September 24, 2024
Sep 24 - Montana’s Copper Way
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We are still not sure what the “real” name of today’s trails were as we saw conflicting information. One sign indicated that it was the Silver Bow and BA & P Trailway while another categorized it all as the Montana’s Copperway Trail. Either was it was a mixed type of ride.
We started at the western terminus of the trail and proceeded towards Butte, Montana. The surface of the trail was what refer to as “one and done” meaning it was put it several years ago and then simply forgotten in terms of maintenance. The surface was a serious of small to large cracks and the brush on the sides of the trail were somewhat overgrown. We did see a few trail users, walkers, but otherwise it was simply a trail.
The trail followed that pattern until we reached the eastern terminus so we started back and noticed a side trail that appeared to lead to Butte as well. We talked with a mountain biker who told us the trail was rideable and it did become paved around the Tech School.
So off we went on a “somewhat” rough gravel trail which was really the old rail bed. The going was uphill but it was actually easier to ride than the previous bump and crack version. We eventually found the pavement and worked our way through the “uphill” section of Butte and found ourselves by a number of the old mine buildings. At one time, Butte was the largest producer of copper in the United States. All the old mines were fenced off but there were a number of nice displays explaining the history. The last 1/2 mile of the trail was a serious climb zone as the switchbacks climbed there way to the top mine complex. It did make for an easy descent all the way back to the bump and crack trail.
We, I, did enjoy the ride today. Lots of different surfaces, nothing was too fast as the trail conditions didn’t permit and it was a ride that held a different spot in the ride history.
Today's ride: 21 miles (34 km)
Total: 8,025 miles (12,915 km)
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