The Last Best Ride takes place on July 26, 2026, in Whitefish, Montana, starting at 7:15 AM from 510 Railway Street. This gravel cycling event offers two distances: a 48-mile option and a 92-mile option, giving riders flexibility based on fitness and experience level. Entry fees range from $180 to $250 depending on which distance you choose. If you're traveling to Whitefish for this event, you'll want accommodation within reasonable driving distance of the downtown venue. The early morning start time means you'll benefit from hotels close enough for a quick, stress-free arrival on race day.
From the Race Organizer
Welcome. We are so excited that you are planning on joining us for a three-day Montana cycling celebration of community, conservancy and nature. The Last Best Ride is a gravel race (or ride to some) originated in the Summer of 2021 where local professional cyclists Jess Cerra and Sam Boardman dreamed of creating a local Montana gravel race where the big sky's of Montana were showcased while featuring some of the best gravel riding in the lower 48. The Last Best Ride is now in its sixth edition and we are excited that it will be lead under the new race director Brian Grubb. Brian is a cyclist, father, lawyer, local Whitefish community member and enthusiast who is bringing a new vision to TLBR. Brian and his board are all local to Whitefish and looking to create a weekend filled with friendship, community support, a little bit of suffering and lots of celebration. In it's sixth year the race will continue to be the only supporter of the Barbara Mansfield Champion Scholar Award which has provided over $130,000 of scholarship money to financially disadvantaged young women seeking secondary education. The mainstay of the TLBR will be both the Big Horn Sheep (Long Course) and Mountain Goat (Short Course) races held on Sunday, July 26th. Both courses will start and finish in beautiful downtown Whitefish, MT. Each course will bring you into the rocky mountains of the Flathead Valley where you are guaranteed to witness vast vistas while likely running into a few walruses, wildflowers and maybe a bear or two. The event is fully stocked and supported with aid stations, medical personnel and cheerleaders to help you conquer your day. Event Headquarters: Great Northern Cycle & Ski A local cycling shop owned and operated by previous Co-Director Stella Hobbs and her husband Willie Hobbs. (www.gncycleski.com) 328 Central Ave. Whitefish, MT 59937 Distance Options: 45 ish miles (est. 5000 ft of climbing) 90 ish miles (est. 8000 ft of climbing) Registration Includes: Race entry Race packet/goodies from sponsors Post race catered food, local Sweet Peaks ice cream and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) A special surprise A guaranteed sense of accomplishment and pride Post race PODIUM party sponsored by ENVE Friday, July 24th Welcome Party and Barbara Mansfield Scholarship presentation Time: 5pm Place: To be determined An optional early evening event at a community eatery where you can socialize with the organizers, meet and make friends with your fellow cyclists, and indulge in some local grub and grog. Saturday, July 25th Expo: 8am - 5pm at our event headquarters, Great Norther Cycle and Ski Packet Pick-Up: 11am - 5pm (time may be adjusted, but don't worry you will get all the deets) Group shake out rides: Time and info in the works, but don't worry we will fill you in as it gets closer Join us for a quintessential summer afternoon in the center of downtown Whitefish, hosted by our local bike shop, Great Northern Cycle & Ski and sponsors 328 Central Ave Whitefish, MT 59937. Sunday, July 26th Race Day! Start, finish and finish line celebration are all at Depot Park in downtown Whitefish, MT (2 blocks from the site of the Expo) Depot Park 510 Railway St Whitefish, MT 7:15am Long Course Start 7:35am Short Course Start 6pm Podium Party sponsored by ENVE! Grab a drink and a snack. Cheer our last racers in as we celebrate an incredible day on bikes
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Whitefish, MT. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for July 26.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Whitefish, MT.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
The Last Best Ride 2026 — Whitefish, MT takes place on July 26, 2026. The race is held in Whitefish, Montana.
Where is The Last Best Ride 2026 — Whitefish, MT held?
The Last Best Ride 2026 — Whitefish, MT is held at 510 Railway St in Whitefish, Montana.
Where can I find hotels near The Last Best Ride 2026 — Whitefish, MT?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Whitefish. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
