Explore Red Lodge August 2015

Billings Gazette 1

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Sunday, August 16, 2015

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AUGUST 2015 Photo courtesy of Dolan Personke

Inside

Carbon County Arts Guilds Hosts 36th Annual Labor Day Arts Fair & More Courtesy of Carbon County Arts Guild

Red Lodge Mountain: Opening day is slated for Friday, November 27.

Page 2 Oktoberfest: Get ready for beer, brats, music and more at the 18th annual Oktoberfest held at Red Lodge Ales on Sept. 12.

Page 2 Upcoming events: Red Lodge is host to exciting events year-round; read up on the upcoming events.

Page 4 Explore Red Lodge is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette

General Manager Dave Worstell Retail Sales Manager Shelli Scott Director of Major Accounts, Classified & Digital Sales Ryan Brosseau Director of Marketing Allyn Hulteng Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Foley Content Editors Brittany Cremer Brenda Maas Section Designer Nadine Bittner Access Explore Red Lodge at www.billingsgazette.com/ specialsections

For the 36th consecutive year, the Carbon County Arts Guild will once again host the annual Labor Day Arts Fair at Lion’s Park and Depot Gallery in Red Lodge from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept.

7. For nearly four decades, the Arts Fair has brought more than 90 artisans and fine craftsmen from across the region together to celebrate creativity.

“This is a great opportunity for art lovers to actually meet the artists,” said director Deborah Kline Sonderman. “Plus, it’s a Red Lodge tradition.”

As the unofficial farewell to summer, fair attendees tend to browse, shop and mingle—perhaps somewhat reluctant themselves to say goodbye to the warmest season.

Kline Sonderman expects about 2,000 attendees. She notes that all items for sale must be hand-made, not something produced commercially. That restriction makes the event unique. Additionally, attendees will see a plethora of items, styles and skills, making the Arts Fair a family-friendly, budget-variable event.

Plus, it is free.

Guests can meet Gail Luhman, Robert Kramer, Lance Johnson, Marina Kessler, Joan and John Cosel and Shirley Shirley, among many others. Scott Hook brings his chainsaw art and often sells out. Many artisans are long-time participants at this traditional event.

Photo courtesy of Carbon County Arts Guild The annual Labor Day Arts Fair, hosted by the Carbon County Arts Guild, brings together more than 90 artisans and fine craftsmen from across the region.

The Depot Gallery and exhibits will also be open for perusal. The fair goes on, rain or shine.

For more information about the Carbon County Arts Guild, the Labor Day Arts Fair or any of the events noted below, call 406-4461370 or see carboncountydepotgallery.org.

On Going Events at Carbon County Arts Guild The Art of Susan Spero August 1-31 in the Main Gallery Susan is a full-time painter originally from the Chicago area. She received her formal art education at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, where she learned both traditional and contemporary skills.

To continue her education, Susan became a member of the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, founded over a century ago by students from the Art Institute of Chicago. For this exhibit, Susan will show her range in subject matter, including still life, Native American portraiture, the Western landscape and wildlife.

Mandalas and Sentinels, The Art of Barb Oslie and Jaime Penuel August 1-31 in the North Gallery This is a collaborative effort from Barb and Jaime, as they have encouraged, critiqued, and inspired each other to create. Barb’s mandala paintings are based on actual places and moments and are symbolic of the energy, emotion and colors she experiences. Jaime photographs objects which are rarely noticed but are found in most urban settings. His photographs give these objects an important, stately prominence, giving hints about the environment and what the sentinels may be watching and protecting.

What Makes a Good Painting with E Denney NeVille August 22 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Students of all levels, working in oils or acrylics, should take this class! Denney will talk about what makes a painting successful. This is a continuation of his previous class, but participants need not have taken the first class. Lots of individual attention provided. Participants should bring a 12x16 canvas panel along with some tape to divide the panel into 4 parts to practice the concepts presented in the class. Cost is $75.

Continued on Page 4

YOUR BASE CAMP FOR ADVENTURE

Benefitting 61 local charities REGISTER TODAY

September 5, 2015 Red Lodge, Montana

10K & 5K Fun Run • 5K & 2 Mile Fun Walk no entry f ee. donations encouraged.

