The Montana Hell Ride is April 30th in Missoula, MT. There is a 52 and 85 mile option. It’s a Grand Fondo style mass start timed event with mixed surfaces. 50 miles of pavement and 35 miles of twisty dirt road. We are excited to host the event and wanted to provide answers to some common questions we are hearing. You can register here.
Do I need a USA Cycling License?
The Hell Ride is permitted and insured through USA Cycling’s Grand Fondo Permit. A license is not required. That question is on the online registration so that we can speed up the process post event of uploading your name and information to USA Cycling. If you have an old license number then we can pull that information into the post event report for USA Cycling. Everyone will need to sign a waiver on site at race check in.
What bike should I ride?
The beauty of mass start events is that you can really ride anything. Here’s my advice; if you want to be in the top 30 finishers I’d ride a road bike or race cyclocross bike. The first 50 miles of pavement will be much easier in a group with a road bike. While the last 35 miles are dirt, it’s possible with sturdy tires and wheels and conservative riding to finish the event. On the flip side if you are going for a finish I would ride a cross bike. It will ensure less mechanical headaches. While it may be slower then a road bike, sometimes slow and steady means care free and fun. What to ride has a lot to do with what you are comfortable riding in certain situations. If all your gravel grinding is on a cyclocross bike then I would ride that same bike for the Hell Ride. If you frequently push the limits of your riding with a road bike and you’ve finished events like Speed Wagon Classic or Crushar Tushar on a road bike then I would consider that.
What tires should I run?
At least a 25mm no matter what bike you ride. Tubeless or tubular would be nice to avoid pinch flats. For road bikes, I advise running the most durable and widest tire you can fit. Think of a heavy duty touring tire. For cross bikes I would do a 30-34mm tire with a smooth surface.
Why is it in April?
In Montana the most popular time to ride the road bike is in March and April. The Grizzly Triathlon and Rocky Mountain Roubaix have always been popular early spring events in Missoula. People historically are training for those. We decided to add another event to this period of time. It’s before mountain bike season has really began. We also hope some folks use the Hell Ride as a kick off to future longer charity rides like RATPOD, TOSRV, and Ovando Grand Fondo.
Why did you change the route?
Chad and Red Barn Bicycles are awesome. The route was epic. We decided to move the event to Missoula for a variety of reasons. First, our main ridership lives in Missoula. This will make the Hell Ride a day event for people and also allow for familiarity with the route. Second, is the ease of logistics. We can get more familiar with course, make sure it’s safe and properly marked. The route is a famous one for The Cycling House Staff and it’s a ride we do every Spring anyways.
What should I bring?
There will be roaming vehicles but no wheels cars. They are there for your safety and as a sweep wagon for anyone who is done riding. That said you need to bring a flat repair kit, and two tubes. Nutrition wise we will have a fully stocked aid station at mile 30 and 50. Riding gels, snacks, fruit, electrolyte drink, water, and candy!
What will the group dynamics be?
The ride starts out flat for a long ways on Mullan Road, so I’d expect a peleton of 50 people to be sticking together, rotating double file for the first part. There is no pressure to stay with the group, folks can ride at whatever pace they want. This is about finishing. Starting Petty Creek Road I’d expect 20-30 people to be in the front group and then after that groups of 2-10 behind. Heading in the dirt section, I think it will be small groups spread out. There will be someone to ride with at every ability level.
Email or call with specific questions.
-Shaun
406-219-1318, shaun@thecyclinghouse.com