MTB Race News just shared exciting news: the 2009 24 Hour National Championship race is moving to Moab, Utah, happening alongside the 24 Hours of Moab on October 10-11. I’m betting Chris Eatough will be there, and I’m hoping he also makes it to Canmore. If my past 24-hour races are any indicator, I might just join in on the Utah adventure. Time to seriously consider getting a bike and expenses sponsor for this.
On this day in history, let’s take a delightful journey through time
I came across an update on the 24 Hours of Rapelje website:
“Needed to find out the race dates early to get time off. It’s set for JUNE 20-21, 2009! Exciting news: it’s sponsored by Specialized for the first time this year.
I’ll share the registration link when it’s available, likely around April.
Also, heard from a reliable source that the ’09 course might be the same but ridden in reverse.” ~site
Team Muleterro will be at Rapelje, and I’m bringing the Rocket. This is my final prep for the 24 Solo World Championships in Canmore, Alberta, Canada, happening July 24th – 26th.
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:
Dive into these posts for a glimpse of history, from thrilling adventures to thoughtful musings!
Taking the first step, I’ve registered for the 24 Solo World Championships in Canmore, Alberta, Canada, happening July 24th – 26th. So, what’s next?
I’ve rallied some top dirt minds, and we’re convening in Butte, Montana, for some serious riding and strategizing. This is about understanding what it’ll take to compete effectively in Canmore.
Many in Montana hit Pipestone during winter for rides. Come spring, it’s often the first trail ready for action. I’m planning to confirm these rumors this weekend.
It’s not just about riding. I’ll be soaking in wisdom from Bob Waggoner of Triple Ring Productions, a veteran of the World Championships. He knows the ins and outs. Sten, Rich, and Jim will be there too.
While this sounds serious, it’s really about what mountain biking is all about: gathering, riding, and, most importantly, having fun.
My third trip to Seeley Lake, Montana, started great but ended rough. My skis broke, slowing me down. Finished an hour slower than last year, at 4:29:04. A tough day.
Got to the venue late due to a cattle drive. Ironic how the cattle covered more miles than I would. Met familiar faces and some new ones, feeling good and ready. Despite minimal ski training, I relied on my core strength.
My teammate Rich Shattuck (a survivor of the RMVQ) has sent out the 2009 Muleterro Sponsorship Packet in which he has put together for the team. If you want exposure in Montana, Idaho, and Beyond this is highly recommended.
Hey from the City Brew, where I’m devouring this scone like it owes me money! And yeah, I deserve it. Just finished a 5.5-hour mountain bike adventure, starting midday and ending just now. Week 3 of my training for the upcoming season and Solo World Championships is in the bag, and I can’t wait to be there. Even without the fanciest gear, deepest pockets, or youthful resilience, it’s gonna be epic. Train, train, train for now!
Today’s grand experiment: does Carbo Rocket freeze? With its electrolyte and mineral punch, I figured it might hold out longer than plain water in these brutal 5-degree temperatures and biting winds. Well, it did… at first. Then, everything changed.
I kept my Camelbak snug under my jacket, stopping to gulp down some fuel through the big opening. But guess what? Even next to my body heat, the hose froze solid! It was frigid, folks. Like, teeth-chattering, finger-numbing kind of cold.
So, yeah, Carbo Rocket freezes. Lesson learned: pack insulation for your hydration system on arctic-level rides. But hey, even frozen adventures make for good stories, right? And you know what? This 5.5-hour epic, frozen Camelbak and all, just fueled my fire for the season ahead. Bring on the Solo World Championships!
The best part of going to beautiful Canmore, Alberta Canada on July 24th – 26th is that I will not only be able to attend my first 24 Solo World Championships but that I will also be competing in them. Not only that but in the elite category.
The 24 Solo World Championships are put on by 24 Hours of Adrenalin and are not officially sanctioned by the UCI although there is no UCI sanctioning for a 24 hour mountain bike race world championships. I may be wrong so if anyone knows any different let me know.
