Given the current weather forecast, this looks to be a good day for a ride. Any cancellation will be posted here and a cancellation email will be sent out to all who have RSVP'd.

We will return to our Fort Loop ride this week, hopefully with our 2 shortcuts clear of snow & ice. I will be at Silver Park by 1:15 to begin check-in of the riders for this fourth of this season's rides. We will try to leave Silver Park as soon after 1:30 PM as possible. As another early season ride and to accommodate our retired riders who want to enjoy a slow paced ride we will be riding at a pace comfortable for our slowest riders. No one will be left behind. Our route will be south on the Bitterroot Trail to Post Siding Rd to ride into the Fort with a brief stop at the Bella Vista Pavilion, continuing around the Fort Soccer fields we will cross South Ave. at 36th St., up to North Ave. to Clements Rd., 7th St., Preston St., 3rd St., Short St., Juneau Dr., to a short single track to Quinn CT., Grove St. and the Milwaukee Trail to return to Silver Park. Anyone not comfortable on the short single track between Juneau and Quinn are welcome to continue on 3rd St. to Grove St. then north on Grove to meet up with the group at the trail.

While this ride is targeted towards UM Retirees, it is open to any MBC member. Please remember that these will be slow to moderate pace and minimal elevation change. 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).

In order to relieve the UM retirees ride leader of some concerns regarding liability issues that have not been addressed by the UMRA or the University, MBC has agreed to provide these rides as Missoula Bicycle Club sponsored rides. Please read the "Rider requirements and responsibilities:" below. You will be receiving email notifications of upcoming rides addressed from my MBC email address.

• Ride name:  MBC UM Retirees Ride 03/28/2023
• Date: March 28, 2023
• Start time: 1:30 PM
• Gathering place: Silver Park east parking lot near the ball park
• Distance in miles: 11
• Pace:  Slow to Moderate 9 - 12 MPH
• Planned stops: None
• 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. 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 guest on a ride with us and will be warmly welcomed, then must join to go 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 or 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.

MBC training ride to Florence, MT and back, 40+ miles, 2-2.5 hours in length. of predominantly flat riding. This is a training jaunt of 13-16 mph on Saturday 4/1/23, starting from Great Harvest at 12 noon. Rain, snow or shine! Remember the chance of melting from wet weather in approximately zero, so use fenders if you want. Will stop briefly at Bitterroot Breakfast Bus. 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).

• Ride name:  MBC training ride to Florence on the Bitterroot Trail
• Date: 4/1/23
• Start time: 12:00 noon
• Gathering place: Great Harvest Bread
• Distance in miles: 40+
• Pace:  13-16 mph
• Planned stops: Bitterroot Breakfast Bus
• Leader: Carl - 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. 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 guest on a ride with us and will be warmly welcomed, then must join to go 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 what is  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 or 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.

Saturday, April 1, 1:00 PM, Tour de Turah (24 mi.). Meet at Eastgate Shopping Center in Missoula and ride to the Turah Store and Campground.  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).

• Ride name:  Tour de Turah
• Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023
• Start time: 1:00 pm
• Gathering place: Eastgate Shopping Center (1003 E. Broadway), Missoula
• Distance in miles: About 24,  slight hills
• Pace:  Moderate
• Planned stops: Loop into Confluence Area of Milltown State Park, Turah Camp Store 
• Leader: name - leader contact information will be provided in the autoresponse email you will receive after you RSVP below.

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 inner tube 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 what is  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 or 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.

Sunday will start with a warmup ride up Rattlesnake to end of road then over to Mansion Heights for several loops of climbing. This is a training jaunt of 8-12 mph on Sunday 4/2/23, starting from Great Harvest at 12 noon. Well functioning gearing is advised. Slow and steady. Chance of flat recovery ride afterwards. 20+ miles, 1.5-2 hours in length, of predominantly climbing on various steepness’s of grade. Rain, snow or shine! 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).

• Ride name:  MBC training ride up Rattlesnake Creek +
• Date: 4/2/23
• Start time: 12:00 noon
• Gathering place: Great Harvest Bread
• Distance in miles: 20+
• Pace:  8-12 mph
• Planned stops: 
• Leader: Carl - 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. 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 guest on a ride with us and will be warmly welcomed, then must join to go 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 what is  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 or 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.

Given the current weather forecast, this looks to be a good day for a ride. Any cancellation will be posted here and a cancellation email will be sent out to all who have RSVP'd.

We will follow our Fort Loop ride this week, hopefully with our 2 shortcuts clear of snow & ice. I will be at Silver Park by 1:15 to begin check-in of the riders for this fourth of this season's rides. We will try to leave Silver Park as soon after 1:30 PM as possible. As another early season ride and to accommodate our retired riders who want to enjoy a slow paced ride we will be riding at a pace comfortable for our slowest riders. No one will be left behind. Our route will be south on the Bitterroot Trail to Post Siding Rd to ride into the Fort with a brief stop at the Bella Vista Pavilion, continuing around the Fort Soccer fields we will cross South Ave. at 36th St., up to North Ave. to Clements Rd., 7th St., Preston St., 3rd St., Short St., Juneau Dr., to a short single track to Quinn CT., Grove St. and the Milwaukee Trail to return to Silver Park. Anyone not comfortable on the short single track between Juneau and Quinn are welcome to continue on 3rd St. to Grove St. then north on Grove to meet up with the group at the trail.

While this ride is targeted towards UM Retirees, it is open to any MBC member. Please remember that these will be slow to moderate pace and minimal elevation change. 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).

In order to relieve the UM retirees ride leader of some concerns regarding liability issues that have not been addressed by the UMRA or the University, MBC has agreed to provide these rides as Missoula Bicycle Club sponsored rides. Please read the "Rider requirements and responsibilities:" below. You will be receiving email notifications of upcoming rides addressed from my MBC email address.

• Ride name:  MBC UM Retirees Ride 04/4/2023
• Date: April 4, 2023
• Start time: 1:30 PM
• Gathering place: Silver Park east parking lot near the ball park
• Distance in miles: 11
• Pace:  Slow to Moderate 9 - 12 MPH
• Planned stops: None
• 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. 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 guest on a ride with us and will be warmly welcomed, then must join to go 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 or 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.

Loosen up your winter-creaky bones with a trip around Mount Sentinel and University Mountain. Meet at Great Harvest Bread Co., 1407 S. Higgins, Missoula for the circle trip south on Higgins then up Pattee Canyon Rd. (paved) and around Mt. Sentinel and University Mountain. We’ll stop at the Pattee Canyon Picnic area for a bring-your-own snack. Return via Deer Creek road (gravel) and the Kim Williams Trail.

• Ride name:  Deer Creek Sneak
• Date: April 22, 2023
• Start time: 10:00 am
• Gathering place: Great Harvest Bread Co., 1407 S. Higgins
• Distance in miles: About 19
• Pace:  Slow
• Planned stops: Pattee Canyon Trailhead 
• 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. 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 guest on a ride with us and will be warmly welcomed, then must join to go 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).
• All participants will 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.
• 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.
• 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 or 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.