Adjust & Adapt
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt our daily lives, SWMMBA wants to be a source of information and comfort during these trying times. Mountain biking can seem trivial during a crisis such as this, but many of us are feeling like we need the trail now more than ever.
While Governor Steve Bullock did issue a Shelter in Place order for all of Montana, he also made sure to remind people that the outdoors are still open, but with a caveat. Going outside for fresh air, exercise, your mental health, and your physical well-being is a good idea right now, but you have to adjust and adapt.
That means stay close to home. If you can ride from your house to some open dirt roads, that’s the best option. For now (this was written 3/30), trailheads are open, but the Forest Service has closed campgrounds, group-use sites, rental cabins, and public facilities such as toilets and visitor centers. Most mountain trails are still covered in snow, but as they melt out and dry, they will see increased pressure. Avoid the most crowded trailheads at the busiest times, practice physical distancing, and turn around if the parking lot is full.
We always recommend being self sufficient on the trail, but this ethic applies now more than ever. Even if you’re going for a casual road spin, know how to fix basic mechanicals and carry the necessary tools. Make sure you have adequate food and water, and do everything in your power to keep from getting hurt. That means dialing back ride difficulty and remote routes. This would be a very bad time to have to call Search & Rescue. First responder resources are needed to serve the infected and we don’t want injured mountain bikers adding stress to the health-care system.
Because bike shops are considered an essential service, most local stores are open for business, although all of them have adjusted their process to keep our community safe. Here is an overview of how shops are handling things:
Alter – Bike pick up and drop off by appointment only; all other sales pick up only. Call or text to make arrangements (406) 404-1860.
Bangtail – Normal hours. Encouraging pick up and drop off and curbside service, and instituting phsyical distancing measures inside store such as fitting rooms closed. Call ahead. (406) 587-4905.
Chalet – Closed until April 9, pending updates from state. Available to answer questions at info@chaletsportsmt.com. For now, they’re working on projects to improve shop once it reopens.
Gear Wizard – By appointment only. For pick-ups and drop-offs, call (406) 587-3737. One shop tech will be at the shop during normal hours (Tues - Sat 10am - 6pm, Sun 12pm - 5pm), so expect some delays.
Owenhouse – Normal hours. Encouraging adherence to all measures in Governor’s Order, such as physical distancing, staying home if ill, etc. (406) 587-5404
Round House – Closed until April, pending updates. If someone needs their equipment that is currently in the shop, reach out to info@roundhouse-sports.com and they will open for you.
Rad – Open 1-6pm, Mon – Fri. Call ahead to confirm. (406) 599-7086.
REI – Closed until April 10, subject to change pending updates.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the best service, call ahead. All area shops want to get you on your bike and riding, but they have made sacrifices for the greater good of the community. With that in mind, please be patient and skip unnecessary service.
We speak for ourselves, but we think all shop owners and employees would agree - we cannot WAIT until we’re riding together again, hanging around the work station talking bikes, and tipping back some cold beverages in celebration of this fantastic MTB community. Thank you all for your continued support of our mission and for supporting your local bike shops!