I’m sweating something fierce pedaling up single track in the Rattlesnake of Missoula, MT. I usually bring up the rear. The crew I ride with are some of the strongest riders I know.  

There are seven of us today, it’s a daily affair riding the trails of the lower Rattlesnake, I usually only make it 3-4 days a week. Although there is a minor unspoken speed competition going on most days, the group is easy going, entertaining and all around quality. These guys are some of what I call, “the good people of the world”.  These traits not only apply to biking, but attitude and lifestyle as well. 

Compared to these guys who have been racing their whole lives, I am a new rider.  My friend Owen Gue drops back from the front of the pack to come hang and chat with me, I know he enjoys the conversation but I also know he’s dropping back to see how I am doing and motivate me a little bit. I’ve known Owen for roughly 8 years; he’s a good friend, a down to earth solid guy, a hoot to hang out with.  We talk about the day, life, and lady friends and then he moseys back up the line. 

Next thing I know, Sam falls back to chat with me.  As you all know, Sam is a World Class mountain biker.  I’m a bit honored that this guy has decided to drop back to say hey.  We ride together for a while; I carefully watch his shifting patterns and pedal stroke as we wind up and down hills. This guy’s demeanor is genuine, he’s humble, easy going, laid back and fun. Eventually he makes his way back to the pack.

Summer in Missoula, MT has been ideal; perfect weather, solid friends and good times for sure.  With Owen, there’s always something fun to do.  Our activities range from MT beach volleyball, to kickball, soccer, water parks, river swims, creek crawls, riding double on handle bars across town, bbq’s, drinking a few beers, old man coffee, sushi nights, the list goes on. 

I’ve had the opportunity to hang with Brendan and Andy as well.  All these guys know how to have a good time for sure, but give them a task and you’ll get 150% back.  They are very excited to be working with Saris Cycleops Powertap units. Pro and SL series.  The Garmin Edge and Forerunner series is also great.  

I visited the Cycling House in December of 2007.  Owen, Andy and I were the only inhabitants of the soon to be fully immersed house.  Andy willingly offered up his mountain bike for me to borrow so Owen and I could ride, He even offered to ride up Mt. Lemmon, pick up the van and then pick us up at the end of our mountain decent.  The three of us cooked some mean meals and had some great conversation, a relaxing, enjoyable, memorable time. 

It’s all laughs with these guys. The group of guys that run The Cycling House are the type you want to surround yourself with in life. The lucky ones who will be attending the cycling house in 2008/2009 are in for a treat.

In my opinion, with the quality of people that the Cycling House has, the price per night is priceless.

I hope to visit the irreplaceable cycling house staff sometime this winter.

-Matt Firebaugh