Where FUN benefits Everyone!

Learn how you can help at:

www.RedLodgeFunRun.org • email: funrun@rlacf.org The Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities is organized by: The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation – PO Box 1871, Red Lodge, MT 59068

www.redlodgeareacommunityfoundation.org

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Enjoy the summer with a special weekend adventure package. Choose from golf, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, or fishing.

Packages start at $228

To Book Your Getaway Call 406.446.1111 www.rockcreekresort.com

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Nitty Gritty Off-Road Race

An epic adventure that found the perfect place to happen

By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com “If you can hear the banjos playing, slow down.”

That is the mantra for the third-annual Nitty Gritty OffRoad Race to be held on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Red Lodge Mountain.

In unique fashion, participants at this event can enjoy bluegrass and country-inspired live music as they tackle the mountainous terrain.

Musical groups will be stationed at the start of the race and in little alcoves throughout the race—like a backwoods cross-country concert.

Run with the wind This unique race covers dirt roads and single-track trails across Red Lodge Mountain to offer the nitty-est, grittiest, climbing-est marathon in Montana.

At summer’s end, many runners are looking for someTo register (all done online, no mailthing different, something a bit more challenging and ing forms) or for more information, go to something a bit less stressful—and this is it. headwatersstudio.com and click on “Nitty A modified marathon, participants can either run solo Gritty.” or team up to tackle the 26.2 miles. Form a six, or threerunner relay team to tackle the event, which includes 14.7 miles of climbing (3,400-feet of elevation gain).

Nitty Gritty Race Day Schedule The race begins at the base of Red Lodge Mountain and heads up Miami Beach and circles back through the Pali- 7 a.m. Camp set up and parking at Red Lodge Mountain Resort sades—weaving through lush trees and backcountry tails.

7 - 8:45 a.m.

Day-of race packet pickup Come fun, come all 9 a.m.

Solo start The Nitty Gritty is a tough race with all the flair of a Team start festival. After your run, you can relax at your team’s camp 9:30 a.m. in the resort’s base lodge courtyard while you enjoy music 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Food and Music and food, get to know other runners and plan out next Awards are given as racers finish year’s race schedule.

Oktoberfest: Red Lodge’s fun fall toast

By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com Gentlemen: don your lederhosen.

Ladies: gather your dirndls.

The 18th annual Red Lodge Oktoberfest is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12 from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Red Lodge Special Event Center behind Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company.

A traditional way to toast the season, beer, brats, music and musing will all flow at this much-anticipated celebration.

Bring the peeps As a family-friendly event, kids will enjoy the bounce house, face painting and hair braiding. Judges will circulate, looking for the best-dressed, although unique costumes have their own rewards.

At 4 p.m., gather for the Oktoberfest Olympics, including the keg toss, tug-of-war and scavenger hunt. Beer tokens, which can be used any day, not just at Oktoberfest, will be given as prizes.

The elephant in the room

And, what would Oktoberfest be without beer and brats?

Volunteers with Beartooth Recreational Trails Association (BRTA) will be on-hand, serving up the eats. Of course, the more brats you consume, the more trails they can build, so be sure to arrive hungry… and thirsty!

Red Lodge Ales will launch its Oktoberfest lager, using a modified recipe. Feedback is encouraged.

When it’s time to get moving, kick up your heels to “umpa” music from old friends, the Alte Kameraden Band, with a few polkas—there’s no standing still when these folks are playing.

As usual, a taxi service from the brewery to Red Lodge will be available to keep everyone safe.

All ages are welcome and admission to the event is $5 at the gate; event proceeds will benefit BRTA. So, brush off your tracht and mark Sept.

12 on your calendar. For more information LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff call 406-446-4607 or see redlodgeales.

Terry Bartlett plays the tuba as Alte Kameraden Band performs at Oktoberfest in Red Lodge. com. Prost!

Waiting on the white stuff Opening weekend at RLM is as sure as the Thanksgiving turkey

VISIT REDLODGE.COM

By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com

It’s bigger

than banking.

