FAQ

WHAT IS MONTANA BIKE ODYSSEY?

Montana Bike Odyssey is a self supported bicycle race with 3 route options.

The original, The Pilgrimage- 1,746 miles and over 100,000’ of climbing around Montana ( Full Disclosure- 58 miles are in Idaho). The route has 621 miles of paved roads. Some short sections will have moderate traffic, others are rarely traveled single lane mountain roads. There are 1065 miles of gravel and dirt roads. These roads range from well maintained "hero gravel" to unmaintained dirt roads that could become P.R.E.M (Potentially Race Ending Mud) during long periods of rain or melting snow. Lastly, there is around 50 miles of paved dedicated bike path, mostly in the Bitterroot Valley between Hamilton and Lolo and 10 miles of single track high up in the Swan Range along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.

The Quest is a 500 mile loop route with 28,000' of climbing that travels around and through multiple "Island" mountain ranges in southcentral Montana. The route consists of over 80% gravel and dirt roads with the remaining being short connecting sections of paved county and state roads.

The Passage is a 235 mile loop with 17,000' feet of climbing while travelling through the Bridger, Crazy and Castle Mountains. The route consists of over 80% gravel and dirt roads with the remaining being short connecting sections of paved county and state roads.

WHY IS IT CALLED AN ODYSSEY

odyssey

noun

A long series of wanderings or adventures, especially when filled with notable experiences, hardships, etc.
An intellectual or spiritual quest: an odyssey of discovery

By definition an odyssey is an extended adventurous voyage or trip. The MBO is certainly that but there is also a component of discovery, intellectual, physical and spiritual that only days in the saddle immersed in the grandeur of the Montana landscape can provide.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

There is no entry fee for the participating in the 2026 Montana Bike Odyssey...BUT,

All riders are asked make a minimum donation of $50 to the selected bike related non-profit organization. Go to the Donations page to learn more

As a thank you for donating, all registered riders that email us a copy of their donation receipt will receive a limited addition signed and numbered lino cut print commemorating the 2026 MBO race created by race co-director Graham

All riders WILL have to pay for the race tracking service directly to Follow My Challenge USA and either provide their own private tracking device or rent one from Follow My Challenge USA

SPOT tracker rental and tracking services- $80(up to one month) $40 for additional month or portion thereof.

Tracking service (If you already have a SPOT tracker)- $30

ALSO- All riders are required to carry Bear Spray. We might have some loaner units available. Details to come later.

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE 2026 MONTANA BIKE ODYSSEY?

The Link on the registration page will be live starting Feb 2nd at 12pm MST.

WHAT ARE THE RULES?

Borrowing for the majority of self supported bicycle races these 7 simple rules will govern the Montana Bike Odyssey.

Riders must ride from the start to finish following the entire Montana Bicycle Odyssey GPX route.
No drafting. (Not applicable for paired riders)
All forward travel must be self powered
All riders must maintain evidence of their ride
All riders must know, understand and obey local traffic laws
Ride in the spirit of self reliance and equal opportunity.
BE NICE, tip well when eating out, and wave to cars that give you lots of space. You are an ambassador for the sport/lifestyle of bikepacking- SPREAD THE LOVE

WHO ENFORCES THE RULES?

The race directors have the final say if there are any rules infractions. In general, it is your responsibility to know and follow the rules, be respectful and have fun.

WHAT IS THE PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT?

The Participant Agreement is a document that each racer must read, understand and sign to take part in this event. It sets out the terms and conditions of entry. You will digitally sign when registering as well as sign a hard copy of at the pre-race meeting.

DO I NEED ANY QUALIFICATIONS TO ENTER?

NO. There are no formal qualifications required but experience with long distance cycling and travel in remote back country locations is beneficial. Do not underestimate the length, terrain and remoteness of these routes or Montana’s varied weather conditions. Be prepared and always stay acutely aware of your own limitations. Do not underestimate the two new shorter courses.

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE AND SIZE TIRES DO YOU RECOMMEND?

Any gravel/adventure bike or hard tail mountain bike running tires with a minimum width of 40 mm, preferably set up tubeless would be our recommendation. In the end, the best bike is the one you have!
For reference, having ridden the route 6 times now, I choose to ride on 2.1"- 2.25" tires. We have had multiple finishes ride 45mm tires including the FKT

CAN I HAVE A FILM CREW FOLLOW ME DURING THE RACE?

NO, this ride is meant to be experienced as a solo rider or a pair of riders without the interaction or distraction of a film/support crew. You are welcome to self film as much as you want! And really, does every ultra race really need it's own film?

THERE IS A BEAR ON THE LOGO, WILL I ENCOUNTER BEARS DURING THE RIDE?

MAYBE. Both Grizzly and Black bears inhabit large portions of the landscape that the race crosses.
Be aware, familiarize yourself with protocols for travelling and camping in bear country and carry bear spray (required). Please read the information regarding biking in bear country on the Resources page. I have ridden the complete course six times and have seen both black bears and grizzly bears multiple times. All riders are required to carry bear spray.