The Last Best Ride

The Big Horn Sheep                      The Mountain Goat

Distance: 78 miles                            Distance: 48 miles

Elevation gain: 8,700 ft                    Elevation gain: 4,800 ft

Elevation of start: 3,000 ft               Elevation of start: 3,000 ft

High point: 6,800 ft                          High point: 6,800 ft

Aid tations: 4                                     Aid stations: 2

Please visit our website www.thelastbestridemt.com (and @thelastbestride) for the most detailed and up-to-date event information as well as information regarding travel, lodging, camping, Van/RV parking, dining, recreation, and visiting Glacier National Park. 

With your registration, you unlock a special Whitefish, MT weekend featuring all the festivities below.  Also included, is a post-race celebration with a gourmet and locally-cultivated feast created by Chef Tim of The Cuisine Machine, TWO adult beverages, and handcrafted huckleberry ice cream from Sweet Peaks of Whitefish.  This is not your average post-race fare, as Chef Jess would never allow for that!

20% of the proceeds from the race will go to our Champion Scholar Award, which you can read more about below in our Event Schedule details.  

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Friday, Aug. 20th, 2021 - Welcome Party & Fundraiser Dinner

An optional 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 contribute to the night's fundraising efforts, the proceeds of which will go directly to our Champion Scholar Award, which goes to one financially qualified Whitefish high school female and one financially qualified local Native American female.

To all registered participants, ONE BEVERAGE will be provided when you present your proof of registration. 

Saturday, Aug. 21st, 2021 - Race Packet Pick-Up, Sponsor Expo in downtown Whitefish 

Presented by Great Northern Cycle & Ski

*All participants are required to pick up their packets between 10am and 5pm.  There will be no race-day packet pick-up or special circumstances.  

Join us for a quintessential summer afternoon in the center of downtown Whitefish, hosted by our local bike shop. Here, you will pick up all your race materials while browsing product tents and grabbing any last-minute gear or nutrition that you will need for the race on Sunday from the shop.  

Sunday, Aug. 22nd, 2021 - RACE DAY!

You'll be treated to stunning views and challenging terrain as you traverse through the back gravel roads of Whitefish. 

Upon your return, there will be a catered meal, bevies, and locally-made ice cream ready and waiting for you to enjoy.

As we near the end of the day, we'll have our podium ceremony, and will hand out our handcrafted prizes. 

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Do I need a gravel bike to participate in this event?  

No, a gravel bike is not required, but it is highly recommended for this event.  Alternative options would be a hard-tail mountain bike, followed by a CX bike.  We STRONGLY recommend agaisnt using a road bike on this course, but if you feel you must, please select the widest tires possible.  

The Last Best Ride COVID-19 Policy

The health and safety of our participants and the community of Whitefish is our top priority.  Your registration comes with 100% assurance of a refund or 2022 deferral in the event that it is not safe to have large gatherings in August of 2021 due to COVID-19.  We will be monitoring state and national health department guidelines to inform cancellation decisions.  

The Last Best Ride Wildfire Policy

Your registration comes with 100% assurance of a refund or 2022 deferral in the event of a direct wildfire threat or air quality levels that are deemed "unhealthy" based on national AQI standards, as caused by a nearby wildfire.

Become Bear Aware and Learn How to Use Bear Spray

Whitefish is Grizzly bear country, and while bear attacks are rare, it is important that you come prepared for not only The Last Best Ride, but also your other adventures around Whitefish any possible trips into Glacier National Park.  We recommend taking the time to become bear aware for your safety, as well as that of the animals who live in the areas that we have the privilege to recreate in.  

Be Bear Aware - Courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

http://fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/livingWithWildlife/beBearAware/

We recommend that you carry bear spray during The Last Best Ride, as well as during all your outdoor Montana activities.  You can purchase bear spray with your registration and we will have it ready to go with your race materials at packet pick-up Saturday, August 21, 2021. 

Bear Spray - Courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

http://fwp.mt.gov/recreation/safety/wildlife/bears/bearSpray.html

Bear Spray Video Tutorial - Courtesy of the National Parks Service

https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/bearspray.htm