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Montana is a perfect destination for cyclists, offering breathtaking views of mountains, various landscapes, and peaceful roads with minimal traffic. Specifically, the Bitterroot Valley provides a scenic path for those who enjoy road biking. While cycling through this picturesque setting, you will enjoy stunning views, quaint villages, and a feeling of peace. The Bitterroot Trail is a popular path in the valley suitable for cyclists of every skill level, from road to hybrid and mountain bikes for those who want a more daring experience.
If you are new to the exciting journey on two wheels, these cycling tips will enhance your riding experience. Learn what you need to do and not do and what’s best in tackling the challenges of Missoula elevation and Hamilton elevation on the Bitterroot Bike Trail while also highlighting the enjoyment that comes with it.
Long-Distance Cycling on The Bitterroot Bike Trail
The Bitterroot Bike Trail spans approximately 50 miles in Montana, stretching from Missoula to Hamilton. For those who don't cycle often, traveling 50 miles can seem like a challenging journey, particularly if you're not used to riding such distances. For experienced cyclists or those who like endurance or long-distance biking, 50 miles could be considered a moderate-length ride. In either case, it’s best to prepare, which involves training, ensuring proper setup, and considering practical aspects such as food, hydration, and route planning.
Pace Yourself
The first thing to remember is to pace yourself. If you don’t, you won't be able to sustain maximum effort for hours straight, and if you start with full intensity, you'll likely run out of energy way before the end.
Do not use up all your resources too quickly! Strive for a consistent flame. Your endurance pace, also called Zone 2, should feel reasonably comfortable and allow you to chat easily. You may need to exert more effort during the Missoula elevation as well as the Hamilton elevation, but you can rest and regain energy during the descent to balance it out. If you time it correctly, you can ignite your last match in the final hour and blaze the box to the end line.
Pedal Smarter, Not Harder
When you decide to go for a long ride, naturally, you will become very familiar with your bike. So, it’s crucial to work with your bike by choosing the best gear that suits your needs. It’s also smart to pedal at a faster pace in a lighter gear to reduce resistance which can lead to less muscle soreness during your ride.
A 100 km bike ride is not only a test of endurance for your legs. It can also serve as a true challenge to your mental fortitude. Riding with others is always beneficial, especially if you’re new to long-distance cycling. Do not overlook the positive impact of having a companion to share the ride with; taking turns leading can conserve energy. Traveling together is also a great form of protection in case something goes awry!
It’s Better to Prepare than to Repair
Mechanical problems, flat tires, and technical difficulties are sometimes inevitable. However, you can prevent them by regularly inspecting your equipment before you go out on a cycling adventure.
Long-distance cycling revolves around being efficient. A well-maintained bicycle that is clean and newly lubricated operates more effectively than one that is dirty. Ensure that your brakes, whether rim or disc brakes are functioning properly by keeping them clean and ensuring the pads are in good shape.
Remember to Refuel and Replenish
The body can store approximately 90 minutes of glycogen for intense activities before requiring refueling otherwise, it will start burning fat. The issue with fat burning is that you can't exercise at a similar high level of intensity. Prevent hitting the wall during a bicycle trip, when your body depletes its energy, and you come to a painful stop.
Since cycling burns a high amount of calories, it’s best to consume 100 to 250 calories every half an hour, which you can get from energy gels, cereal bars, or a banana.
Cramping is another issue that often occurs when you push yourself to ride more intensely or for a longer duration than your body is accustomed to. A common suggestion is to replenish lost electrolytes after sweating by consuming water, sports drinks, or even homemade energy drinks, which typically consist of fruit juice, water, sugar, and salt. The exact reason for cramps remains unknown, but this method appears to be effective.
Biking Tips for Beginners
When it’s your first time riding over rocks, through streams, and across various terrains, it initially seems nonsensical. It's enjoyable and thrilling but also anxiety-inducing and scary simultaneously. With time, it becomes simpler and more enjoyable. However, there are some tips that we all wish we had been told when we were beginners just starting out.
Maintain Your Momentum
It might seem strange, but maintaining or even increasing speed on difficult terrain makes navigating tough trail sections easier since momentum is crucial for moving forward on your bike. Momentum is key in helping you succeed, so hold onto it whenever possible.
