Category: Blog Posts

Sun is out today in Missoula, but who cares? Yeah, just a little depressed here. Go to work in the dark and come home in the dark. Good times.

What doesn’t help is when you’re getting screwed. Digital Bridge Communications is screwing me. Missoula does not have many options for Internet service providers. I need broadband because I decided to get rid of my phone and use an Internet phone to save money. So I pay 30 bucks a month.

You might say what a deal; but in reality, I squeal. I get worse bandwidth than dial-up, and this means that my phone works 10% of the time. What pisses me off the most is that they advertise all the time about high speeds and blah blah blah. I call up tech support and they tell me to call them when I am near my modem… lol. On an Internet phone without connectivity?

The problem is that they have overstressed the network with too many customers, and instead of improving the infrastructure, they just advertise more and hang their customers out to some 3rd party support staff. Beware of http://www.digitalbridgecommunications.com/ … BEWARE! I am documenting and submitting a consumer complaint to the MT DOJ.

On a positive note, tonight is the Starry Night Ride, where I plan to be at the Rattlesnake Rec Area Trailhead Parking at 6 PM tonight. My plans are what I call Trans Ratt ==> http://tinyurl.com/mtb-plans, and I am expecting a wet ride and possible snow at the Snow Bowl Lookout, but hopefully not enough to deter a dedicated group of hearty souls lost in the darkness.

Oh yeah, what does the photo have to do with this post? Nothing! It was taken by M. Richardson (and a video). How did the race go? I suck, and when one sucks so bad, it is hard to tell what is going on otherwise. I better start pedaling or get off the bike.

This weekend: Cross race here in Missoula.

Well, it’s about that time to skedaddle out of Missoula and hit the road. Currently, I’m in my apartment, attempting to cram everything into the car as I prep for stop number seven in the MBRA Cyclocross Series. Am I pumped? Kind of. Am I dreading it a little? Also, kind of. There’s just something about this time of year, I can’t seem to fully rally myself to embrace the pain that cyclocross demands.

I even took last week off training, hoping a little break would jumpstart my enthusiasm. After all, isn’t cyclocross supposed to feel like a bit of a break after the grind of mountain biking season? Funny thing is, here I am wishing there was one last mountain bike race out there somewhere.

So now we’ll see what happens when you hop on a cross bike after a week of being, well, pretty unproductive. At least I got some quality “me” time in. Yesterday? Absolutely nothing. Football, a little photo-editing, and maybe an unreasonable amount of snacks. Today, though, it’s time to pay the piper, or rather, the pain cave monster, for my laziness.

And now for the main event: the photo albums I posted yesterday.

October 25th, 2008 – Flathead Valley Muleterro Trip (Saturday, October 25th, 2008): I documented our Friday adventure as I packed my backpack, bike, and a few spare wheels, then headed over to the Van Buren Street Exit. There, I met up with Team Muleterro, and we road-tripped to Kalispell to stay at ERock’s brother’s place. These photos capture our Flathead Valley experience and our two races at Woodland and Heron Park Cross.

October in Missoula (Sunday, October 19th, 2008): This album’s got new shots of autumn in Missoula, when the days get shorter and mountain biking makes way for the winter ahead. I even threw in some action from the Helgate Duathlon.

Thursday Night Ride Pictures (Thursday, October 16th, 2008): Yep, more photos! These are from various cameras documenting our infamous Thursday Night Rides. For the latest pics and updates, check out http://thursdaynightmtbr.org/ the freshest shots are right at the top.

October 5th, 2008 – Helena Cyclocross Races (Sunday, October 5th, 2008): Here’s the lowdown on our two races—a traditional race and a dirt crit that was absolutely unforgiving. The cyclocross course was top-notch, and the dirt crit… let’s just say it was a special kind of pain.

Alright, time to stop reminiscing and actually load up the car. Off to the next race!

The air bites with twenties-degree teeth, mountains wear their snowy crowns, and winter whispers its frosty arrival. But before we surrender to hibernation, the Missoula Cyclocross Series roars one last time, leaving its racers honed and hungry for bigger challenges. Portland Grand Prix, Nationals – bring it on! Me? Well, unless someone’s offering a first-class ticket and an endless buffet, I’ll be cheering from the sidelines.

