Tag Archives: biking

Activities

Keep Rollin’

by Eli Fournier

Drive around town these days, and you’ll notice mountain bikes hanging off vehicles left and right. Who are these people and where are they going, you ask? Well, turns out these folks are part of a flourishing and growing mountain-bike scene here in Bozeman—one well worth partaking in. Mountain biking can be expensive to get into (as with any outdoor sport), but once you have the basic gear, the options are endless. Here’s a rundown on local singletrack.

Where to Go
For a newbie, there are miles of trails in and around town that make for easy between-class or after-work excursions. For a classic ride, hop on the Gallagator to Peets Hill. Once atop, take a connector trail east to Highland Glen, and then turn south on the Painted Hills singletrack toward the Gallatin Range. The trail rolls and flows for a couple miles, eventually tying in with Triple Tree—an easy lollipop loop best ridden counterclockwise. Be careful coming down on the stem of the loop, as there are a few blind corners and lots of uphill traffic from both hikers and other bikers. Head back the way you came, or on Sourdough Road.

Another short, popular ride near town is Leverich Canyon, a small drainage tucked into the foothills between Hyalite and Bozeman Creek. For an extra workout, ride South 3rd from town to the trailhead. If you drive, know that parking is limited, and the access road is surrounded by private land, so there’s no overflow parking if the lot’s full. It only holds about two dozen cars. The Leverich Loop is designed to be ridden clockwise, and the downhill is built out with some flowy jumps and turns.

Once you’ve got a handful of riding days under your belt, test your endurance, strength, and technical skills on the Bangtail Divide.

For something a little more challenging, but still well within the wheelhouse of an afternoon ride, look to Chestnut Mountain. To get there, hop on I-90 eastbound and take the Trail Creek exit about ten miles from town. Cross the train tracks, and park on the side of the road at the base of the mountain. Chestnut can be ridden as an out-and-back up the mountain, but the uphill is brutally steep. More popular is a loop up Trail Creek Road to the Goose Creek Trailhead, then around the backside of the mountain and down the front. It’s a challenging, 15-mile ride with several thousand feet of elevation gain and drop, but the views from up top are epic—not to mention you get a ripping downhill for the last 30 minutes of the ride. (Note: this trail is popular with hikers, runners, and dog-walkers, so be sure to slow down at blind corners and in general just be aware, mindful, and courteous.)

Once you’ve got a handful of riding days under your belt, test your endurance, strength, and technical skills on the Bangtail Divide. Park on the side of Stone Creek Road, right off Bridger Canyon. Park in a convenient and respectful spot—the landowner bordering the road filed a lawsuit against the Forest Service to cut off public access here, so try not to make things any worse than they already are. The trail begins by climbing for a couple hours on a series of switchbacks up and around Stone Creek, then flattens out as it hits the divide. The trail then turns north, running the ridge all the way to Brackett Creek. Ride the highway back for about a 25-mile loop in total, or hitchhike a ride.

Also on the east side of the Bridgers is Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, which maintains a number of mountain-bike trails in the foothills. Crosscut hosts clinics throughout the summer to hone skills like downhill riding and cornering. Practice on their mellow terrain, then take your newfound abilities to more technical mountain trails.

Once you’ve got a handle on the basics, it might be time for some downhill dirt. A number of ski areas in the region offer downhill, lift-accessed bike trails in the summer—including Discovery, Big Sky, and Grand Targhee. The three offer very different experiences, from the commercial feel of Big Sky to the mom-and-pop vibe at Targhee, and the small-town Montana aura of Disco. What doesn’t change, however, is the risk of downhill riding. It’s dangerous—no two ways about it. Consider a full-face helmet, knee & elbow pads, and even chest pads if you’re serious about sending big lines. Check your bike thoroughly beforehand, too. Ensure your wheel hubs are tight, brakes are bled, pads are fresh, and shocks are lubed. Downhill riding can be an exhilarating, scary, skill-building experience.

MtntoMeadows-DanielTeitelbaum-26

Essential Gear
Mountain biking ain’t a cheap sport. First, there’s the initial investment in a bike. If you’re just getting into it, look at hardtails, which only have front suspension. They’re great to learn and hone your skills on, but if you stick with it, you’ll almost certainly want to upgrade to a full-suspension bike at some point. These more-expensive options typically have beefier suspension in the front fork, and an additional shock built into the frame to absorb hits to the back wheel. They’re a much smoother ride, and are capable of things that you really can’t do—or at least do well—on a hardtail.

