouldn’t go mountain biking for 5 hours instead of the planned Bitterroot road ride. By the time I finished my emails and headed back home it had warmed to 25 so I figured that by 1 it would be 30 which is doable if the sun was shinning and the pavement was dry. It should be a good day.

I was no surprise to me that I was going out to Lolo alone around 12:30 because with cold temps everyone seems to huddle inside. When I rolled past the “proposed Bitterroot Resort” it was 31 degrees and I was feeling great. The sun was out and the day’s possibilities were limitless. The only thing I was worried about was my Carbo Rocket freezing up. It never did though because the day warmed to just above freezing which was really comfy for doing some hills. Yea! I found some hills …. and dirt.

As I cycled my way to the “East Side” and the East side highway I decided to explore all those roads I have wondered about. Where did they go? How far could I go up them? Are they paved? I always wanted to go up 9 Mile Creek Road, 3 Mile Creek Road, and Ambrose Creek Road.

I took a spur off of the 9 Mile Road road called the Lower Woodchuck (I am planning on discovering the Upper Woodchuck Road next) road which quickly turned to dirt and started to climb. Suddenly I was out in what appeared to be nowhere just like in Eastern Montana. But after 3 miles or so it was turn around time. Yea, it turned to private land. Oh well there as more to explore.

Staying on the 9 Mile Road it started to climb but with different views and terrain. It was of much more creek and gully type and apparently some rich folks owned some land up here. Turn around time was on dirt back country road that quickly turned to ice and snow. I would check out this little gem later.

Back down the 9 Mile Road road it spurred again to the Granite Creek Road which wound up through this box like canyon and just fizzled out into some highlands properties.

Most of the day was over so I decided to try and head up the East Side Highway to another road called Ambrose Creek Road that I had always wanted to explore. I knew I wouldn’t get too far before I need to turn around to get back to the car before dark. I ended up passing a road called 3 Mile Road which I remember from reading maps. I headed up that to see what I could find and I found a gem to be discovered later. This road possibly will tie into forest service and up to some divide trails. Ill have to take the mountain bike up this later in the year as it was closed.

The day was over and I rode back to the car. I was presented with sun set views which reminded me why I love riding in the Root. It was a beautiful and day of discovery. I think there is a lot of roads I need to explore in the Root but that will have to wait until this weekend.

Made a new Google Map http://goo.gl/XMOK called Riding The Root.

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On this day in history, let’s take a stroll down memory lane with my captivating blog posts:

• 2008: New Arrival
• 2007: Back From Riding
• 2006: Getting Offended
• 2004: 20 MILLION EUROPEANS CANT BE WRONG
• 2002: Exhausted!

Dive into each link for a slice of adventures and reflections through the years!

The conditions were perfect for winter mountain biking. Warm weather had given over to cold weather, specially at night. On top of it all the trails have been trampled by a week of spring anxious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.  I noticed the trail condition on last week’s Thursday Night Hike. It was packed snow, ice, and some bear ground. Give it all a good chilling over night and in the morning mountain biking with screw tires would be optimal.

I jumped out of bed yesterday and quickly twittered what I was about to do. I had to give folks a chance to call cementing their place in history. This morning would be a great ride. I got the bike up on the stand and realized that I may have to wait just a little longer to get out their on the trails. I didn’t think it would warm up too much so I took my time and put on new brakes and transferred my saddle from the road rig. I lubed my parts and quieted all those crackling squeaky housing interfaces. Winter cycling takes a bike from warm to extreme cold and back inside. There is a lot of thawing and freezing, things start to dry out and make noises. Like my body.

I took my camera along to take some photos as surely there would be opportunity.

Finally I was out their and my assumptions were correct. The conditions were almost perfect. I say almost because we did get a skiff of snow on Friday and that tiny layer sometimes made the icy a little ‘touch and go’ at times. Overall it was excellent. I found myself on the saddle between Sentinel and University contemplating going for the top.

