(Left to Right Seth True (KRT), Curran J (KRT), Jess Cerra (Joje/TLBR), Brian Grubb (Louisiana), CJ Williams (Legion), Karlene & JD (SanDiego) and Nyle (KRT)
From August 18 - 21, 2022, five members of KRT/QRT flew (and drove) across the country to Whitefish, Montana, to participate in The Last Best Ride. Presented by our good friends Jess Cerra of @Joje & Sam Boardman of Legion, The Last Best Ride is a gravel race dedicated to honoring the vast and beautiful geography of Montana.
On Friday, the team attended an informative Meet ‘N Greet. Here they learned that the race was inspired by the book, “The Last Best Place, A Montana Anthology,” a compilation of poems, essays, and indigenous stories that honor the history of Montana. The event also raised money for the TLBR/Barbara Mansfield Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to black, indigenous, or woman of color for their post-secondary education.
On Saturday, the team participated in a 17-mile SRAM shakeout ride featuring Ted King, CJ Williams, and Sam Boardman. The shakeout ride introduced the team to Sunday’s courses and helped everyone mentally prepare for the big day. On race day, members had the option of participating in the “The Mountain Goat” dubbed the Short Course (48 miles, 4,189 ft “Short Course"), or “The Big Horn Sheep” nicknamed the Long Course (91 miles 6800 ft). With bear spray in hand, the team rode a scenic route through National Forest Lands. Fortunately, not a bear was in sight, but there were one too many bear-sighting stories! A memorable race day highlight was watching Ted King promise to donate a dollar to every person he passed to the TLBR/Barbara Mansfield Scholarship. Passing 421 riders, Ted King made a donation of $700 to the fund.
In their free time, club members relaxed on the porch of their Airbnb and even spent time with CJ Williams. The peaceful small-town environment was considerably different from the east coast. From the bright starts of nightfall to eating delicious fresh food, members were truly impressed by Montana’s change of pace.
“Thank you Montana and our nutrition sponsors Joje & Saltstick, that truly was the last best ride!” - KRT/QRT
Joje & Salt Stick tent
Photo by KG CONTENT
Photo by KG CONTENT
Photo by KG CONTENT
Photo by KG CONTENT
Photo by KG CONTENT