In addition to a bike, you’ll need shoes, which come in the “flat” and “clipless” varieties. Flats are normal shoes, and a lot of people just ride in Vans or street shoes with flat soles. Flats allow you to bail off the bike quickly, if need be. They’re great to learn on, and lots of expert riders swear by flats. On the other hand, clipless pedals (which is a bit of a misnomer), secure your feet to the pedals with a mechanical mechanism, and give you power on up- and down-strokes. They’re preferred by lots of endurance riders and racers, but are certainly a bit challenging to learn on. You’ll fall over a handful of times before figuring out how to quickly release your shoes from the pedals.

You’ll also need a brain bucket. Remember, helmets are one-and-done, meaning if you take a big hit, you need to throw it away and buy a new one to fully protect your noggin. Don’t cut corners here—it’s not worth the risk. Also useful, but not necessary, is a hydration pack. Hip packs are the most comfortable to ride with as they put the weight on your lower back instead of your shoulders; but backpacks are fine, too. Finally, bring along a patch kit, packable pump, and spare innertube.

Etiquette
Let’s keep this short and simple. According to the rules, downhill bike traffic yields to uphill traffic, and bikes yield to both pedestrians and horses. However, if you ask politely or give a friendly “on your left,” most hikers will clear the trail for you. It’s often easier for them to step off to the side than for a biker to drag his bike off the trail. Be friendly to other riders, and offer assistance if you come across a rider with a flat tire or mechanical problem. It’ll come back around when you inevitably need help at some point down the trail.

Around the Bozone

Sound & Fury

CopperCityJumping-AshleyDunneby Adam Brown

Classic music & recreation combos.

Here in Montana, we take a few things pretty seriously. Among them are music and outdoor recreation, along with rodeos, dancing, and getting dirty outside. Even better is when we can combine them all into a day’s worth of fun and adventure. Coincidentally, it just so happens that some of the best music events happen right next to some of the best recreation in the region. Here are a few combo ideas to get the juices flowing.

Bridger Brewing, Three Forks
This is one of the area’s newest music venues, and they’ve started out strong by bringing some great shows to the region. They have an outdoor stage where talent comes, big and small, to perform with the Bridger Mountains as the stage backdrop. They also bring bands indoors all year long so you can catch local music with pub fare and a pint in winter. Beforehand, hike at Headwaters State Park, bike Copper City, or fish the Madison.

Music on Main
This is a summertime staple. Put on by the Downtown Bozeman Association, it marks the time when summer is in full force. Energy levels are high and the town is buzzing. The downtown strip closes for the evening and a stage is erected right on Bozeman Ave. Shows happen every Thursday. Before catching some tunes, consider biking Leverich, fishing the East Gallatin, or climbing in Bear Canyon.

Music in the Mountains
Another must-see during the summer season, these events are put on by the Arts Council of Big Sky. Every Thursday throughout the season, folks fill the park in the middle of Big Sky’s Town Center to dance and groove. Before the show, hike to Ousel Falls, fish the Gallatin, or bike the Mountain to Meadow trail, which ends pretty much right at the stage.

PineCreekLodgeConcert-3

Pine Creek
Pine Creek is one of the coolest venues in the area. Located in Paradise Valley, the stage is set back at the base of the Absarokas and is surrounded by woods. It’s truly a magical place, and manages to book some world-class acts. While in the area, take a whole day to fish and float the Yellowstone, climb at Allenspur, or bike Trail Creek.

Gravel Bar & Willie’s Distillery
There’s almost always something going on around the block over in Ennis. It’s a great way to mix things up and do new things, like fishing the upper Madison, soaking in Norris Hot Springs, or swimming in Ennis Lake. Burgers at the “G-Bar” are pretty dang good, too. Afterward, enjoy the bands and solo acts that grace these and other establishments several nights a week.

The Rialto / The Elm / Live from the Divide / Filling Station
When you’re looking for a chill evening in town, look toward these musical hotspots, year-round. Pair them with some outdoor excursions such as skiing Bridger Bowl, biking the Bangtail Divide, swimming in Fairy Lake, or hiking Mount Baldy. It’s tough to go wrong, even right here in town!

Activities

Pedal to the Metal

by Adam Brown

Biking around the Bozone.

Take this for a spin: when it comes to mountain biking, Bozeman’s got it all. Countless alpine rides meander through lush forests and across rocky mountainsides, while fast, well-built, downhill-specific trails get the adrenaline flowing. We also have great desert-style riding just outside of town, as well as low-angle logging roads for leisurely jaunts. And when you don’t feel like driving, you can get your biking fix right out the back door.