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff Can you hear it? The mountain is calling you…and we aren’t talking just any mountain here. This is Red Lodge Mountain—world-class skiing in our own backyard.

Amid sunburns and backyard barbeques, ski bums from across the region yearn for snow.

But they won’t have to daydream for long.

As is tradition, Opening Day at Red Lodge Mountain (RLM) is set for the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 27). So, don’t let that Thanksgiving turkey settle too much—plan to head up the trail because the lifts will lurch to life at 9 a.m. and run until 4 p.m.

During your first glorious weekend of swooshing down the slopes, be sure to stop in for some eats and drinks at one of the four RLM dining options.

The Main Lodge has room for 300 and is a great spot to set up your “camp” if you are with a larger group. The Midway Chalet is located mid-mountain atop the Willow Creek chairlift and offers burgers, sandwiches, beverages and snacks with a killer view of five mountain ranges.

The newest dining option, Willow Creek Yurt, proved incredibly popular last year.

Located at the bottom of Triple Chair, the Yurt offers quick burritos, salads, nachos and the like. And, don’t forget about the Bierstube—RML’s iconic gathering place.

With 10 beers on tap, pub fare and a burger bar on the deck, the “Stube” is the place to be when you are not on the hill.

After you take off your boots, be sure to wind-down and enjoy live music from 3 to 6

p.m. every Saturday throughout the season.

It’s local decision making to make sure you find the best path down the mountain.

It’s you and together.

Conquer the mountain Red Lodge Mountain is a point of pride for area ski enthusiasts. Visitors and guests from out-of-state are often wowed by the variety and quality of the mountain.

Quite possibly the best-kept ski secret in Montana, Red Lodge Mountain offers family-friendly pricing, little or no-wait lift lines, postcard-worthy views and a vast array of terrain.

You truly can conquer the mountain at RLM—day after day. That is, if you have the 2015-16 Season Pass. Visit redlodgemountain.com for pricing on season passes, lessons, special event information and more.

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff Local skiers and snowboarders always look forward to Opening Day at Red Lodge Mountain Resort, slated for Friday, November 27.

Not sure about conditions?

Call the Snow Phone at 406-255-6973 or get a live shot of both the base and downtown Red Lodge with the RLM web cam at www.redlodgemountain.com

firstinterstate.com

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Red Lodge Fun Run: A dozen years strong

By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com

Photo courtesy of Merv Coleman

Have you ever witnessed a moose mascot receiving a massage? Or a pack of super heroes running a race? You can experience that, and more, at the annual Red Lodge Fun Run on Saturday, Sept. 5—because this event welcomes the unlikely bizarre.

The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation (RLACF) has hosted the annual Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities for 12 years.

While most runs or walks benefit just one major organization, the Fun Run for Charities is an “animal� of a different stripe.

Actually, it’s more of a “give-a-palooza� because 61 local charities and non-profit organizations all benefit from one event. “Collaboration is so important,� noted Tracy Timmons, executive director of RLACF. “The Fun Run is a family-friendly program that allows area organizations to all benefit from one single event.�

However, Timmons went on to explain, there’s more to the Fun Run than fundraising.

The participating organizations each staff an information booth to educate the masses about their mission and accomplishments. Most draft their own cheering section to encourage their participants along the route, and most especially at the finish line. Many seek bragging rights in how their runners “place,� and there may even be a few good-natured, non-monetary bets placed.

It all comes down to a few simple words: Fun. Community. Support.

Done Red Lodge-style.

Simple enough Here’s how it works: Each participant selects his or her designated race: 10K, 5K Run, 2-mile Fun Walk or Toddler Trot.

Next, he or she picks which organization(s) he or she wants to support.

Participants can select more than one, and there are a plethora of options. The race

is free (if registered before Sept. 4) but is supported solely by online and on-site donations.

On race day, Sept. 5, registration and packet pick-up begins at 7:30 a.m. at Lion’s Park, where the Lion’s Club offers free burgers. Prior to race time, participants mingle about the informational booths, chat with friends and neighbors and mug for pictures. The “moose on the loose� cavorts about, too, and FM99 The Mountain broadcasts live from the starting line. Pippi the Clown is often in attendance, along with the Fun Run moose, entertaining young and old alike.

