GDMTB Section 1. Roosville, MT to Helena, MT

[Twilkins9076]

Does anyone know why the alternate route just south of Swan Lake exists?  I have purchased the app based maps, they don't really indicate why a particular alternate route exists.  I've been able to figure out most of the others, but this one is elusive.

Thanks in advance!

[Iowagriz]

That was established for the summer of 2019 (if I remember correctly) due to logging traffic on the normal route. I'd think it would be back to the regular route for 2021. Keep an eye out come summer

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[CMajernik]

Yes, you are correct about logging activity. Here is what we have on the map updates and corrections page for GDMTB Section 1:

(Apr 2019) Logging activity is beginning along a 23-mile stretch in the Swan River State Forest in spring 2019. It is scheduled to last through 2021. There will be heavy logging traffic and they expect 20-30 trucks coming through daily.

We highly recommend the following detour. Southbound it begins at [F] and rejoins the route at [K]. Though the existing route will be open, State Forest personnel want to minimize any potential conflicts between cyclists and truck traffic. The detour takes cyclists along unpaved roads on the east side of SR 83. It includes a total of 3.2 mi. of riding on SR 83. You can view the detour here: ridewithgps.com/routes/29920687

If you have purchased the digital data or the Bicycle Route Navigator app, the above detour is called "GD01NAlt_D19_2018" for northbound travel and "GD01SAlt_D19_2018" for southbound travel.