By BEN WEISS
This weekend marks the intersection of two of my favorite things – bikes and music. The Missoula Symphony Association is hosting their 2nd Annual Cycle for the Symphony (C4S) charity ride on Saturday, August 20, and the route is spectacular.
The Flint Creek Ramble, as it is being dubbed, goes from Philipsburg north to Drummond, east to Deer Lodge, south to Anaconda, and back to Philipsburg by way of Georgetown Lake. The route follows the Pintler Scenic Loop, spends less than 10 miles on I-90, and begins and ends in my favorite small town. There are shorter options for people who think riding a bike 120 miles in a day is nuts, and support vehicles and rest stops for all. The best part is, the ride is a fundraiser for the symphony. Conductor Darko Butorac is leading the ride (or at least riding in it).
Conductor Darko Buorac is getting ready for the long ride on Saturday.
I am a little late providing notice about C4S, but registration is still open. If you would like to ride, meet at Winninghoff Park early Saturday morning – between 6:30am and 8am. If you cannot ride but still want to support the symphony and the riders, you can make donations to Missoula Symphony Association C4S PO Box 8301 Missoula, MT 59807. Or, you can show your support at the finish line in P-Burg. The celebration BBQ starts at 4:30 and features hot food and cold beer – just what those cyclists will need after a 120 mile day. More information about the 2nd Annual C4S can be found here.
If you are a mountain biker looking for a charity ride, the 1st ever Bike The Bowl is taking place on September 11 and is a fundraiser for Missoula Medical Aid. Sure to be a good time, this ride takes you up Bear Grass Trail, past Paradise, West Ridge to the top of the Grizzly Chair, then Point Six Road to the Radar Station, and all the way back down. Information about registration for Bike The Bowl can be found here.
The days seem to be getting a little shorter, but the weather is perfect for riding, mornings, afternoons, evenings. These are just two of the upcoming opportunities to just get on your bike and ride. As always, be safe out there.
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Like this blog on biking? Chances are you’ll also like: “Sharrow the Road”: Missoula’s New Biking Road Symbols and Missoula Festival Celebrates Biking & Walking with Movies & Beer. And Check out our Mountain Biking Trail Guide.
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Ben Weiss has been biking around Missoula for the last decade, on his way to and from work, school, volunteer engagements, board meetings, pot lucks, concerts, and the bars. Previously serving as a Bicycling Ambassador for the City and as a current employee of Missoula In Motion, Ben has spent hundreds of hours talking with Missoulians about how and where they ride their bikes.