2011 RMVQ

Who

Bill Martin, Norman Singley, Ross Brown, Garland Thayer, Lydia Larson, Alden Wright, Julie Huck Ed Stalling, Laurie Stalling

Part 1: The Saga Begins

Ah, the Marcy Vision Quest! Picture this: October 8th and 9th, the scene is set with the usual gang and a few fresh faces diving into adventure. Back for a smashing fourth year at the University Beacon leg were Julie Huck and Laurie Stalling, our beloved pioneers of the RMVQ’s infamous glow-stick rave and mountain-top boogie. Julie once turned the night into day with her glow sticks—what a blast that was. Garland Thayer, another veteran, made a sneaky appearance at the Sheep Mountain leg. You know him, Mr. Sheephead himself, already sharing tales of his exploits. The return of Lydia Larson was a delight; last year’s pit crew hero took on a hefty portion of the night this time. And let’s not forget Alden Wright and Ed Stalling, who came back for another slice of late-season biking bliss. Ross Brown was the newbie, sliding into the event with a last-minute dash through the Blue Mountain leg. Honestly, everything about this year’s edition felt fresh and exciting.

The biggest twist? I’ve uprooted from Missoula, so the event’s reins were handed to my Missoula mates. Julie and Norman rallied the crew, and I just showed up, ready to pedal. Normally, I’d be in the thick of planning, but not this time around.

This year also featured a die-hard committed to conquering the entire route. Up until now, I’ve been the lone wolf finishing the RMVQ in a day. Norman took up the challenge this year, and I concocted a plan to start six hours behind him, aiming to catch up by Turah aid station. So there I was, dropped off by Mo at the Blue Mountain parking lot, eagerly awaiting the noon kickoff when Ross Brown appeared.

I hit the ground running, aiming for a new record, soon catching up to Ross, who had gotten a bit of a head start. Then, something unexpected happened. It’s hard to pin down—maybe it was realizing the value of good company—but I chose to stick with Ross as long as he’d have me.

“How far are you going?” I asked him as we ascended towards 50 Dollar Hill.

“Don’t let me slow you down. Go on ahead,” Ross insisted, pulling over.

But I didn’t pass him. Instead, I lingered a bit longer.

“And how far do YOU plan to go?”

“University Beacon… but you go ahead. Enjoy your ride,” he replied, a bit more firmly this time.

“No, I miss you. I’m riding with you to the top,” I declared. Silence followed as he processed my plan. It seemed my lack of competitiveness took him by surprise.

“I miss you too,” he finally said, and we continued on together.

An hour and a half later, we were still making our way up Blue Mountain, almost at the final ascent.

“Have a good one… see you later!” Ross called out.

“What? You’re not going to the top?”

“Well,” he hesitated, “I was just expressing a general intention. Maybe not all the way to the top.”

“Nah, we’re almost there. I’m with you to the end,” I reassured him, and we ascended in companionable silence, our shared journey speaking volumes. At the summit, we parted ways. I snapped a Marcy pic and zoomed down the Grave Range Trail.

Part 2: The Quest Continues

Ascending Blue Mountain with a buddy was a blast, wouldn’t trade it for the world. But, engaging in such delightful detours during the first three hours of the RMVQ had its consequences, especially when your heart’s set on breaking records. I found myself needing to shave off a significant half hour by Kona Bridge aid station. Despite pushing harder than last year, the aftermath of a recent snowstorm meant navigating through a soaked course dotted with massive puddles. The resultant slow-down had me questioning the feasibility of a new record.

Upon reaching the first aid station, it dawned on me that this year’s RMVQ would be more about enduring an epic journey rather than setting records. Norman had already bowed out, determined not to let the snow deter his spirit. I was eager to tackle the snow myself, determined to ensure this year wasn’t marked by a lack of finishers.

The ascent to the a-frame was as grueling as expected, but surprisingly, the anticipated snowdrifts were absent. However, conditions worsened higher up, and by the time I reached the a-frame, a modest snow cover awaited. Inside, it felt oddly cozy, given the dropping temperatures outside.

After tweeting a quick update and capturing another Marcy moment, I braced myself for the descent. Clad in every piece of clothing I had, the cold still bit hard, compounded by several spills in the deepening snow. The descent was exhilarating yet challenging, culminating at Snow Bowl Lodge. From there, it was onwards to the Ravine Trail and the second aid station in Rattlesnake.

The descent into Snow Bowl had me shivering to the core, but the thrill of the ride kept my spirits high. As I pondered the upcoming challenges—how much snow awaited on Sheep Mountain, whether my gear would suffice—the trail demanded my full attention, turning my concerns into exhilaration as I navigated its twists and turns. The night was alive with my hollers, the thrill of the descent erasing the hardships endured.

Arriving at the parking lot to find only Mo and Norman was a bittersweet reminder of the solitude and camaraderie found in such endurance tests. Despite the freezing descent, the ride’s pure joy was undeniable.

Part 3: A New Dawn

The last few months have been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Whenever I find myself fretting over disorganized training or life’s chaos, I’m reminded of the beautiful reasons behind it all—like meeting someone special or discovering new facets of myself, such as the capacity for deep care and love. It’s fascinating how new people in your life can usher in qualities like courage, empowering you to discern when to push the limits and when to hold back for the greater good.

Standing in the Rattlesnake parking lot, the chill of the night set against the backdrop of my darkest coffee, I faced a pivotal decision alone. The option to press on, braving the cold with minimal gear, loomed large. While survival wasn’t a question, the discomfort and risk certainly were. Yet, the allure of the challenge was tempting, a testament to the drive that perhaps isolated me in the past.

Contemplating the alternative—calling it a night—sent shivers down my spine, a prospect more daunting than the cold itself. Normally, such a thought would be unthinkable, but this time, concern for those who care about me weighed heavily.

Proposing a compromise to Mo and Norman, I suggested skipping this leg, warming up, and resuming later. This plan, however, required a type of bravery unfamiliar to me: the courage to step back for the sake of loved ones.

After refueling and regrouping, we set off for the final half of the RMVQ, our spirits buoyed by companionship and shared purpose. The journey ahead promised more challenges, but together, we faced them with renewed determination.

Reflecting on the events so far, the pre-dawn alarm was a stark reminder of

the daunting task ahead. Despite my hesitations, Norman and I embarked on the remaining climb, each step a testament to our resolve.

The journey to Turah, then on to the final legs of the RMVQ, was marked by camaraderie and the collective will to finish. As we navigated the dark, cold trails, each moment brought us closer to completing a journey that tested our limits and strengthened our bonds.

Arriving at the final aid station, the warm welcome from friends and the joy of nearing the end filled me with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The last leg of the ride, shared with those who stood by me, was a fitting end to an unforgettable adventure.

This year’s RMVQ may not have seen a traditional finish, but it taught me the value of courage, the importance of companionship, and the strength found in facing challenges together. As I look forward to next year, I’m reminded that the journey is as important as the destination, and I’m grateful for the people who make it worthwhile.

Preliminary Results

Bill Martin (Everything except Sheep Mountain)
Norman Singley (Grave Range Growler, Snow Bowl*, Woody Mountain, Alp De Turah, University Beacon)
Ross Brown (Blue Mountain Fire Tower)
Garland Thayer (Sheep Mountain)
Lydia Larson (Alp De Turah, University Beacon)
Alden Wright (Alp De Turah, University Beacon)
Julie Huck (University Beacon)
Ed Stalling (University Beacon), Laurie Stalling (University Beacon)
Mo Mislivets (my lovely pit crew)

Data Sheet

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=peXoo1jjHOFmvaS1wS4vsPw