The starting gun goes off at 9 a.m. and the races begins. Runners blast off, down Broadway, heading south. The biggest loop, the 10K travels to Perry’s RV, south of town, then loops back along Hauser, finishing at Lion’s Park. The other races, the 5K, 2-mile walk and Toddler Trot, all “loop� within the

larger course. Families, kids, walkers, strollers, wheelchairs, leashed canine friends and others all gather, socialize and walk for a comprehensive community cause.

Participants can purchase T-shirts, sweatshirts, running shirts and even dog scarves during the annual Fun Run, in support of this massive community fundraiser.

Awards are given out at 10:30 a.m. before the event concludes. The 2014 Fun Run raised $249,000 with $1.6 million generated in the Run’s first 12 years. Timmons expects more than 1,200 participants again this year. “The Fun Run removes the stigma that each charity is on its own, competing for same donor dollars,� said Timmons. “This is the exact opposite—it’s a true community event.�

For details or to register, see rlacf.org/ fun-run/ or call 406-446-2820.

Rock Creek Resort Celebrates 40 Years of Breath-taking Getaways

By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com

Dell a premier destination dining locale in the area.

The quaint and unique restaurant fits the Red Lodge style with personality and flair, offering outstanding views.

Amid change to various rooms and cabins at Rock Creek Resort, Piney Dell remains the cherry on top of the stay and play experience.

In the early 1970s the Gramshammers built the Grizzly Condos to upgrade the racers’ housing options—the development of Rock Creek Resort began. Over the following two decades the Gramshammers added the Rock Creek Town Homes, Stoney Cabin, the Beartooth Lodge and lastly, the log Twin Elk building.

Like a handcrafted patchwork quilt, piece after piece came together to create a beautiful whole, always next to the natural and ever-changing beauty of its namesake, Rock Creek.

Nestled in the valley that approaches Beartooth Pass, Rock Creek Resort sits in a picturesque location. Seemingly, near the top of the world, visitors have a multitude of reasons to sit back, relax and cast their cares away.

In the 1960s Pepi and Sheika Gramshammer of Innsbruck, Austria, fell in love with Red Lodge and the Beartooth Mountains. Pepi was an international champion and professional ski racer. Along with two others, he brought their passion for skiing, to Montana and started Red Lodge Mountain Ski Camp on Beartooth Pass.

Eventually, because the skiers were being fed in church basements and housed in various locations, the Gramshammers bought Old Piney Dell.

And that, according to general manager and long-time Creekside = Heaven Red Lodge resident Rob Ringer, “is where it all started.�

Located just five miles south of the mountain town of Red Lodge, Mont., the resort continues as the perfect base Back when‌ At that time, Old Piney Dell Restaurant & Bar plus a few camp for a plethora of recreations—biking, motorcycling, small cabins were the only buildings in Red Lodge. “Pineyâ€? hiking, kayaking, mountain driving tours, skiing and many as it is called by locals, evolved from a homesteader’s cabin others. “The biggest asset of Rock Creek Resort is our locabuilt in the 1920s into a restaurant in the 1940s. It served as the diner hall for the skiers. Most recently, Chef Eric tion,â€? said Ringer. “I speak to most of our guests plus read Trager and Lee Eickelberger have joined their expertise, all the comment cards and online reviews—first and forecreativity and commitment to quality, making Old Piney most, guests love our location and want to return.â€?

The Hoedown— Petticoats and Pistols

By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com Boot-kicking fun While you don’t need to know how to square dance, Ladies and gentlemen, put you are guaranteed to have on your boots, start tapping itchy feet when the music your toes and get ready to starts. dance at The Hoedown on The High Country CowSaturday, Oct. 3 at Rock boys will take the stage at 8 Creek Resort. p.m., playing a variety of muThis annual celebration, sic for all “outlaws� present. which supports the Carbon Tickets are $60 each or County Historical Society $650 for a table of eight & Museum, is an evening packed with entertainment, with VIP table service.

