Past Events

Grant Creek Ride June 28 , 2017

Emma led a group on the still-new grant Creek Trail

Cyclo-Femme Mothers Day Ride - May 14, 2017

Five women and a toddler enjoyed a pleasant ride exploring quiet streets and paths starting at the UM Grizzly sculpture. One woman with a whining small dog rode a few blocks.

Spring Bike Cleaning/Maintenance Workshop - March 29, 2017

Two dozen women enjoyed learning bike maintenance practices from Emily Jensen at Free Cycles on March 29. Most informational and fun was working on our own bikes using the great Free Cycles space and equipment, and being able to get help from Emily or other women when needed.

Biking in the Philippines - March 16, 2017

Eight guests attended Ethel MacDonald’s presentation at Imagine Nation Brewing of her late March-early February fairly short bike trip in the Philippines .

Biking from Telleride-Moab Presentation - February 22, 2017

Cyclists Amy Berglund, Amy Sacry, Jennifer Errett, and Elizabeth Ries-Simpson shared their adventurous 7-day, 25-miles on dirt adventure from Telluride, Colorado to Moab, Utah at Imagine Nation Brewing on Wednesday, February 22. The program attracted about twenty enthused people.

Biking in Ireland Presentation - Dec. 14, 2016

Approximately two dozen people enjoyed a talk by Ethel MacDonald about her three-week bike tour in Ireland. Thanks to Imagine Nation Brewing for our use of their community room. Beer purchases and popcorn are a nice part of the use of the room.

Lolo Brewery Ride - September 18, 2016

As a scheduled ride for Missoula’s Walk and Roll Week, this ride on the Missoula-Lolo Trail attracted two new members and a man who signed up his wife on our list. A couple of rain showers didn’t spoil the fun or the conversation over beer and food at the Lolo Brewery.

Northside Signal Box Art Ride July, 2015

While last year’s Signal Box Art Ride on the south side of the river was a great success, and many expressed interest in doing a second one to view the boxes on the north side of the river, it was one of those weekends when other activities competed. Jan arrived ready for her scheduled Sunday ride, and since she and Ethel were the only ones who showed up for either ride, they did a pleasant loop on the new Missoula-Lolo Trail to Blue Mountain Road and back to town.

June 24, 2016 Rita Ride

In keeping with the Rita Ride tradition, the weather was cloudy and sometimes a little wet, but a small group enjoyed this loop ride starting at the XXXs, following the River and Bitterroot Trail, then the South Avenue bike path and back via the Milwaukee Trail to the Iron Horse for food and drink.

May 5 First Friday Art Ride

Whether influenced by the weather or other factors, no riders joined the leader for a bike tour of art galleries. Unless more interest is shown, First Friday Art Bike Tours will not be scheduled.

April 30,2016 Second Birthday Ride

A small group met at Big Sky Bikes and received some good advice about maintenance before heading out to an enjoyable 8-mile birthday celebration ride led by Laurie Stalling. Following tradition, the ride went west on the Kim Williams and Milwaukee Trails to a little beyond the tunnel at Reserve Street and then returned to Brooks & Brown for dinner and drinks.

Winter Bike-to-Work Social February 12

Lots of snacks, and Jennifer Hardacker’s inspirational video “Wind in our Hair”awaited dozens of cyclists at 5:30 pm in the community room at Imagine Nation Brewing on Broadway Street. Unfortunately, fewer than a dozen attended — maybe just too many other things going on. Thanks to Imagination Brewing for donating the space.

Biking from Southern Spain to Paris, January 27, 2016

Two dozen people came to Imagine Nation Brewing’s community room to attend Ethel MacDonald’s presentation of slides and stories from her two 2015 solo bike trips. While the most impressive component is the kindness so many helpful people show this “old woman on a bike,” participants enjoyed seeing the beautiful scenery, impressive architecture, varied cycling conditions, and funny stories of mistakes and mishaps. Many thanks to Imagine Nation Brewing for allowing free use of the room, and thanks to the many participants who enjoyed a brew or two and helped us earn the donation of the space.

January 13, 2016 Yoga Class a Great Success

Thanks to Yoga instructor Missy Adams for offering a free Yoga for Cyclists session on Thursday, January 13. Sixteen enthusiastic participants enjoyed a relaxing and informative session, with several indicating interest for more.