Where to Go
Beginner
In town, hop on the Main Street to the Mountains trails at any point and go until the sun sets. Explore gravel paths through subdivisions in every direction, or pedal down the Gallagator to Peets Hill as you get your steering and balance dialed. Next you can tack on Highland Glen and Painted Hills. These trails are popular options for folks to rack up some convenient mileage before or after work. You can even ride all the way up Triple Tree if your heart and legs can handle it.

Now that you’ve gotten a feel for your bike, pedal up the old logging road alongside Bozeman Creek—also known as Sourdough. This all-dirt path climbs steadily for miles, and you can turn around whenever you’d like, to coast back down. If you take the left fork just before the bridge (about five miles in) toward Mystic Lake, the trail shrinks to singletrack and increases in difficulty—this route is called the Wall of Death.

Intermediate
Once you’re comfortable riding singletrack, head over to Crosscut for one of the area’s best trail systems. Here you’ll find a web of great single- and double-tracks for many different riding styles. Make a cross-country style loop from Loggers to the East Bridger North trail, or hop on the What Goes Up climbing trail to the Must Come Down trail for a flowy downhill experience.

Up in Hyalite, the Moser Creek area has several loop options, all of which feature shorter climbs than some of Hyalite’s burlier rides like History Rock. Although Moser’s trails are on the map, there are some confusing junctions, so do your research and figure out which loops you like most.

Advanced
South of town in the Gallatin foothills is Leverich, Bozeman’s most popular mountain-bike trail and the Custer-Gallatin National Forest’s first dedicated bike trail. During the summer, the parking lot overflows with vehicles, so make some biking friends to carpool with or park down at Nash Park and ride the road up. Leverich is meant to be ridden clockwise. Hop on the uphill-designated trail straight out of the parking lot, then climb a series of tough switchbacks and steep, rocky sections before finally topping out. Enjoy a stellar downhill with plenty of berms, jumps, hootin’, and hollerin’.

For more bike-specific trails, head to Copper City for a 20-mile network with something for everybody. Keep in mind that hikers and runners are also welcome here. You’ll find everything from a fun skills park and mellow beginner trails to rough and rowdy descents, including massive jump lines.

Saddle Up
First things first: you need a bike, and bikes are expensive, so you’ll need to overcome the initial sticker-shock. But consider yourself lucky, because our town runneth over with deals on gear. If you’re looking to spend as little as possible, start at a second-hand store, online marketplace, pawn shop, or the annual GVBC Bike Swap. If you’re willing to shell out for a new set of wheels, hit the bike shops. Remember that full-suspension is often preferred, but will be significantly more expensive to purchase and service. For some, especially casual bikers, buying a hardtail can save a grand or more.

Next, you’ll need a helmet, pack, and repair kit for those inevitable mechanical failures on the trail, plus the standard outdoor equipment: extra layer, rain shell, first-aid kit, and bear spray. Padded gloves are a great option, as are sunglasses to keep wind and debris out of your eyes while riding. You might also want some knee and elbow pads, because the crashing never stops, even after you improve.

Bikes are fun because they are freeing. How else can human power alone get you so far out there? But a malfunction is inconvenient at best, and extremely dangerous at worst. Knowing how to make a few fixes on your own will prove beneficial when something goes wrong out on the trail, and you’ll save some money because you won’t need to shell out cash every time you need work done. There are lots of great bike classes and resources in the area. Check in with local bike shops, or head to outsidebozeman.com/biking for more reading.

Etiquette
It’s always important to consider other trail users—whether they’re on foot, horseback, or motorized equipment. Use your discretion and pay attention. Spot approaching hikers as early as possible. They have the right of way, regardless of conditions, but still, there’s a good chance they’ll step off the trail to let you pass without interrupting your ride. If not, pull off to the side, give a polite nod, and carry on. Always give horses a wide berth to avoid spooking them, and when possible, pull off on the downhill side of the trail. Greeting the rider in a friendly voice often helps ease a spooky horse, too. If a biker comes upon another biker, the one going uphill has the right of way. If you’re traveling with a four-legged friend, make sure to keep her under control. And be prepared to clean up if she makes a deposit on or near the trail.