A couple was hiking down the mountain so I decided to lean against a tree and wait for them to pass. The sun was warm and very nice. I started to think about the decent back into town and how it might be thawed out and greasy. “Oh my god, there IS a mountain biker out here”, I overheard the dude say to his female companion. She muttled something back to him.

“NO, I am impressed. That’s OK! He can be out here”, he replied back to her.

Instantly I was hoping a big grizzly bear would come out of the woods and snatch this “ice witch” from his side and fling her back and forth like a rag doll. Obviously he was a cool dude but this little judgmental woman angered me. But that is ok, because the bear has taken care of her.

The little mental visual came to and end when he approached and expressed his astonishment that I was even able too get this far. I replied back, I do this every day (which isn’t true but what the hell right?). I said have a nice day and jetted up the trail. I sensed their eyes upon me as I cleared the first part of the climb with ease. I thought, “yea, take that you greenhorns”.

Suddenly I found myself in zone 4 (bad boy) heading up the headwall on Sentinel just before the summit. I made it about 20 feet and the screws gave way on some ice and I spun a bit. This made me steer to the right and off line and in a matter of moments my mentally hard focus cracked and I posted a foot down.  DOH! But I did almost clear the entire thing in the middle of winter which is a first for me.

It was a blue bird say as skier folkin would say. I bombed down the decent and headed up University Ridge. Lets just see how far we can go today. I came to my senses and turned my wheels down the Upper Intestine trail and then down the Gut trail. This completed a figure 8

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

• 2008: The Fork is Out For Refurb
• 2008: YouTuber Makes Comment
• 2002: Morning Coffee Brings Sunshine

Dive into these snapshots of life’s adventures, from musings on the simplicity of daily moments to the thrill of outdoor exploration. Each post is a testament to the journey of self-discovery and the ever-evolving adventure of life.

As I drag my dead body to bed I just took a look at a photo of today’s recovery hike in the North hills or what I call it the Orange Street Trail. I have my old Canon 10D Digital SLR out and have been thinking of photography a lot lately. Recent photos done with the new SD780 has sparked some creative juices.

You would think a 12 megapixel point and shoot could compete with a 6 megapixel SLR. There is a reason I paid $1,500 bucks for that thing (current worth is like 300 bucks). The photos taken by the large heavy device are simply beautiful technically compared to the little device that thinks it can.

I took some photos while up in Canmore last July and I noticed a certain smooth elegant beauty to the photos. Probably because they more closely resemble real photos while in this day and age we have been getting accustom to phone photos. The new little point and shoots ‘seem’ to be kick ass but that is only because we have become ‘OK’ with sub standard art. Sad really.

Don’t get me wrong the photo to the right demonstrates that I have some pretty good control. When enlarged to 100% looks like a corn maze. The “big sensor” camera … smooth transitions.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

• 2008: Road Riding West of Missoula Day 2 – A repeat of a challenging route with a friend, complete with dubbed climbs and a touch of humor to lighten the grueling journey.
• 2008: So What is Boneshakerbike – An origin story of sorts, Bill explains the significance behind his email addresses and account names, linked to his biking team and the handcrafted bikes they rode.
• 2007: Another Day, Another Turn of the Crank – A contemplative morning in Missoula, Montana, sparks thoughts on the joys of mountain biking and the beauty of Big Sky country.
• 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.

I rocked up to the UofM parking lot near the ‘M’ trail, a solid 15 before the Missoula Thursday Night Mountain Bike Group was set to kick off another epic night of adventure and camaraderie (as seen in photo #5, pure gold). You could feel the buzz; bike season’s knocking on the door.

Kicked off my interval workout with the hopes of bumping into the crew towards the end. And guess what? Timing couldn’t have been more spot-on. Wrapped up my third interval at the top of Sentinel, zipped down the old ridge, and bam—merged with the trail some 900 feet lower, right into the chatter of the group. Felt like I’d nailed an adventure race challenge, dodging any chance encounters till the tail end of my last sprint.

