Hoping for good weather for 2/14 as we are seeing as of this posting update with 2 significantly different forecasts from weather service apps. We still plan to ride this traditional Spring ride of the Missoula Bicycle Club. Please join us in starting the 2026 biking season with good friends and bikes to ride.

We will gather in the Big Dipper parking lot on Higgins Ave. Please arrive early to enjoy some Big Dipper ice cream and to check in with the ride leader. We will start the ride promptly at 1:30 PM. During the gathering time you will be asked to sign a one time annual acknowledgement of risk form that will be in effect for the 2026 season. We will also be taking attendance to maintain our record of riders. There are 4 alternate routes from which one will be selected at the time of the ride. All routes are on paved multi-use trails or streets.

Please see the map of the proposed options; Option 1: 14 miles, Option 2: 8 Miles, Option 3: 7.5 miles, Option 4: 3.75 miles. If the map does not appear below click here. In the upper left corner of the map use the square with small arrow to open the legend to be able to turn the route options off and on. You can also enlarge the map using the expansion icon in the upper right corner of the map. Depending on snow and ice there may be minor modifications to the routes at the time of the ride.

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). If you have RSVP'd for the earlier dates you can either cancel on this same page and RSVP again as the new date approaches or leave you RSVP active until closer to 3/1/2025.

• Ride name: MBC Big Dipper to Dairy Queen (the long way) 
• Date: 2/14/2026
• Start time: 1:30 PM starting time.
• Gathering place: Big Dipper on Higgins Ave. parking lot
• Distance in miles: See options 1 thru 4 above
• Pace:  Slow to Moderate
• Planned stops: Option 1 - possible brief stop at Fort Missoula Regional Park
• Leader:  leader contact information will be provided in the autoresponse email you will receive after you RSVP below.

We invite anyone to join us and discover the joy of riding with a companionable group of like minded bicyclists. Our insurance requires that all participants sign a waiver. All participants are covered by the Missoula Bicycle Club General Liability insurance while participating on the ride. Members may participate in MBC rides as often as they like after signing a waiver that covers the entire year. First-time participants may try out MBC as a one time guest on a ride with us and will be warmly welcomed, they then must join to participate in any future rides. If you would like to continue riding with us during the 2025 biking season please become a member.

Rider requirements and responsibilities:

• A bicycle helmet is required for all participants.
• All participants will be asked to sign an acknowledgement of risk (once per calendar year).
• Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or person with an authorized parental waiver dated for the specific ride.
• All participants must check-in with the ride leader.
• While we are riding as a group, each individual rider is responsible for complying with all traffic regulations as an independent vehicle operator.
• Show courtesy and respect the Rights of Others by:
  • projecting a good public image and encourage responsible riding;
  • exhibiting considerate behavior towards other riders, pedestrians, motorists and the public showing respect, courtesy, responsibility and due regard for the rights of others.
  • avoiding confrontations and report incidents to your leader and the police as appropriate.
  • avoiding language that is obscene, insulting or threatening, even when provoked.
• For safety, the use of earbuds or headphones while on a group ride is discouraged.
• For safety, the use of "Aero bars" while on a group ride is discouraged.
• E-bikes: Montana state law defines an E-bike as a bicycle with an electrical assist that cuts out at the speed of 20 miles per hour. If your e-bike continues to provide power above 20 MPH, please do not bring it to a MBC sponsored ride.

When submitting your RSVP, please note that the number box below "How many other people, other than yourself, are you bringing?" is asking for additional people other than yourself. A zero already includes yourself as 1.

Map URL address or the map may appear below if the map does not appear click here. Then in the upper left corner of the map page use the square with small arrow to open the legend to be able to turn the route options off and on.

After the first 2026 Tuesday ride, I can't resist scheduling another ride with a little more challenge. We will gather again at Silver Park and follow the Bitterroot Trail south to the river overlook between mile markers 7 & 7.5. We will return to Silver Park by way of Post Siding Rd. with a stop at the Bella Vista Pavilion at Fort Missoula. This route will include a couple of moderate climbs with rewarding downhills on the return. It would be great to see another increase to the number of riders as we move further into the 2026 biking season. 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).

Any cancellation/postponement of this ride will be posted here and a cancellation email will be sent out not later than 11:00 AM on Tuesday 2/10/26, to all who have RSVP'd. Always dress appropriately using layers for your comfort. Plan on having sufficient water available. At the time of this posting the Weather Channel is forecasting a high of 50F and sunny afternoon. If you would like to check the route please follow this link to see the interactive map of the Bitterroot Trail. Open the legend on the left side of the map and turn the feature markers on & off to select those features you would like to have more information. Use the normal zoom controls on your device to see more overview or greater detail. You can save the link to this map on your mobile phone or your computer.

• Ride name: MBC-UMRA Tuesday Social Ride February 10, 2026
• Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
• Start time: 1:30 PM
• Gathering place: Silver Park 
• Distance in miles: ~18 miles with moderate hills
• Pace:  Slow to Moderate: 10 - 12 MPH
• Planned stops: River overlook & Bella Vista Pavilion
• Leader: name - leader contact information will be provided in the autoresponse email you will receive after you RSVP below.

If you have any suggestions for future rides, please let me know by entering it on the "Propose a Bike Ride" page and indicate that you would like someone else to lead. Also, if you would be interested in leading or co-leading any of the future MBC rides, you can submit your interest on our "Propose a Bike Ride" page.

• A bicycle helmet is required for all participants.
• All participants will be asked to sign an acknowledgement of risk (once per calendar year).
• Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or person with an authorized parental waiver dated for the specific ride.
• All participants must check-in with the ride leader.
• While we are riding as a group, each individual rider is responsible for complying with all traffic regulations as an independent vehicle operator.
• Show courtesy and respect the Rights of Others by:
  • projecting a good public image and encourage responsible riding;
  • exhibiting considerate behavior towards other riders, pedestrians, motorists and the public showing respect, courtesy, responsibility and due regard for the rights of others.
  • avoiding confrontations and report incidents to your leader and the police as appropriate.
  • avoiding language that is obscene, insulting or threatening, even when provoked.
• For safety, the use of earbuds or headphones while on a group ride is discouraged.
• For safety, the use of "Aero bars" while on a group ride is discouraged.
• E-bikes: Montana state law defines an E-bike as a bicycle with an electrical assist that cuts out at the speed of 20 miles per hour. If your e-bike continues to provide power above 20 MPH, please do not bring it to a MBC sponsored ride.
• If you seem to have a respiratory infection, please wear a face mask for times when we may not be able to maintain safe distances.
• As a summary and quick reminder of common courtesy and safety please follow this link to 12 Road Cycling Group Ride Rules for Cyclists of All Levels https://www.swimbikerunfun.net

When submitting your RSVP, please note that the number box below "How many other people, other than yourself, are you bringing?" is asking for additional people other than your self. A zero already includes yourself as 1.