Post event report:

On a mostly cloudy day with moderate wind from the WSW, 10 riders gathered at Silver Park for a 13 mile ride around the standard Fort Loop as we like to call it. We did discover early in the ride that 2 of our riders were much more comfortable at a slower pace that the rest of the group. It was decided that since they knew the route and this was the first major ride for them that they would travel at their own pace and turn back when it became necessary.

The remaining 8 riders continued to the Bella Vista pavilion at Fort Missoula Regional Park for a short break. After the break and some getting to know one another they continued around the park, crossing South Ave at 36 Street heading for North Ave and eventually the trail on Clements Rd. Arriving at Spurgin Rd. we took a side trip out to Kelly Island for another short stop checking out the level of the river and and critically watching the fly fisherman out in the river. Returning to the Clements Rd. trail, we continued on Clements to 7th St. then Preston, 3rd St. and Short Street. Short St. takes us to Juneau Ct. and a short single track connecting to Quinn Ct., this allows us to get off of 3rd Street further away from Reserve. Quinn Ct. then gets us to Grove St. and the Milwaukee Trail to return us to Silver Park.

Our overall average speed was 8.9 mi/h. with an elevation gain of 117 ft.

During the stop at Kelly Island there was need for some mechanical adjustments and the problem was finding the right tool, between all of the riders, that would solve the problem. One reason to ride in a group.

Pre-ride information:

Given the current long range weather forecast, Tuesday 4/25 looks to be a good day for a ride with minimal likelihood of rain and moderate wind. Any cancellation/postponement will be posted here and a cancellation email will be sent out to all who have RSVP'd not later than 11:00 AM the day of the ride.

We will decide on a route as we gather. 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. 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. 

While this ride is targeted towards UM Retirees, it is open to all MBC members. 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).

• Ride name:  MBC UM Retirees Ride 4/25/2023
• Date: April 25, 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: Short stop at Bella Vista Pavilion in Fort Missoula
• Leader: name - leader contact information will be provided in the autoresponse email you will receive after you RSVP below.