The rest of the evening? Pure TNR magic. My energy was sky-high, thanks to my trusty Carbo Rocket, and I even had some Hammer Gel on standby for those grunt-worthy moments.

We trekked down the south side towards the Kim Williams trail, navigating a long, icy descent with my trusty screwed shoes. Some brave souls opted for a “Butt Luge” down the trail—hilarious, till a rogue rock played spoiler.

Our adventure wrapped with a cross-town cyclo-cross to a buddy’s place, where we were greeted with steaming bowls of friendship soup and, believe it or not, opium bread. Just your average Thursday night in Missoula, right?

Today, I was all about that nutrition game, aiming for my “gazelle figure” to conquer the Butte 100 without biting the dust.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

• 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.

Man, the dread was real yesterday. I was mentally gearing up for the workout, but honestly, my enthusiasm was dragging its feet until my rear end finally graced the bike saddle. With the weather teasing us with a slight warm-up, any hopes I had for a crisp ride on frozen single-track were dashed. And just to sprinkle a bit of salt on the wound, the skies opened up, sending down a drizzle as I pedaled my way through Helgate Canyon towards Clinton.

On the agenda were two torturous 30-minute time trials smack dab in heart rate zone 3. Now, I’m the first to admit I’m not exactly the poster child for endurance; a half-hour of pushing it usually has me questioning my life choices. But, would you believe it? Those minutes ticked by without me turning into a grumbling mess or my brain going on a strike against me.

The first round felt like a breeze, almost fun, and I was riding that high of success when I kicked off the second go. That’s when reality bit hard. Trying to ramp my heart rate back up felt like trying to start a fire in a downpour, and comfort was a distant memory all the way back home. Still, I made it back, oddly thankful for the ride. Maybe it was the Carbo Rocket working its magic, or just the sheer relief of finishing, but as I washed out my bottles, already reaching for the Recoverite, I found myself pumped to do it all over again today.

On this day in history, let’s dive into the eclectic and adventurous world of my blog, showcasing a variety of experiences and insights:

• 2006: Oh Discordia
• 2004: Cancer update [UPDATED]
• 2002: Montreal Misadventures: Snow, Spice, and Subterranean Shenanigans

Yesterday? Oh, it was epic—a total redemption day. I decided to wipe the slate clean of last week’s mess-ups by crushing it on my road bike. The plan? Rack up so many miles that any shortfalls would just vanish into thin air. Maybe it was this gung-ho attitude, or perhaps sheer denial, that made me completely oblivious to my heart rate monitor’s silence. I mean, it should’ve been buzzing me to take it easy, right? Nope. Instead, I went full beast mode, clocking in a whopping 85 miles in 5 hours, and ending up in a total daze of delirium.

Turns out, my trusty heart rate monitor pulled a fast one on me, resetting its default zones without a heads-up. So, there I was, thinking I’m just cruising, when in reality, zone 1 had shifted to 113 to 145. And not once did it cross my mind that my “24-hour solo race” pace was a bit off as I powered through to Hamilton and beyond. Classic denial, folks.

Fast forward to last night, and I’m trying to piece together my existence, wondering why I’m more dead to the world than a phone with 1% battery. This morning, a lightbulb moment—I checked the zones and realized I’d been hammering it in zone two, even flirting with zone three a few times. All this, on a saddle meant for brief, tear-through-time trials (note to self: get a new saddle).

So, what’s on the agenda now? Rest. Pure, unadulterated rest. And tomorrow? Well, if all goes well, I’ll be ready to tackle the hills for my second week of threshold tests. Here’s to hoping my body forgives me!

On this day in history, a stroll down memory lane

• 2008: Pedal Punk
• 2008: First epic stage race
• 2007: Exhausted But Riding Strong
• 2005: Can’t Sleep
• 2002: Paul and Lucy in Glen Falls
• 2001: Work Study Sucks
• 2001: Quiet Embrace of Sorrow

Yesterday was one of those days where, despite the best laid plans, things just didn’t pan out the way I’d hoped.

