Welcome to the 3rd 2024 MBC-UMRA Ride

UPDATE 4/8 9:15 AM, ride is still planned with updated starting temperature of 50 degrees & 37% chance of precipitation. Be prepared for rain.

Given the current long range weather forecast for, Tuesday, 4/9, with a high of 55 and 6% likelihood of precipitation, this should be a reasonable day to continue our 2024 riding season for the Tuesday MBC-UMRA riding group. This will be an afternoon ride beginning at 1:30 PM in Silver Park. A preliminary plan for our route for this ride would begin with a ride south on the Bitterroot Trail to Post Siding Rd. and into the Fort for a brief stop. From the Fort we would make our way to Clements Rd. via North Ave. thus beginning our fairly familiar Fort Loop. To add some addition to the normal loop, I would plan to exit from the Milwaukee Trail on the east side of the Russel St. underpass and cross the river to the north side multi-use trail. This route will have some travel time in the bike lane on Broadway until just before Orange St. where we can get back on the multi-use trail. We would continue on the northside river trail to the Madison St. under bridge to return to Silver Park via the Milwaukee Trail. This route is primarily on paved multi-use trails with some bike lane on street riding and one short single track that can be avoided by any riders who prefer to not ride the dirt single track.

If you have any suggestions for future rides for this primarily Tuesday biking group, please let me know. Also, if you would be interested in leading any of the future MBC-UMRA Tuesday rides. You can submit your interest to lead a ride of your choice on our "Propose a Ride" page. Or if you have a favorite ride route but are not quite willing to lead you can also enter it on the "Propose a Ride" page and indicate that you would like someone else to lead.

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 4/9, to all who have RSVP'd. Always dress appropriately for your comfort.

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 only one moderate hill, the Reserve St overpass. 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 4/9/2024
• Date: April 9, 2024
• Start time: 1:30 PM
• Gathering place: Silver Park 
• Distance in miles: 11 - 18
• Pace:  Slow to Moderate 9 - 12 MPH on the flats
• Planned stops: Rest stop at the Fort.
• 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 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.
• 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.

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.