So far I have come up with the entry fee which maxed out my credit cards and I am in the process of gathering support to pay that off. Team Muleterro will be taking care of the pit area equipment rentals and my friend Sten will be my pit boss. We will be putting together our (we are actually a team) cabinet when we meet at the Butte Endurance MTB Summit Feb 7th and 8th.
Brad Keys of Carbo Rocket has pledged support to fuel my efforts. As you all know my best performances are made solely on potato chips and Carbo Rocket. Carbo Rocket is remarkably simple and best of all it works not only for energy but mental awareness and it is the only sports drink that doesn’t screw with my blood sugar levels. My favorite flavor is Raspberry Lemonade!
All this could not have happened if it were not for the man at Triple Ring Productions Bob Waggoner. He is not only instrumental for the introduction of the Butte 100 and 8 hours of Labor into Montana but has encouraged me to go big. Thanks Bob, now it is time to go big!
I will be seeing Bob, Sten, Rich, and Jim at Butte next month at the Butte Endurance MTB Summit where we will iron out all the details of this effort. I cant wait to experience this summer and I also can not wait to provide some excitement for my friends. I hope to not disappoint, the journey will be the best part.
Yesterday I was deathly ill and my internet connectivity kept going out. This morning I have no internet and the future is bleak. www.bridgemaxx.com is my service provider and I am warning anyone that considers these snake oil salesman. Don’t listen to the radio or TV ads, Bridgemaxx is the absolute worst ISP in the country. The worst! Do not sign up with them!
Previously I had them come to my apartment and install a outside antenna. This got me in trouble with the landlady and the result is that when it is uninstalled I have to pay to have her house restored to previous or better condition. Legally I have to replace her siding where ever there is screw holes and a new porch where they drilled a hole. This will be pretty expensive and I was hoping to do it on my own terms.
That will not happen because I don’t want to keep paying my bill to Bridgemaxx since I am getting no service. This means they are coming out to take down the antenna and thus …. I bend over for the landlady-fix-my-house screwing.
Oh yea, and … my cards are maxed. I am taking pay cuts at work due to days off and no work in this great economy. The light at the end of the tunnel keeps dimming.
So when the readers of my blog think … “geesh, where is Bill”. This entry will explain, I have no more internet. Great reason to be at City Brew more, right?
On January 7, 2009, my curiosity was piqued in an area that hits close to home for many athletes: muscle cramps. Joe Friel, a name synonymous with endurance sports coaching, shared insights on his blog about this very topic.
Theories on muscle cramps abound, but it’s rare to come across content that resonates with personal experience. Friel’s latest entry suggests they may be on the cusp of understanding the elusive why and how of cramps. The notion that there’s more to these sudden, involuntary muscle contractions than we know is both intriguing and promising.
For those who’ve felt the sharp sting of a cramp mid-stride or in the quiet of the night, you know the importance of this research. It’s not just about finding relief; it’s about unlocking a deeper knowledge of our bodies.
If you’re as intrigued by the physiology of exercise as I am, dive into the discussion with Joe Friel’s Blog. And for a broader look at the science behind cramps and potential remedies, explore resources like The Science of Muscle Cramps or Sports Health Tips. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to understanding and overcoming our physical challenges.
It is unfortunate that race promoters can not stick to a classic date for their events. What happens when they keep moving their event date is that they will many times conflict with other races. Last year the Devils Slide conflicted with the Rockey Mountain Robeux and now this year the promoters Twin Rivers Cyclists will be in conflict with the Grizzley Man Adventure Race.
Tentatively we have scheduled Devil’s Slide for the 19th of April. That’s a Sunday as usual. We understand there are some conflicting events in Eastern Washington that day and will discuss at the next board meeting in January. Likely the date will stay unchanged. I think we may have already anticipated other conflicts and that day works best for us. We don’t have this firmed up with USA cycling yet, though.
Seen here is my friends Alden Wright and Brad Keys.
