This year has been such a terrific year and there has been so much to be thankful for.  On a personal level there is more than enough to fill many pages here but it is probably not something that you, the reader would be particularly interested in.  But if you live in Missoula or if you spent any time here this year you will probably agree with me that it was an epic year for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

The year started off on a strong note.  The snow began falling early and did not quit until the middle of spring.  It was the best ski year that I can remember.  We would show up to Snowbowl after dropping the kids off at school and just before the lifts opened.  Without fail it seemed as if there were a few fresh inches to greet us.  It seemd as if Winter lasted a long time and if you wanted to ride your bike perhaps it lasted too long.  But the consistently falling snow meant that we could be in for a  great summer. 

Fast forward to summer.  The melting snow gave way to a spectacular display of wildflowers and lush green mountains.  Around here late summer means fire and often times several weeks off the bike because of smoke, fire or closed trails.  But not this year.  The weather was just about perfect everyday.  Clear skies and no smoke made this one of the most memorable summers.  A perfect match to the winter.

Speaking of trails the Montana Conservation Corps as well a slew of volunteers made huge progress on building new trails or updating well used trails.  I know that some of the trails received a mixed review, but I have to say all the new trails that I rode were welcome improvements. 

On the paved side of things organizations like BWAM made cycling in and around Missoula a much safer and more viable option.  More trails and more bike lanes are always something to be thankful for.

On the racing side of things I saw a lot of new faces in the peloton.  Team Stampede/Five Valley Velo like usual was counted on to put on a whole host triathlons and bike races.  Without out the huge efforts from the folks at TS/5VV racing would be nearly non-existant around the five valley area.  This year a new powerhouse emerged.  The folks at Northern Rockies Racing made huge strides in recruiting new riders and using all that new talent and enthusiasm to put on some really great races.

 Like the rest of the country cyclo-cross racing in Missoula (as well as the rest of the state of Montana) is seeing continued growth in popularity.  The Wednesday night races were stacked with talent and competition.  One person who made the Wednesday night racing possible is tireless Tim Bechtold.  He seems to be three places at once.  I am sure that just like me, all the folks who enjoy Missoula cross racing are very thankful to have Tim around.

Finally I have to make sure that I thank two very important groups of people.  First are the customers that keep all of us here at the bike shop busy.  We have the best customers.  They help create the fun and very social environment that makes working at Missoula Bicycle Works the best job I have ever had.  Finally I have to thank all the folks that I work with for everything that they do each and every day to make Missoula Bicycle works the coolest shop in town (in my humble opinion).  They are an especially talented, knowledgeable and professional group of people.  The love what they do and for that I am very thankful.