Bill's Web Lodge ... the perfect speed is being there!

Last night was a huge turnout for the Thursday Night Mountain Bike Ride at Blue Mountain. I just posted my photos of the night and I am sure there will be more to come from others.  There were 15 of us (according to the photo below) and at the end we held a raffle for a new Ritchey tire. Julie won the raffle as her ticket was pulled from Marcy's dog dish.

When I arrived at the parking lot I was the first one there but was horrified to find out I forgot my water bottles.  I rode down to Peak Fitness to get water.  They did not have water bottles and sold me to bottled waters at $1.00 a piece. When I got back to the car there were riders galore.

We all headed out to do our classic Hayes point loop. Everyone stayed together and there were numerous opportunities to stop and chat. We did some family photos on top and made it back to the cars with the entire group intact about 2 hours later. The trails were I good shape given the spring that we have had.

I am going to Belt tomorrow for a road race and a camp out afterwards, anyone want to go?

That is all I am doing right now. Last night I woke up and I could not swallow since my throat was so raw. I remember at the race that my eyes were always burning and Davie the race director said it was some sort of tree down there.  So after that messing around with me I have picked up this cough and now it seems to be spreading to my upper body.  Good thing I have three weeks before my next mountain bike race.  This weekend is Belt and camping at kings Hill ... anyone want to go? Contact me or call (406) 322-DIRT.

Notes:

• Tonight is TNR
• Other TNR's

As of May 24th my phone will be disconnected.  You can leave a messages at (406)322 DIRT(3478). Sorry not a local number but its free for me.  Please update your address books! Don't be alarmed by the sexy default answer voice ... I like her so I did not record mine.

Still unpacking here in Missoula Montana and it seems like spring has arrived while I was away.  I went hiking with my dog Marcy last night with out a winter hat. Just got back the the Coyote Classic AMBC in Boise Idaho and I am happy to report that I snagged the win overall in the expert class. I put in for a license upgrade yesterday but have not heard any news on that front.

Read the Montana Cyclocross coyote report. There are some great shots of John Curry and Joe Chalmers.

Taking a look back some highlights of the eventful weekend stand out. Friday I went out for a training ride and when I got home I had some packing to do.  I finally was ready to go around 1:30 in the morning.  I had to stay up and pack because I was going with friends that wanted to get an early start.

So we took off from Lolo at 6ish and arrived at the race site around noon time.  I was able to get in an hour of riding while my friends scouted out a great little camping spot.  That night we explored the cattle trails and played cards.

The next day was a mixture of sun overdose and cool breezes. I started off strong in my race and after watching the Pros take off I was glad to be in a more relaxed group. A couple guys followed my lead but half way up the initial climb I started dropping all of them.  Soon I was catching the younger experts that started off in an earlier wave.

I caught up to a fellow Missoulite Joe Chalmers who was battling at the front of his group.  He would eventually win out and take the win in the 30+ crowd.  He was looking strong and I had a tough time catching up to him. I said hello and set off to see if I could catch the pro field where John Curry was racing.

Soon I found John at the trail side fixing a flat.  I was bummed and after passing him I settled down to just ride with the pro guys.  I figured they would keep me out in front of my pack and out of harm of being passed. I raced the rest of the race with a pro that was wearing a jersey that looked an awful lot like the local Team Stampede kits (orange and blackish).  That guy challenged me and I went pretty fast to the end.

In the end I won but I was not the only Missoula racer. Along with Joe and his win was R. Brown who came in mid pack sport and his daughter who won her beginner race. John Curry did not get to finish (bummer) and his wife Lisa decided to take the scenic route but still grabbed second place in Expert.  Nice work everyone!  I think everyone would agree that Idaho has the best race courses and this one did not disappoint.  I found myself shouting out joyful expressions as I swerved through the great single-track.  I cant wait till next year.

is anyone going to Great Falls to the race this weekend?  Give me a ring at 406 322 DIRT!

It is suggested that I am sandbagging the expert class.  How do you sandbag the expert class at age 42? Anyway to be fair (and so I can sleep) I submitted a request for upgrade this morning.  Let's see what the regional official thinks. Cant a guy just enjoy a great effort in peace?