Biking - Part 2

The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Archive for the ‘Biking’ Category

Apr
04

Going the Distance

By RYAN NEWHOUSE. Have you ever wanted to challenge yourself on a bike? I’m not talking about skid-stopping on a “fixie,” although that is one of my lifelong goals, and I’m not talking about riding in ... more

Mar
28

Bike Panniers from Kitty Litter Buckets

By PAUL WHEATON. Watch this cool video and read the story about a couple of guys riding across America and discovering Missoula. ... more

Mar
25

Spring Has Sprung, Now Clean Up That Bike

By RYAN NEWHOUSE. We’ve officially survived a long, wet winter. Congratulations! And though we in Montana know that the weather can turn on a dime and there are no guarantees the sun will shine (this month),... more

Mar
11

City of Missoula Needs Help to Smooth Things Over

By RYAN NEWHOUSE. Missoula has experienced above-average levels of moisture this year, and for some in the city that makes things expensive. The Missoula Public Works Department is tasked with filling potholes... more

Nov
09

The Need for Tweed

11/09 Blog by Ryan Newhouse. Last Sunday, about 50+ riders donned their dandiest tweed-inspired garb and rode their bikes through the gray, wet streets of Missoula for the first annual Missoula Tweed Ride. The ... more

Oct
27

Missoula Gets Some Streetscape Love

10/26 Blog by Ryan Newhouse. On October 15, 2010 a ribbon was cut to celebrate the completion of the North Higgins Streetscape project. From Broadway north to Circle Square, the city’s street is now more frie... more

Aug
16

Run for Your Life

Missoula runners. They are everywhere. On Blue Mountain, on the river trail, downtown…usually followed by a dog that looks like he just entered canine nirvana. What are they doing? Why do they run? �... more

May
17

Cycling City

If you spend any time in Missoula, you'll notice lots of bikes on road. Cycling is a way of life for many residents of the city. Missoula’s biking heritage can be traced back to 1976 when a group of 4 Ohio... more

Jul
09

Missoula in Motion

Missoulians embrace green living and you'll find sustainable transportation options readily available in the city. Missoula in Motion aims to promote the city’s popular sustainable transportation system and i... more