Trail preservation is the name of the game when on wheels. Since bikes damage the trail more than boots, it’s a rider’s responsibility to limit the impact. Don’t go out when trails are muddy. A good rule of thumb is that if you’re leaving deep marks in the dirt, you should consider walking that section instead of riding. If the conditions persist, turn back and try a different ride. Avoid biking off-trail, which damages vegetation and can create incidental and unwanted walkaround trails. If you come across a pool of water, take a few minutes to dig a little trench and drain it.

 

Activities

Pedal Pushing

by Adam Brown

When it comes to mountain biking, Bozeman’s got it all. There are countless alpine rides that take you through lush forests and rocky mountainsides, along with fast, developed, downhill-specific rides. We also have some phenomenal desert-style riding just outside of town. And when you don’t feel like driving, you can get your biking fix right out your back door.

Where to Go

Beginner
Right in town, you can hop on the Main Street to the Mountains trails at any point and go until the sun sets. Pedal on the Gallagator to Peets Hill along gravel paths as you get your steering and balance dialed. Next you can tack on Highland Glen and Painted Hills. These trails are popular options for folks to rack up some convenient mileage before or after work. You can even ride all the way up Triple Tree if your heart and legs desire.

Now that you’ve gotten a feel for your bike, you can pedal up the old logging road alongside Bozeman Creek—also known as Sourdough. This all-dirt trail climbs steadily for miles, and you can turn around whenever you’d like and coast back to your car. If you take the left fork just before the bridge (about five miles in) toward Mystic Lake, the trail shrinks to singletrack and increases in difficulty.

Intermediate
Once you’re comfortable riding singletrack, head over to Crosscut for one of the area’s best trail systems. Here you’ll find a web of great single- and doubletrack for many different riding styles. Make a cross-country style loop from Loggers to the East Bridger North trail, or hop on the What Goes Up climbing trail to the Must Come Down trail for a flowy downhill experience.

Up in Hyalite, the Moser Creek area has several loop options, all of which feature shorter climbs than some of Hyalite’s burlier rides like History Rock. While Moser’s trails are on the map, there are some confusing junctions, so do some research and figure out which loops you like most.

Advanced
South of town in the Gallatin foothills is Leverich, Bozeman’s most popular mountain-bike trail and the Custer-Gallatin National Forest’s first dedicated bike trail. During the summer, the parking lot overflows with vehicles, so make some biking friends to carpool with or park down at Nash Park and ride the road up. Leverich is meant to be ridden clockwise. Hop on the uphill-designated trail straight out of the parking lot, then climb a series of tough switchbacks and steep, rocky sections before finally topping out. Enjoy a stellar downhill with some sweeping berms, jumps, and hootin’ & hollerin’.

For more bike-specific trails, head to Copper City for a 20-mile network with something for everybody. Keep in mind that hikers and runners are also welcome. Here you’ll find everything from a fun skills park and mellow green trails to rough and rowdy descents, including massive jump lines.

Essential Gear
First things first: you need a bike, and bikes are expensive, so you’ll need to overcome the initial sticker-shock. But consider yourself lucky, because our town runneth over with deals on gear. If you’re looking to spend as little as possible, start at a second-hand store, a virtual marketplace, pawn shop, or the annual GVBC Bike Swap. If you’re willing to shell out for a new set of wheels, hit the bike shops. Remember that full-suspension is often preferred, but will be significantly more expensive to purchase and service. For some, especially if you’re a casual biker, you can save a grand or more by going with a hardtail.

Next, you’ll need a helmet, pack, and repair kit for those inevitable mechanical failures on the trail, plus the standard outdoor equipment: extra layer, rain shell, first-aid kit, and bear spray. Padded gloves are a great option, as are sunglasses to keep wind and debris out of your eyes while riding. You might also want some knee and elbow pads, because the crashing never stops, even after you improve.

Bikes are fun because they are freeing. How else can human power alone get you so far out there? But a malfunction is inconvenient at best, and extremely dangerous at worst. Knowing how to make a few fixes on your own will prove beneficial when something goes wrong out on the trail, and you’ll save some money because you won’t need to shell out cash every time you need work done. There are lots of great bike classes and resources in the area. Check in with local bike shops and the Outside Bozeman website to find resources (outsidebozeman.com/biking) and upcoming classes (outsidebozeman.com/events).

