Backcountry Ride with MTB Missoula – Rattlesnake / Sheep Mountain

Here’s an opportunity to ride with MTB Missoula on the Classic Sheep Mountain Loop with new and old friends. We’ll likely have at least three groups with varied pacing and an emphasis on comraderie; however, this is a big ride for most people and baseline fitness is essential.

Some groups may opt to descend 1513 or, add on Mineral Peak?

Expect five hours minimum on the trail. For those who’ve never completed this ride, here’s the sequence:

1. Woods Gulch to Blue Pt. — 7 miles of pure climbing with several very steep sections
2. Blue Pt. to Sheep Summit — 3 miles of high alpine riding, another 700 ft of gain
3. Sheep Summit to E. Fork Rattlesnake — 2ish miles of rocky, exposed singletrack, semi-technical riding into more meandering alpine terrain
4. E. Fork Rattlesnake — 4 miles of technical moderate grade descent, off-camber, roots
5. Franklin Bridge to TH — 11 miles of gravel grinding on a gradual descent 

Come well rested and hydrated, with plenty of food/water/layers.