Event
The Philipsburg 46 has something for everyone. This is a mass start, point-to-point, backcountry adventure race. It boasts extraordinary views of the Flint Creek Valley and the Pintler Wilderness, and combines a rugged riding experience with the western hospitality of Philipsburg, Montana. As far as we know, it’s the only 50 mile mountain bike race in the world without a single switchback.
Course
The race starts at the mouth of Willow Creek on private property and through a partnership with Five Valleys Land Trust. Riders of every skill level start together and wind along Lower Willow Creek before a creek crossing and steep climb separate the field. A few more miles of scenic dirt roads give way to extraordinary alpine singletrack. Hold on tight through fast descents and lung busting climbs before you cruise back toward Philipsburg for the big finale.
The race is just shy of 50 miles, with 5,000 feet of climbing. A few technical descents might have new riders on the edge of their seats, but there’s nothing an adventurous novice can’t handle.
On desktop, scroll down for map. On mobile, check out
Phillipsburg 46 route on Trailforks
Schedule
FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2019
4pm-9pm
Rider Check-In/Registration at Lower Willow Cr. Ranch
SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019
7am-8:30am:
Rider Check-In/Registration at Lower Willow Cr. Ranch
8am:
Shuttle to Race Start at Philipsburg Town Park
9am: Race
Start at Lower Willow Cr.
12pm-4pm:
BBQ, Relax in Philipsburg, MT
4pm:
Awards Downtown
Lodging
Camping
Tent and RV camping is available at every Western Montana Trail Series event, and the Philipsburg 46 is no different. Primitive camping is available at the Philipsburg Town Park in downtown Philipsburg. Pit toilets are on site. Please plan on bringing your own water, and haul out your trash! You can reach out to Ben (ben@mtbmissoula.org) for more information.
Showers
Showers are available a few blocks from camping at Friday Night Pizza. $5 gets you six and a half minutes!
Food
Be sure to stick around after the race. We’re teaming up with award-winning
Up-N-Smokin' BBQ and Big Sky Brewing Co for the post race cookout again this year!
Kid's Activities
That’s right. Phillipsburg 46 offers supervised children’s programming so that mom and dad can both race. No excuses here! The programming is run through our friends at Missoula Parks and Recreation. You can reach out to Meg (mwhicher@ci.missoula.mt.us) for more information.
Register
Join us at The Dram Shop on March 13th for special in-person pricing!
Online registration opens March 14th at 8am.
Registration Party Special: $70
Early Online Registration (through May 15): $80
Late Online Registration: $90
Raceday Registration: $100
Volunteer
We can't do this without the volunteers! Come on out and share the experience, cheer the riders, and stick around at the end for dinner and a beer. We appreciate the help!
Shuttle and Bike Drop
This is a point-to-point backcountry race in the heart of Montana. The morning of the event you'll park at the finish and we'll give you a lift to the start, but you'll need to drop your bike at the start line when you check in.
Late registration and check-in are located at the race start, on Lower Willow Creek. It's about 20 minutes outside of Philipsburg -
here's a map (there is no cell service at the race start, so be sure to load this in town). When you check in, you can leave your bike in a dry, secure barn overnight!
Check in is available on Friday afternoon from 4-9pm and Saturday morning from 7-8:30am. Daylong parking is not available at the race start, so you'll need to drive back to Philipsburg to catch the shuttle or have someone drop you off.
