MCA Gives a Shout Out to Gabe Shipley!

Montana has produced some great cycling talent over the years (Tejay van Garderen, Levi Leipheimer, Sam Schultz, Rose Grant all come to mind), and this young man from Polson is nipping at their heels! Showing some true Montana grit, Gabe has paid his dues and moved up through the ranks in road racing. The following is a press release from his new UCI team, Aevolo, which represents Canada, Mexico and the U.S.

https://www.aevolocycling.org/copy-of-aevolo-to-become-u24-team-i

Gabe’s dad just reported that Gabe has been accepted to travel to Greece on March 31 for a couple races! We here at MCA will be following Gabe’s career and wish him the best of luck…Go Gabe!

Spring has Sprung!

Spring is finally here in Montana and peeps are getting jazzed for a return to racing bikes on dirt and pavement! While some of us have escaped to the desert to get our dirt cravings satisfied before the trails dry here:

others are already out on pavement, riding past chilly still-frozen lakes:

Check out our events calendar for all the races and bike happenings coming up. After the pandemic induced dearth of events last year, this is going to be an action packed season!

Downhill Racing is ON at Whitefish Mtn Resort!

Many races and events have been cancelled during this pandemic summer, but if you’re still itching to ride bikes fast, get ready for WMR’s downhill race series! The Ten Dollar Downhill races will be happening on Thursday evenings throughout August, and the Double Dip Downhill will be offered on September 19. See our calendar for all the deets!

Joe Cosley Pancake Ride is Happening!

We are so excited to announce that this gravel grinder is back again this year and will actually happen! What with so many cancellations, it’s exciting to hear that this fun and challenging ride is on! We wish the best of luck to organizer Brad Lamson, and hope all who partake can finally put all that training and fitness to use!

Racing and Cycling Events Season Still On Hold

Nothing to report here, as far as our event calendar, due to the pandemic. Happily, though, we have all been outside riding trail and pavement! We are so blessed to live in Montana, where riding venues range from great to epic! Events will return, and we at MCA will be here for you to both promote and report on them! In the meantime, GET OUTSIDE AND RIDE!

Covid Virus Sends Race Season Into a Tail Spin!

Just when we were starting to fill in our calendar with some fantastic racing opportunities, the covid virus has decimated almost all of them. Not to worry though, many races are just being postponed and moved to later in the summer or fall.

In the meantime, since it is the “shoulder season,” you could always put together a little multi sport adventure:

Genevieve Thomas and Rachel Desimone, from Flathead Cycling Team, Amber Steed from Sportsman team, and Mark Christianson from Wheaton’s Cyclery. With skis and snowboard strapped to their bikes and backs, they head up from Whitefish to the base of The Big Mountain ski area.
Bikes locked and skins put on!
Skinning up!
Summit!
Skiing down and back to the bikes for the ride back to town.

Montana 2020 Race Season Debuts with Three Classic Road Races!

First up is the MSU road race and team time trial in Bozeman, on April 18, hosted by the MSU Cycling Club.

Second offering for the weekend is the Missoula crit, on April 19, hosted by the U of M Cycling Club.

Though all three of these races are collegiate races, and part of the Northwest Collegiate Cycling Conference…they are open to the public! That means anyone can race! So come on out and support the start of road racing season in Montana! More deets on our event calendar page soon! See you out there!

14th Edition of Rolling Thunder!

This year’s edition of this iconic cyclocross race did not disappoint! It was a wee bit chilly, but everyone had a great time, riding, jumping, pushing their bikes in the backyard of Big Sky Brewery. From tiny racers to seasoned veterans, they left it all on the fun, twisty, challenging course. First time USAC race director, Cory Kaufman, did an excellent job putting on the race. This year, Thunder was the host for the Montana State Cyclocross Championships as well! See our results page for all the deets!

Freya Radley looks for a little help from mom, as she lines up for her first cyclocross race. Photo Credit: Hazel Cramer
There was some child carnage when the little ones hit the sand pit obstacle!
Photo Credit: Hazel Cramer
Juniors negotiate the fly over.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Lurgio
Long time Missoula racer, and winner of the Elite Women’s race, Ivy Audrain, puts on her race face at the start line.
Photo Credit: Noelle Annonen
Chelsee Plummel races on into the night, as all were treated to a majestic sunset!
Photo Credit: Hunter Wiggins
Naomi Humenny pushes her bike up the run up.
Photo Credit: Hunter Wiggins

Chilly Copper City Crusher Last MT NICA Race for the Season!

Friends and family braved the cold temps to cheer on the Montana NICA teams, as they put this inaugural season to bed. What an amazing first season it’s been! Montana NICA earned the distinction for the fastest growing NICA league in the nation. Thank you Sam Schultz for leading the charge! We can’t wait to see these student athletes grow! Visit our results page for all the details!

The cheering crowds got bigger and louder every race!
Fans bundle up to wait for the podiums!
Puffy coats and leggings was the kit for the day!