Biking the Bitterroot Trail

The Bitterroot Trail Preservation Alliance (BTPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and maintaining public multi-use non-motorized trails in the Bitterroot Valley. In partnership with the Montana Department of Transportation, Missoula Parks and Recreation, Missoula Parks and Recreation, Missoula County and Ravalli County. They work to improve and maintain the 50 mile Bitterroot Trail between Missoula and Hamilton. They are working on directional and interpretive signing and information, events, litter pickup, fund raising for restrooms and trail use monitoring.

Photo by Perry Backus

THE HIGHLIGHTS

45 mile paved trail between Missoula and Hamilton Access to five other communities along the path: Lolo, Florence, Stevensville, Victor, Corvallis Interactive trail map that details: • Primary points of interest • Signalized roadway crossings • Parking locations • Benches, tables & restroom facilities

Bicycling is the second most-popular form of recreation in the U.S., with half the population getting on a bike annually. The City of Hamilton has rolled out the welcome mat for cyclists, as the gateway to the Bitterroot Valley’s plentiful road and mountain biking opportunities. The Bitterroot is simply an outstanding place to ride. The valley’s abundance of highly scenic paved roads, with relatively low traffic volume, is almost irresistible, while a paved bike path runs the length of the valley, from Lolo to Hamilton, providing 42 miles of relatively level cruising. For mountain bikers, the Bitterroot offers a network of Forest Service roads, hundreds of miles of them, suitable for casual mountain biking; more serious bikers will find miles of challenging single-track routes, some of them easily accessible and others quite remote. In Hamilton, the city has designated well-marked bike paths and bike routes to conduct cyclists safely through town. Downtown sidewalks have ample bicycle parking, and the city is implementing a comprehensive bike/pedestrian plan. Check the city non-motorized plan on their web site at www.cityofhamilton.net Hamilton also offers two excellent bike shops, Valley Bicycles and Ski, at 219 S. 1st Street, and Red Barn Bikes, off Sleeping Child Road at 399 McCarthy Loop. Both have knowledgeable sales and service staff, and can direct cyclists to suitable rides regardless of their skill levels. Mountain bikers will find a nest of trails in the Skalkaho/Rye/ Sleeping Child area. Between Lost Trail Pass and the West Fork of the Bitterroot, lies another network of trails that offer access to remote country and challenging rides. Lake Como also offers a mix of trails and gravel roads that are scenic, and capable of challenging riders of any level. The Coyote Coulee recreation trail, located up Lost Horse canyon, is a mixed-use trail that offers hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers a great outing on mixed terrain. Several informal, weekly rides take place during the cycling season, some for experienced cyclists seeking a hard workout, others are more relaxed, “no-drop” rides, where the pace is set to accommodate the slowest in the group. Inquire at local bike shops for more information on these group rides, for both road cyclists and mountain bikers. The Bitterroot Valley is on a major, transcontinental bike route, the Transamerica, developed by the Adventure Cycling Association to help guide riders traveling cross-country. More than a thousand cycle tourists pass through the Bitterroot Valley every year on that route. Adventure Cycling and other organizations sponsor cycling tours that occasionally pass through the area, “Cycle Montana” is another organization that hosts annual rides throughout Montana. In Montana, as in most states, bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and duties as the driver of any other vehicle. Key practices for safe riding include: wearing a helmet at all times, being visible, wearing bright colors, using lights when riding in conditions of adverse visibility, riding predictably with traffic, signaling intentions, and riding respectfully and defensively. When riding with others, ride in single file and in a straight line. State law also requires cyclists to remain as far to the right as practical, unless passing another vehicle or turning left. Bicycles are required to have a white reflector on the front, red in back, and reflectors on the spokes and pedals. Bicycling plans a big role in Montana’s tranporation system. Montana was named the safest state to commute by bicycle in the United States. Casual or experienced rider, a bike commuter, a bicycle tourist - always be safe and responsible. Most Montanans are pedestraians at one time or another every day. Whether you are walking for exercise, recreation or just walking to work or to the store. Use the cross-walks and be on the lookout for bikes as well as cars. Share the road is an integral part of the MDT’s Vision Zero, moving toward zero deaths and injuries on Montanan’s roads. Pay attention - share the road, motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are all responsible for safety on Montana’s roadways. Whether driving, bicycling or walking everyone must pay attention, follow traffic signs and laws and use common courtesy, The end goal - eliminate bicycle, motor vehicle and pedestrian fatalities. To find out more about Montana and our safety rules go to www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/ bikeped/sharetheroad.shuml.