Named for the numerous seed potato operations that dot the route, this must-do loop connects the tiny towns of Churchill, Amsterdam, and Manhattan and mimics the same-named ride hosted by the Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club. Start at Lewis and Clark Park in Belgrade and cruise south out of town. After 11.7 miles, turn it up a notch by powering up a series of hills along Norris Road and Churchill Road before dropping into the hamlets of Churchill and Amsterdam.
After passing through Amsterdam, the route continues north into Manhattan where cyclists can refuel and refill their water bottles—you'll encounter another short stretch of rollers on Dyk Road. The final 15 miles of the ride trace the relatively flat and lightly traveled Dry Creek Road back to the start point in Belgrade. Post ride, park your bike on Belgrade's Main Street and grab a bite to eat at the Railway Sub Station.
-Mapped by Jason Karp
TO TRAILHEAD: The ride starts at Lewis and Clark Park in Belgrade, MT.
| Position Format: |
Datum: |
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Tour de Spud
| Dist: 46.49 mi |
Points: 344 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
| 0.00 mi |
Start |
Lewis and Clark Park |
Then go 0.04 mi |
| 0.04 mi |
Turn Right |
Turn right at E Main St |
Then go 0.14 mi |
| 0.18 mi |
|
Take the 1st left onto N Broadway |
Then go 0.28 mi |
| 0.46 mi |
Turn Right |
Turn right at W Madison Ave |
Then go 0.22 mi |
| 0.68 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left at Jackrabbit Ln |
Then go 1.01 mi |
| 1.69 mi |
Turn Right |
Turn right at Frank Rd |
Then go 1.01 mi |
| 2.70 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left at Thorpe Rd |
Then go 1.01 mi |
| 3.71 mi |
|
Take the 3rd right onto W Cameron Bridge Rd |
Then go 1.47 mi |
| 5.18 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left at River Rd |
Then go 5.28 mi |
| 10.46 mi |
Turn Right |
Turn right at MT-84 W/Norris Rd |
Then go 2.55 mi |
| 13.01 mi |
Turn Right |
Turn right at Churchill Rd |
Then go 9.04 mi |
| 22.05 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left at Amsterdam Rd |
Then go 1.01 mi |
| 23.05 mi |
|
Take the 1st right onto Dyk Rd |
Then go 1.99 mi |
| 25.04 mi |
Turn Right |
Turn right at Stagecoach Trail Rd |
Then go 0.46 mi |
| 25.50 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left at Churchill Rd |
Then go 4.88 mi |
| 30.38 mi |
|
Continue onto Broadway St S |
Then go 0.36 mi |
| 30.74 mi |
Turn Right |
Turn right at E Railroad Ave N |
Then go 0.07 mi |
| 30.81 mi |
|
Take the 1st left onto 5th St N |
Then go 0.33 mi |
| 31.14 mi |
Straight |
Continue straight onto W Dry Creek Rd |
Then go 15.17 mi |
| 46.31 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left at E Central Ave |
Then go 0.14 mi |
| 46.45 mi |
Turn Right |
Turn right at N Davis St |
Then go 0.04 mi |
| 46.49 mi |
Stop |
Lewis and Clark Park |
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Start/End: Belgrade, MT
Location: 45.775538°, -111.174189°
Lewis and Clark Park in Belgrade serves as the start and end point for the Tour de Spud. (It's also the start/finish for the Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club's Annual Three River's Century, which takes place in late August.) The Town Pump C-Store adjacent to the park is a good place to stock up on supplies. © Jason Karp
Cameron Bridge
Location: 45.743494°, -111.225693°
Ride across Cameron Bridge at mile 4.6. © Brenda Karp
River Road
Location: 45.712443°, -111.219749°
Cyclists who ride this route in the fall will be accompanied by stark and dramatic shadows. © Jason Karp
River Road
Location: 45.697308°, -111.216831°
Montana's "Big Sky" is especially noticeable along this stretch of road. © Jason Karp
Rollers
Location: 45.670954°, -111.237967°
You'll encounter a 4-mile stretch of roller coaster hills near mile 11.7.
Dairy Farm
Location: 45.685347°, -111.285839°
Spin past a dairy farm 15 miles into the route. In a mile, the route rounds to the north and descends into the tiny towns of Churchill and Amsterdam. © Jason Karp
Views along Churchill Road
Location: 45.685422°, -111.305687°
Look back toward Bos Hill for expansive views of the Bridger Mountains. © Jason Karp
Amsterdam Store
Location: 45.758212°, -111.320043°
This cyclist-friendly grocery store in Amsterdam serves as the rest stop (regrouping point) for the Tour de Spud group ride. It's a good place to stop and refuel. Note: This store is closed on Sundays. © Jason Karp
Leaving Amsterdam
Location: 45.758272°, -111.327295°
Ride west out of Amsterdam and tackle a short but steep hill. © Brenda Karp
Dyk Road
Location: 45.758781°, -111.330600°
Ride north along Dyk Road, a little-known road even among local cyclists. Look back toward Amsterdam for views of the Gallatin Valley. © Jason Karp
Potato Cellar
Location: 45.763841°, -111.330600°
One of several potato cellars along the route. © Jason Karp
Entering Manhattan
Location: 45.851088°, -111.338089°
Manhattan's big annual community event, the Potato Festival, takes place in August.
Thriftway Convenience Store
Location: 45.853524°, -111.337080°
Cyclists can stop at the Thriftway convenience store when the Amsterdam Store is closed.
Garden Cafe
Location: 45.856065°, -111.333132°
A lot of potato farmers hang out here...when they're not in the field.
Gallatin River
Location: 45.860309°, -111.291128°
Cross the Gallatin River and continue east. Watch for whitetail deer in the surrounding fields.
Dry Creek Road
Location: 45.874981°, -111.195888°
This stretch of highway between Belgrade and Manhattan is relatively flat, has light traffic, and usually serves as the state time trial course. Follow Dry Creek Road back to Lewis and Clark Park in Belgrade.
Railway Sub Station
Location: 45.778179°, -111.180396°
Post ride: There are lots of food and drink options in Belgrade. Swing by the Railway Sub Station on Main Street for a sandwich or ice cream.
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