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The 38th Annual
TOUR OF THE SWAN RIVER VALLEY
Montana's Bicycle Touring Classic
May 17-18, 2008 * 300 Cyclists * Missoulians On Bicycles
TOUR DIRECTOR: Tim Marchant
Click for 2008 TOSRV West Entry Form and
online registration information
Missoula to Swan Lake to Missoula
TOSRV-West is a two-day, challenging and fun bicycle tour (110 miles or 85
miles each day) through the scenic splendor of western Montana. Missoulians On
Bicycles (MOBI), the event organizer, provides food stops, baggage shuttle and
camping arrangements so that you can concentrate on enjoying the cycling.
TOSRV West (modeled after the original TOSRV in Ohio) is an annual fundraiser
for our club, a not-for-profit group established to promote safe bicycling in
western Montana. Over the past five years we have distributed over $20,000 to
various nonprofit community groups along the tour route.
TOSRV West CLASSIC
Saturday, May 17 - 110 miles. Your ride will begin with an escorted mass start
at 7am in Missoula on the University of Montana campus. You will cycle through
western Montana's spectacular river valleys. Starting along the banks of the
Clark Fork River, you'll continue riding east from the mouth of the wild and
scenic Blackfoot River. Cycling through grassy ranch land, you'll come to a
hearty pancake Breakfast in Potomac. After a brief climb then a long downhill
youšll turn north into the Clearwater River Valley. On your right will be the
snow-covered peaks of the Swan Mountain range, the Continental Divide and Bob
Marshall Wilderness. To your left is the rugged Mission Mountain range, another
wilderness area. You'll pass chains of glacial lakes and remote communities. A
tasty, nutritious Lunch is provided in Seeley Lake.
Continuing on to Summit Lake, youšll enter the Swan Valley and ride to Condon
for snacks and then to Swan Lake. In Swan Lake, after a catered hot Dinner,
enjoy the camaraderie of fellow cyclists as prizes and give-aways are awarded.
Toss a swimsuit in your luggage-we are right on the shore of the lake.
Campsites are available on the shore of Swan Lake at the U.S. Forest Service
Swan Lake Campground (fees are included in registration). If you prefer motel
accommodations please check the web site www.tosrvwest.org for recommendations.
Resorts in Swan Lake tend to fill fast so make your reservations as soon as
possible. Bigfork, MT, 17 miles beyond Swan Lake, has several motels.
On Sunday, May 18 after a hearty Breakfast, the route returns south with
gorgeous new vistas through the Swan, Clearwater, Blackfoot and Clark Fork
River Valleys to Missoula- 110 miles. Snack stops and Lunch are provided. Your
gear and hearty congratulations for a successful TOSRV-West await you back on U
of M campus.
TOSRV West POTOMAC
85 miles each day. Begin your ride in Potomac at the breakfast location on
Saturday and return to Potomac on Sunday. Enjoy the same meals and support of
the TOSRV West Classic. Baggage shuttle will be provided. Parking at Potomac is
available.
BAGGAGE SHUTTLE from Miller Hall (U of M) and Potomac, and return, is
provided. TOSRV West riders are limited to one (1): day pack, backpack without
frame, pannier or other soft baggage weighing no more than 25 pounds. Tents and
sleeping bags must be inside or firmly attached to baggage.
BE IN SHAPE All participants should be certain they are capable of
riding the full distance. You should cycle 500 to 700 miles with at least one
75-mile and one 100-mile ride in the two months prior to TOSRV West. MOBI
organizes a number of preparation rides to help you get ready. Check the
website www.tosrvwest.org. Your bicycle must be in good repair. Carry bike
tools, a spare tube and a tire pump. Be ready for the road. Limited mechanical
support will be provided by area bike shop mechanics. All riders are required
to wear a Snell or ASTM-approved helmet. Personal support vehicles or SAG
Wagons along the route are strongly discouraged. Personal SAGS expose all
riders to the dangers of increased traffic.
WEATHER Average weather conditions for Western Montana in May: 70 high,
40 low, 20% probability of rain. Over the years we have experienced a full
range of weather conditions and extremes, from snow and rain to powerful winds
and heat. Come prepared.
FEES FOR TOSRV-West are $110.00. Your fee includes a 2008 MOBI family
membership, including a spouse and/or children up to 18 years of age. If you
are already a paid up 2008 MOBI member don't forget to deduct $10.00 on the
registration form discount line. Your 2008 membership runs April, 2008 to
April, 2009.
A 2008 TOSRV West Coolmax Cap, perfect for year round use, is included for all
TOSRV West riders. The cap has a Coolmax sweatband and fits well under a
helmet.
Your registration fee includes great meals and snacks on both Saturday and
Sunday. Times of food service, locations and distances will be shown on your
TOSRV West Map, found in the registration packet you will receive at CHECK IN
Friday evening and Saturday morning at Miller Hall on the U of M campus.
Click for 2008 TOSRV West Entry Form and online
registration information. All entries should be postmarked
by May 9, 2008 or a $10 late fee will be assessed. After the acceptance of the
first 300 entries, all additional entries will be returned. Since TOSRV West is
a fundraising event for our not-for-profit club and charitable organizations,
regretfully we cannot give refunds. Enclose a check or money order made payable
to TOSRV West and mail your entry form to:
2008 TOSRV West
Missoulians On Bicycles
P.O. Box 8903
Missoula, Montana 59807-8903
You can call the TOSRV West Director, Tim Marchant, between 6:30 p.m. and 10:00
p.m. MST at (406) 250-7228 or e-mail
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