For tickets or more inforfun and dancing—not to mation, call 406-446-3667 mention a few laughs. or just walk into the CarThe no-host bar opens at bon County Historical So5:30 p.m. and coincides with the silent auction, which ciety & Museum at 224 N. closes at 7:15 p.m. A fabu- Broadway.

While costumes are comlous dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Then, get your pletely optional, event-gopaddle ready because the ers are encouraged to tap auctioneer will start taking into their inner John Wayne bids for live auction items at or Calamity Jane for the evening.Yeehaw!

7:30 p.m.

Choices, choices Today the resort boasts 87 rooms along with a fishing pond, soccer field, playground, indoor heated pool, hot tub, sauna and exercise area. Currently in the midst of a large construction project, the resort’s wastewater system is being upgraded.The pool received a renovation, plus wireless Internet connections were updated to accommodate guests, large meetings and corporate groups. “Rock Creek Resort has a long-standing history within the Red Lodge community,� noted Ringer. “Like all of Red Lodge, visitors have a genuine, down-to-earth experience here so they remember how to relax, disconnect and then re-connect with their friends and family. That’s what it all about.�

After 40 years, Rock Creek Resort is poised to continue that trend in one of most beautiful places on earth.

Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

The call of the wild permeates Red Lodge this fall

By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com

The eclipse of summer into fall is a fun time at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. With 45 ambassador animals who represent the Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Sanctuary is literally a world to be explored.

Open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, the Sanctuary welcomes locals and travelers alike—whether it is your first trip or your fifteenth, there’s always something new happening.

Captivating critters The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary (YWS) has been in existence since 1991 when a group of concerned

citizens took over the Red Lodge Zoological Society and founded the Beartooth Nature Center (BNC).

The BNC’s initial mission back in 1991 was basically the same as the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary’s is today: Providing lifelong sanctuary to nonreleasable native wildlife and sharing a message of conservation and education.

A dedicated staff and group of volunteers continue that mission today.

Although the types of animals housed at the Sanctuary is everchanging, visitors can expect to see foxes, owls, crows, black bear, raccoons, elk, a bobcat, turtles and more.

Montana means wilderness to many—residents and visitors alike.

But sometimes that wilderness, and its inhabitants, needs a little bit of help. To make financial contributions or volunteer your time, call 406-4461133. You can also contribute online by logging on to YWS’s website at yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.org.

VISIT REDLODGE.COM RetReat CenteR & VaCation Rentals • Individual Cabin Rentals • Wonderful Accommodations for up to 40 Guests

Featuring...

While Visiting Courtesy of YWS

For the safety of you and your family and friends, please follow these simple rules when visiting YWS. • Absolutely no running in the sanctuary at any time. Sudden movements can cause stress for the animals. • Please keep voices to a normal talking level. Loud noises and yelling can disturb our resident wildlife friends. • No other animals (other than guide and service animals) are allowed in the gift shop or on the grounds of the sanctuary. • There is no climbing on the fences. Please stay on the trails and paths. • Do not howl at our wolves and coyotes.

It is their form of communication, not ours. • If a crow or magpie says hello (in English or Spanish), please feel free to say hello back - it means they like you! • Only YWS staff may feed our animals, please do not throw food or other objects into their habitats. • Be sure to pick up a map when you check in at the register. • Feel free to ask our staff questions.

Admission Rates: Montana adult................................ $7 Montana senior.............................. $6 All children 3-12............................. $3 Children under 3......................... Free Military/Veteran ID......................... $6 *Call for educational group rates

• Reunions, Retreats, Weddings, & Special Events

Condominium-Style Apartments & Studio Units

• Great Group & Off Season Rates

1505 South Broadway

www.medicineflowerlodge.com

www.chateaurouge.com

Reservations: (406) 425-2600

406 - 446 -1601

Photo courtesy of Rock Creek Resort Rock Creek Resort is located just five miles south of Red Lodge.

4 Miles North of Red Lodge at Mile Marker 75

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36th annual Labor Day Arts Fair, Carbon County Arts Guild and Lion’s Park, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

12 18th annual Oktoberfest, Red Lodge Ales, 2-9 p.m.

12 The Nitty Gritty Off-Road Race, Red Lodge Mountain 17 Historic Walking Tours of Red Lodge, Carbon County Historical Society and Museum, 5 p.m.

