Cycling the bitterroot 2018

Cycling

bitterroot the

ravalli republic

june 2018

in partnership with

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Page 4 - Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018

In this issue

Sharing the trail....................................................5 The trail starts here..............................................7 Riding the Bitterroot............................................9 The Bitterroot preservation alliance.................11 Cyclists welcome in Stevensville......................12 New trail options at Lake Como.......................14 Map of valley breweries.............................. 16-17 Fire roads: hidden gems in the Bitterroot.......18 Fire & ice: riding fire roads in winter................20 Riding with fire...................................................22 5 reasons to be a cycling advocate..................24 Where sky, mountain & sea collide .................26 Cycling events....................................................29

Cycling

bitterroot june 2018

the

ravalli republic

in partnership with

Cycling the Bitterroot is published by the Ravalli Republic & Missoulian Newspapers, divisions of Lee Enterprises

Mike Gulledge, Publisher • Perry Backus, Associate Editor Project sales, Kathy Kelleher, Lauren Parsons & Jodi Wright Dara Saltzman, Production & Design Community Liaison, Kris Komar Cover Photo by Lance Pysher Photos this page courtesy of Lance Pysher, Caleb Senn, Saara Snow & Grant Carlton Cycling the Bitterroot is copyright 2018, Ravalli Republic.

232 W Main, Hamilton, MT 59840 • ravallirepublic.com

Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018 - Page 5

Photos Courtesy of Molly Stockdale

Sharing the trail

A top ten list for staying safe while biking the Bitterroot

By Molly Stockdale Executive Director, Travelers’ Rest Preservation & Heritage Association

As you bike the Bitterroot Trail, you may find yourself sharing the path with runners, walkers, and cyclists of various ages and abilities.

Venturing off the trail onto other paths, like

those that run through Travelers’ Rest State Park, can offer opportunities to explore and learn about the unique history of the Bitterroot Valley, but it can also lead to congestion on the trail. Your trip may also take you right through the heart of towns like Lolo or Victor. Here

Page 6 - Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018

are some tips to keep all trail users safe, while enjoying everything the Bitterroot Valley has to offer.

1. Slow Down We get it. Fast is fun! But, when you are sharing the trail with dog walkers and moms pushing strollers, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Anyone can be distracted by a companion or by spotting a new species of bird in a nearby tree.

When the trail is crowded, slow to a walking pace and keep your hands on your brakes. Save the speed for those moments when you have clear sight lines down the trail and there are few other users.

2. Follow the Rules of the Road Just like driving a car, follow all the rules of the road. Obey traffic signals. Pass on the left, travel on the right.

3. Pedestrians Have the Right of Way Faster moving trail users, such as bicyclists, rollerbladers, and skate boarders should yield to walkers and joggers. When the trail is busy, ride single file.

4. Make some noise well before passing.

Shouting “on your left” will get a pedestrian’s attention, but a bike bell might be a less alarming choice. Either way, make some noise and make sure you are heard before you reach the person you are passing.

5. Stay alert to others on the trail.

Just because you’re doing it right doesn’t

mean everyone else is. Before you swing left to pass or hit the brakes, throw out a hand signal, and take a look behind you for oncoming traffic.

5. Keep it moving or move it off the path.

Sites like Travelers’ Rest offer a lot to look at and learn. If you want to take a moment to look around or take a drink, pull off the path so you don’t block the way for everyone else.

6. Use caution at intersections Slow and stop at all street crossings. Use caution when proceeding into the intersection, even when using a marked crosswalk.

7. Keep pets on short leashes & remove pet waste Dogs are welcome on the trail, but please keep them on a short leash in order to keep the trail safe for all users. Additionally, please pickup after your pet.

8. Respect the trail environment and private property by staying on the trail Do not disturb the wildlife or the many native plants and wildflowers that grow along the trail.

Please stay on the paved and marked trail adjacent to private property at all times.

10. Be nice It’s the most important thing. You’re representing cyclists as a group. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Be friendly. Wave.

Say hello. It will make all of our time on the Bitterroot trail a little more fun.

Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018 - Page 7

The trail starts here

Photo courtesy of Kerri Leavell

New Guide Service in the Bitterroot

By Kerri Leavell Co-owner, Montana All Mountain Adventures

The view over Twin Lakes on the Bitterroot National Forest is picturesque. At times, that picture changes from minute to minute as the clouds float between the mountains reflecting off the water. You can sit, eat and enjoy the view, then hit the trail around the lake, taking it all in.

