Who we are
We are a group made up of all types and skill levels of riders who are passionate about cycling in the Bitterroot Valley. Although we only formally organized in 2012 the Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists has been an unofficial group for years cutting out trees and keeping trails open and accessible for all users. We finally organized once we realized a need for an organized mountain bike voice. This has helped improve communication with government agencies and other user groups and has improved riding opportunities while minimizing conflict with other trail users.
In the past the Forest Service had numerous trail crews keeping the hundreds of miles of trails in the Bitterroot open and accessible. Budgetary constraints have significantly reduced the size of the crews and the Forest Service now relies on volunteer groups such as ours to keep trails free of fallen logs and encroaching vegetation. Over the last several years we have annually kept nearly 100 miles of trails open for all users, including bikers, hikers, and horses. We have collaborated with the Backcountry Horsemen to improve creek crossings at Coyote Coulee, helped Como Trails add a new section of trail for cross country skiing in the winter, and partnered with the Forest Service to build a new 1.5 mile section of multi-use trail last year at Lake Como. In 2020 we were able to secure some grant funding through a state funded RTP (Recreation Trails Program) grant to expand the trail network on the south side of the Lake Como National Recreation Area and plan in 2022 to complete the proposed project. This will create a plethora of riding options for multiple skill levels within the Lake Como drainage.
If you love riding trails around the valley join us using this link or use this link for renewals. Your member dues to IMBA will go directly back to our group and help fund trail projects around the valley. Want to see something happen for bikes in the valley ? Send your e-mail ideas to bitterrootbackcountrycyclist@gmail.com
In the past the Forest Service had numerous trail crews keeping the hundreds of miles of trails in the Bitterroot open and accessible. Budgetary constraints have significantly reduced the size of the crews and the Forest Service now relies on volunteer groups such as ours to keep trails free of fallen logs and encroaching vegetation. Over the last several years we have annually kept nearly 100 miles of trails open for all users, including bikers, hikers, and horses. We have collaborated with the Backcountry Horsemen to improve creek crossings at Coyote Coulee, helped Como Trails add a new section of trail for cross country skiing in the winter, and partnered with the Forest Service to build a new 1.5 mile section of multi-use trail last year at Lake Como. In 2020 we were able to secure some grant funding through a state funded RTP (Recreation Trails Program) grant to expand the trail network on the south side of the Lake Como National Recreation Area and plan in 2022 to complete the proposed project. This will create a plethora of riding options for multiple skill levels within the Lake Como drainage.
If you love riding trails around the valley join us using this link or use this link for renewals. Your member dues to IMBA will go directly back to our group and help fund trail projects around the valley. Want to see something happen for bikes in the valley ? Send your e-mail ideas to bitterrootbackcountrycyclist@gmail.com
Group RidesA few group ride options options exist in the valley: a Wednesday night ride, a Thursday night more casual paced ride, and a Thursday night women's only ride. There are also more loosely organized, longer epic rides on the weekends.
We also have group fat bike rides in the winter after there is snow cover around the valley. If you'd like to join us on one of these rides either: send us an email, message our facebook page, or stop in at Red Barn Bicycles to get added to the email list. |
Trail buildingNo dig, no ride! We are excited to start a new phase in the group and build new singletrack in the valley. Our main focus at the moment is building trails on the south side of Lake Como. Check out our calendar for information on trail work days.
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Trail maintenancePart of living in this beautiful state is being a steward to our public lands. For us this means clearing and maintaining sections of trail in the valley. If you love being in the woods, bucking logs, and smelling like fresh cut pine come join us on trail clearing days. You'll never look at trails the same again after joining us on a trail clearing expedition. Check out the calendar link for trail maintenance days.
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