December 9 Fun ‘n Facts Winter Biking Workshop

Emma Wimmer used her power point presentation with hints about everything from studded tires to visibility, safety, and warmth to generate a sharing of experiences and expertise from the seven attendees. Several women indicated they had received information that made them more confident and determined about biking in the snow and cold.

November 23 Six Skirts in the Dirt

About half a dozen women enjoyed a presentation about a week-long summer mountain biking trip with MizzBs leaders Laurie and Julie and four friends. Their trip inspired some dreaming and planning by presenters and audience for future trips.

November 8, 2015 Fix-a-Flat Workshop

Seems only one person was interested in biking on this cold, misty November day, but she and Emily fixed her flat, so we call the workshop a success.

Brake ‘n Chains Workshop Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Our second workshop led by Emily Jensen and held at Free Cycles focused on adjusting brakes and knowing when adjustment and/or new pads are needed, and maintaining chains. Although approximately a dozen women attended, no photos were taken as far as we know.

Stories and Stones Ride Sunday, October 25, 2016

Thanks to Emma Wimmer for proposing and leading a bike ride that included riding to the Missoula Cemetery for the annual Stories and Stones event. About a dozen riders participated, some doing the preliminary longer ride on the Bitterroot Branch Trail and points west, and then meeting others at the XXXs downtown, to continue the ride over the Northside Bike-Ped overbridge, and following the bike route west to the cemetery.

Fix-a-Flat Workshop Wed., Sept. 30, 2016

Thanks to Emily Jensen and Free Cycles, our Fix-a-Flat Workshop was a great success, with nearly all of the sixteen participants expressing pleasure and thanks for teaching them to be more independent and confident about being able to take care of a flat by themselves. Thanks also to MizzBs Laurie and Sandy for adding their experience and expertise so every woman got the needed attention. And — it was fun!

Signal Box Art Ride Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015

This leisurely Sunday afternoon ride was a huge success, with 19 participants riding safe and pleasant routes to about 25 traffic signal boxes on the south side of the river. Not only that, those who paid attention got a quick lesson in tire changing when one of the participants discovered a flat at 4th & Higgins, and Bike Ambassador Sandy quickly and efficiently fixed it, even patching the tire when a spare tube was the wrong size and wrong valve for the available pumps. Total mileage was only about 10 miles, but went well over the two hours due to our many stops and admiration of the works as well as efforts to take the safest, most pleasant routes, not always the most direct. Thanks to all who participated. More photos on Facebook.

Highlander Brewery & Grant Creek Trail Ride, Friday, August 14,2015

Predicted storms apparently dissuaded several women from showing up for the Grant Creek Trail and Highlander Brewery Ride, but the four (Julie, Laurie, Emma, and Ethel) who did had a fun time. Sunshine and a little headwind plus a bit of uphill on the trail challenged us a little, we stopped at one point to clear the path of branches, and the ride back was fast and fun. We enjoyed well-deserved beer and pizza at the new Highlander Brewery, before heading back to Missoula by a different route Julie wanted to try. When we parted the odometer read 20 miles, and we all agreed it had been a near-perfect ride.

Garden Tour by Bike June 27, 2015

Four women started on the Garden Tour, but due to the temperature in the 90s, decided to make it a very short tour after biking up the Rattlesnake early in the tour. Thanks to Sue B and Laurie for stepping up to lead the ride. We’ll try it again next year!

Rita Ride Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Seven women started in the Rita Ride on a perfect day, two had pressing engagements to attend, and five stayed the course to the end.

First Friday Art Ride June 3, 2015

This First Friday event included a bicycle challenge and prize drawing sponsored by Zootown Arts and the Clay Studio and including the Burns Street Bistro and Real Good Art. Two of the four participants continued on to the Montana Art and Framing opening. Two participants won prizes! As usual, participants discovered new art and/or venues they hadn’t known about.

Mother’s Day Ride May 10

It was a busy weekend, the BWAM/Free Cycles Bike Swap fundraiser was a success, and while some mothers may have been on their bikes enjoying the beautiful day, nobody except leader Lisa showed up for the proposed Mother’s Day Bike Ride at 1:00 p.m. Try again next year?

