SW Montana loop - 850+ miles Launch This SUNDAY 7/7

[lotomojo]

Anybody interested in riding the attached loop in SW Montana, preferably in July?

It's 750 or 800 miles with 45,000' elevation gain and I'd like to do it at a pace that allows for stopping for cold beverages and occasional meals at the various towns and saloons along the way. There are some brief stretches of asphalt, but it's an awesome looking loop I found that the dirt bikers use. Doesn't seem to be well traveled by gravel grinders yet. My preference would be to camp most nights, but to take a lodge or motel if it made sense.

Google Earth file attached includes an alternate route on the CDT around Butte.

[paulmissoula]

This looks a like a great ride. Wish I could join in for this. I'm hoping to do some short weekend trips out of the Missoula / Bitterroot area this summer with user caseygreene and/or others.

[phatdivide]

Hey lotomojo,

  I'm planning to do some of the GDMBR in Montana this July.  I might start from Butte and head north. I'm interested in the alternate route around Butte -- I always wondered why the trail goes down I15 instead of taking Hail Columbia Road. But why does your route spend so much time on I90? Isn't there any way through Butte other than the interstates?

[lotomojo]

You're right, phatdivide.

And I've been working on improving the route -- did some scoping trips over the past few weeks. Best way around Butte is to ride the CDT hiking route (not through wilderness on this stretch so open to bikes) north and east of Butte.

See new file attached.

[lotomojo]

Last chance to join me!

I leave this Sunday the 7th and will park my car along the route east of Missoula and south of the interstate. Heading clockwise from there and hope to do 80-90 miles per day while enjoying views & saloons along the way.

See the updated map I posted the 2nd time in response to phatdivide.

-Kirk

[caseygreene]

Can't do it, but wish i could, cause like i said before, looks like a killer route.

Have fun, and looking forward to the trip report.

[lotomojo]

Unfortunately, I crashed on a training ride last week and broke my wrist pretty badly. Going to have to postpone, maybe for a year.
Someone else should ride it and let us know how it is.

Funny story: the cute/cool nurse who helped me in the hospital had actually seen this thread. Hi Lisa .