Wild West Route: Summer 2019

Wild West Route: Summer 2019

Initially planning on spending 2 weeks along the GDMBR, my attention shifted when the Wild West Route was published this spring by Bikepacking Roots.  Comparing the two routes, I was drawn the to the wandering nature of the WWR Route through remote parts of Montana and Idaho, as compared to the relatively efficient North-South line of the GDMBR.  

This will be the longest bikepacking adventure I've undertaken, but with a daily mileage of around 60-80 on primarily forest service roads I am looking forward to a fairly relaxed pace as compared to the long suffer-fests of past winter races.  A huge thanks to Bikepacking Roots for the amazing route and all the resources that were created to help people like me get out there.

General Itinerary:

July 5th: 10:20 PM: AMTRAK Empire Builder : MSP to Whitefish MT
July 6th: 8:59 PM: Arrive in Whitefish.  Assemble bike.  Camp at Whitefish Lake State Park
July 7th: Bike to start of Wild West Route in Rooseville MT on Canadian Border: 76 mi
July 8 - 12: Segment 1 of WWR : 303 miles
July 13 - 18: Segment 2 of WWR: 350 miles
July 19: Bike to Missoula MT : 65 miles
July 20: Fly home.

Detailed Bike Itinerary with GPS Tracks/Route Links, Mileage, Resupplies, and Camping: Link
    * This is my customized set of data and files, which differs from the published Wild West Route slightly.

Garmin InReach Tracking: Link



Bike: 2017 Salsa Fargo 29"

Notable Gear: Light, but still comfortable...

• Big Agnes Fly Creek HV 1 Tent
• Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad
• SP PD-8 Dynamo Hub w/Sinewave Revolution for charging
• 2 Relevate Designs Feedbags
• 2.25" Vittoria Mezcal tubeless on SPANK Oozy 295 rims by Mill City Cycles
• Lone Peak Packs Seat Bag
• Frame Bag- made in my basement
• Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS and Satellite Communicator w/iPhone backup
• 2 fork-mounted 4L Drybags on Blackburn Cargo Cages
• Revelate Designs Handlebar Bag
• 3L Camelback Mule backpack
• Bear Spray

Not Bringing:

• Cooking Equipment: Decided to forgo the stove, pot, and fuel setup.
• Water filter: The route follows rivers and creeks.  Do have iodine tablets.