First Friday Art Ride May 1, 2015

A small but enthusiastic group of five met at the UM Paxson and Meloy Galleries and then biked on the river trail to the show and reception at the Natural History Museum. Next was the Bitterroot Path to Ronan Street for the Montana Art and Framing show and reception (where artist Elene Weege was painting outside) and from there a short trip on the backroads to Frame of Mind on Brooks Street. While three ended their tour at this point (close to their homes) two continued on to small but interesting shows on Cedar Street and Hawthorne Street. As on the previous First Friday Art Ride in September 2014, participants expressed delight at discovering new galleries and artists. Consequently, we’d like to do another First Friday Art Ride on June 5, but would love to have somebody step up to lead it!

Birthday Ride April 24, 2015

Fourteen participants met at Big Sky Bicycles on Friday, April 24 where they benefited from some tire pumping and a presentation on chain lubrication by owner Robert Saylor prior to leaving at 5:30. As a birthday celebration of MizzBs first ride on April 26, 2014, the route followed the same five-mile out-and-back on the trail past Reserve Street. Leader Laurie Stalling willingly extended the ride to show the group the short path that allows cyclists to avoid Third Street to reach Hiberta Street. Ten members enjoyed dining and socializing at Brooks and Brown. This Birthday Ride will undoubtedly be an annual event.

Gearing Up for Bicycle Season, 2015

Three MizzBs members gave a presentation at the Bike Walk Montana Summit on March 3 in Helena. The presentation focused on our mission, how we got started in January, 2014, what events and activities have brought our contact list to over 100 in a year, and our plans for the future. Participating in the Summit added to our enthusiasm for many activities in 2015, especially in our mission of helping more women discover the joys of biking for transportation as well as recreation.

Sweetheart Ride February 13, 2015

Sorry to report that the planned Sweetheart Ride in celebration of all those women who bike on Winter Bike to Work Day on Friday, February 13, attracted only one participant who, concerned about biking in the dark, bailed. Lesson learned about planning late afternoon bike trips in February! Consequently, the March 8 Art Ride was canceled.

Spain & Portugal Bike Tour Presentation

On January 14, 2015, MizzBs hosted member Ethel MacDonald’s presentation of her three-week, 1170 km (730 miles) solo “Biking in Portugal and Spain” tour in October, 2014. We were gratified at the size and enthusiasm of the audience, and especially the many comments that it had been inspiring. MizzBs was formed to encourage and help more women become confident bicyclists, and getting more women inspired to try biking might be the best first step!

October 6, 2014 Workshop

The first MizzBs bike maintenance workshop especially for women on Monday, October 6, was presented by Jamie Auer at Open Roads Bike Shop and included good tips that even the experienced flat-repair attendees found helpful. We are hoping to sponsor more workshops soon.

Friday, September 5, 2014 First Friday Art Bike(Ride) a Success!

Ten MizzBs left the Missoula Art Museum a little after 5:30, biked over to the UM Paxson Gallery to view Sandra Dal Poggetto’s “”Mediations on the Field” exhibit, then admired Stephanie Frostad’s “Radiant ” at the Natural History Center before viewing the photography of Rob Gappert. Continuing on the Bitterroot Branch trail, the group stopped to admire the Willard School Students’ “Flourishings” mural (mentored by Stephanie Frostad) on our way to the Montana Art and Framing’s exhibit of Nancy Erickson’s fantastic “Premonitions.” Three participants left to attend other events while seven continued via the California Street Bridge to the Clay Studio and the opening receptions for Emily Free Wilson & Bobby Free. Last stop was the Pattee Canyon Ladies Salon at the Brunswick Gallery on Railroad Street. See more photos at the Women Bike Missoula Facebook page.

Repeat Rita Ride 2014

Fifteen enthusiastic women enjoyed the Repeat Rita Ride on July 30, a beautiful sunny day. The same 12-mile route was followed, and around 7 pm nearly all participants gathered at the Iron Horse upstairs deck for margaritas and other beverages and good food. Thanks go to Laurie Stalling for leading this ride again.

Garden Tour by Bike 2014

When just one woman was able to join leader Ethel on the June 29 Garden Tour, the route was modified at her suggestion to include the garden near Mullan Road, resulting in a considerably longer ride of over 20 miles. While Mullan Road just just west of Reserve Street is not great for bikes, once we reached the separated path on Flynn Road it was a satisfying ride. It was a most enjoyable day riding to all these beautiful and impressive gardens from the University to Mullan Road to the Rattlesnake.

