Be Bear Aware

Visit the National Forest Service site for more info

This is grizzly and black bear country (and mountain lions). We highly advise having bear spray on you while riding (or hiking, camping, etc.) for your safety and for the safety of those around you.

You can purchase bear spray in:

Missoula - Missoula Bicycle Works (they also have bear spray bike holders), Bob Wards, Scheels, Costco, REI, Trailhead, Sportsman’s Warehouse

Ovando - Blackfoot Angler’s (downtown)

You can purchase BearClawHolsters - bear spray bike mounts - at Missoula Bicycle Works in Missoula

We highly recommend having bear spray on your person while riding this event. Make noise often - sing, cheer, talk with people around you. This is especially important when coming around blind corners going uphill, but especially downhill. If a biker were to encounter a bear, this is usually when it occurs - going fast around a blind corner, which then spooks both the human and the bear. Many times they run, but sometimes they do not, especially if there are cubs or food around.

ENCOUNTERING A BEAR
Many people will not encounter a bear, but it can happen.

Here are recommendations from the National Forest Service, taken from the NFS site (link to left):

• DO NOT RUN.

• Remain calm.

• Group together

• Continue to face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a human.

• If the bear continues to approach, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible by stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises.

• Carry and know how to use bear spray, which is available at many outdoor retailers and can be used to deter a charging bear.

FOOD STORAGE

• Keep a clean camp site.

• Do not store food or any scented items in a tent, including clothing with food residues.

• Do not leave food unattended at a campsite or in your vehicle.

• Use bear-resistant food lockers and dumpsters where provided or bring your own.

• Clean utensils and food prep area thoroughly after cooking.

• Do not store garbage at camp site. Use a designated bear proof garbage/dumpster.