Top of my list was to blitz through my to-do list. Epic FAIL on that front. Instead, I found myself tumbling down the rabbit hole trying to figure out why my Sports Tracks plugin wasn’t showing my efforts correctly. And just like that, half the day vanished.

Next up, hitting the trails at Pattee Canyon for some much-needed MTB fun. Well, that was an ALMOST success. I did manage to make it out there, but only after battling through a slushy mess. So much for winter’s crisp trails. Despite not sticking to my original plan, making it

out to ride was a victory in itself – it ended up being the highlight of my day, proving that sometimes the unplanned adventures are the most rewarding.

And then there was laundry. Ah, the eternal task that waits for no man, nor respects any plans of trail conquests or plugin troubleshooting. It remains, patiently waiting for its turn, a reminder of the mundane yet necessary parts of life.

On this Valentines Day in history:

• 2009: Ghost Town Idea – Proposing an adventurous bike ride through Montana’s ghost towns, combining history with the thrill of exploration.
• 2008: To Deer Creek and Back – An impromptu cycling and hiking adventure in Pattee Canyon, embracing the snowy landscape.
• 2008: Deer Creek Snow Sneak – Swapping traditional Valentine’s Day plans for a snowy bike ride up Deer Creek, seeking untouched trails and epic views.
• 2004: Mount Ellen Vermont – A solo venture into Mount Ellen’s wintry embrace, detailing a challenging hike amidst a Valentine’s Day whiteout.
• 2002: My Emotional Profile – A reflection on the quest for love and understanding, highlighting the importance of emotional connections and self-awareness.

Each post captures a moment in time, offering insights into my personal journeys, challenges, and the beauty of adventure. Enjoy delving into these snapshots of life’s rich tapestry.

Last evening turned into an impromptu grocery adventure. After ticking off my to-do list, I ventured to North Hills for a bit of soul-soothing hiking. That’s when I stumbled upon a hidden gem on my camera: the “long shutter speed” setting. Now, I’m no tech wizard, but having that sort of wizardry in a simple point-and-shoot was a pleasant surprise. Managed to capture the night in all its glory – you can gawk at the larger snap in my Picasa Gallery, tucked away in the 2009 Photos section.

Post-haul, before I could even stash away my spoils, I made a beeline for the good ol’ Pain Lab for a solid core session. And boy, did those Tricep Dips make me question my life choices. Mid-exercise, got a bizarre call from someone in California, rattling off about needing $5,000 or else. Classic high school prank call vibes – claiming I owed him 5k from back in the day. Right…

Today’s agenda? Pattee Canyon awaits for some exhilarating winter mountain biking. Fingers crossed the trails are nicely compacted, courtesy of dog walkers (you guys rock), so I can relive my summer escapades through trails like treasure and pattee wagon, just to name a couple.

And then, tomorrow? It’s all about Carbo Rocket (https://carborocket.com/) – aiming for a 5-hour ride on hopefully dry roads in Bitterroot Valley, stretching from Florence to Hamilton. Might give Chad at Red Barn a shout too.

ON THIS DAY FEBRUARY 13TH

• 2009: Friday Feels After a Beast of a Week
• 2008: Regeneration & Revival
• 2007: The Saga of the Never-Ending Day
• 2007: Do I Have Exercise Bulimia?
• 2005: Failed McLeod, Black Tail Peak
• 2002: Bedtime Thoughts & Unplanned Wins
• 2002: Best Trail Site
• 2002: Listening To My Inner Self
• 2001: Homework Hustle & Inner Voices

Chillin’ at City Brew, gearing up for a chill recovery hike in the North Hills. Made an impromptu pit stop post-grocery haul. Honestly, wasn’t feeling the vibe of squatting in the chilly woods tonight, so I swung by the old haunt to sort some stuff and spill the tea on last night’s adventure.