One of the best parts of the trip is what you

experience on the climb into the canyon and up the mountains. From the roaring of Lost Horse Creek, to the Spring runoff that creates an abundance of cascading mountainside falls. From navigating the clusters of rocks, pot holes and water carved crevices in the road, to the smell of pine, flowers, and earth, a sweetness that hangs in the air and kisses your face as you round a corner. It seems that with each trip the land-

Page 8 - Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018

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scape transforms. Between the water receding, revealing the hidden granite terraces, and the brilliant transitioning colors as Summer departs to welcome Fall, you’ll never see it the same way twice. Perchance you’ll glimpse a black bear overturning rocks along the edge of the creek in search of treats, or a mountain goat traversing the rock faces of Lost Horse Canyon. Then, you can see in all in reverse on the way down by either a mountain bike or from a cozy seat in the passenger van.

Some feel it’s about the journey, while others feel it’s about the destination. Montana All Mountain Adventures (M.A.M.A.) would rather make it about both. For over 23 years we’ve helped visitors and locals alike live their recreational adventures in the Montana outdoors through Valley Bicycles & Ski. Now we have the ability, through M.A.M.A., to take you out and personally show you the treasured wilderness we’ve been telling people about for years.

We’ve waited a long time to be able to do that, we’re thrilled that this dream has become a reality through a special recreation permit issued to M.A.M.A by the U.S.F.S. This one of a kind permit allows guided non-mechanized access to various wilderness areas in both the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountain ranges.

With M.A.M.A., you can choose Guided Day Trips Biking, Hiking, XC-Skiing, Snowshoeing and Sightseeing Adventures. You can even opt to do more than one activity. M.A.M.A.s’ in house and outfitter guides use their extensive first-hand knowledge of recreational sports, local trails, and mountain safety to help each guest or group craft a fun, safe, leave no trace experience unique to their goals, abilities and schedule.

M.A.M.A.’s goal is to share the beautiful Bitterroot Valley with locals as well as visitors while doing what we love. We also supply gear through our rental program. For more information visit: www.montanaallmountainadventures. com or find us on Facebook.

Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018 - Page 9

Photo courtesy of Jean Blelange-Nye

Riding the Bitterroot trail

By Greg Lanoue Bitterroot Trail Preservation Alliance

The Bitterroot Trail is a multi-use non-motorized trail that connects the communities from Missoula to Hamilton.

Completed in late summer of 2016, the trail

has filled a critical need for bicyclists and pedestrians wishing to travel through the picturesque Bitterroot Valley.

The trail winds along the Bitterroot River allowing travelers to experience breathtaking views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains.

Page 10 - Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018

It offers glimpses of wildlife of all sorts. The trail offers a recreation route for people of all ages to safely travel along Highway 93 between Missoula and Hamilton.

The Bitterroot Trail Preservation Alliance (BTPA) works tirelessly in conjunction with the Montana Department of Transportation to maintain and improve the trail. Last year the BTPA completed several projects along the trail, most notably the completion of restroom facilities at Victor Community Park.

The BTPA is not unique as public funding for recreational areas has become increasingly sparse. Partnerships between nonprofit organizations and government entities have become the norm. The BTPA seeks funding to repair and improve this scenic byway.

Trail usage continues to grow as residents and tourists spread the word. Trail clean-up days are scheduled and several local non-profits organize rides as fund raisers for special causes. For

Join us for our charity event supporting sight and hearing health and restoration through the Bitterroot and Missoula Valley Lions Clubs!

When: Second Saturday in June Where: Missoula and Bitterroot Valleys The Ride: Untimed 100 miles and shorter.

Family and beginner-friendly.

Fully supported. (support vehicle and rest areas)

For route maps, registration information, and more visit

LionsBikeForSight.com

Bike For Sight

instance, the Lions Club has the Bike for Sight ride in early June and Watson Children’s Shelter has the Ride for Shelter in mid-May. The Trail has become an integral asset along the 93 corridor. The 50-mile trail, connecting many eclectic towns, offers its users a special look at the historic communities along the way.

