This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Whitefish, Montana to participate in the inaugural edition of The Last Best Ride. Named in tribute to the nickname, The Last Best Place, for the State of Montana, TLBR is a gravel race of 90 miles and over 8,000 feet of elevation gain.
TLBR starts and finishes in the town of Whitefish and ventures into the mountains to the north of town. It had rained the days before the race and race day began with heavy overcast skies and the conditions on the course included everything from big puddles, mud, slick sections of dirt and to single track and as advertised……BIG climbs.
The biggest climb of the day is a chunky, rocky, technical ascent of Werner Peak. It’s about five miles long and grades are upwards of 12%. Just when you think the toughest part is over you arrive at the base of the “Scramble”, a mile long rocky wall that reduces you to “hike a bike” mode.
We were in the clouds for most of these two famous climbs. Luckily, what goes up, must come down, and the descent back to Whitefish Lake was long and scary fast. There was no need for the bear spray that we were required to carry, because even the famous Montana grizzlies wouldn’t have been able to catch you on the descent.
Overall, The Last Best Ride was great, The course is beautiful and challenging. The race organization is excellent. The town of Whitefish is a great host and with over 500 fellow racers, including a big pro field of men and women, it is an exciting event to be a part of. I would rank it right up there with the top gravel races in the country, a list that includes Unbound, Gravel Worlds, Gravel Nationals and our own, Chino Grinder.
Pedal Well,
– Harry
