Helena's shuttle -- does it fill up on weekends?

[cloud cult]

Wondering from folks who have been there -- does the Helena bike shuttle fill up? Like, do you have to get there early and wait in a line or do they do multiple runs to get everyone up, or what's the deal?

Planning on taking my kid, so just want to kind of know the situation ahead of time.

Thanks!

[yeahman]

Wondering from folks who have been there -- does the Helena bike shuttle fill up? Like, do you have to get there early and wait in a line or do they do multiple runs to get everyone up, or what's the deal?

Planning on taking my kid, so just want to kind of know the situation ahead of time.

Thanks!

It did fill up sometimes during Shuttlefest from what I heard, but I'm not sure if it does on regular weekends. Probably not an issue if you can get to the pick-up spot a half hour early or so. They do not do multiple runs to get everybody up there, just scheduled runs. Some time slots are likely more popular than others, of course. I suggest you check out the Bike Helena Facebook page and message them. That's probably the best place to get current info about the shuttle.

https://www.facebook.com/BikeHelena/

[lifelinksplit]

I usually have my girlfriend shuttle me but when I'm up there it's not too bad except weekends and during events like shuttlefest (their fundraiser that just happened recently). I think evasive (?) is up there and involved in the bike scene. Check the schedule too since I'm pretty sure they have quite a few times esp on weekends. Have fun! Our trails around Bozeman are starting to dry out pretty good which makes it easier to not head up there.

[evasive_MT]

They only drive the scheduled runs; if you don't make it on, you're waiting for the next one. They do 3 laps on a 45-minute cycle. The shuttle has a 26-bike capacity, so it does fill up occasionally, but not consistently. Generally the weekend service isn't an issue. The second shuttle (now 9:30) always used to be the busiest. The 6:00 AM Friday shuttle will start filling up when it gets hot.

They adjusted the times a little this year, sliding them back a bit. I'm not sure how that's affected ridership, but yeah, a call to their office could probably give you a sense of which times are busiest. 10-15 minutes early is plenty.

In a month or so, they'll start going all the way to the trailhead, which will be nicer than riding up the road.

[RootSkier]

Since we are talking about Helena trails...

What are the best after-work rides to do, say around 2500' of climbing, preferably starting and ending in town (closer to Blackfoot the better), and assuming the shuttle isn't an option for some reason?

Only thing I've ridden is 2006 > Entertainment > up a road > Rodney Ridge > Rent Money. I also did part of that in reverse.

What should I do next that is a relatively similar amount of effort?

[evasive_MT]

Since we are talking about Helena trails...

What are the best after-work rides to do, say around 2500' of climbing, preferably starting and ending in town (closer to Blackfoot the better), and assuming the shuttle isn't an option for some reason?

Only thing I've ridden is 2006 > Entertainment > up a road > Rodney Ridge > Rent Money. I also did part of that in reverse.

What should I do next that is a relatively similar amount of effort?

That's a good route. There are also a few ways to play with Mount Ascension- like dropping off the east side on Eddye McClure West to Arrowroot Drive and climbing back up the road to Entertainment Trail. And descending Pinchot instead of Rent Money is more fun than you'd guess.

The other local favorite DH is Show Me the Horse, off the Mt Helena Ridge Trail. Most people get there from town by climbing up Dump Gulch, but I really hate that climb. Although I do it now and then, my suggestion is what I call Show Me the Hog: climb 1906 to the top of Mount Helena, drop down Hogsback, turn right on Backside, and head out the Ridge trail to Horse. That's a little over 8 miles and ~1700' but not much less than the Entertainment-Rent Money double.

All three of the descents on the west side of Rodney Ridge have their fun moments- you can always tack on a couple laps there, too.

[RootSkier]

Awesome, thanks.