A visit to Traveler’s Rest in Lolo lets visitors soak in some knowledge of Lewis and Clark’s campsite and enjoy the babbling creek side. This is a must stop. A short jaunt south to Florence has several benches and shady spots along the way to catch a breath and rest. A rider might spot a herd of elk enjoying the afternoon sun on the MPG ranch or see a bald eagle soaring along the Trail. The trail has many park and ride spots between Lolo and Florence for users who wish to enjoy this section of the Bitterroot Trail.

Between Florence and historic Stevensville, the trail winds up close to the river and offers peeks of splendor as riders can see deep into the glacier formed U-shaped valley separating St. Joe and St. Mary’s Peaks. The snow-capped peaks seem to go into infinity far back into the Bitterroot Selway Wilderness; trail users can see the untouched beauty of these wild lands and imagine the rugged men and women who settled this valley in the mid 1800s.

Stevensville has claim on being the oldest settlement in Montana. A short detour takes riders into old town Stevi with its historic buildings and eclectic mix of restaurants and a brewery to wet one’s whistle. Taking time to visit the Fort Owen or walk back in time and spend some time at St Mary’s Mission in this quaint community where Montana began.

The Bitterroot Trail Preservation Alliance takes tremendous pride in improving this recreational byway. With the continued support of volunteers and private donations the work can continue.

For more information on how to volunteer or make a contribution, visit www.bitterroottraipreservationallinace.org

Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018 - Page 11

The Bitterroot Preservation Alliance promotes biking and walking

By Jean Belange-Nye Bitterrooot Trail Alliance

The mission of the Bitterroot Trail Preservation Alliance is to improve the safety, health, and enjoyment of the Bitterroot Trail, by promoting and enhancing bicycling and walking for everyday transportation and recreation.

The BTPA recognizes the significance of preserving and restoring the National Historic Transportation Route along the Bitterroot Corridor. The BTPA is currently working with Missoula and Ravalli Counties and the Montana Department of Transportation, the communities of Stevensville, Victor, Florence, and Lolo; as well as other non-profits, such as Bike Walk Bitterroot, businesses, and individuals to develop and enhance the fifty mile route from Downtown Missoula to Downtown Hamilton.

In the last year, the BTPA with the support of a grant from Missoula Parks and Recreation has provided the three port-a-potties between Missoula and Florence, created rest areas and worked on safety signage for the Missoula to Lolo section of the Trail. The future goal is to

provide mileage bollards between Missoula and Hamilton. The first set of bollards, part of the BTPA amended Parks and Rec Grant, will be installed every mile from the Buckhouse Bridge over the Bitterroot River near Missoula to Lolo. In addition, BTPA is working with MDT and Ravalli County to repair some of the areas that have been damaged over the last twenty years that the Trail has been in existence In the future, the BTPA would like to provide more rest areas and port-a-potties in Ravalli County as money becomes available. The BTPA also provides Trail clean-ups with volunteers.

The BRPA is sponsoring short rides throughout the valley; check out our Facebook page for more information.

The Bitterroot Trail Preservation Alliance is a major advocate for a safe pedestrian and bike multi-use trail along the Eastside Highway.

If you would like to become involved with the BTPA or learn more about us go to our website www.bitterroottrailpreservationalliance.org or to the BTPA Facebook page.

Page 12 - Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018

Cyclists take a break outside Stevensville’s Valley Drug store on Main Street.

Saara Snow

Cyclists welcome in Stevensville

By Kim Lawrence Stevensville Main Street Association

Whether planning a family daytrip from Missoula or Hamilton or mapping out a crosscountry bike trip, be sure to plan a stop in Stevensville. This bike-friendly community welcomes riders from Highway 93 with a bike path straight into town. Stop at the Visitor Center in the Main Street office at 102B Main Street next to the park. It stocks a walking/biking map for several tours of Stevensville as well as other brochures and information or call 406 777-3773.

The map’s leisurely rides will take you around town on the shady tree-lined streets, giving

you a break in the heat of the day. If you enjoy Stevensville as much as we expect, you will want to check out a local bed-and-breakfast or the historic Stevensville Hotel. Book a place for the night and continue your tour of town.

Need food or drink? You’re in luck!

Stevensville abounds with places to eat, including an old-time soda fountain, BBQ, pizza, bars and micro-breweries, down-home and Italian eateries, and fine dining. Stevensville has 18 places to wet your whistle and/or re-energize you for your journey.

