If you’ve spent any time with me on one of our camps over the past few years you probably know that one of my favorite bike trips that we run is the Tour de Montana. Not only does it start and finish in my hometown – Missoula, MT – but it also goes through parts of what I consider to be the epitome of Montana. This is a big state with so much diversity so one area can’t paint the entire picture of what this place has to offer but the Tour de Montana does encapsulate – in a beautiful way – the Southwestern part of the Treasure State.
Below are a few of my favorite pictures of the 2016 Tour de Montana.
Riding through the Big Hole Valley in Southwest Montana is one of my favorite days on the Tour de Montana.
Riding along the Big Hole River in Montana. This was a 77 mile day on the bike with about 3800′ of climbing.
All smiles from the ladies at the Tour de Montana.
Support at the Tour de Montana
Support on the road was the name at all of our trips and it was no different at this years Montana trip. The first half of the tour was hot so we made sure there was lots of ice water and good fuel available en route throughout each stage. We had designated aid stations, lunch stops and multiple support cars leapfrogging our riders. Even on the most challenging days logistically, it was fun for our crew to figure out how to give over-the-top support on every day.Catching a break at the Lunch stop. This one happens to double as horse property.
This was a common sight after almost every stage of the Tour de Montana. The cold creek water and Big Sky Brewing beer was a welcomed reprieve after a big ride.
I was responsible for making sure all of our guests (and staff) were well caffeinated every morning. Being on coffee duty was fun because I was able to catch up with everybody before the day got underway. We were supplied with fresh beans by our friends at 10 Speed Coffee and the pastries were baked fresh in Missoula at Le Petite Outre. This is one of the few camping trips we do every year. In contrast to our home based camps in Tucson and Solvang or European villas in Mallorca, tent camping is a neat way to travel by bike.
Food on the Tour de Montana
Food is a highlight and central part of every day at our Montana tours. Even though we’re riding point to point through a very rural area doesn’t mean we can’t eat great food! Chef Drew and Hannah cooked up delicious meals everyday. We sourced much of our food locally and regionally which allowed us to get the freshest and most nutrient dense food possible.
This was neat! Bjorn of Big Sky Brewing Company met us part way through our trip to do an impromptu beer tasting with some of their small batch beers. These were some of the folks I got to work with on the tour. Amazing group of guides, mechanics, tent builders and chefs!