Shift Your Weight
You will encounter challenging terrain, such as sharp uphill and downhill slopes. When tackling a challenging incline, make sure to shift your weight towards the front and lean forward in order to keep your center of gravity above the back wheel for better grip.
When the path inclines downwards, move in the opposite way, transferring your weight towards the back of the seat and over the back wheel in order to prevent falling over the handlebars.
Always Look Where You Want to Go
Looking straight at a rock you're trying to avoid will almost guarantee that you will crash into it. This is what target fixation is. Your bike will follow the direction your eyes are focused on. So, instead of focusing on what you want to avoid, you must focus on where you want to go. Don’t let yourself get easily distracted by obstacles. Ensure your chin remains parallel to the ground, keep your eyes facing forward, and make an effort to see as far ahead on the trail as you can, while using your peripheral vision to navigate obstacles directly in front of you. Switching to a helmet designed for trails will safeguard your head in case you stumble over an obstacle.
Set Your Suspension
Most mountain bikes now come equipped with a front suspension fork and rear shock absorber. These inventions almost make large bumps vanish when you drive over them. However, they will only be effective if they are adjusted to their active settings.
As a beginner, you can spend some time understanding the subtle details of adjusting your rebound and sag—the amount of suspension travel used while sitting on the bike. However, make sure you understand how to activate or deactivate your suspension so you don't mistakenly hit a challenging trail with a completely rigid bike (it happens!).
Go Easy on the Brakes
As a novice mountain biker, you may feel the urge to use both brakes and squeeze them tightly towards the handlebars. But it’s a common mistake many fail to realize. Mountain bike brakes have so much power that you can control your speed with just one or two fingers. So, it’s best to slow down before challenging sections, such as rock gardens and corners, and then keep your speed steady while navigating through them. If you realize you are entering a turn too quickly, avoid using the front brake—the one on your left. Braking with your front tire may cause it to skid, increasing the risk of being thrown over the handlebars and crashing to the ground. What you can do instead is to strike the back, hitting the brake on your right. You may slide, but you are more inclined to remain vertical.
Riding on Different Terrain
Riding your bike presents unique challenges on varying surfaces, like when you’re on the Bitterroot Bike Trail, and you encounter the Missoula elevation, Hamilton elevation, paved roads, and rough terrains. It's crucial to understand how to navigate all these different terrains when riding to prevent injuries.
On Nature Trails
Exploring the outdoors on your bike can be both thrilling and risky. In nature trails like the Bitterroot Bike Trail, bikes are prone to sudden sliding due to the terrain. Remaining calm while on a dirt trail is essential for responding effectively and maintaining balance with less effort. Additionally, make sure to decelerate before turns, relax your hold on the handlebars on rough and uneven terrain, and prioritize using your legs to support your body over your seat.
Riding on wet and muddy trails can harm the trail and make it more likely for the bike to slide, not just in corners, but also when braking and occasionally when riding straight. By envisioning it, you can sometimes navigate the muddy trail on a bike or on foot. If you’re unable to stay clear of the mud or looking to get extremely dirty, you can prevent accidents by maintaining a steady rhythm in your pedaling and keeping a consistent cadence. If the terrain proves too risky and you can't get a grip, ensure your safety by dismounting and walking to a drier section of the trail.
Paved Roads
Expect a smoother ride when cycling on paved roads. The even surface makes it easy to decelerate and accelerate rapidly compared to other surfaces. One of the primary dangers of cycling on paved roads is the presence of pedestrians and cars. While cycling on the road, make sure to stay alert for approaching vehicles, parked cars with people inside who may open their doors, and pedestrians crossing the road. It takes years for both children and adults to develop street safety skills. If you are cycling with children on the Bitterroot Bike Trail, make sure to continuously show them interesting things. To cycle safely on paved roads, choose ones with broad shoulders and little traffic, but stay vigilant for vehicles, walkers, bikers, and other cyclists. Cycling paths that are not shared with cars are safer and more enjoyable for new cyclists.
Recharge at The Bitterroot Mile Club
Once you have completed the Bitterroot Bike Trail, the best place to relax and recuperate is at The Bitterroot Mile Club. Here, you will discover a lodging that perfectly combines luxury with comfort, offering cozy accommodations, delicious meals, and ample room to relax following your challenging journey. The Bitterroot Mile Club provides an ideal place to rejuvenate if you want to unwind or get ready for more Bitterroot activities, including fly fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and many more. Reserve your stay now!