Children in tow? Turn west on 2nd Street and find Lewis and Clark Park. Stop at the rest rooms

Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018 - Page 13

by the gate, then let the children roam the unique Bear Mountain playground. Bring your suits and swim in the pool. Have teens?

Pack skateboards and let them enjoy the skate park. Have a picnic in the pavilion with your take-out, eating and relaxing in shady comfort as the children play.

Antique buffs will enjoy several outstanding shops. Other locally owned stores offer Montana made products, home goods, crafted and designer jewelry, unique gifts, candles, and other small portable items for cyclists. (Remember, if you live nearby, you can always return with a truck! For those living far away, Valley Drug’s shipping center can send home those larger purchases.)

Don’t miss the local artists’ co-op, a spark of pure joy. Artists in oil, acrylic, pencil, and photography fill the walls, while displays of porcelain, pottery, metal, wood and glass dazzle you. One corner is packed with textiles and jewelry from India. You’ll find barrettes, note cards, coffee tables and sculptures, and can even arrange a hot air balloon ride at a future date!

Three National Forest trailheads are within biking distance, where you can stretch your legs and hike. Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge offers riders a chance to enjoy intimate glimpses of many species of ducks, geese, raptors and other birds passing through, and of resident birds, mammals and reptiles.

Stevensville is Montana’s first pioneer settlement. For its special place in Montana’s history visit our local museum, tour Historic St. Mary’s Mission, and Ft. Owen State Park to discover Stevensville’s—and Montana’s— roots.

These examples are only a small taste of what Stevensville offers cyclists. Stevensville is a perfect place to take a break or spend the day. We would love to show you around!

Eve Byron

The Fort Owen State Park is a fenced acre around historic buildings and managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Perry Backus

Founders day celebrations at Stevensville’s St. Mary’s Mission.

Perry Backus

Santhill cranes can sometimes be seen at Stevensville’s Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge

Page 14 - Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018

Photo courtesy of Jeff Kern

New trail options coming at Lake Como

By Jeff Kern

Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists

The Bitterroot provides phenomenal opportunities for backcountry mountain biking, with lots of rugged, often steep and/or rocky trails leading to some magnificent places.

The trails here are well-suited for those with advanced bike handling skills, or at least a hearty sense of adventure! What we seem to lack here is an abundance of easier trails that are more welcoming to beginner and intermediate riders.

However, the Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) has a lot of front-country terrain open for exploration, with generally more mellow riding possibilities. In particular, the area around Lake Como has become increasingly popular for cyclists.

The network of forest roads both to the south and north of Lake Como can be used in combi-

nation with various informal trails for some great riding experiences.

A group of us with the Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists have envisioned the creation of a network of trails in the Lake Como area that would be designed especially for mountain biking yet could benefit all non-motorized users.

After much exploration, discussions with the Forest Service, and more exploration, we proposed a master plan for a network of trails.

When fully implemented the plan would result in the creation of a well-designed network of approximately 16 miles of trails to the south of Lake Como, and eight miles of trails to the north of Lake Como. This network will be built from a combination of existing trails and newly built trails. The new trails south of Lake Como will provide multiple loop options. The shorter

Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018 - Page 15

Photo courtesy of Jeff Kern

loops closest to the trailhead (Como Ridge, Shannon Ridge, and Waddell) will provide easier riding options, while the outer Bunkhouse loop trail will provide a greater challenge and will take riders to an overlook with a spectacular view into Tincup Canyon.

Great progress is being made towards getting the required approval for the new trail system.

For the last three years we have been working with BNF personnel to identify currently existing unofficial trails, and to flag potential new routes on the ridges north and south of the lake. The BNF has included the proposed trail system in the newly created Lake Como Recreational Area Master Development Plan.

The survey, design, and layout for a three-mile trail on Como Ridge, immediately south of Lake

Como has been completed, and could be the first trail to be approved for construction. This will be designed as a fun flowy trail, great for riding in either direction, and leading to some great views over the Rock Creek/Lake Como valley. The Como Ridge trail may be combined with the existing Shannon Ridge trail to ride a complete loop almost entirely on single track.

We anticipate that the first phases of construction of the new trails will be accomplished through recruitment of volunteer labor. So, for anyone who would like to participate to make this a reality, you can email us at info@bitterrootbackcountrycyclists.org, friend us on Facebook, or check for information on the Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists website.

