Darryl Iblings (front) heads down the trail during the inaugural Sasquatch Fat Bike Ride in Seeley Lake. Iblings, from Kalispell, found the route to be challenging and a lot of fun with great scenery. He plans to return if the event is held next year.
In an effort to raise awareness, the event registration included a Trail Pass for riders who didn't already have a pass on their bikes.
Ride organizer Mike Lindemer gives instructions to the riders prior to departure from SLE Outside.
The Sasquatch logo used for the ride was drawn by Sequoia Wilber of Seeley Lake. T-shirts were available at the ride and were made by The Branding Shack.
SEELEY LAKE – More than a dozen riders descended on Seeley Lake March 5 to partake in the Sasquatch Fat Bike Ride.
"It was super fun. The conditions were amazing. The weather was perfect. It was really well put together," said rider Steve Suvilla. "How can you beat a bacon and beer stop? It was like an oasis."
That was the reaction ride organizer Mike Lindemer wanted to hear. With the exception of a rider who got mixed up near the end and turned the 20-mile ride into a 22-mile ride the event went smoothly according to Lindemer.
The event drew participants from Missoula, Kalispell, Helena and Seeley Lake. Three riders did the 10-mile course while 12 riders did the 20-mile.
Averaging two and a half hours to complete, the 20-mile course took riders from SLE Outside's store downtown up the Morrell Creek Drainage nearly to the Morrell Falls Trailhead before looping back toward town.
Lindemer, who partnered with SLE Outside to put on the event, would like to have had more riders at the event but was happy with the turnout for what he hopes to be an annual event.
"It's just like anything else, you have to prove yourself before more people will come," said Lindemer.
Lindemer plans to hold the event annually and is considering adding a longer route that would be 35 to 45 miles.
When asked, Suvilla said he would defiantly make plans to come next year.
"Anyone who missed this, really missed out. It was a great event," said Suvilla.
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