Place
Whitefish, MT US 59937
Description
In 1988, in celebration of Montana's centennial, Annick Smith and William Kittredge published a book titled, The Last Best Place, A Montana Anthology, from which our race gains its namesake.
Working with friends and editors, the two compiled journals, essays, stories, poems, and indigenous oral histories to help paint a portrait of the state through its literature. The book became a national bestseller, and the title accrued its own history, as many Montana residents adopted it as the unofficial moniker for their home state.
Though the scope of The Last Best Ride does not cover as much statewide geographical ground as the collection Smith and Kittredge present, we believe that our event will showcase some of Northwest Montana's most spectacular outdoor offerings.
In the spirit of the anthology, we hope to enrich your visit beyond the bubble of the bike race. Partnering with local businesses and neighborhood volunteers, we hope to provide you with an original Montana experience that celebrates and champions community and inclusion.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE
Saturday - 1pm - 5pm - Packet Pickup @ Great Northern Cycles
Sunday - 6am - Packet Pickup @ Great Northern Cycles, 7:30am Long Course Start, 7:45am Short Course Start
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- TLBR custom socks
- Post race drinks
- Post race ice cream
- Fully stocked aid stations
- Ride support
- Finishers medal
PODIUM PARTY
Podium Party at 6pm, if you need to leave early let us know and you can grab your prize.
- Top 5 M/W Short/Long Course,
- Top 5 Non-Binary Short/Long Course,
- Top 5 Para Short/Long Course.
- Top 3 M/F Junior Short Course 18 and under
- Top 3 M/F Masters 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, Short/Long Course
*Not currently permitted through a special use authorization by the USDA, Forest Service.
*Proposed activities are (or) Recreation event is currently under analysis by the Forest Service pending a special use authorization.
For more information head to https://www.thelastbestridemt.com/
SCHEDULE
Friday, July 25th 5-7:30pm
Champion Scholar Award Happy Hour - The Tap House (845 Wisconsin Ave. Whitefish, MT 59937)
An optional early evening event at a community eatery where you can socialize with the organizers, meet and make friends with your fellow cyclists, and indulge in some local grub and grog.
While it is not mandatory, we HIGHLY encourage all attendees to participate in the night's fundraising efforts, the proceeds of which will go directly to our Champion Scholar Award.
To all registered participants, ONE BEVERAGE and light fare will be provided when you present your proof of registration. Dinner will be available for purchase at the local eatery. Please come by bike if possible.
Saturday, July 26th 8:30am-5pm
Packet Pick-Up (8:30am-5pm), Sponsor Expo, Women's Ride/Brunch, Pizza w/ the Pros and Shakeout Rides
Join us for a quintessential summer afternoon in the center of downtown Whitefish, hosted by our local bike shop, Great Northern Cycle & Ski (gncycleski.com) 328 Central Ave. Whitefish, MT 59937. Here, you will pick up all your race materials while browsing product tents and grabbing any last-minute gear or nutrition needed for the race on Sunday.
Once you've got your swag bags and race materials, take a walk downtown and finish the evening with a meal at one of the many delicious restaurants Whitefish offers.
*All participants are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to pick up their packets between 12pm and 5pm. Race morning packet pickup will be available from 6-7am.
Sunday, July 27th 6am-8pm
Race Day!!! - SAME LOCATION as Expo/Packet Pick-Up
You'll be treated to stunning views and challenging terrain as you traverse through the gravel backroads of Whitefish. Upon your return, a meal, and bevies. We will cheer the last riders on course until 7:30pm!
COURSES
- 2025 Long Course -
THE BIG HORN SHEEP
Distance: 91 miles
Elevation Gain: 8,189 feet
Starting Elevation: 3,036 feet
Highest Point: 6,708 feet
Start Time: 7:30am
Aid Stations (5): Miles 9, 26, 50, 55 & 66 (not a typo, you will understand why...)
View on Strava*: Click here
View on Ride With GPS*: Click here
- 2025 short Course -
THE MOUNTAIN GOAT
Distance: 48 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,189 feet
Starting Elevation: 3,036 feet
Highest Point: 4,489 feet
Start Time: 7:45am
Aid Stations (3): Miles 9, 26, & 36
View on Strava*: Click here
View on Ride With GPS*: Click here
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