Bill's Blog (Web Log)

A Cold Win in Butte

I just rolled out of bed and it is amazing how much I am dreading going to work. Mondays right?

Cyclocross Results, Get Well Soon

Good morning from Missoula Montana where the sun refuses to come up and I have just finished off my breakfast and now working on a cup of coffee. The sun refuses to come up because it is sleepy and yesterday it had that day off (sick day). We all hope the sun gets better soon and returns in our lives. we appreciate the sun e, even in the winter. Get well Soon!

Big Win in Bozeman

I am finally home and putting things away and at the same time watching Sunday Night Football. I arrived about an hour ago and sat down to enjoy yesterday's winnings a big sandwich from Starky's. Starky's is a sandwich shop in Bozeman that makes a pretty big and tasty sandwich. More of that later. I thought I would get out a blog to announce a winning effort and what I had to overcome tin today's Cyclocross race. I better get to the story because I still have chores (grocery shopping) to do tonight.

I left off from my last blog as the sun went down in Big Sky and I was about to head out to find a camping spot. Well I did find a camping spot but only after climbing about 4,000 feet into the mountains. The snowy peaks were right next to my window as the partially full moon lit them up for me to star at and fall asleep.

Reporting From Big Sky Montana

How cool is this? I am sitting in Big Sky with a wireless connection and blogging my heart away while at the same time munching a real good banana nut muffin. I am at the Hungary Moose Deli in Big Sky and the scenery out the window is spectacular. The race is over and I have good news to report. It all began around 5:30 this morning. The alarm sounded and I did not want to get up and drive to Big Sky.

I finally packed the car complete with my feather bed for the camp out in the car that would take place later tonight. I packed up my dog Marcy, the bike, tools, and headed out. But first I had to stop at McDonalds for a quickly breakfast. I got the big breakfast with bacon instead of sausage. I ate it as I drove to Big Sky.

I did get out of town late but I did not panic and even stopped in Butte for some gas and some coffee. I almost dozed off once and had to battle direct morning sunlight in my eyes for a while. Soon the Mountains appeared and I drove to them.

I arrived at Big Sky with the sun shining and the air a crisp 38 degrees. I was a little early so I walked the course and went for a bike ride up to the Blue Moon Cafe to make sure it would be open after the race. I was here before with some friends after a mountain bike race.

The race took place right in Big Sky at a community park. It included two barrier sections both on grass (good for the knees). It had a nifty run up and some brutal rock sections. It also had some pavement and a climb up through some wood chips. The climb was brutal and real hard. On the top you had to dismount and jump some barriers. It was extremely difficult. The course also had a long trail sections with a real sharp turn where both wheels drifted. Fast and exciting.

My race started and we rolled out pretty slowly at an easy pace but as we all know that would not last long. Soon there was a break. I tried to answer and dropped my chain after the first run up. What a bad start. I finally caught back up to third but the first place guy had taken off. I passed second place and dropped my chain a second time. I repaired and set out to catch up once again. I decided that first was now out of the question so I held a steady pace to the end. I got 2nd place.

The awards ceremony was great. I laid back to enjoy the sun and we relaxed beside a rushing stream. Marcy whined as usual because she wanted to run free. I got my award and was please to get some cash to go eat at the Blue Moon with and have some extra for gas and breakfast. That part was great. I also won a gift certificate for a deli in Bozeman for 20 bucks. Before I come home tomorrow I will stock my car with deli goods.

After the race I went to the Blue Moon cafe for some chili and pizza. I meet some other competitors from this area and at with them at their table. It was nice to meet some new folks. After that Marcy and I took a scenic drive up to the resort and then towards Yellowstone Park.

So here I sit, getting sleepy by the moment. I am content and really enjoying the area and the mountains. As soon as I sign off I am headed just up the road to Moose Meadows Camp Ground or something near there. I am planning on sleeping in the car. This morning I converted it to a camper complete with featherbed.

Tomorrow I will sew up the weekend by going into Bozeman for race number 4 of the series. I am hoping for another good result so I can get a solid hold on a top place in the standings.

So signing off for now as the sun is starting to warm the mountains with a more golden glow as it dips down to the horizon. It will be getting dark soon so I better go find a camp spot. This is Bill signing off from Big Sky.

Ready For Big Sky

I just repaired my back wheel again this time doing some bending and twisting and re-tensioning. It looks pretty good and there is no weak spots. I looked all over town tonight with my friend for a wheel but only settled on a big ol bowl of Ice cream. That means I must race ... to work it off.

So I am going to bed now at 11:30 in hopes of getting up at 5:30 to set off on a journey to Big Sky Montana for the 3rd race of the Montana Cyclocross Series where I think I firmly reside in 4th place (unofficially).

My plans are to race in Big Sky Tomorrow and then camp out along the road in my car. If I can brave the frigid temps I will arrive in Bozeman bright and early for Sundays race which is the 4th in the series.

I hope to return home with my trusty side kick Marcy (my dog) on Sunday evening. See you all then and if I find a WI FI hot spot I'll blog there!

Keeping From Getting Lapped

This morning I feel sore and weary. It does not reflect how well my race went last night. No! I did not win but I did not do bad either. Before the race I had my doubts. The bruise where I pulled my muscle had become swollen and wiggly like it was full of water. My leg looked like a over weight persons leg. What is good is that I did not get lapped and in fact I got 6th place in the Mens A (equivalent to expert/pro).

Tonight is the Thursday Night Ride and we are heading out to the rattlesnake area. I plan to ride out there and maybe get a ride back. I could just take my lights too. Have you guessed the season. It is getting dark before the end of the rides now and I am even going to wok in the dim light hours at 8.