Not a lot to dish about. Found myself at Woods Gulch (nicknamed the poop luge, which is kinda harsh considering the tragic news from the Olympics luge track today), trying to plow through the new snow when I bumped into the TNR crew. It was all planned, ’cause later we hit up Iron Horse for a bit of grub and laughs.

Now, my ride’s packed with groceries (shoutout to Noel and Julie for the run-ins), and I’m off for a quick half-hour hike to shake off the cobwebs. Then, it’s home to tackle the legendary Friday core sesh for an hour.

Super stoked ’cause, as you know, my place is pretty much a furniture desert. Just snagged this cool gadget at Target that turns closet chaos into neat shelves. Finally, my cycling socks will know order!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and explore some remarkable moments captured in blog posts. Join me as we uncover the tales and snapshots that have shaped my digital diary:

• 2006: Yuk!
• 2005: McLeod Peak This Weekend
• 2003: We Have Moved!
• 2002: Grown Up Job Deserves Pizza!
• 2001: New Energy

Alrighty, let’s dive into another tale from the life and times of a trail blazer.

So, yesterday was a mixed bag of “I’m okay” vibes until I hit the hill. That’s when my legs decided to stage a mutiny, practically screaming, “Nope, not today, pal.” But did I listen? Nah. I went full drill sergeant on them, pushing through the pain in a display of tough love. The trails were a hot mess, all thanks to a sneaky snow dump the night before, forcing me—for the first time this winter—to hop off my steed and tackle some hills on foot.

Fast forward to today, and there’s zero denial in the air. I’m fried, thoroughly cooked. But hey, at least my legs and I are on speaking terms, sharing our true feelings like an open book.

Now, for tonight’s adventure: the infamous “Poop Luge.” Yep, Woods Gulch, notorious for being the go-to toilet for our furry overlords. The trail’s squeezed into a narrow gully, leaving the pups with no choice but to do their business right there. Not their fault, really. It’s the owners, strutting around with their noses in the clouds, pretending they missed their dog’s not-so-stealthy squat. I’m just praying everything’s frozen solid tonight. And with any luck, I’ll bump into the TNR crew. Wonder who’s showing up for the fun?

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

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

• 2009: Need A Race Bike?
• 2007: Lolo Pass Tele Ski
• 2003: Old Fashioned HTML
• 2002: Still Mounain Bike (able)
• 2002: Trust Our Higher Power
• 2002: Paul, Montreal, and Burlington
• 2001: Training Sucks!

Last July, right before the world championships, I embarked on an epic training day known as the North Bitterroot Grand Loop. While uploading some old photos, I stumbled upon images from that adventure. It’s a ride I’m eager to tackle again this year. Who’s in? Check out the map!

What a ride it was—literally and figuratively! That’s me in the top-right, peace sign flashing, headlamp shining, grinning like I’ve just aced a downhill track. The thrill of the night, the crisp Montana air, nothing could beat that feeling meeting up with the Thursday Night Rides-er-Hike.

Alden, Ed, Aaron, Lydia, Julie, and I—we were a tight crew. Those nights under the stars, our laughs echoing through the woods, our breaths misting up in the cold air, it was more than just about biking. It was about the bond, the shared pulse of adventure that throbbed in our collective heartbeat.

And then there’s me again, the other side of the coin, the winter warrior in training. I’d huddle over my laptop, planning routes and strategies, my workspace strewn with maps and snacks—fuel for both the rides and my thoughts. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was the grit behind the glory, the unseen miles that made the seen ones possible.

Training in winter, that’s a different beast altogether. It’s just me, my bike, and the silent snow-covered trails. The solitude is profound, almost sacred. It’s where I’d push myself, where each pedal stroke was a conversation between me and the trail, where the snowflakes dusting my jacket were badges of honor.

This is a pivotal chapter in my life, a blend of camaraderie and solitude, of shared trails and solo treks. The experiences, molding me into the rider I am today—hungry for adventure, yet always ready for the quiet, introspective rides that winter brings. So here’s to the rides, the friends, the training, and the trails—may they always bring out the best in us!