We love our Montana Gravel—Summer Camp trip so much that we thought there was no better way to share the experience than to hear from one of our guides. Today, we are checking in with TCH guide, Linsey Corbin (@linseycorbin) to hear about her summer experience guiding this awesome trip. Take it away, Linsey!
What’s new on the Montana Summer Camp?
We’ve realized that sleep is essential, so we chose to partner with Big Agnes as our sleep partner for Montana Summer Camps. The cabins are rustic, but we don’t want that to prevent you from sleeping well. New for 2024, we have Big Agnes Captain Comfort deluxe sleeping pads to enhance a good night’s sleep. That’s right, 5″ of comfort to supplement the current mattresses in each cabin. Additionally, we have Big Agnes sleeping bags, sheets, and regular-sized pillows. Our staff have already been putting the pads to use on our Montana trips and are sleeping like Grizzly Bears during hibernation.
“I recently retired from 17 years of racing as a professional triathlete and coined last year my year of “YES” where I allowed myself to say yes to as many opportunities as possible. When The Cycling House crew asked me to guide a Montana Gravel trip outside of Missoula, I immediately said YES, even though I knew very little about what the week would entail.
Fast-forward to a classic summer week in July, where I was treated to a memorable week in the Montana wilderness, feeling wild and free. I was here to do a job, but it felt like a week of play. Yes, we were riding bikes all day on epic gravel roads, but more importantly, something magical happened during that week I spent in the woods.
New friends quickly became old friends – sharing laughter around the lodge dinner tables, quietly encouraging each other during challenging parts of the rides, and bonding over ridiculous post-ride activities, such as navigating canoes through the waters of Seeley Lake.
I was quickly reminded of how freaking beautiful a place to explore by bike Montana is. Not only did I get to ride Swan Crest & Great Divide Trail for the first time, but I also got to ride single-track through fields of wildflowers and my favorite – the climbs! Morel and Shanley Creek were the highlights, with views as far as the eyes could see. We bombed down hills towards camp, knowing excellent meals (yeah, Chefs Chloe, Elliote & Audrey!) and relaxing views awaited.
I helped lead a ridiculously fun relay race, danced under the stars with friends who now felt like family, and stopped to smell the wildflowers mid-ride. My legs burned (in a good way!), and I thrived on encouraging others. The day I got to drive support, I made Rice Krispie treats and blared 80s tunes. I slept under the stars. I saw the Northern lights. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face all week. This week of YES was just what I needed.
I feel incredibly fortunate when I get the call up to guide for The Cycling House; from my point of view, it’s just as enriching an experience as a guide as a guest. I am eagerly counting the days until my return to Camp Paxson this summer.” – Linsey Corbin
View the trip details here!
Do you want to make your own Montana memories? Join us this summer! We have dates in July and August. At its entry-level pricing, this tour provides the full TCH experience at a great price. It is great for friends, families, and solo riders.
