Exploring Big Sky Country Ahead of the Belgian Waffle Ride
Exploring Big Sky Country Ahead of the Belgian Waffle Ride
I’ve always believed that having a plan is good, but being flexible is even better. Our recent trip to Montana proved that point in the best way possible.
The original mission was simple: fly into Bozeman a few days early, log some big gravel miles, and then line up for the first-ever Belgian Waffle Ride Montana. We had our routes mapped, our gear packed, and visions of remote gravel roads stretched across Big Sky landscapes. But as these things tend to go, not everything went according to plan.
From Plan A to Plan D
Our first ride idea, climbing Jack Creek Road, was quickly scrapped when we learned it was off-limits unless you owned a vacation home with its own helipad. After running through a string of backup plans, and almost resorting to bribery with cinnamon rolls, we finally landed on what we now call “Plan D.”
We ended up about an hour outside of Ennis, Montana, rolling out on a less-traveled stretch of gravel that turned out to be far better than what we originally intended. The ride was a steady grind, climbing up through quiet backroads, past locked gates, through patches of lingering snow, and into views that stretched out to infinity. The elevation hit hard since most of us are used to sea level, but the effort was worth every pedal stroke.
The numbers: around 25 miles (one way) with 4,500 feet of climbing, most of it packed into one long, leg-burning ascent. We could have kept going. The roads stretched endlessly across ridgelines, but eventually we turned back, hungry for burgers, beers, and a little time to let it all sink in.
Bozeman and Beyond
The next day, we wanted to see what Bozeman had to offer right from town. We rolled out towards Hyalite Canyon, following a paved road that eventually turned to dirt as it led to Hyalite Lake. The scenery was unreal. Towering peaks, glassy water, and a few friendly locals who assured us the lake wasn’t too cold—though none of us tested that theory.
Pushing on, the road ended at Grotto Falls, a hiking trailhead tucked into the mountains. We could have stopped there, but instead we veered onto some cross-country ski trails that, as it turns out, are a blast to ride on gravel bikes. Flowing back down towards town, the stoke was high, the legs were worked, and the group vibe was dialed.
Some of us celebrated with beers, others with coffee. Either way, the smiles were the same.
More Than Just Miles
Looking back, the trip was everything we could have hoped for: good people, better views, solid rides, and a reminder that sometimes the best adventures come from plans gone sideways. Montana showed up big for us. The scenery was vast and wild, the trails delivered more than we bargained for, and the downtime was filled with exactly what you want after big days out—good food, a few too many beverages, and stories to carry home.
We came for the Belgian Waffle Ride, but the miles before the start line were just as memorable. The group consensus: let’s do this again next year.