Brrr, it’s chilly out there! Especially in Butte, where the mercury’s plummeted to a teeth-chattering -18. But hey, extreme weather just adds to the thrill of the Butte 100, right? That’s right, folks, it’s official: The 3rd Annual Butte 100 is all set for August 1, 2009, and it’s shaping up to be a scorcher of a race, despite the frosty start to the year.
Gina Evans, the ever-enthusiastic Event Coordinator, dropped this cool news in our laps. She’s stoked, and so are we! This isn’t just any race. It’s a test of endurance, skill, and probably your ability to feel your toes after a long ride. The Butte 100 isn’t just about pedaling fast; it’s about pushing your limits, discovering new strengths, and maybe, just maybe, questioning your sanity (in a good way!).
This year, they’re bringing back the much-loved jerseys and introducing a 100-mile loop that promises to challenge every biking skill you’ve proudly honed. The course details will soon be up on their website Triple Ring Productions, so keep your eyes peeled for updates.
And for those who think 100 miles might be a tiny bit too ambitious, don’t sweat it! There’s a 50-mile option that’s just as exhilarating. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to the endurance racing scene, there’s a spot for you at the Butte 100.
Here’s the thing: events like the Butte 100 are more than just races. They’re a celebration of passion, determination, and community spirit. The team at Triple Ring Productions, along with all the fantastic participants over the years, have turned this event into a must-do on the endurance racing calendar. And it’s not just about crossing the finish line; it’s about the stories you’ll have, the friends you’ll make, and the memories that will keep you warm, even when the temperature is anything but.
Resources to Enhance Your Day
Triple Ring Productions: Check out the official website for updates on the course and more details about the event.
Endurance Race Training Tips: Dive into strategies and training plans to get you Butte 100 ready!
Butte Community: Connect with fellow racers and enthusiasts in the Butte area.
Weather Prep for Cyclists: Learn how to gear up for extreme weather conditions to stay safe and enjoy the ride.
Mental Toughness in Endurance Sports: A guide to developing the mental strength needed for races like the Butte 100.
There I was, two days into a journey that was supposed to be my escape, my breath of fresh air after a grueling year. Instead, I found myself in Billings, Montana, camped out at my uncle’s place. You know, there’s a funny side to every mishap – here I was, stranded because my car decided to take an unscheduled break, but hey, at least I wasn’t stuck in a dingy motel in Nowheresville.
This trip, which started last Friday, was my much-needed escape. I had wrapped up a major project at work, and all I craved was some quiet time in Lambert, Montana. But as fate would have it, my excitement turned into a sleepless night, fiddling with plans on Google Calendar.
Saturday morning arrived with a flurry of packing and last-minute preps. By 9 AM, I was locking my door, car packed, ready for the road. But first, a pit stop at City Brew for my travel essentials – scones and coffee. The drive was smooth, peppered with brief visits to friends and family. That is, until 7:30 PM when my journey abruptly paused in Custer, Montana. Thanks to my car’s water pump, I ended up in Billings, unexpectedly extending my trip.
Chris Rose is a racing buddy from upstate (true upstate) NY and if you know how much I am into mountain bike racing then you will also know his passion for Nordic ski racing. I turn to him for advice as we all know I do not ski but go out and grind caloric energy into the snow. Really I seem to go no where at times.
Disclaimer: I am about to post his words and don’t even think about emailing me to propose he may be wrong or take judgment with his advice. He is skate ski god to me and if you don’t like it go eat bat crap. If you want advice from a world cupper
I am struggling at work. I have this project that has to be done in like 200 hours ago. So subsequently I have to put everything on hold until I get it done. So until further notice these facilities will be closed:
Eating Lunch
Christmas
Blogging(just broke that rule above)
Answering my phone
Responses to emails and chat will be considerably slower
I will still keep the updates to twitter and work out in the evenings. I have been working non stop since Monday in hopes to go on holiday but it seems in the waning hours as all work mates leave the office I will be stuck here alone. It looks bleak folks, Christmas is definitely out and the trip to Lambert is in serious jeopardy and all hopes dashed if I don’t get this thing done by this weekend.