Etiquette
It’s always important to consider other trail users, whether they’re on foot, horseback, or motorized equipment. Use your discretion and pay attention. Spot approaching hikers as early as possible. They have the right of way, regardless of conditions, but still, there’s a good chance they’ll step off the trail to let you pass without interrupting your ride. If not, pull off to the side, give a polite nod, and carry on. Always give horses a wide berth to avoid spooking them, and when possible, pull off on the downhill side of the trail. Greeting the rider in a friendly voice often helps ease a spooky horse, too. If a biker comes upon another biker, the one going uphill has the right of way. If you’re traveling with a four-legged friend, make sure to keep it under control. And be prepared to clean up after your dog.

Trail preservation is the name of the game when on wheels. Since bikes damage the trail more than boots, it is our responsibility to limit the impact. Don’t go out when trails are muddy. A good rule of thumb is that if you’re leaving deep marks in the dirt, you should consider walking that section instead of riding. If the conditions persist, turn back and try a different ride. Avoid biking off-trail, which damages vegetation and can create incidental and unwanted walkaround trails. If you come across a pool of water, take a few minutes to dig a little trench and re-direct it off the trail.

Events
Immerse yourself in the Bozeman biking scene with many fun events throughout the year. Meet biking buddies, enjoy a few beers, and talk shop at these classic get-togethers.

Ongoing
Group Rides – various locations. Several local organizations host group rides around Bozeman. Check out Alter Cycles, Owenhouse, Pedal Project, SWMMBA, the Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club, and Bangtail to get in on these fun social events.

Bike Kitchen Hours – Bozeman. One way to get a bike cheaply is to work for it. Donate hours to Bozeman’s nonprofit bike shop and your time could earn you a free bike. bozemanbikekitchen.org

May
GVBC Bike Swap – Bozeman. This is your chance to score sweet deals on used biking gear and last season’s models. Go early and get in line—the best stuff flies off the shelves. gallatinvalleybicycleclub.org

June
Bike to Work Week – Bozeman. Commuting by the power of two legs is good for us and the environment, and it cuts down on traffic congestion, too. During this fun week, select locations around town will treat you with free coffee, breakfast, and beer, just for riding your bike to work. gallatinvalleybicycleclub.org

June
GVLT Trails Challenge – Bozeman. Every summer, starting on National Trails Day, GVLT runs a challenge where Bozeman trail-users rack up miles to raise money for trail maintenance. gvlt.org

June-August
Dig Days – various locations. Get your hands dirty and help maintain our trails with dig days hosted by the Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association. These events are a great way to meet like-minded bikers, and you’ll get to sample all of the Bozone’s best trails. southwestmontanamba.org

June-August
Bike Clinics – Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. With programs for all levels of riders, from general technique to specific skills, taking a clinic with Crosscut will surely level-up your skills. crosscutmt.org

July
Moser Shake ’N’ Bake – Hyalite. Choose either the 20- or 40-mile race and enjoy a combination of singletrack, doubletrack, and roads, with spectacular views. facebook.com/mosershakenbake

September 24
National Public Lands Day – Bozeman. Before the season winds down, join the Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association for a day of giving back to the trails. southwestmontanamba.org

Editor’s note: Dates are subject to change based on weather and other factors. For the most updated information, visit outsidebozeman.com/events.

Uncategorized

Modest Maintenance

Tune-up on a tight budget. 

by Ryan Diehl

So you got to school and your gear is in shambles. Your bike needs a tune-up and your skis have core shots galore. Problem is, you’re on a tight budget—does deciding between tuned gear or putting food in your belly sound familiar? Well, now there’s a solution: bring that gear into the ASMSU Outdoor Recreation Program Bike & Ski Workshop and don’t worry about a thing. This service is provided to MSU students at a low cost to help keep your stuff in tip-top shape, so you can go back to skiing powder and ripping singletrack—I mean, studying.

The Bicycle & Ski Workshop, which is located in the Outdoor Recreation Program building, allows MSU students, faculty/staff, and affiliates to perform maintenance and repairs on personal equipment. All current students have access to tools and the facility for a small fee and are welcome to work on their own bikes, skis, or snowboards. Assistance is often available, as well as drop-off services for a reasonable hourly rate.

coreyhockett_MSU_OutdoorRec-5

You can also purchase essential tools for maintaining a smooth-running bike, or to keep your favorite pair of skis or board in good shape. If mechanics aren’t your specialty, shop attendants are happy to show you the ropes to get you started.

Skiing and biking opportunities abound in the Bozeman area. As an MSU student, you can’t always afford to keep your gear in good working order. So bring it on down to your favorite peer-run shop, feel welcome, and get back to exploring in no time.

For more information, call 994-3621.