Bozeman, MT: Search for Plummer's Gold (Permanent No. 487)

Take a (long) lap around the Tobacco Root Mountains on this 147-mile randonneur loop that winds past historic gold fields, revisiting Montana's rough and tumble past.

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Author:	Bicycling Magazine
Date:	22 Oct 2008 4:22:19 PM
Activity:	Bicycling ActivitySearchBicycling
State:	Montana (MT)
Distance:	146.52 mi (Change units)
Survey Elevation:	Total Gain: 7580 ft Total Loss: 7579 ft Net Change: 0 ft
Difficulty:	9 / 10
Tags:	Montana, Bozeman, Norris, Randonneuring, Ennis, MT, Three Forks, MT
Rating:	3 rating(s) Rate it

Revisit Montana's 19th century gold rush days on this long distance loop that circles the Tobacco Root Mountains and tours historic outposts. The ride, which is also a designated Randonneurs USA (RUSA) Permanent route, starts roughly 30 miles northwest of Bozeman at the I-90/US 287 interchange.

Warm up on a gentle, 11-mile stretch to the US 287-MT 2 intersection. From here, the route turns south and starts to climb along US 287. You'll pedal past 10,000-plus-foot peaks as you tour the quaint towns of Harrison and Ennis, and the historic gold fields near Virginia City. Legend has it that Virginia City's Sheriff Henry Plummer, the ringleader of an outlaw gang called the Innocents, offered to bring back his weight in gold to the Vigilantes if they spared his life. The plea fell on deaf ears, and Plummer was hung in the winter of 1864. Although rumors of Plummer's gold have persisted, treasure seekers have yet to find the elusive gold.

Within the first 60 miles, you'll encounter the route's three significant climbs: The mellow, 4- to 5-percent grades of Harrison Hill, then the significantly steeper Norris Hill, followed by the stiff, 10-mile-long climb between Ennis and Virginia City. Daredevils may hit speeds of up to 50 mph on the non-technical descents of Norris Hill and Virginia City Hill.

The return trip north winds through Sheridan and Twin Bridges before looping back alongside I-90 at Whitehall. After a scenic and rolling ride through a narrow canyon along the Jefferson River, you'll reconnect with the starting point by Three Forks.

Note: Cyclists who are not riding under the RUSA time constraints can break this trip into a two-day tour by spending the night in Virginia City. For information about Permanent No. 487, including organizer contact information, cue sheet, and entry form click here.

-Mapped by Jason Karp

TO TRAILHEAD: The ride starts at Town Pump next to the I-90 exit 274, just west of Three Forks, MT.

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

Bozeman, MT: Search for Plummer's Gold

Distance: 146.52 mi	Points: 3567	Calories: none
Total Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

#	Distance	Instruction	Distance to next
1	0.00 mi	Start - Town Pump Truck Stop	Then go 0.07 mi
2	0.07 mi	Turn Right - US 287/MT 2	Then go 10.97 mi
3	11.04 mi	Turn Left - US 287	Then go 34.97 mi
4	46.01 mi	Turn Right - Main St./MT 287	Then go 42.75 mi
5	88.76 mi	Straight - MT 41	Then go 14.35 mi
6	103.12 mi	Straight - MT 55	Then go 12.08 mi
7	115.19 mi	Turn Right - MT 55/MT 69/MT 2	Then go 7.81 mi
8	123.00 mi	Turn Left - MT 2	Then go 12.35 mi
9	135.35 mi	Straight - US 287/MT 2	Then go 11.09 mi
10	146.44 mi	Turn Left - Town Pump Truck Stop	Then go 0.08 mi
11	146.52 mi	Stop -

Points of Interest

Tobacco Root Mountains

Location: 45.564665, -112.324734
On sunny days, look for your shadow pedaling alongside you. In the distance, the Tobacco Root Mountains rise above the Jefferson River Valley. © Jason Karp

Start/Finish: Town Pump Truck Stop

Location: 45.916385, -111.598928
The Town Pump is open 24 hours and has plenty of supplies. The Wheat Montana Deli and Bakery in the background of this photo is an excellent place to grab a bite to eat (try the cinnamon rolls). Randonneurs: If you're riding this route as a Permanent, you must pass through certain checkpoints within a prescribed time window. To verify the ride was done within the proper time constraints, "proof of passage" is required from an establishment near Exit 274. Get your brevet card stamped and signed (with the current time) by an employee, or ask for a cash register receipt with the time and location. © Jason Karp

Jefferson River

Location: 45.880919, -111.612082
This stretch of US 287/MT 2 is very scenic and fun to ride. Use caution: The highway shoulder is minimal on the 11-mile stretch between Exit 274 and Sappington Junction. Ride single file (a mirror is also a good idea). Note: Construction projects may temporarily divert extra semi traffic to this highway. © Jason Karp

Sappington Junction

Location: 45.810854, -111.749840
Take in the picturesque roadside views: You'll see the Jefferson River and the snow-covered London Peak in the distance. Early fall snowstorms can cover the Tobacco Root Mountains in a beautiful white blanket. © Jason Karp

Harrison Hill

Location: 45.750037, -111.767864
Amazing views of golden plains and snowy peaks greet you at the top of Harrison Hill. Instead of descending after this climb, you'll ride across the high plains, which stretch to the foot of the Tobacco Root Mountains. © Jason Karp

Harrison, Montana

Location: 45.702223, -111.785717
There's a cafe and a small grocery store on the east side of the highway in Harrison.