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Fire roads:

the hidden gems of the Bitterroot

By Caleb Senn, MBA Fire Road Enthusiast

Caleb Senn

Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018 - Page 19

Thinking about mountain biking evokes imagery of flowy trails, speedy descents, and in the Bitterroot Valley’s case, technical riding.

While much of the valley’s singletrack is revered and unique, it often leaves equipment and rider in a state of disrepair. For those that seek solitude and challenge, while keeping bikes and bodies intact, the Bitterroot offers no shortage in an amazing resource: fire roads.

Some are mellow, and therefore perfect for beginners (or those looking to expand beyond paved road cycling).

For example, the back road over Lick Creek (between Lost Horse and Lake Como) takes riders through green forests, over hills, and provides breathtaking views of Lake Como and the peaks that watch over it. Spur roads along the way and South of Lake Como offer extensions that lengthen rides and sting aching leg muscles. As riders gain fitness and look to expand fitness, they can test themselves against the climb to the Canyon Creek trailhead, just minutes outside Hamilton. Mastering these rides opens up some of the most scenic options in the valley.

Steeper climbs to the Lost Horse Observation Point, the Bass Creek Overlook, or the Tin Cup Overlook deliver lung-burning, leg-searing, and unparalleled views all along the routes. As backcountry snow recedes and cyclists gain strength, they range into the Skalkaho and Sleeping Child drainages. Many of the fire roads in this area connect to form loops, allowing riders to leave areas with different scenery than that of their approach. Even some of the longer rides in these areas can be accomplished during weeknight rides, and many groups meet regularly to test members’ wills against steep climbs and long descents.

Weekend days give local cyclists the best opportunities to experience the true gem of the Bitterroot: the Skalkaho-Rye road system, Southeast of Hamilton. Starting in late June or early July, epic forays ranging from 50 to 100-

plus miles involve few encounters with humans.

In fact, once riders depart from paved roads, they often spend hours in isolation. This quiet reflection (enhanced by effort) becomes an addiction. As summer progresses, the seemingly endless climbs become old friends, unyielding yet welcome, especially for the reward of winding fire road descents.

Many mountain bikers shun fire road riding in favor of more challenging singletrack. However, I encourage new and experienced riders alike to challenge themselves on the Bitterroot Valley’s extensive fire road system. Seemingly endless possibilities, including rare encounters with bighorn sheep, elk, wolves, and bears, exist around every corner. So, grab a Forest Service road map, fill up the hydration pack, and leave civilization behind! A whole new world awaits, and who knows who you might meet along the way!

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Page 20 - Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018

Fire & ice:

Caleb Senn

riding fire roads in the winter

By Caleb Senn, MBA Fire Road Enthusiast

For years, Northern cyclists had two options for long winter months: ski or migrate South. Even the Bitterroot’s “Banana Belt” weather afforded few wintertime riding opportunities. Until, that is, Fat Bikes emerged on the local scene. These bicycles feature wide tires capable of riding at pressures as low as five pounds per square inch.

At such low pressures, the bikes handle very well in soft media, like sand or snow.

In fact, fat bikes are especially well-suited for groomed snow. While locals seeking singletrack fat biking can do so in Missoula, some of the Bitterroot Valley’s fire roads offer a perfect escape from the oppressive winter days on the valley floor. Fortunately, the Bitterroot Ridge Runner snowmobile club routinely grooms in a few locations to offer improved backcountry access to its members. Cross-country skiers, dogsledders, and cyclists share the groomed roads in a refreshing example of user-cooperation.

Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018 - Page 21

When I started fat biking, I approached it the same way I attack fire roads in the summer. Each climb is a test for the legs and I embrace the challenges to my fitness. Subzero temperatures and long descents quickly taught me, however, that sweating in the winter is dangerous. Even so, the physical challenge of riding to Skalkaho Falls on groomed snow is enough to keep riders warm at -20 Fahrenheit. The reward of seeing the Falls iced over in the winter is well worth the climb!

Summertime’s crown jewel, the Skalkaho Rye Road, is also groomed for multiple use in the winter. The Ridge Runners groom the road for miles beyond most cyclists’ capabilities and few users of any type can be found there on any given day. Subsequently, this particular road captures the quintessential winter scene, especially in the silence of freshly fallen snow. As I suffer up the 10-plus mile initial climb, the silence, pierced by an occasional creak from my bike, becomes a welcomed companion.

Such a companion ensures that problems are melted away well before the apex of the climb.

