Fifty Plus (50+) - Hello all, Montana is Gods country

I truned 50 last Oct I have just started riding a bike. Trying to get in shape so I can watch my son grow up. He is 7 I have set a goal to ride 2500 miles this year. That is a lot for me I am really out of shape. The weather here is not cooperating right now. We are having great weather this weekend. so wish me luck and off I go

I truned 50 last Oct I have just started riding a bike. Trying to get in shape so I can watch my son grow up. He is 7 I have set a goal to ride 2500 miles this year. That is a lot for me I am really out of shape. The weather here is not cooperating right now. We are having great weather this weekend. so wish me luck and off I go

What makes for great weather in Montana? I gather the Garden of Eden was warm enough to walk around in the buff so that would be one indication of what "God's" country should be like. :innocent:

:thumb:

Welcome. 2500 is a lofty goal for your "re-entry". Keep us posted and add your 4 cents (inflation) worth now and then.

Welcome Mt, I have been to Montana in the summer and it fit my definition of Gods Country. I'm not sure about this time of year. So, what kind of bike are you riding, where are you going to ride, etc.?

I've ridden in Montana, and esp. liked the Bear Tooth Highway out of Red Lodge, MT. It's a great climb, and even though it was 80 deg.F in Red Lodge, it was 37 deg.F when we finally made it to the top of the Pass.

There is one "false summit" so don't give up when the road heads down for the first time. Lovely ride, inspirational views . . . don't miss it!

Rick / OCRR

I've ridden in Montana, and esp. liked the Bear Tooth Highway out of Red Lodge, MT. It's a great climb, and even though it was 80 deg.F in Red Lodge, it was 37 deg.F when we finally made it to the top of the Pass.

There is one "false summit" so don't give up when the road heads down for the first time. Lovely ride, inspirational views . . . don't miss it!

Rick / OCRR

Yow... that would be some ride... we were through there some years ago driving and my wifey refuses to go that way to Yellowstone again. She is afraid of heights and gets carsick. Other areas in MT can be nice too.

MT - Here's a little advice. Listen to what Rick says, and marvel at what he does, but don't think it applies to you. He rides a billion miles a year, with 1000 feet/mile of climbing. I know it doesn't apply to me.

I have friend who is originally from Bozeman, (or thereabouts. He father owned a really big ranch). She rides her hybrid on the canal path whenever she feels guilty about not riding her bike.

A few weeks back, I mentioned that I planned to tour Montana and Alberta, probably in the summer of 2010. She issued a sharp rebuke for my failure to invite her along as guide. She's now looking at touring bikes, so maybe she's serious. Maybe I'll have a guided tour of Montana in a year.

You do know that in Bozeman you have two of the most highly respected custom frame builders in the business, don't you? I have a hankerin' for a handbuilt, made-to-measure frame so I'll be visiting both Carl Strong (http://strongframes.com/) and Dave Kirk (http://kirkframeworks.com/).

Oh, almost forgot. Welcome!

I've been told that Montana is considered God's country because only He/She would live there.

I just got a new bike it is a scattante T-560 with shim 105 componets I Bill ride the bike trails here in Billings then I will extend my range as I get to know my ride a little better. In april I plan to do the Bike portion of the peak to prairie triathalon that in 42 miles all on a down hill slope. lots of fun

MT - Here's a little advice. Listen to what Rick says, and marvel at what he does, but don't think it applies to you. He rides a billion miles a year, with 1000 feet/mile of climbing. I know it doesn't apply to me.

Thanks Kerlenbach,

But I'm no super-rider, and anything I can ride you probably can too. I only ride between 6,000 and 7,000miles a year (a whole lot less than a billion!) I'm not athletic at all, I don't race (too slow) and I have a triple crank on my bike (the obvious visual clue that I'm nothing special, talent wise).

My problem is that I'm not afraid to attempt these really difficult rides, and once I'm in way over my head, I try to ride my way out. Usually, it works out okay! Sure, there are challenges, but those are what make for great stories later on. And sometimes I fail (Mulholland Double '08 comes to mind!).

Or . . . maybe you meant a different Rick. If so . . . nevermind the above!

Rick / OCRR

I've been told that Montana is considered God's country because only He/She would live there.I always heard it was because nobody else wanted it.;)

I rode to Glacier N. P. on the Northern Tier last summer. It was awesome. I'm planning on heading up there again this summer to ride the Lewis and Clark from Portland to Great Falls. Montana is one of the most beautiful states in the country, with some of the most diverse scenery.

Boo-yeah!

