Events
Schedule
Day Before:
Unofficial camp out at Gold Creek in the woods of Missoula. Number pick up at MTCX 517 S. Orange St, 9-5pm
Ride Day:
7:00 AM-- Packet Pick & On-Site Registration, GRIST treats and Black Coffee
7:45 AM - Pre Ride Chat
8:00 AM - D Group start - Leader = Andrew Plant/Emily Plant
8:15 AM - C Group start - Leader = Jim Sevaly/Shannon Miller
8:30 AM - B Group start = Leader = Tyler Hoecker/Josh Tack
8:45 AM - A Group start = Leader = Dan Mazza/Toby Meierbachtol
Description
UPDATE 8/18 - Garden City Gravel has been cancelled for 8/19.
In Montana, we're lucky to have thousands of miles of gravel roads, winding through forests, around lakes, and up mountains. In fact, 76% of roads in the state are unpaved, which means, when in Montana, you ride gravel. This inaugural series takes riders on two off-the-beaten-path roads, over passes, through elk and moose habitat, in forests laden with huckleberries and the kind of gravel you dream about-- not too smooth, to make it road-like, not too rocky, to make it more apt for mountain bikes, but just the right mixture of dirt, rock, and adventure.
July 1, 2023, takes riders up scenic 9 Mile Road in Huson, past fields with wide views of the surrounding mountains. This part of the road is a familiar ride to locals, but returning on West 9 Mile Road is a new experience for out-of-towners and locals alike. 52.2 miles with a 4 mile un timed section back to the parking lot.
Missoula is a really special place. With a population under 100k, we live and recreate in the land of wolverines, bears, wolves, and moose. In the winter, we often have elk, moose, and mountain lions traveling within city limits. In the summer, we are one of the most popular destinations for fishing, backpacking, and all-around adventuring. MTCX lives for adventuring, specifically by skis and by bikes. Our trail systems and roads offer countless adventures, and after each we come back to the welcoming community of Missoula to enjoy great food, drinks, and music, most likely with a "hello" with the establishment's owners who also partake in adventuring of some kind. We pride ourselves in being a welcoming and inclusive community, two of the values we hold close to our heart at MTCX. If you're a Missoulian, you know what we're talking about, and if you're not, we would love for you to visit and experience it for yourselves.
Courses
COURSE PHOTOS
Missoula
If you're looking for a place to stay, our friends Keyvin and Jackie own the City Center Motel, the perfect place for cyclists to stay 1. because of the fabulous accommodations and 2. along with the fact that you'll likely see Keyvin at our races-- he's a wealth of knowledge about local roads and trails. City Center Motel is right in Downtown Missoula, where you'll want to be when you're not on your bike or in the mountains. Check out our "Where to Stay" tab for info on how to get discounted rates for the days of the events.
Missoula is a really special place. With a population under 100k, we live and recreate in the land of wolverines, bears, wolves, and moose. In the winter, we often have elk, moose, and mountain lions within city limits. In the summer, we are one of the most popular destinations for fishing, backpacking, and adventuring. MTCX lives for adventuring, specifically by skis and by bikes. Our trail systems and roads offer countless adventures, and after each we come back to the great community of Missoula to enjoy great food, drinks, and music, most likely with a "hello" with the establishment's owners who also partake in adventuring of some kind. If you're a Missolian, you know what we're talking about, and if you're not, we would love for you to visit and see for yourselves.
Wally & Bucks is the go-to Montana Burger stop; their burgers are made with Local Oxbow Cattle Co. beef and keep their other ingredients as local as possible. Black Coffee and Grist Milling & Bakery is our morning stop on race-day, Dram Shop is our go-to post-race hang out, and Downtown Missoula and the Hip Strip have a myriad of shops and cafes to interest all. The carousel is always fun for all ages, and watching surfers on Brennan's Wave on the Higgins Bridge is a great way to pass the time as you work on your ice cream from Big Dipper. Missoula's a great vacation spot, and an even better spot to get in some amazing miles on the bike. Welcome!
“It seems to me Montana is a great splash of grandeur. The scale is huge but not overpowering. The land is rich with grass and color, and the mountains are the kind I would create if mountains were ever put on my agenda.” – John Steinbeck
Place
Huson, MT US 59846
Where to Stay
City Center Motel, one of our beloved sponsors, has graciously blocked off rooms for Garden City Gravel Participants. If you’re looking for an indoor place to stay, the City Center Motel, the perfect place for cyclists 1. because of the fabulous accommodations and 2. along with the fact that you’ll likely see Keyvin at our races– he’s a wealth of knowledge about local roads and trails. City Center Motel is right in Downtown Missoula, where you’ll want to be when you’re not on your bike or in the mountains. You can call and ask to book one of the rooms for MTCX’s Garden City Gravel, or you can reserve online here and use the access code MTCX for one our special rate rooms.
We’ll also have rooms blocked off at the Motel 6 in Downtown Missoula, as well. Details to come.
Race Contact Info
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Directions
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