Intrepid riders that reach the “top” of the first long climb are richly rewarded in sunlight and views (and sometimes a lot of wind!). In fact, the beauty is such that for a moment, the yearning for summertime riding is quiet. Just as all seems right with the world, the moment vanishes and I begin the downhill thrill to return to the truck.

Most cyclists prefer to go down hill as gravity provides the energy needed to move. Fat biking multiplies this effect. The “give” of the snow adds a slalom-like effect, and occasional crashes are met with laughter. The cold temperatures, high sunlight, and dynamic descents refresh the spirit, and quell the urge to drive South for wintertime riding. At times, fat bikers even ascend to Skalkaho Falls at night. Cyclists seeking winter adventure are sure to find it alone on a Bitterroot fire road, and may even make some new friends along the way.

May 5 - October Farmers Market - Saturdays 9 - 12:30 / Ravalli County Museum June 12th - Aug. 21 Jean Matthews Tuesdays at Twelve Live Music at the Ravall County Museum June 13 - Sept. 26 O’ Hara Commons Afternoon Market 4:30-6:30 pm Wednesdays / 111 S. 4th St.

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July 27 & 28 Daly Days / Brewfest Downtown Hamilton

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Second Fridays Culture Crawl 5-8 pm Downtown Hamilton

August 14 Shakespeare in the Park “Othello” 6 pm / Sapphire Lutheran Homes

Music on Main

Aug. 18 & 19 Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering Daly Mansion Grounds - Hamilton

Aug. 29 - Sept. 1 Ravalli County Fair & Rodeo Ravalli County Fairgrounds October 6 McIntosh Apple Day / Liquid Apple Night Ravalli County Museum October 12 Moonlight Madness Downtown Hamilton November 23 Tree Lighting & Christmas Stroll Downtown Hamilton

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Fridays, June 22 - July 13 7pm Sapphire Lutheran Homes

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Page 22 - Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018

Riding with fire

By Lance Pysher Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists

Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018 - Page 23

If you focused closely you could imagine wafts of smoke curling around the trees. Other places may call it the dog days of summer, but here in Montana we know it as fire season, so playing cat and mouse with smoke was inevitable, and this time despite studying the weather forecasts and analyzing the satellite maps to predict which canyons the smoke would spill down I was in the thick of it.

The wisest course of action would have been to stay inside and wait it out, but after a few days indoors all to took was the slightest suggestion that the air quality was heading down to below “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” to lure me out of my safe home much like a hungry cutthroat rising after the skwala after a long winter fast. Now that the smoke had suckered me outside, I could at least try to be smart. So instead of fighting like a hooked trout, I took the opposite approach, go slow and ride easy. The assumption being, the less you breathe, the less gunk you inhale.

When the smoke settles in and fills the Bitterroot Valley the best bet is to get high.

Luckily we have several trails that start high above the valley and stay there. The 313 trail off of Skalkaho Pass follows the crest of the Sapphires. Down past Sula the Continental Divide Trail heads east and south from Lost Trail Pass and Warm Springs Ridge heads north.

Complaining about smoke is a popular activity once the trails begin to disappear into the haze and I’m as guilty as everyone. When that happens I need to remember morels. More than once a spring ride has turned into a treasure hunt and shirts and jackets turned into impromptu gathering baskets. Memories of those mushrooms remind me that fire is part of renewal and life in the Bitterroot Even when the smoke isn’t in the air, fire defines riding in the Bitterroot. It has been nearly two years since I watched the fire explode out of Roaring Lion Canyon, consuming Ward Mountain and eventually portions of Coyote Coulee, two of my favorite nearby trails. A once

familiar landscape had been transformed.

The first few rides revealed a vista of ash and ghost trees and views I never knew existed were revealed. With the underbrush burned away evidence of past visitors could be seen, mostly bottles and rusted tin cans but once an old crosscut saw now lay exposed. Over that spring and summer repeat rides were always marked by the anticipation of discovering what new sprigs of life had developed. Slowly and with gaining momentum, the gray forest floor and bleached rock turned green first with lupine and glacier lilies then later with grasses and other hardy plants.

And so I pedaled on knowing that the hacking cough and burning eyes were the signs that somewhere a trail that was once familiar will, when touched by fire, become a new and evolving experience.