Rita Rain Ride – Wet but Wonderful

Seven hardy/hearty women showed up at the XXXs on the rainy afternoon of Wednesday, June 18, 2014. Leader Laurie Stalling established before leaving that the planned 11-12-mile ride might be shortened at any time the group so decided. Although it rained the entire time, the merriment of the group never diminished, and when a vote was taken on the South Avenue path, the majority vote, with no objections, was to continue on to Clements Road. Thanks to Laurie’s excellent leadership, all participants discovered two new trail connections that allowed pleasant riding on quiet streets with no miles at all on Third Street. Best of all, at least two participants experienced parts of the Bitterroot Branch Trail and the Milwaukee Trail they had never ridden. The ride demonstrated that one can bicycle safely on separated bike paths and pleasant roads from downtown Missoula to the Target Range area and back again. At the end, seven wet and high-spirited women descended on the well-dressed crowd at Plonk, found a warm, comfy corner, and enjoyed delicious appetizers. Herbal tea, a hot toddy, and lemonade were among the renegade drinks chosen after this marga”Rita” Ride. Considering that approximately 30 women had indicated intentions to do the ride, maybe a Repeat Rita Ride might be in order on a guaranteed sunny, warm day.

Nine MizzBs Enjoy a Nice Ride of Discovery Friday

First time over the Northside OverBridge RR Crossing for several riders.

Nine participants met at the Downtown XXXs on Friday, May 16, 2014 for the hastily scheduled “Replacement Ride” for the snow-dampened Mothers’ Day Ride. Nearly every participant discovered a new route or bike/ped connection on the North Side. Starting at the XXXs downtown, we rode west on Railroad Street to the Northside Overpass where all successfully pedal ed to the top, and had good brakes coming down the other side. We continued on North 1st Street east, then North 2nd street to stay on the north side of the tracks to Greenough Drive. Since the route was deliberately flexible, after a loop through lovely Greenough Park, the possibility of continuing on to Lolo Street was presented, and everyone wanted to continue. At Lolo Street, the option of continuing on to the Pineview Park bridge and returning on the trail through Tom GreenePark was presented, and again all agreed to continue. The trail was peaceful, mostly smooth, and fine for skinny tires. A short stretch on Van Buren before entering the RUX (Rattlesnake-University Crossing) path was a little hairy, but it was worth it to access the path because many participants had never been over the bridge. Undoubtedly the most enjoyable routes were the paved path in Greenough Park and the trail in Tom Greene Park. The ride included a challenging hill, and at the end, all riders opted to head on home rather than socialize over food and drink. Thanks to all who attended, and regrets that many who might have liked to come didn’t receive the information.

Mothers’ Day Ride Snowed Out

The four MizzBs leaders who met at Currents after Sunday morning’s snowfall were neither surprised nor disappointed that nobody except a KPAX reporter looking for a Mothers’ Day story showed up. We talked to him and hoped for a little publicity for MizzBs and then headed for our own warm houses. We have planned a replacement ride for Friday, May 16.

First MizzBs Bike Ride 4/25/2014 a Huge Success!

Introduction to Social Ride

MizzBs first sponsored ride on April 25 was pronounced a huge success by the MizzBs planning committee. After a welcome, tire repair demonstration by Big Sky’s Robert Saylor, and general bike check assistance from MizzBs leaders, the enthusiastic group of 35 women and one man of various abilities and ages — from their early 20’s to their mid-70’s — crossed the Jacob’s Island Pedestrian Bridge and headed west on the Kim Williams/River/Milwaukee Trail. With designated MizzBs leaders at the front, middle and end, each participant found her own comfortable speed. They stopped and gathered at appropriate points: At the Bitterroot Branch Trail intersection Ginny shared information about the future (2015!) Missoula-Lolo Trail; and just west of the bike/ped tunnel under Reserve Street at the Orchard Gardens, Kristina and a worker there shared information about Garden City Harvest. The group’s energy and enthusiasm continued over dinner, snacks, and/or drinks at Brooks and Brown at the end of the out-and-back 6-mile ride. The table was buzzing with enthusiasm and lively conversation among participants who were discovering new friends and possibilities for summer fun on bikes.

Thanks to all who participated!

Join Women Bike Missoula for a short presentation featuring a bikepacking trip on newest addition to Adventure Cycling's Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. This spur from Seeley Lake to Missoula follows old roads and trails through Nature Conservancy land and trails in the Rattlesnake Recreation area.