I did Montana 2 years ago. I did the Going to Sun Road (from the South ? side) and then toured around Montana - can't tell you where (we started in Whitefish). I was with a group. My one real disappointment was the heat. It never got down below 105 the whole week I was there. It made for some not so fun looooooong days. The other thing I didn't expect, but should of, was all the road kill. I remember one long climb where I started counting the body parts... :(

It is beautiful country. Lots of water. The people were... interesting... not certain if I would go again, but glad I did.

...Montana is one of the most beautiful states in the country, with some of the most diverse scenery.



That is actually how I would describe Utah/Idaho - my favorite places to ride.

Anybody recognize my avatar? :)

Anybody recognize my avatar? :)

definitely (ok well I think) GTTS Rd. I have a photo that looks just like that!

definitely (ok well I think) GTTS Rd. I have a photo that looks just like that!

You're not saying it was 105 around Glacier are you?

You're not saying it was 105 around Glacier are you?

Not towards the top of Glacier, there was ice and snow up there but in the valley when we started it was about 70 (this was 6 am) and about 109 in the valley on the other side (towards Whitefish). Too bad we just didn't stick around Glacier the whole week (like I wanted :mad:). I didn't mind hanging in the snow! When I get home I'll have to post photos... see if I can find the one that looks like your avatar!

Yes, you're right. Montana is the perfect place for cycling. Central Oregon, on the other hand, absolutely sucks. I'm almost embarrassed to admit I live here. Really. Honest! ;)

SP
Bend, OR

I have been over the (GTTS) Going to the sun road in a pickup. Wow I would have a stroke I'm just trying to get back in shape. I am beyond out of shape I am about 60 lbs over weight. so it is going to be a slow process getting back in shape I am sure going to give it a good try. I roade about 10 miles this afternoon the weather was great today. If I can get good and fit. I will try beartooth pass in September. just before they close it for the winter. I will keep you all updated with my progress

Yes, you're right. Montana is the perfect place for cycling. Central Oregon, on the other hand, absolutely sucks. I'm almost embarrassed to admit I live here. Really. Honest! ;)

SP
Bend, OR



Your idea of perfect is different than some of us. I looked up the weather predictions for Billings and the 23-24-25-26 of this month would be a hot cocoa day for me. 23=30/13, 24= 15/9, 25=20/2, 26=25/17.

My freezer doesn't get down to 2 degrees. :lol:

We will be driving through Montana this summer but I don't plan or driving up that way till after March. I will take one of my bikes however.

Hey there MTtraveler,

I live in Bozeman, travel all of Montana frequently. Perhaps we can ride sometime when I am over in Billings and have my bike. For a really fun ride ( doable even for us out of shapers is every year for about a month before they let cars into Yellowstone the park clears of road and allows cycling on the roads. This happens in early April, the Bozeman bike club usually does about a 60 mile ride then, I am pretty sure the Billings club does a ride then also.

That sounds like a lot of fun I am going to look into the Billings club doing the ride. What a great way to see the park.

Welcome to the 50+ forum and here's wishing you luck on reaching your admirable goals. I had a friend who was a hunting tour guide in Montana for about a decade. He moved to Alaska, because he thought it was too crowded in Montana.

Well, I went to a conference in Billings about 30 years ago, and we stayed in Gardiner a couple of years ago.

That's about my knowledge of MT, but welcome anyway. Hey, I didn't start "getting in bicycle shape" until I was 58, 11 years ago.

You started too early. You'll have to wait awhile.

Welcome, anyway!

What kind of pie do you like?

Have you received the official dues notice for the 50+ forum?

Thanks for the encouragment I will need all the help that I can get.
I like any kind of berry pie

Thanks for the encouragment I will need all the help that I can get.
I like any kind of berry pie


You are already a first class member, as folks who like blueberry pie stand head and shoulders above the rest of the 50+ folks.

Blueberry is the OFFICIAL 50+ pie - just ask me!

Err, about the dues???

Do you need my home address?

Can I run a tab.

You are already a first class member, as folks who like blueberry pie stand head and shoulders above the rest of the 50+ folks.

Blueberry is the OFFICIAL 50+ pie - just ask me!

Err, about the dues???

Do you need my home address?

I don't remember Blueberry being the number one pie chosen in the survey. Did you mess with the numbers? :eek:

I don't remember Blueberry being the number one pie chosen in the survey. Did you mess with the numbers? :eek:

No, I invented the annual 50+ Blueberry Pie Ride.:)

No, I invented the annual 50+ Blueberry Pie Ride.:)

on which occasion last year I enjoyed a very nice cherry pie.:p

on which occasion last year I enjoyed a very nice cherry pie.:p

A blueberry by any other name is still a blueberry!