Post event report:

Eleven eager riders gathered at Silver Park on this sunny afternoon with mid 60 degree temperature. The leader started his Strava app late missing the first section beginning at Silver Park. Due to other commitments two riders returned directly from the Fort after the photo, two other riders had dropped off earlier.

The remaining 6 riders followed the leader as we left the Fort, proceeding further south to access the South Hills Trail just south of Meadow Hill school. Following the trail through local parks we proceeded to Tahoe Dr. and out to 39th St. at Lux Drive. Proceeding east on 39th St. we made the only significant climb that peaks as SW Higgins Ave. crosses Stephens Ave. S. as we proceeded to Park St., one of several Neighborhood Greenways identified by the Missoula Transportation department to encourage biking and walking. Following Park St. and Franklin St. north through these residential areas we used a slight detour off of Franklin to Edith St. then Bickford and onto Stephens then back onto Franklin to avoid attempting to cross 4 lanes of traffic and a median boulevard. Franklin becomes Ivy St. at Marshall St. and then allows access to the Bitterroot Trail at S. 5th St. W. and providing a good route back to Silver Park.

Distance approx. 14 miles, Moving time 1hr. 19 min. Elevation: 141 ft. The age range was 52 - 83, all are welcome. 

Pre-ride information:

Welcome to the 2nd 2024 MBC-UMRA Ride

Given the current long range weather forecast for, Tuesday, 4/2, with a high of 64 and 5% likelihood of precipitation, this should be a good day to continue our 2024 riding season for this Tuesday MBC riding group. This will be an afternoon ride beginning at 1:30 PM in Silver Park. We will plan to ride the Milwaukee Trail to Fort Missoula, and the South Hills (Wapikiya area) Trail and return via Southwest Higgins and the Park St./W. Franklin St. neighborhood greenway back to Silver Park. This route is primarily on paved multi-use trails with some residential street riding and one short single track that can be avoided by any riders who prefer to not ride the dirt single track.

Any cancellation/postponement will be posted here and a cancellation email will be sent out not later than 11:00 AM on Tuesday 4/2, to all who have RSVP'd. Given the moderate chance of precipitation, please prepare for potential rain.

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 with the potential of only one moderate hill, SW Higgins hill to Stephens Ave. and down to Park St. 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 or smoke related cancellation).

• Ride name:  MBC-UM Retirees Ride 4/2/2024
• Date: April 2, 2024
• Start time: 1:30 PM
• Gathering place: Silver Park 
• Distance in miles: 11 - 15
• Pace:  Slow to Moderate 9 - 12 MPH on the flats
• Planned stops: Rest stop where appropriate.
• Leader: name - leader contact information will be provided in the autoresponse email you will receive after you RSVP below.