What impact does the existence of the Bitterroot Trail have on the communities in the Bitterroot Valley?

• Who uses this paved trail between Missoula and Hamilton?
• What do they do besides travel along the paved trail?
• What amenities do they appreciate along the way?

These and other questions will be discussed and answered during a day of bicycling adventure starting in Hamilton at the Annual McIntosh Apple Day, continuing through Victor, and ending in Stevensville at the 2019 Scarecrow Festival and Brewfest. There will be brief presentations to begin answering the questions above, time for you to ask more questions and discuss solutions with local public administrators, BTPA board members, and other interested individuals.

If you would like to participate in the discussions but have issues biking the distances, feel free to join us at the indicated gathering locations in Hamilton, Victor, and Stevensville.

Who should attend?

This event is open to anyone with an interest in; outdoor recreation, enhancing the appeal of the Bitterroot Valley, enhancing community involvement, or securing ongoing maintenance and extension of the Bitterroot Trail. You are also welcome to participate if you are interested in more information about the trail and the impact of tourists using these facilities in Western Montana.

Schedule of events:

• 9:00 am - McIntosh Apple Day begins in Hamilton at the Ravalli County Museum
  • Enjoy an apple fritter or other tasty apple treat for breakfast - available for purchase
• 10:30 am - Gather at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds Gazebo for introductory remarks and discussion.
  • Restrooms available
• 11:00 am - Leave the Fairgrounds to bike to Victor Park - 11.5 miles
  • Restrooms available in Victor Park
  • Time for discussions with local Victor representatives
  • Snack or light lunch  - available for purchase
    • Hamburgers available at Senior Class Burger Booth at the football field (2 blocks south and west)
    • Caribbean Lunch and drink for under $10.00 at the Victor Park shelter
• 1:30 pm - Leave Victor Park to bike to Stevensville Veterans' Memorial Park - 9.4 miles
  • Possible side trip to Fort Owens State Park
  • Meet in the Veterans' Memorial Park for final presentation and wrap-up discussion
• 3:00 pm - Free time to enjoy the Scarecrow Festival and Brewfest in downtown Stevensville
• 4:00 pm - Optional return to Hamilton or continue on your own to enjoy Stevensville
  • Group ride option
  • Ride share option - please respond to survey questions on the next page

What will it cost?

There is no cost to participate in the presentations or ride. We ask that you sign-up to participate in the group ride. Snacks, lunch, and beverages will be available for purchase at the various venues.

Donations and memberships will be accepted by the Bitterroot Trail Preservation Alliance, a nonprofit organization established to promote and maintain public multi-use non-motorized trails in the Bitterroot Valley. Visit our membership page to join now or consider joining during or after the ride on October 5.