There I was, on a frosty December 19, 2008 morning, my eyes barely open, cradling a cup of tea, and buzzing with anticipation. Snowstorm rumors were swirling, and the Montana Grizzlies were gearing up for the Div I National Championship Game. It was a day primed for excitement – or so I thought!
First on my agenda: braving the body mass measuring device (let’s call it ‘the scale’ for simplicity, though it’s anything but simple). This hunk of judgement is the crankiest gadget in my house. I swear it groaned when I turned it on, almost sympathetically breaking the news: “Buddy, you’re off your goals.” Tea and small portions it is, then!
Off to work I went, armed with my resolve and a naive belief that I’d stick to my dietary plan. Spoiler alert: I was in for a surprise. But first, let’s talk about my winter commute. Biking through the snow? Challenging but potentially fun, right? Just need to tweak my snow rig a bit more. Ah, the eternal quest for ‘a little extra time.’
Fast forward to work. My self-control lasted a whopping five hours. The siren call of the office food proved too strong. There I was, tweeting (yes, Twitter was a thing even back in 2008!) about my culinary escapades and ultimately succumbing to the biscotti. Oh, and let’s not forget the gallons – yes, gallons – of coffee I downed. Because why not?
In between sips and tweets, I realized I’d completely forgotten about not one, but two parties that day. Classic me! So much for my tea and small portion day. The Grizzlies game was still on the horizon, and I was already off the rails. But hey, that’s life, right? Full of unexpected turns, gallons of coffee, and, if you’re lucky, some good football.
Stay tuned for the next part of this adventure where I dive into the Grizzlies game and the unexpected joys of office parties. And remember, no matter how off track you get, there’s always room for a little humor and a lot of coffee.
Today’s tale? It’s all about craving scones while surviving a winter bike odyssey. Picture this: I wake up feeling like I’ve been through a wild beast’s digestive system, only to find myself in a scone-sized hole of despair. Why, you ask? Blame it on my new diet and the surprising absence of sugary treats.
Cut to my workplace, where I’m battling fatigue with dreams of scones and coffee dancing in my head. Ever tried working while your brain’s chanting ‘scone, scone, scone’? It’s a battle, folks!
Now, the ride home is where things get icy—literally. Me, on my bike, navigating snow-transformed roads that feel like a ‘mud smoothie.’ Imagine biking on a slushy mix, the tires slipping and sliding, and the looming threat of busy traffic nearby. It’s not just a ride; it’s an adrenaline-pumping, white-knuckle adventure. Think of it as nature’s way of spicing up my daily commute.
After surviving this mini Arctic expedition, I’m back home, facing the beast that is my workout routine. Starting is a drag, but soon I’m crushing it with simulated hill sprints. And the cherry on top? A delicious grilled salmon dinner. It’s not a scone, but hey, it’s something.
Tonight’s post-workout thoughts? Life’s a wild ride, with or without scones. Stay strong, keep pedaling through the snow, and maybe, just maybe, treat yourself to a scone tomorrow. Because let’s face it, we all deserve a little sweet reward after a day like this.
Today was balmy and as I prepared the mountain bike for today’s hill intervals, I checked the weather one last time. It was 7 degrees outside. A temperature that would make most shiver at the thought of stepping outdoors, yet there I was, gearing up for a ride. My trusty GPS unit, always reliable in normal conditions, was about to be tested in the chill.
As I set out, the cold air hit me, a stark contrast to the warmth of my home. The world around seemed still, almost in hibernation, but my heart raced with excitement. Each pedal stroke was a defiance of the cold, each breath a cloud of persistence.
Halfway through, I glanced at my GPS unit. Despite the freezing temperature, it was performing admirably, a beacon of technology amidst nature’s icy grip. This ride wasn’t just a physical challenge; it was a testament to endurance, both human and mechanical.
The experience was a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable adventures begin with a simple decision to face the unexpected. Today, I didn’t just conquer hills, but also the trepidation of the unknown.
This just in!
Boneshakerbike 
