The 40th Annual
TOUR OF THE SWAN RIVER VALLEY
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 years we have distributed over $20,000 to various nonprofit community groups along the tour route.
TOSRV West CLASSIC
Saturday, May 22-110 miles. Your ride will begin with a mass start at 7:00 a.m. 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 you’ll 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 will be the rugged Mission Mountain range, another wilderness area. You'll pass chains of glacial lakes and remote communities. A tasty, nutritious lunch will be provided in Seeley Lake.
Continuing on to Summit Lake, you’ll 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 awards and door-prizes are presented. 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 in Swan Lake or in Bigfork, 17 miles beyond Swan Lake, check with the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce at www.bigfork.org.
On Sunday, May 23, 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 as the TOSRV West Classic. Parking at Potomac is available.
BAGGAGE SHUTTLE from Miller Hall (U of M) and Potomac to Swan Lake, and return, is provided. TOSRV West riders are limited to one bag. Tents and sleeping bags should 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 (if doing the Classic) in the two months prior to TOSRV West. MOBI organizes a number of preparation rides to help you get ready. Check here for a list of rides.
Your bicycle should also 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 vehicles making frequent stops expose all riders to the dangers of increased traffic.
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.
Lodging There are many motels in downtown Missoula near the U of M Campus. Contact the Missoula Chamber of Commerce, www.missoulachamber.com, or (406) 543-6623, for a listing. Hutchins Hostel, www.hutchinshostel.com, or (406) 830-3266, is across the river from the U of M. For motel accommodations in Swan Lake or Bigfork (fifteen miles beyond Swan Lake) check with the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce, www.bigfork.org, or (406) 837-5888. RV campsites are available in the Swan Lake Flathead Nation Forest Campground, www.forestcamping.com.
The fee for TOSRV West is $105.00. You must be a MOBI member to participate - 2010 MOBI membership. If you are not a member, be sure to include your membership with your TOSRV sign-up. Your 2010 membership runs January, 2010, to December, 2010. A 2010 TOSRV West premium is included for all TOSRV West riders.
Your entry 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 packet you will receive at Check-in Friday evening and Saturday morning at Miller Hall on the U of M campus. Check-in will be Friday evening, May 21, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., or Saturday morning, May 22, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Miller Hall is located on the east side of Arthur Avenue, one block south of University Avenue.
40th Annual TOSRV Jersey - These 100% Australian Merino wool commemorative TOSRV West Jerseys are available in limited quantities. Order soon to ensure the correct size. Jerseys ordered along with a TOSRV registration will be available for pick-up on May 21st with no shipping. Cost: $95
Entry forms are available online. All entries should be postmarked or submitted by Wednesday, May 12, 2010, or a $10 late fee will be assessed. After the acceptance of the first 300 entries, all additional entries will be returned. You can sign-up online with a credit card or print out an application and mail it in.
Enclose a check or money order made payable to TOSRV West and mail your entry form to:
2010 TOSRV West
Missoulians On Bicycles
P.O. Box 8903
Missoula, MT 59807-8903
or
If you have additional questions about TOSRV West check the website. 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 us at info@tosrvwest.org.
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Route Map & Elevation Profile
Created by Conor Crowley with Delorme. Click for larger version.
Copyright © 2010, Missoulians on Bicycles, All rights reserved.