Welcome to Autumn 2023 MBC-UMRA rides

Given the current long range weather forecast, Tuesday, 9/26, that looks to be beginning of Autumn weather with a high of 64, this should be a good day to continue our afternoon rides. With that indication of probable temperature we will gather for a ride at 1:30 PM at Silver Park. Any cancellation/postponement will be posted here and a cancellation email will be sent out not later than 11:00 AM the day of the ride, Tuesday 9/26, to all who have RSVP'd.

Please note that, due to local traffic concerns, I have limited this ride to 12 riders including the leader. Please RSVP to verify that there are still openings in the 12 positions.

Change in route as of 9/23/2023 1:30 PM continue reading:

I rode the previously suggested Rattlesnake route the morning of 9/23 and determined that this route would not be appreciated by most of our regular Tuesday riding group. In my judgment it is more challenging in several ways than the ride to the bench via the Bitterroot Trail. I am open to further discussion but for now we will plan to agree on a route as we gather at Silver Park. One alternative is to ride the Fort Loop counter clockwise rather than clockwise as is our usual direction. 

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 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 or smoke related cancellation).

• Ride name:  MBC UM Retirees Ride 9/26/2023
• Date: September 26, 2023
• Start time: 1:30 PM
• Gathering place: Silver Park east parking lot near the baseball stadium
• Distance in miles: approximately 13 miles with a combination of paved multi-use trails, city streets, and unpaved single track.
• Pace:  Slow to Moderate 9 - 12 MPH
• Planned stops: Possible rest stop at Fort Missoula Regional Park.
• Leader: name - 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. MBC members may participate in MBC rides as often as they like after signing a waiver that covers the entire year. First-time non-member participants may try out MBC as a guest on a ride with us and will be warmly welcomed, then must join to participate on any future rides. If you would like to continue riding with us during the 2023 biking season please become a member.

Rider requirements and responsibilities:

• A 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 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.
• It is strongly recommended that each rider have a spare innertube that fits their rims and tire. Flats do happen!!
• Due to continuing COVID-19 considerations please bring a face mask for times when we may not be able to maintain safe distances. We will also be maintaining appropriate distances between riders during the ride.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - E-Bike restrictions on Missoula Bicycle Club rides:

We will welcome e-bike users to participate in MBC events as long as the e-bike is classified as a Class 1 e-bike. Class 1 e-bikes will engage the electric motor only when the bike is being pedaled by the rider and will disengage the electric motor when the speed exceeds 20 miles per hour. If your e-bike does not meet these qualifications, do not bring it to an MBC ride. You can review our complete policy definition "Definition of Vehicles Permitted in MBC Sponsored Events" using the preceding link.

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.

Welcome to Autumn 2023 MBC-UMRA rides

Given the current long range weather forecast, Tuesday, 10/3, with a high of 59, this should be a good day to continue our afternoon rides. With that indication of probable temperature we will gather for a ride at 1:30 PM at Silver Park. Any cancellation/postponement will be posted here and a cancellation email will be sent out not later than 11:00 AM the day of the ride, Tuesday 10/3, to all who have RSVP'd.

Please note that, due to local traffic concerns, I have limited this ride to 12 riders including the leader. Please RSVP to verify that there are still openings in the 12 positions.

At the time of posting we are open to suggestions for a ride for this cool autumnal afternoon. If you have suggestions please leave them on the Propose a Bike Ride webpage. You do not necessarily need to lead the ride just propose enough route detail and your contact information for a potential leader to contact you for any clarification about the ride.

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 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 or smoke related cancellation).

• Ride name:  MBC UM Retirees Ride 9/26/2023
• Date: September 26, 2023
• Start time: 1:30 PM
• Gathering place: Silver Park east parking lot near the baseball stadium
• Distance in miles: approximately 13 miles with a combination of paved multi-use trails, city streets, and unpaved single track.
• Pace:  Slow to Moderate 9 - 12 MPH
• Planned stops: Possible rest stop at Fort Missoula Regional Park.
• Leader: name - 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. MBC members may participate in MBC rides as often as they like after signing a waiver that covers the entire year. First-time non-member participants may try out MBC as a guest on a ride with us and will be warmly welcomed, then must join to participate on any future rides. If you would like to continue riding with us during the 2023 biking season please become a member.

Rider requirements and responsibilities:

• A 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 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.
• It is strongly recommended that each rider have a spare innertube that fits their rims and tire. Flats do happen!!
• Due to continuing COVID-19 considerations please bring a face mask for times when we may not be able to maintain safe distances. We will also be maintaining appropriate distances between riders during the ride.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - E-Bike restrictions on Missoula Bicycle Club rides:

We will welcome e-bike users to participate in MBC events as long as the e-bike is classified as a Class 1 e-bike. Class 1 e-bikes will engage the electric motor only when the bike is being pedaled by the rider and will disengage the electric motor when the speed exceeds 20 miles per hour. If your e-bike does not meet these qualifications, do not bring it to an MBC ride. You can review our complete policy definition "Definition of Vehicles Permitted in MBC Sponsored Events" using the preceding link.

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.