Long days. Dusty trails. Surprise snow. Desert heat. Waffles. Mechanical problems. Podiums.

Summer on two wheels rarely follows a tidy script, and the Owenhouse Cycling crew packed plenty into 2026. We started early on Moab’s red rock, came home for gravel and mountain bike races, supported riders from the shop and the event tent, and found more than a few reasons to linger after the finish.

The results were worth celebrating. But the best part of Bozeman cycling is still the people – the ones who race, volunteer, fix bikes, maintain trails, hand out nutrition, and show up to cheer.

Here are the moments that stuck with us.

Moab Rocks

Before Bozeman’s trails were ready, Luuk and Joey headed south for Moab Rocks. Three days of cross-country stage racing on terrain that is notoriously hard on bikes and bodies.

Day one ran from town onto Porcupine Rim. Day two moved to Bar M and Klonzo. Day three finished on Mag 7. Each course asked a different question…speed, handling, endurance, or simply how much pounding you could absorb before the next finish line.

Moab does not hand out easy miles.

Luuk rode every stage faster than he did last year, finishing second in his field all three days and second overall in his age group.

Second every day. Second overall. Faster than last year. That is a pretty solid way to kick off a season.

For riders who want to escape late snow in Bozeman and find sunshine, technical trails, and an honest early-season test, Moab Rocks is about as good as it gets.

Muddy Dog Gallatin Gravel Series

Back home, the Muddy Dog Gallatin Gravel Series managed to fit nearly every version of Montana weather into one season.

Some race days were cold and snowy. Others delivered the sun riders pictured when they signed up. The forecast? More of a suggestion.

Staffing needs kept our crew from making every event, but Owenhouse Cycling was proud to stay involved and help tell the series story. Accessible local racing at its best: different goals, different experience levels, and a shared reason to ride hard with friends.

Some riders chased results, some tested gear, and some just wanted to see what happened when the pace picked up.

Belgian Waffle Ride

Race weekend started before anyone clipped in.

Our BWR pop-up brought riders through the shop for last-minute needs, course talk, quick fixes, and a little help settling the usual pre-race nerves.

And yes, we handed out plenty of waffles.

Then Luuk gave us the result of the weekend: first place in his class, the 60-mile Wafer course! What a summer for Luuk.

Big gravel events can feel hectic. Riders arrive with equipment questions, nervous energy, and a long day waiting for them. Being able to help before the start and then cheer on a teammate made BWR one of the clearest highlights of our summer.

The racing matters. So do the small conversations, the course tips, and the familiar faces at the finish. That is what turns a race into a community event.

Butte 50

Gabe. Zach. Luuk. Roger.

Four Owenhouse Cycling riders took on the Butte 50 and came away in great spirits, proud of their rides.

No elaborate recap needed. The Butte 50 serves up demanding Montana terrain and a big day on the mountain bike. Sometimes the story is choosing a hard goal, sharing the course with friends, and knowing you gave it what you had.

The Hoot

TL; DR: Ross took the win! Joe barely had time to sit down.

While racers were on course, Joe held down the Owenhouse Cycling tent, working on bikes and keeping riders fueled with Skratch Labs. It was a strong community showing from start to finish, and we were proud to sponsor the event.

The Hoot is competitive enough to bring out great riding and welcoming enough to feel like a gathering of friends. Ross’s result gave us a reason to celebrate. Seeing so many riders show up was the bigger win.

More Miles and Memorable Moments

Not every memorable ride came with a number plate.

The shop team joined Bozeman Bike Tours for a local tour of our own. Partly to understand what guests experience, partly to learn more about the city, and partly because getting the whole crew out on bikes sounded like a good idea.

Even the Bozeman locals learned something new.

Familiar roads can still surprise you when someone points out the history and stories you normally ride past. We came away with better insight to share with visitors and a fun day together outside the shop.

Supporting Bozeman’s Cycling Community

Good trails do not happen by accident.

The volunteers behind The Dirt Concern put in the time and physical work that keep local trails moving in the right direction. We all enjoy the result every time we ride, even if we do not always see the hours behind it.

That is why one of our favorite additions in 2026 was Owenhouse Cycling’s new Dirt Concern sponsorship. Volunteers with three or more years of tenure can now qualify for Santa Cruz Bicycles discounts through the shop.

It is a practical thank-you for Bree, Drew, Chris, and the many other volunteers who give back to the trails we all use.

A healthy bike community needs racers and riders. It also needs volunteers, advocates, trail crews, sponsors, and local businesses willing to back the work behind the scenes.

We are proud to play a part.

Keep Riding With Owenhouse Cycling

Summer is winding down. The riding season is not.

Fall brings cooler temperatures, changing trail conditions, and some of the best miles of the year around Bozeman.

If your bike picked up a creak, a worn part, or one of those mystery noises that only appears halfway into a ride, schedule a service before your next big day. Want to try something new? Stop by to talk rentals, demos, gear, and the right setup for your fall plans.

Then come swap stories with us.

Thanks to everyone who raced, volunteered, maintained a trail, supported an event, visited the shop, or shared a ride this summer. You are what makes Bozeman cycling special.

We will see you out there.