Gravel bike race to debut in Whitefish next summer
One of the many scenic views riders will get to experience during The Last Best Ride around Whitefish in Aug., 2021 (courtesy photo).
Registration opens Tuesday, Nov. 10, for “The Last Best Ride,” a new gravel bike race coming to Whitefish on Aug. 22, 2021.
Whitefish native Jess Cerra and fellow professional cyclist Sam Boardman are organizing the ride, which will take place on the gravel roads surrounding Whitefish.
The race includes two course options: a 48-mile short course with 4,800 feet of elevation gain and a 78-mile long course with 8,700 feet of elevation gain. The exact race routes are not yet finalized.
The goal is to highlight Whitefish’s natural beauty and contribute to what Cerra calls a “more inclusive start line.” Twenty percent of the proceeds from The Last Best Race will go to the race’s Champion Scholar Award, which will be given to one financially qualified Whitefish female student and one financially qualified local Native American student seeking post-secondary education.
“My priority is activating underrepresented populations, specifically women,” Cerra said in a press release.
“We believe that the spirit of The Last Best Ride itself is equally as important as the spirit of community,” Cerra added. “So we made the event all the things we wished races could be: challenging enough for top pros while still approachable enough for enthusiasts, inclusive to families, and supportive of the local community.”
Both of the race organizers are professional riders who have competed all over the world, and they believe Whitefish is the perfect place for a gravel race.
“Knowing what Whitefish has to offer, we think this will be one of the most spectacular gravel venues in the entire country,’” Boardman said.
The Last Best Ride is intentionally family-and spectator-friendly, and viewers will be encouraged to watch the riders from the summit at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
A casual pre-race dinner and fundraiser are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. On Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, Great Northern Cycle & Ski plans to host the race expo and evening block party, complete with food trucks and live music. Race entry includes a post-race celebration with local food and ice cream.
For more information, visit thelastbestridemt.com, check out @thelastbestride on Instagram, or contact ridewhitefish@gmail.com.