Photo above and previous page courtesy of Lance Pysher

Page 24 - Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018

5 awesome reasons to be a cycling advocate

By Linley Davis Bike Walk Montana

Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018 - Page 25

Whether or not you realize it, you are an advocate for something. Being an advocate is standing up for what you believe is right, whether it’s fighting for the environment, protecting the honey bees, eating organic food, or asking for better places to ride a bike. You can be an advocate by writing letters, attending public meetings, speaking to legislators, protesting, sharing your opinion, spreading a message, or even donating to an organization fighting for your rights.

Here are 5 awesome reasons to be an advocate for bicycling: 1. Bicycling is Fun! What makes riding a bike fun? Hundreds of things, and every person who rides a bike will have a different opinion, but one common denominator that makes riding a bike fun for everyone is having a safe place to ride. Safe places to ride a bike are often overlooked dur-

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ing planning processes and being an advocate for bicycling guarantees your needs are considered.

2. Advocates make Montana more Bike Friendly There is power in numbers and the more people advocating for people who ride bikes, the greater the impact. Lots of pro bike voices making noise at the state level make local change easier.

3. Healthy and Happy Communities rely on Advocates Communities benefit when recreational and transportation options are bountiful. Riding a bike can improve physical health and mental well-being. Advocates rallying for trails, bicycle facilities, and funding, just to name a few, help keep communities healthy and happy.

4. The Environment will Thank You Riding a bike reduces dependence on fossil fuels and is a pollution-free mode of transportation. Speaking up for bicycling infrastructure will allow for more cars to be replaced by bicycles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Saves Everyone Money Riding a bike can save you money on transportation-related expenses and healthcare costs. It also saves the state of Montana money because it causes very little deterioration to the roads and reduces state medical expenses.

Even people who don’t ride bikes benefit from the savings!

Conclusion Advocating for what you believe in is rewarding and it takes advocates to change the world.

Being an advocate for bicycling leads to better laws, policies, trails, bike lanes, funding; the sky’s the limit.

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Grant Carlton

Where sky and mountain and sea collide: a winter bikepacking escape to Baja

By Grant Carlton

The steady, consistent rhythm of my breath, the sweat slowly forming and dripping down my brow, the cadence of my spinning pedals, and the gentle hum of my tires as I roll along on a remote, sandy desert track, become my reality. In a way, I find my Zen. The bike becomes an extension of my body, man and machine connected in perfect harmony. Carrying everything I need to survive and flourish- food, water, shelter- on my bicycle, I pedal onward. My view is framed by towering cardรณn cacti, arid ranges scattered with desert scrub, and rugged coastal cliffs that crash into the azure waters below.

The scene before me is a far cry from my

reality only days before, when I found myself at home in Montana watching a gentle snow through a frosted window and lamenting the interminable, grey winter while daydreaming about the desert sun on my face. I arrived in Baja California Sur, Mexico in early March to embark on a nearly 300-mile bikepacking journey with my partner. The adventure would ultimately find us biking an enormous loop, the bulk of which was off pavement, and traversing the southern tip of the Baja peninsula.

Bikepacking is an emerging sport that is gaining popularity in the adventure cycling community. Essentially, it couples backpacking with mountain biking and allows riders to access remote, often wild locales. Maintaining

the simplicity and freedom of multi-day backpacking expeditions while offering the range and oftentimes adrenalineinducing aspect of mountain biking, bikepacking has quickly become my preferred adventure medium and primary means of exploring wild places near and far.

We began our adventure in sprawling San Jose del Cabo, where we unpacked and reassembled our bikes and spent the night exploring the city in search of the freshest street food and coldest Mexican libations. The next morning, we saddled up and began our escape from the city’s grasp along the buzzing streets of Cabo. Fortunately, we were quickly thrust into a largely undeveloped landscape, save for the occasional stalwart ranch operation, dotted by cacti and divided by towering ranges. We soon began the arduous climb over the Sierra de la Laguna range to the expat hamlet of Todos Santos and the respite of the Pacific Ocean.

From there our journey would lead us over the Sierra de la Laguna once again where we found ourselves ambling along the vibrant waterfront Malecón of La Paz, the capital city of Baja California Sur. After eating our fill of street tamales and tacos and taking in the bustling city’s music and culture, we headed south. We visited the wind surfing mecca of La Ventana to resupply before

Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018 - Page 27

Grant Carlton

Grant Carlton

Page 28 - Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018

Grant Carlton

climbing a rocky, unforgiving pass that led us to the most dramatic and idyllic segment of our adventure. The true diversity of the Baja peninsula unfolded before us as we pedaled along a remote ribbon of backcountry road clinging to the cliffs high above the crashing waves and cerulean water of the Sea of Cortez.

