[6thElement]

Hey @Montana rider and @Serial Midget - the below might be relevant to your local interests. Too much good stuff getting blocked from bikes in ID and MT...

Backcountry mountain biking in the Lionhead area of southwest Montana’s Custer Gallatin National Forest boasts some of the best high elevation backcountry riding in country. These public lands are admired nationally as a haven for wild, remote outdoor experiences, and outdoor recreation contributes $223 million to the local economy. The amazing rides in the Lionhead have been cherished and maintained by locals for years, thanks to the leadership of IMBA Local association Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Alliance (SWMMBA).

The U.S. Forest Service recently released a draft forest plan for the Custer Gallatin National Forest, and the public has the opportunity to comment on the plan until June 6, 2019. The current draft plan includes the Lionhead area as Recommended Wilderness, meaning these special rides would be closed to mountain bikes. Alternative land management designations exist to protect the landscape while maintaining bike access.

IMBA, SWMMBA and Outdoor Alliance are advocating for these alternatives, and you can help by sending a comment to the Forest Service today!

Link to comment:
https://secure.everyaction.com/vKpIxG4K70myPHVoMIylEQ2

 

[Montana rider]

Yes, I have been an active part of advocacy meetings over the last 5+ so all too aware of the recent Forest Service review of WSAs and will be sending my note in shortly.

Strangely enough I bought my place in Island Park due to proximity to the Lionhead (i.e. the best biking in SW MT) and the Centennials, and now those (MT-side) trails are in jeopardy.

White Clouds/Stanley area trails loss notwithstanding Idaho seems like it has zero fucks to give re: biking in the WSAs.

It's hard to choose, but Sheep Creek is my favorite "regular" ride, someone else's pixels and words (PRON) about Lionhead:

http://forums.mtbr.com/idaho-montana-wyoming/mile-creek-high-726318.html
http://ltrainstation.blogspot.com/2012/07/mile-to-sheep-creek-epic-ride-montana.html#!/2012/07/mile-to-sheep-creek-epic-ride-montana.html
http://onetrailatatime.blogspot.com/2012/09/mile-creek-to-sheep-creek-backcountry.html
http://forums.mtbr.com/idaho-montana-wyoming/lionhead-little-loop-813064.html
https://www.pinkbike.com/news/exploring-the-mountaintop-trails-of-idaho-and-montana.html

ETA: an interesting article about the trail clearing collaboration efforts in the Lionhead between Backcountry Horsemen (who carry the chainsaws up to 10,000') and (fat) bikers who clear every inch of trail.

https://freehubmag.com/articles/shoulders-giants


This year's event is 7/12-14, good beer, good people, good times...
https://www.southwestmontanamba.org/calendar/2019/7/5/lionhead-trail-weekend

 

[SkaredShtles]

I've already sent in my comments on the SW Montana stuff as well as access review going on with some NF stuff up in Whitefish.

 

[Montana rider]

Terry Johnson OG builder of Bangtail Divide and Mile Creek re-route at the trailwork weekend 2 years ago and shortly before his passing (RIP...)

Corey Biggers (the guy on the left) cleans/organizes MT-CDT from Yellowstone to Monida every year (!!) and makes these badass chainsaw racks (below)