Tonight’s race is my personal “pain cave” expedition, a final shot at that sweet, sweet “loaf of bread” (translation: podium finish, for all you non-cyclists). Come cheer me on at Fort Missoula, 6 pm sharp! Let’s send off the season in style.

But amidst the pre-race jitters, a curious thought wanders in: what are the mules up to? Are they training for their own winter Olympics of hay bale rolling and carrot-munching competitions? The world may never know, but hey, a man can dream (or maybe it’s the pre-race nerves talking).

So, Missoula, bundle up, grab your cowbells, and let’s raise a cheer for one last cyclocross hurrah! And who knows, maybe the mules will make a surprise appearance to witness the glorious (or gloriously muddy) finale. See you there!

P.S. Any bets on the mules’ preferred winter sport? My money’s on synchronized napping in a sunbeam-soaked field.

Hello from Missoula! I’m on my second scone and cup of joe. Yeah, it’s race day, but here I am, munching away. Maybe it’s my way of relaxing? Looking outside, clouds are gathering – might rain during the cross races, which could be cool. Last year, it either rained or snowed, can’t quite recall.

Got blisters on my heels from yesterday’s hike. I chose Jumbo Saddle – a personal favorite – and had to do it before it closes for the migrating elk.

After the hike, I did cat litter duty for a friend, who’s now back in Missoula. So, I’m at the coffee shop, blogging and gearing up for Rolling Thunder. Oh, and there will be 7 mules in town today!

Hey there from Missoula! Sunshine’s blastin’, and let me tell you, this weekend’s looking mighty fine, Montana-style. Big news in our neck of the woods: Rolling Thunder cyclocross is rollin’ in, and everyone’s pumped for the nighttime race. Talk about electric!

Speaking of electricity, the Thursday Night Ride crew tackled the Treasure Ride last night. Yep, three of us even braved the climb to Sentinel for a dazzling view of the city lights under a sky full of stars. Perfect weather, epic night ride – couldn’t have asked for more.

Just finished droolin’ over the 24 Hours of MOAB results. Looks like Chris Etough didn’t quite make it through the whole shebang. Winner dude racked up a crazy 23,000 feet of climbing! Makes me wonder… did I hit that mark in my 24-hour trek? Hmm, maybe next year I could snag that top spot… just sayin’.

Speaking of races, Bob just dropped the date for the Butte 100: August 1st, a week after the Grinder. My calendar’s already lookin’ like a Tour de France brochure with five races penciled in. Whew!

Oh, and one last thing… anyone know if the mules are packin’ for the race yet? Just curious!

Greetings from my apartment in Missoula, Montana, a place that currently finds itself amidst the chaos of a sewer flood—a far cry from the ideal living situation, especially when I should be at work, striving to afford this charming abode. In a twist of fate that seems almost mocking, my current predicament starkly contrasts with last night’s adventure. Click here for my web gallery!

Last evening, I took to the trails, embracing the solitude and challenge of a path I’ve fondly named Blue Berry Pie. This trail, a 9.25-mile loop with 1,676 feet of climbing, offers not just a physical challenge but a mental reprieve from the day-to-day grind. My journey through it, spinning for a little over an hour, was a testament to the beauty that surrounds Missoula, a beauty that, for a moment, lets you forget the less-than-ideal surprises life throws your way. For those curious about this scenic loop, you can find more details here.

As the day wanes, my sights are set on tonight’s event: Wed Night Cross Race #4. It’s an opportunity to shake off the frustrations of unexpected household disasters and immerse myself in the community and competition that cycling offers. These moments, both on the trail and on the racecourse, serve as vivid reminders of why I choose to call Missoula home, despite its occasional, soggy setbacks.

From my corner of Montana, amidst the trials of flooded apartments and the triumphs of trail rides, I’m reminded of the resilience required not just in cycling, but in life. Each pedal stroke, each race, and yes, even each domestic disaster, is a step towards something greater—a testament to enduring and making the most of the path laid before us.