High & Dry
A spring road ride through the Bangtails.
Spring biking often gives the rider a choice: mud bogging or gumbo sliding. Shifting through the gears when the rear derailleur is plugged with mud is maddening. There’s a time when one’s aversion to pavement is best set aside. If you want time in the saddle come spring, on-road can be the better alternative to off-road.
Variable, undependable spring weather often makes getting out a challenge. But one day last year, luck favored my biking group with clear skies and mild temperatures. We decided to adhere to our core philosophy when heading out: every adventure is an opportunity for a picnic. Let’s bike to Clyde Park for lunch.
From Bozeman, we drove up Bridger Canyon, passing both Bridger Bowl and Crosscut. Shortly after, Brackett Creek Road intersects and heads east. At the large parking area, we found the perfect spot to unload the bikes and begin the 17-mile ride to Clyde Park.
We opted for a one-way ride, with several of our spouses shuttling vehicles and meeting us in town for lunch. Surprisingly, there are some choices for cuisine in Clyde Park. The Clyde Park Tavern has a full menu of burgers and more. Stephanie and her crew are welcoming. Rosa’s Pizza North features pizza and sandwiches. And Crazy’s, formerly Two Doors Down, serves breakfast and lunch with some creativity, plus the whole repertoire of lattes and other caffeinated concoctions. It is advisable to check ahead as each of these establishments has irregular hours.
After lunch, we piled back into the cars and headed back to Bozeman, but a strong rider could double the distance and double the fun with an out-and-back ride. If doing so, starting in Clyde Park might be better, as you would end with a long downhill, rather than a long uphill. But you can decide what’s more appealing. Another possibility is an almost 50-mile circle route: Brackett Creek to Clyde Park, then north on Highway 89 to just beyond Wilsall, then Highway 86 back to the starting point. This circular route will end with a climb, passing the turnoff to Fairy Lake and topping out at Battle Ridge, followed by a final, fast downhill to the Brackett Creek trailhead.
If you plan any of these trips, there are a few considerations. The road surfaces are variable, paved all the way but not up to Formula 1 standards. A racing road bike with aerobars and 25mm tires is not ideal. This is not a course intended for maximum speed, especially in spring. Expect potholes and uneven pavement. The roads have many low-visibility curves, so it’s best to hug the shoulder and be watchful and defensive. When you hit the Park County line, the pavement quality and maintenance declines.
Above all else, remember this is springtime in the mountains. A morning ride is preferred, so you can reach the destination before the onset of afternoon showers and wind. Grab your rain jacket, water bottles, granola bars, and have a great ride.
