Events
Place
Missoula, MT US 59801
Schedule
Day Before:
Number pick up from MTCX 517 S Orange St, 9am-5:30pm
Race Day:
7:00 AM-- Packet Pick & On-Site Registration, GRIST treats and Black Coffee
8:00 AM-- Mass start elite and recreation divisions
12:00 PM-- Post Ride BBQ & Podium
2:00pm - Estimated Podium time
Description
What's Included:
- Mountain Socks
- Post race meal
- Vehicle Support
- Fully stocked aid stations
- Elite division - top 3 age group medals, 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79
- One KOM's/QOM's per event - Strava Based - top 3 male and top 3 female
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.
Our first of the two rides, 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.
The second ride, August, 19, 2023, takes you on a classic. We call is MslaSeelyMsla. It's actually Gold Creek proper to Seeley Lake and then back. No vehicles, just you and the woods. It's been one of the more popular gravel routes to ride and we are proud to bring this new route to the event format.
We have two categories for these rides, to offer something for every gravel adventurer out there. Our Elite category is for those looking for all-out effort and pace-- pro's and local racers who want to give it their all and see where they stand. Recreation is for those who want to ride for the experience of a supported gravel ride on beautiful roads in Montana. Recreation is more of a fun ride with friends.
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
7/1 - Garden City Gravel - Westside 9 Mile - INTERACTIVE MAP LINK
8/19 - Garden City Gravel - MslaSeeleyMsla INTERACTIVE MAP
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
Prizes/Results
Series Scoring for Elite Riders Category:
We will be scoring both events for a series top-five podium. Total prize purse for top 5 Women and Men Elite racers is $1,000 cash, thanks to Big Sky Brewing. Series Payout: 1st = $300, 2nd = $200, 3rd = $150, 4th = $100, 5th = $50
Stage Scoring: 1st = 20, 2nd = 18, 3rd = 16, 4th = 14, 5th, 12, 6th = 10, 7th = 8, 8th = 6, 9th = 4, 10th = 2, all finishing participants get 1 point.
Tie breaker is who finished higher at the 8/19 MslaSeeleyMsla event
All riders will also be included in an individual list of results for each stage.
Podiums and prizes for top 5 women and men post-race. Age group categories for individual elite events, top 3.
18 and under
19-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
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
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
COURSE PHOTOS
GCGS Training Series
Montana Gravel Training Series
Six free training rides, one per month, from March through August, presented by MTCX. Each ride is a different, iconic Montana route. These will be no-drop rides, with a lead and sweep to keep everyone safe and make sure the ride is enjoyed by all! This training series will have you in prime shape for the Garden City Gravel Series, and will get you out to new places, making new connections with other gravel cyclists in Western Montana. Each ride will meet in the morning, and will return late afternoon. Plan on bringing your own food and water; groups will stop at gas stations if they're available. Participate in all 6 rides and get a free entry to the Holloman Saddle Garden City Gravel Race. All routes are subject to change at leader's discretion.
Directions
Race Participant Survey
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