Event Description

TOSRV West is a challenging and fun bicycle tour through the scenic splendor of western Montana. Missoulians On Bicycles (MOBI) provides food stops, baggage shuttle and camping arrangements so that you can concentrate on enjoying the ride. 

Event details and schedule

TOSRV West 2017

Early Bird Sign-up open through March 24th!

Saturday, June 3 (126 miles). Your ride will begin in Missoula with a mass start at 7:00 a.m. from Miller Hall at The University of Montana campus. From there you will cycle through western Montana's spectacular river valleys. Starting along the banks of the Clark Fork River, you'll ride east from the mouth of the wild and scenic Blackfoot River. Cycling on paved roads through grassy ranch land, you'll come to a hearty pancake breakfast in Potomac. After a brief climb and a long winding downhill you'll turn north into the Clearwater River Valley. On your right will be the majestic snow-covered peaks of the Swan Mountain Range, the Continental Divide and Bob Marshall Wilderness. To your left will be the rugged eastern flanks of the Mission Mountain Range, another wilderness area. You'll ride through chains of glacial lakes and remote communities. Soup, salads and sandwiches will be provided in Seeley Lake.

Continuing on to Summit Lake, you'll enter the Swan River Valley and ride to Condon for snacks. A quick stop in Swan Lake will provide the energy for the final push into our overnight destination at Bigfork. After a catered hot dinner, you'll enjoy the camaraderie of fellow cyclists as awards and door-prizes are presented. Explore downtown Bigfork's Electric Avenue shops a few blocks away. Hot showers and indoor or outdoor camping are available at the school. If you prefer motel accommodations, check with the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce at www.bigfork.org.

Available again for 2017: A bus shuttle will run from Bigfork to Missoula on Saturday, June 3rd. The bus will leave Bigfork at 7:30PM and arrive at the University of Montana campus at approximately 10:00PM, following the Highway 93 return route. The bus shuttle provides a one-day ride option for those with time constraints or competing obligations and will haul bikes and luggage as well. In addition to transporting those with reservations, seats may be available for riders with mechanical/physical challenges on Saturday evening on a first-come, first served basis. The shuttle will run only if we have a minimum of 10 riders signed up in advance & limited to 15 total. Cost for the shuttle is $30.00, payable in advance on your TOSRV registration form.

Sunday, June 4 (100 miles). After a hearty breakfast, the route turns south through the Flathead Valley and you'll enjoy a quiet early morning ride along the shores of Flathead Lake bordered by beautiful cherry orchards and glorious vistas of the western flanks of the Mission Mountains, a centerpiece of the TOSRV West loop. After a substantial and nutritious lunch in Ronan you'll continue south past Ninepipes Wildlife Refuge and the National Bison Range to the town of Arlee where homemade pies will highlight this snack stop. You'll cycle through historic towns on the Flathead Indian Reservation to the top of Evaro Pass and then down to Missoula completing your second century. Your gear, more carbs and hearty,well-deserved congratulations for a successful TOSRV West await you back on U of M campus.

BAGGAGE SHUTTLE from the University to Bigfork, and return, is provided. TOSRV West riders are limited to one bag. Tents and sleeping bags should be inside or firmly attached to baggage.

BE IN SHAPE. All participants should be certain they are capable of riding the full distance. You should cycle 500 to 700 miles with at least one 75-mile and one 100-mile ride in the two months prior to TOSRV West. MOBI organizes a number of preparation rides to help you get ready. Check here for a list of rides

Your bicycle should also be in good repair. Carry bike tools, a spare tube and a tire pump. Be ready for the road. Limited mechanical support will be provided by area bike shop mechanics. All riders are required to wear a Snell or ASTM-approved helmet. Personal support vehicles or sag wagons along the route are strongly discouraged. Personal vehicles making frequent stops expose all riders to the dangers of increased traffic.

Average weather conditions for western Montana in May/June: 70 high, 40 low, 20% probability of rain. Over the years we have experienced a full range of weather conditions and extremes, from snow and rain to powerful winds and heat. Come prepared.

Lodging. Economical and convenient overnight facilities will be available at University of Montana's Miller Hall. For Miller Hall accommodation details, including rates, reservation instructions, and other important information,Click Here. There are also many motels in downtown Missoula near the University Campus. Contact the Missoula Chamber of Commerce, www.missoulachamber.com, or (406) 543-6623, for a listing. For motel accommodations in Bigfork check with the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce, www.bigfork.org, or (406) 837-5888.

Fee. The fee for TOSRV West 2016 is $110. You must be a MOBI member to participate in TOSRV West -2017 MOBI membership. MOBI membership is $20 per individual, $25 a household, or $15 for students per year. The membership year runs from January through December.

Your entry fee includes great meals and snacks on both Saturday and Sunday. Times of food service, locations and distances will be shown on your TOSRV West Map, found in the packet you will receive at Check-in. Check-in, at Miller Hall on The U of M campus, will be Friday evening, June 2, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., or Saturday morning, June 3, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.