Bill's Blog (Web Log)

North Bitterroot Grand Loop

I got a late start but the ride ended before dark which was good. I sit here getting ready for a 6 hour ride today  but first better show you all photos from yesterdays grand loop [map]. I got started around 2PM but had numerous bail out plans in place to come back down route 12 to my car.  I set out and promptly got lost. The good thing about getting lost is seeing unbelievable beauty out here.

Once I got back on track it was up Granite Creek to Granite Pass on the Montana Idaho border.

Climbing from Granite Pass I headed to Lolo Pass. The climb was a surprise which included more sudden vertical but once on top the views were spectacular.

The open ridges going to Lolo Pass had me stopping every 5 minutes to take in the view and get some snapshots.

At around 3 hours I knew I better put thee move on and get to Lolo Pass to re-water and do the second half of the loop.

Suddenly Lolo Pass comes into view. Time to get water around 5:30 PM.

The second half of the loop started with a ride on Elk Meadows Road.

Elk Meadows Road was the longest section as I rode around 17 miles back to the Montana State border. I went by waterfalls and beautiful views from the backside of the Bitterroots.

I started to hammer up the valley because the time was nearing 7PM and was afraid my 6 hour ride would turn into a epic all nighter. Still was not in familiar territory.

Once I realized it was hammer time I didn't stop for any more photos.  I ended my ride just a tad past the 6 hour mark at around 8:20(ish). Now it is time for another 6 hour round

Taking A Step Back

Yesterday I got news that a crew member has reported that he is out of the trip to Canmore. I am currently in shock because now I don't have a seasoned mechanic. I needed to take the day off from training and go for a recovery hike. This is where I miss Marcy the most, helped me recover, hike, and figure things out.

I went out to Orange Street Trail and did hike and got all things worked out in my mind. Still full steam to Canmore. In two weeks at this time I will be preparing to start the World 24 Solo Championships

Thursday Night Ride

Last night I met up with about 9 others in the Rattlesnake Recreation Area parking lot which was heavily being patrolled by rangers. It was almost like being in another country except instead of weapons they carried ticket books. No tickets for us last night.

The trails were excellent and I didn't run into many others as I bombed off the front to do some hard efforts (was scheduled on my plan so wanted to eat my cake and throw it too).  At some discrete moments I found myself in awe of the glorious beauty of the area.

At the end I had to come home early as the rest of the group headed up to do the Wallman Trail. Julie Huck had to go too so we started riding back to town together although I think she took an alternate route because I went back up the trail but couldn't find her. So I went home

3 Workouts a Day

Keeps the bed bugs away

17 Days To Go

Last night did some Hill Sprints out at Crazy Canyon and felt so so but mostly missing my Turner. I rode the back up bike so I don't put any more training stress on a already worn drive train.

18 Days To Go

With 18 days until the Elite 24 Solo World Championships in Canmore I have to say I am feeling strong and I must stop to thank Lynda of http://lwcoaching.com for throwing me a freebie and recommending a little tweak to my training regimen leading up to the big event. Since the 24 Hours of Rapelje was cut short I had it in my mind to do a 24 hour ride no matter what. I got the brakes put on and instead two weeks of threshold stuff before a 10 day taper.  Should do the trick