General Information:

• April 4 Saturday. 9am start From the West Entrance (West Yellowstone)

• Arrive around 3pm-4pm Mammoth Hot Springs/Gardiner 

• Ride is 5-8 hours. 50 miles

What to bring:

• Bike. Roads are plowed, but conditions still may be icy. Wider tires help when it’s snowy and icy

• Bike lights, front and back. 

• Layers of clothes. Conditions will change. 

• Gloves, hat, helmet, biking shorts

• Food 

• Back pack, or bike bags for clothes and food.

• Spare tire for unlikely flats.

• Bear spray because you never know. (we can provide)

• Water! 

What to expect:

This is a strenuous ride. Please make sure you are heart-healthy before the ride by getting a check up. My personal assessment is that if you can run a half marathon, you can complete this ride. If in doubt, please consider renting an e-bike. We do have a few riders on e-bikes. PLEASE NOTE: We encourage everyone to consider arriving a couple days early to get acclimated to the altitude. It will be noticeable. The ride starts at an elevation of 6,700 ft and will climb another 500- 1,000 ft. Fresh mountain air!

The first 15 miles are relatively flat. 

The next 15 is an uphill grind. 

The next 15 is rolling hills.

The final 5 miles are downhill. 

Temperatures could vary greatly. My experience last year was at my start it was 28 degrees and sunny. It got as warm as 35 degrees before dropping down to the low 20s with snow. It could be as low as 10 degrees and as high as 40. Snow is always very possible.

Travel Information:

Air Travel: 

Bozeman Airport (BZN) is our local airport. 

Accommodations: 

Hotels prior to ride:

We will have 5 bedrooms for anyone who wants to stay with us in Big Sky. 

Other options:

The Wilson Hotel, Big Sky (the new hotel in town center). The Gray Wolf Inn, West Yellowstone (and close to the start of the ride).

Hotels after the ride:

Due to the challenging logistics and consideration of the far travel for some, this will be a one way ride from the West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT) to the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT). We have secured rooms/condos at our favorite place in Gardiner at the Wonderland Hotel and Cafe. The rooms are 1, 2, 3 bedroom and have kitchens. There are other options in Gardiner, but we recommend the Wonderland. Please contact us for more info.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I rent a bike?

Yes! There are a couple bike shops in West Yellowstone- Freeheel and Wheel, and Yellowstone Bicycles. Also, plenty of of options in Bozeman & Big Sky.

How do I get my luggage to Gardiner?

We will have a couple volunteers helping us with shuttling luggage to the hotel in Gardiner (post race).

Can we drive through Yellowstone?

Mostly, no. The majority of the roads in the park are closed (that’s why this time is perfect for our ride!) We will have the roads to ourselves with the exceptions of a few park rangers in pickups. If you have been to Yellowstone in the summer and have seen the crowds, you will know how special this quiet ride through the park will be. The only road in the park that is open to auto travel is the road from Gardiner to Cooke City in the north.

Can you help with all of these logistics?

We would love to help organize your trip. We appreciate you joining us, and will help with anything you need. Just ask!

Can others come join us but not participate in the ride?

Of course! The more the merrier! Plus they can help with the race logistics!

Is there a fee for the ride?

No ride fees, and no park fees! We do encourage you to get donations/sponsors if possible.