Dirt Road Season II.

Yesterday was the first warm, dry and bright day of the season – hard to believe I know and thinking that the first day or summer is about 5 weeks away makes me think we will have a short summer.

The previous few days were very wet and we got about 1″ of rain so I knew the dirt roads would be great. I went out and did one of my favorite climbs – the all dirt “Story Hills” climb. The climb itself is about 2 miles long and it has a constant and steep grade with a few curves that give great overlooks of Bozeman and the valley below. The road is private and no cars are allowed and it is in effect a very long driveway that serves only a few homes. I’m perfectly happy to not have to shovel it after a storm. When you get to the top you have to stop and turn around as you are literally at someone’s home and you can’t go further so the climb is done as an out-and-back.

The view from the top on a clear day is breathtaking. You can see a number of different mountain ranges including the Beartooth which borders Yellowstone Park. You can also see the aftermath of the “Fridley Fire” from a number of years ago – it’s just standing dead trees with no leaves or needles and it makes it especially bright when snow covered like it is now.

Once you come down from the big climb of Story Hill there are a number of other climbs that I can take to get home. I rode up and over the part dirt, part paved and aptly named “Grand View” area which brings you up into the Bridgers before descending back to the house. It’s not a long ride at about 27 miles or so but the vertical makes up for it and I can certainly feel it today in my early season legs.

The forecast calls for warm and dry for the next few days and rain again early next week and with any luck that will help keep the dirt in such good shape.

Time for me to get into the shop and ship some bikes to new homes. Thanks for reading.

Dave

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2 responses to “Dirt Road Season II.”

1. Peter says:

   May 12, 2011 at 2:26 pm

   Help me understand-the road is private and no cars are allowed-but bikes are permitted? Do you know the landowner? Is the road itself private or just from a certain point?

2. kirks says:

   May 12, 2011 at 2:49 pm

   Hey Peter,

   It’s a bit of an odd and cool deal. The area is all private land and the road is private but it is open to cars for about 1/2 mile and then there is a sign asking that no cars go past that point. The turnaround is at a very nice overlook of the valley so many people drive up there for the sunset.

   Beyond that the road is open to non-motorized transport – so you see everything from folks on bikes to running and people walking their dogs. All along side the roads are trails that run up the same ravine that hikers and MTB’rs use. It’s a very popular place in the late afternoon and on weekends. When you get to the top there is a sign (I posted a photo of it) that says that the area is private and to keep out and I guess everyone must obey the signs because I’ve never heard of trouble. Years ago there was no sign at the top and I rode further and there are two lovely homes with HUGE views. not a bad place to be if you don’t mind the road/driveway. I’ll bet it’s a real bitch in the winter. I like taking my road bike up the road as there are never any cars.

   The area is closed in the winter and whenever the trails are very wet to prevent erosion but otherwise it’s open. I really like it there. I think it is very cool that they allow us to use their property like they do. Ted Turner as land south of town that is the same way. Good fun.

   Dave