Post event report:

8 riders gathered at 9:00 AM at Silver Park to ride a combined Fort Loop/South Hills Trail ride on this pleasant summer morning. Starting temperature around 68 and clear skies. We started out with a fairly steady pace of 10-11 mph holding the group fairly close as we negotiated the early road crossings of the Bitterroot Trail. After crossing South Ave., we spread apart giving the more aggressive riders the opportunity to challenge their muscles a bit more while accommodating the slower riders. After we all arrived at the Fort Missoula Regional Park for a rest break for those in need and a brief photo op we returned to the Bitterroot Trail by way of Post Siding road.

Using the Bitterroot Trail to access the crossing of Hwy 93 to Miller Creek we proceeded to Briggs St. and eventually to the South Hills Trail and to Tahoe Dr. Crossing 39th St. from Tahoe to Lux we made our way through low traffic residential streets taking advantage of any available shade as we made our way to the University of Montana campus and back to the Milwaukee Trail for the return to Silver Park. 

Statistics via Strava: Distance: 14.21 mi., Moving Time: 1h 27m, Elevation Gain 145 ft.

When viewing the map, please be aware that the actual footprint is not accurately depicted. The indicated travel should be adjusted to relate to the Bitterroot Trail and or streets and other trails in close proximity of the indicated route. Use the small expansion indicator in the upper right corner of the map image to see an enlarged map with the ability to zoom and pan for more detail.

Pre-ride information:

Given the current long range weather forecast, Tuesday, 7/25, looks to be a scorcher with a high of 97. To avoid that heat we will gather for this morning ride at 9:00 AM at Silver Park. Any cancellation/postponement will be posted here and a cancellation email will be sent out not later than 5:00 PM the day before the ride, Monday 7/24, to all who have RSVP'd.

We will select a route as we gather at Silver Park. We will try to leave our assembly point as soon after 9:00 AM as possible. This will be a slow to moderate paced ride (9 to 12 mph on the flats). No one will be left behind. 

While this ride is targeted towards UM Retirees, it is open to all MBC members. Please remember that this will be a slow to moderate pace and potential of moderate hills to climb and descend. Please RSVP if you’re considering joining the ride so that you will be provided the leader's contact information and can be informed of any late-breaking changes (e.g., weather-related cancellation).

• Ride name:  MBC UM Retirees Ride 7/25/2023
• Date: July 25, 2023
• Start time: 9:00 AM
• Gathering place: Silver Park east parking lot near the baseball stadium
• Distance in miles: 11-24
• Pace:  Slow to Moderate 9 - 12 MPH
• Planned stops: Depends on route: 
• Leader: name - leader contact information will be provided in the autoresponse email you will receive after you RSVP below.