Norris, Montana

Location: 45.570568, -111.690949
There's a small convenience store in Norris if you need to refuel before climbing Norris Hill.

Norris Hill Chain Up Area

Location: 45.527276, -111.698856
When you see this sign, prepare for the climb ahead. The road up Norris Hill has some 7- and 8-percent grades for roughly 2.5 miles in each direction. © Jason Karp

Ennis, Montana

Location: 45.349258, -111.732663
As this sculpture testifies, fly fishing is a big deal in and around Ennis. With a population of 973, Ennis is the largest town in Madison County. Cyclists will find grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants where they can re-supply and grab some food. Note: Ennis serves as another randonneuring checkpoint for Permanent riders. Get your "proof of passage" at the Town Pump convenience store in the background (along with some water and munchies for the climb to come). Ahead: The route overlaps Adventure Cycling's TransAmerica Trail from Ennis to Twin Bridges. In the summer months you'll likely encounter cross-country touring cyclists on this stretch. © Jason Karp

Madison Valley

Location: 45.318357, -111.845895
A view from a scenic turn-out about halfway up Virginia City Hill. This is a good spot to shed a layer and catch your breath. Look for Fan Mountain in the Madison Range across the way. You can see the highway snaking up the valley from Ennis to the foot of the climb. © Jason Karp

Virginia City Hill

Location: 45.292279, -111.880474
A road sign marks the top of the climb. Now's the time to add a layer for the fast descent into Virginia City. © Jason Karp

Virginia City, Montana

Location: 45.293698, -111.944203
Opened in 1876, the Madison County Courthouse is the oldest courthouse in Montana still used for its original purpose. Virginia City was Montana's second territorial capital and boasted a population of nearly 10,000. When the gold played out, the town faded to a few hundred residents. Today, Virginia City is the county seat for Madison County, and a very popular summer tourist destination. For cyclists that wish to break this route into a 2-day tour, spend the night at Bennett House Country Inn or Hill Top Lodging. For lodging info, go to Virginia City's Chamber of Commerce Web site. © Jason Karp

Alder Gulch

Location: 45.320070, -112.076565
This historic point (one of many on this route) explains some of the history of this area. As the sign says, a lot of the gold mined here ended up financing Harvard University. © Jason Karp

Robbers Roost

Location: 45.392547, -112.146555
Legend has it that Robbers Roost (the log roadhouse that once stood at this site) was the hangout for Henry Plummer and his gang, the "Innocents," as they waited to rob travelers on the road between Virginia City and Bannack (now a ghost town to the west). Plummer remains a controversial figure to this day. Many are convinced of his guilt; others say he was falsely accused and the Vigilantes who killed Plummer were the real criminals. © Jason Karp

Ramshorn Creek

Location: 45.392585, -112.146597
An old railroad bridge crosses Ramshorn Creek next to Robbers Roost (a train hasn't come through here in a while). © Jason Karp

Sheridan, Montana

Location: 45.456503, -112.197511
Downtown Sheridan is another checkpoint for randonneurs. You can get "proof of passage" at the grocery store at the far right of the photo. © Jason Karp

Twin Bridges, Montana

Silver Star, Montana

Location: 45.688944, -112.283041
A twilight view of the Jefferson River from the small community of Silver Star. There's a small grocery store attached to the post office (or is it the other way around?). © Jason Karp

Whitehall, Montana

Location: 45.869827, -112.101123
Whitehall (population 1,156) is the largest town along this route and another checkpoint for randonneurs (the Corner Store in the middle of town is a good choice). Cyclists can re-supply and re-fuel at the stores and restaurants in the town center and near the I-90 interchange.

LaHood Park

Location: 45.853195, -111.922209
An interesting historic point, Lahood Park was a significant waypoint for travelers until it was bypassed by the construction of I-90 in the late 1960's. Randonneurs: Lahood Park serves as an "information control" for randonneurs riding this route as a Permanent. A question provided by the organizer must be answered and noted along with the time on the brevet card. The answer to the question (which will be fairly obvious) will be found on a landmark in Lahood Park.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

Location: 45.843390, -111.916738
Ride through the southwest corner of Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. Guided tours lead to limestone caves lined with stalactites and stalagmites. Note: Tours of the caverns are only available from May 1 through September 30.