This is the newest Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club touring ride-and possibly one of our flattest routes.

We'll meet up behind the Country Kitchen Restaurant in Belgrade, just south of the I-90 interchange on Jackrabbit Lane (next to the Holiday Inn Express) on Sunday, June 21, 2009 (Father's Day).  The ride will start at 8:00 a.m. so come a little bit early to fill out the paperwork and pay the $2 fee.  The ride takes smooth and lightly traveled roads through Churchill, Manhattan, Logan, Three Forks, and Willow Creek.  It's a primarily downhill grade from Churchill to Three Forks.  The final 6 miles are on the flat and low traffic Old Yellowstone Trail to the small unincorporated town of Willow Creek. 

Since it's an out-and-back, those not wanting to go the full 70 miles can turn around at any point along the route.

There aren't many services in Willow Creek.  We'll have a lightly stocked reststop by the Willow Creek school, but if you need a restroom you might want to make a pit stop in Three Forks.  

The trip back to Belgrade via the same route is usually slower.  It's common to have a crosswind from the southwest, and it is slightly uphill.  When you get over Churchill and a few rollers on Cameron Bridge Road, the last stretch back to Belgrade is flat. 

End your day with some lunch or dessert at the Country Kitchen to show your appreciation for the use of their parking lot.

TO TRAILHEAD: Country Kitchen Restaurant-6269 Jackrabbit Lane, Belgrade, MT