19 Gotta Gig! Gotta Go! concert, Bueg Area & Event Center

Real people. Exceptional Care.

2525 North Broadway – Red Lodge 406.446.2345 www.beartoothbillingsclinic.org Clinic • Hospital • Emergency

20 Historic Walking Tours of Red Lodge, Carbon County Historical Society and Museum, 5 p.m.

20 Montana Bike Enduro Series, final stop in Red Lodge, montanaenduro.com

29 Yellowstone Alpine Klimb, begins and ends in Red Lodge

SEPTEMBER

15-22 Cycle Greater Yellowstone, starts and ends in Red Lodge 3

27 Lecture Series: Jon Axline, History of 5 Montana Transportation, Carbon County Historical Society and Museum

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Red Lodge Calendar of Events

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20 Annual Punt, Pass and Kick, Red Lodge Palisades Football Field, noon 24 Lecture Series: Dr. Staffan Peterson, Archeological research in Yellowstone National Park, Carbon County Historical Society and Museum

Historic Walking Tours of Red Lodge, Carbon County Historical Society and Museum, 5 p.m.

Fun Run for Charities, 10K run, 5K run/walk, 2-mile Fun Walk, Toddler Trot, free BBQ, Historic Downtown Red Lodge and Lion’s Park, 9 a.m.

OCTOBER 3

The Hoedown, Carbon County Historical Society & Museum’s annual fundraiser, Rock Creek Resort, 5:30 p.m.

22 Lecture Series: Gary Robson, A Scottish Flair, Carbon County Historical Society and Museum 31 Annual Halloween Festivities, downtown, fun games, animal encounters, candy and prizes

NOVEMBER 27 Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort opens

For exhibits, classes and events at the Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery, please see carboncountydepotgallery.org.

For exhibits, classes and events at the Red Lodge Clay Center, please see redlodgeclaycenter.com.

For Historical Walking Tours of downtown Red Lodge, Carbon County Historical Society and Museum, please see carboncountyhistory.com.

For classes and events at the Yellowstone Dog Sports arena, please see yellowstonedogsports.com.

Ride Steady: Yellowstone Alpine Climb (YAK) 2015

By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com Ride…Ride Steady…Ride Hard…Finish.

That is the recommended strategy for YAK.15—an epic, high-elevation road bike ride otherwise known as Yellowstone Alpine Klimb 2015. Now in its fourth year, the participants are known to resemble— in action, not physique—elevation-tolerant, mounting-loving yaks.

YAK is staged for Saturday, Aug. 29, starting in Red Lodge. The event was moved up by one week from previous years in order to avoid conflict with other Red Lodge Labor Day Weekend events and for the safety of the cyclists (lighter vehicle traffic).

The course covers 141 miles of breathtaking vistas and über-challenging elevation changes from Red Lodge, Mont., through the Beartooth Pass, into Wyoming, through Chief Joseph Pass, looping back north to Belfry, Mont., climbing back up to Bearcreek and descending back to Red Lodge.

This ride is done in one day. In fact, riders spend eight to 12 hours “in the saddle.”

This is not a ride for rookies.

But, if you are the brave type who prefers

adventures, dares and incredible “highs” (of YAK offers, plus her first trip to Yellowelevation), then YAK may be the adrenaline stone National Park.

“This is about the physical challenge,” she rush you seek. said. “Coming from the prairies, the elevation will be tough, but I’m really excited for Over the top Troy Charbonneau, race director and it,” Charbonneau estimates that 60-80 perowner of BLK Limo (race sponsor), notes that of the entire 141-mile course, the final cent of the riders are from outside of Montana, which emphasizes the uniqueleg is the most grueling.

“After 138 miles, the last three, the final ness of YAK. YAK.15 is a fully-supported ride with a climb into Red Lodge are the toughest,” he SAG wagon and amateur (ham) radio opsaid.

As an alternative, Charbonneau added erators scattered across the course.

To register, go to iamathlete.com. The “option 2” this year. It covers the same initial course but ends in Edelweiss, Wyo. for $145 registration fee covers breakfast, lunch and dinner (cook-out at the finish a total of 109 miles.