Our route found us haggling over the price of fresh tuna at salt-of-the-earth fishing villages, sipping espresso in affluent gringo strongholds, gawking at the stunning biological diversity in Cabo Pulmo National Park, camping on pristine white sand beaches, snorkeling among the teeming fauna in one of only three North American west coast coral reefs, and occasionally cursing the ubiquitous sand and heat as we trudged along yearning for our next taco and

beer or swimming break.

We were continually captured by the passionate spirit of the locals, the fresh, inexpensive seafood, and the wild beach camping. We loaded our bikes with all the fresh fish, cilantro, tortillas, avocadoes, refried beans, chocolate, fruit, and cheap tequila we could carry. We spent our evenings chasing sunsets and sipping tequila in cliff-side swimming holes and cooking over an open fire. We fell asleep to the sound of the ever-changing tides under the darkest of skies illuminated by an infinite pallet of stars.

We ran out of water, rationed food, and baked in the sun, yet still we survived. It was a simple existence on a ruggedly beautiful, yet delicately charming peninsula where sky and mountain and sea collide.

Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018 - Page 29

Adventure Cycling; Missoula; Montana; Travelers’ Rest State Park

Tom Robertson

Cycling events in the Bitterroot Ravalli Republic

2018 Missoula Lions - Bike for Sight Saturday, June 09, 2018 at 07:00 AM Meet at: Lolo Community Center in Lolo, MT Join Missoula and Bitterroot Area Lions for this fun event! All Proceeds go to Local Charities with special emphasis on sight preservation and restoration. There will be various rides from Lolo to Missoula and Hamilton (20 to 100 miles) with shorter Family Rambles in the afternoon. Fully supported with BBQ in the afternoon, mechanics, sag wagon, rest stops,

food and drinks. Register at visit www.lionsbikeforsight.com for routes, to register, and for more information.

2018 BTPA Spring Ride - Victor to Woodside Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 10:00 AM Meet at: Bitterroot Trail @ Cowboy Troy’s Parking lot in Victor, MT Meet at the Park and Ride in Victor at the south end of Cowboy Troy’s parking lot on the corner of Highway 93 and Victor Crossing

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(aka 3rd St.). In addition to riding the Bitterroot Trail, we will explore some of the beautiful back roads in the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains including Bear Creek, Red Crow Road, and Meridian Road. For more information call Diana at 406 642-6117 or go to www.bitterroottrailpreservationallinace.org.

Lake Como Triathlon Saturday, July 28, 2018 www.lakecomotri.com A challenging XTerra style race begins at 8am with an Open Water Swim of .9 mile, Mountain Biking course of 12.6 miles, and a Trail Run of 7.7 miles. The Lake Como Tri is held on National Forest lands under a Special Use Permit and raises funds for: Ravalli County Search & Rescue, Lost Trail Ski Patrol, and Trapper Creek Job Corps. Day or season passes are required for all vehicles parking in the Lake Como Recreation Area.

Lost Trail Bike Fest & Shuttle Extravaganza Friday August 24 – Sunday, August 26, 2018 www.ltbikefest.com and on Facebook Held at Lost Trail Powder Mountain, there will be shuttled mountain biking, camping, live music, food, Proceeds from the Bike Fest benefit Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists, Lost Trail Ski Patrol, and Ravalli County Search and Rescue.

2018 BRPA Overnight Ride September 15 & 16, 2018 Details will be available at the end of June at www.bitterroottrailpreservationalliance.org Bitterroot Fork to Farm Tour September 18, 2018 www.bikewalkbitterroot.org/forktofarm Bike/Walk Bitterroot Ride. Eat. Repeat. Details on the website.

Proceeds benefit Bike Walk Bitterroot’s efforts to make the Bitterroot Valley a safe and accessible place to walk and bike.

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Cycling the Bitterroot, June 20, 2018 - Page 33

BitterrootEvents.net music art sports education food & Drink government youth & schools special events

A partnership between the Ravalli Republic Newspaper and the Ravalli County Fairgrounds • visit bitterrootevents.net

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