Great Divide Section 1 - conditions from a 2017 forest fire-ravaged area

[CMajernik]

From the Seeley Lake Ranger District, Seeley Lake, Montana:
NOTICE: A portion of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route was affected by the 2017 Rice Ridge Fire on the Seeley Lake Ranger District, Lolo National Forest. Bicyclists should take caution when riding along NFS Road #4353 (Morrell-Clearwater Rd.) and NFS Road #477 (Cottonwood Lakes Rd.), as they are likely to encounter standing dead trees (snags), falling rock, unstable road tread, and downed logs. Dead trees may fall unexpectedly and silently, with or without wind. Bicyclists should also expect to encounter log trucks and heavy equipment along these roads, as rehabilitation and maintenance work continues in the fire area. When encountering heavy equipment working on the roadway, bicyclists should stop and make sure they are seen by the equipment operator before proceeding through the work area. There may also be temporary delays or closures along the route. For current information on road conditions, closures or delays, call the Seeley Lake Ranger Station at 406-677-3924.

[Goodaches]

Thanks - this kind of info is very helpful, especially including a phone number.
Any update on how soon the 2018 GDMBR maps will be available? I'm hoping earlier than the mid June estimate I saw a few months ago. We'd like to get the new maps before we leave Michigan.

[CMajernik]

At this point we are still estimating sometime the week of June 11th. It's a 3-4 week turnaround once the maps go to the printer. They will be sent May 18th.

[John Nettles]

Goodaches,

You could always just order the first map or two and then wait until the others are available and have them sent to you via General Delivery to almost any US Post Office.  Yea you pay extra in shipping, but it would be a good compromise.  Best, John

[Goodaches]

Carla: Thanks for the update - we'll watch it close.
John: Good point for others to consider. We already bought the full US set a few months ago when it was offered at half price. It has been helpful to get quite a bit of general planning started. Looking forward to seeing whatever improvements are coming in the new maps.

[MrBent]

Thanks for the update.  We'll see how this summer's fire season goes, but I'm really hoping to do the GDMBR next year.  As it stands, can you guys give me any sense of how badly the route was affected overall by last year's disastrous fires?  A rough estimate of how many miles of devastation one must ride through?

On a related note: How was your winter?  Hopefully not too dry.  Ugh.

Cheers,

Scott

[CMajernik]

I think it's approximately 32 miles where the wildfires passed through. But that's from looking at the map. Large fires burn in patchwork patterns so there still might be some green in amongst the burnt. No one on staff has been to that area to look at it.