“With option 2, riders will still have the line in Red Lodge), snacks, rest stations, beauty of Beartooth Pass and Chief Joseph ride support and a T-shirt. Riders will rePass without the pain of the last, 2,000-foot ceive maps and additional information in their packs. Watch YAK’s Facebook page climb,” Charbonneau said.

In previous years, he noted, some partici- for updates or contact Charbonneau dipants have requested a shorter course, and rectly at 406-698-6043.

“This is an excellent opportunity for cyEdelweiss seemed to be a good stopping point.

Prairies to peaks Brenda Vaness, of Minot, N.D., has traveled to Nevada, Canada and other locales to participate in marathons, triathlons and the like. She is looking forward to what

36th Annual Labor Day Arts Fair continued from Page 1 Profond:The Paintings of Ben Stringer September 1-30 in the Main Gallery Ben’s subject is never entirely apparent in his work. As he travels, Ben’s eye is drawn to fleeting moments of the luscious, luminous Montana landscape. And as he paints, he recreates those moments that play out in his memory with the French tonalists in mind.

Artists’ Reception September 5 from 3-5 p.m.

Meet Ben Stringer, the artist who has his artwork hanging in the Main Depot Gallery at the Arts Guild. The reception is free and open to all and refreshments will be served.

Painting Water with Watercolors on Yupo with Elizabeth LaRowe September 12 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Learn the techniques of painting water with watercolors. Participants will also learn how to manipulate the colors on yupo, a super-smooth synthetic paper. Cost is $50 for Guild members and $65 for nonmembers.

The Stillwater Society Exhibit October 1-31 in the Main Gallery See the work of this multiple member society during the month of October. Each of the member artists has a very unique style and many mediums are represented.

All society members are professional artists and make their living with their art, and this is their annual exhibit.

The Beartooth Plein Air Society Exhibit October 1-31 This group of local artists has been painting outside all summer. They will show us the best that the Beartooth Mountains and the surrounding communities have to offer during their annual show Artists’ Reception October 10 from 3-5 p.m.

Meet the members of the Stillwater and Beartooth Plein Air Societies during this late afternoon reception. Enjoy these two new exhibits with friends and family—a great way to usher in autumn.

The Art of Mike Kosorok November 1- December 31 in the Main Gallery This is an exhibit of retrospective and current work by Red Lodge artist, Mike Kosorok. Mike has been a professional artist for over 40 years and is well-known in the region for his broad, sweeping landscape paintings of the Beartooth Mountains and the area around Red Lodge and Bear Creek, Mont. Mike works in oil, watercolor, pen and ink and mixed media. He has recently retired from his teaching career in the Red Lodge Schools. This exhibit will be in the Guild’s Main Depot Gallery for the months of November and December.

The Blind Men & The Elephant: Drawings by Stephen Glueckert November 1-December 31 This series of 20 drawings were created using oil based drawing materials, including oil pastel, cattle marker, Keno crayon and China marker. The drawings are directly inspired by the ancient parable that has much to teach us today. The tale seemed a natural attempt to develop in black and white, since at the core of the tale is the metaphor of blindness, contrasting the worlds of light and dark, the seen and unseen. The tale contrasts the ideas of what we can actually grasp as real through evidence, with what we might perceive in our mind’s eye as truth. And in the end, how utterly wrong everyone can be.

The original Blind Men and the Elephant parable originated in China sometime during the Han Dynasty (202 BC-202 AD).

Over the years, many versions and interpretations of the tale have been generated.

The relative modern poem by American John Godfrey Saxe (1816-1887), The Blind Men and the Elephant, serves as the text which accompanies this series of drawings.

Artists’ Reception November 7 from 3-5 p.m.

Meet Mike Kosorok, our featured artist for November and December. The reception is free and open to everyone and refreshments will be served.

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clists to travel to Montana with their family, participate in an epic ride and then enjoy the rest of their vacation,” said Charbonneau. “It’s a destination ride.”

Photo courtesy of Trevan Hiersche Photography Cyclists in YAK.15, otherwise known as Yellowstone Alpine Klimb 2015, cover 141 miles in one day.