Groomer Line Courage
Algorithm Says Run
Sunday at Lolo Pass always starts the same way, Mo and I pulling in with that quiet, stubborn optimism that only works in winter. The week had been warm, yesterday’s track was a slushy betrayal, and I showed up skeptical, like the snow owed me an apology. But we went earlier, before the sun could turn everything to mashed potatoes. First climb, perfect. The groomed lane held its shape, traction felt like a handshake, and I pointed north on the far side of Highway 12, chasing the kind of blue sky that makes you forget your own bad attitude. Lolo Pass sits right on the Idaho Montana line, up around 5,233 feet. (Wikipedia)
I was even trying to be noble about it, saving energy, doing most of the work in zone 3, heart thumping like I’d been cleared for mischief. And then later, back in normal life, my phone decided to serve me a steady diet of “countries accepting Americans right now” videos. One after another. Like the algorithm was packing my bag for me. It got under my skin in that familiar way, not panic exactly, more like a siren you can’t locate.
Out on the trail, though, the map answered a different question. I hit the pass, turned toward Crooked Fork, and started noticing the weird absence of tracks. Just one set, out and back. Then the reason showed up, grooming stopped, downed trees, thin snow, the whole route quietly giving up. My small victory was simple, I went farther than the groomer did. I turned around grinning, rode harder, and when I finally rolled back to the truck I told Mo I was exhausted, twice, because it was true. The internet can yell all it wants, but the mountains still reward forward motion, and I’m grateful I can still earn that kind of tired.
On This Day
February 8 has shown up 12 times since 2003. Apparently it’s a day for recovery—from sickness, training rides, surgery... and the occasional teddy bear kitchen incident.
2003: Evening Hike – Been sick. Been upset. Best thing for that is a hike . And take pictures of course.
2007: After A Ride – I just got back from a winter training ride. This morning it was apparent that I may not even get to ride. It rained all day and the conditions after work were dismal. After some good ol coffee, a...
2008: Back Home – Greetings from City Brew, where I’m downloading fresh photos and Paul’s catching up with home. We’ve just returned from our Bitterroots adventure. Last night’s ski down from the cabin was epic—the...
2010: Reset – There’s a certain magic in life’s simple joys. Imagine a crisp evening, filled with the scent of adventure and the taste of a comforting meal. Surrounded by friends, with a hot coffee in hand, we...
2011: Out with Jill – ON THIS DAY IN HISTORYlet’s take a stroll down memory lane with my captivating(lol) posts!
2011: Couch crashing – Cinnamon, orange peel, raspberry leaf, lemongrass, licorice root, papaya leaf, strawberry leaf, and cardamom. A tea that I have been sipping on for the last hour called Night on Glacier Bay by...
2012: Junkie – I don’t know what it is. When an endurance junkie like me takes a couple days recovery suddenly life just falls apart. I am at peace when my schedule is overbooked and I am working out during every...
2014: Buck Ridge Incident – “I didn’t come here to fight” ~Pale Rider
2015: 2015 So Far – let’s take a stroll down memory lane with my captivating(lol) posts!
2016: Padre Canyon – Last hike in Padre Canyon saves the vacation
2018: Routine – Surgery is a weird invented and done well in western culture. Docs can put us back together after the most horrific mishap. we should have great faith in them. I mean they know squat about diet and...
2024: Teddy Bears Shouldn’t Be In The Kitchen – Oh, the coffee conundrum! There I was, a mundane morning turning into a scene straight out of a slapstick comedy. Picture this: me, in my kitchen, casually performing the sacred ritual of making my...