Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to any possible questions, consult our 2023 TLBR Tech Guide! This extensive document should answer any and every question you may have, so please scour it from cover to cover before you Reach out. As we get closer to the event, our days get busier and busier, so while we try to be timely about responding, sometimes race prep, our other jobs, and life in general can prevent us from getting back to you immediately. We thank you for your patience and appreciate you looking over the tech guide.
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in addition to the tech guide, please review the information listed below.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ
No e-bikes (including pedal assist) allowed - due to our land permits, thanks for understanding.
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Do I need a gravel bike to participate in this event?
No, a gravel bike is not required, but it is highly recommended for this event. Alternative options would be a hard-tail mountain bike, followed by a CX bike. We STRONGLY recommend against using a road bike on this course, but if you feel you must, please select the widest tires possible.
The Last Best Ride 2023 Transfer Policy.
The transfer period is closed for 2023. Please refrain from emailing us to ask for an exception.
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Instructions for transferring your registration to another ride (gifting registration):
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Login to your RunSignup account (this is the account you used to register for the event)
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Under your profile, scroll down to view Upcoming Events
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Click Manage Registration to the right of your Last Best Ride event
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Click the Transfer to Another Runner menu option from the column on the lefthand side
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That rider must then register with the link emailed to them and provide payment to you.
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PLEASE NOTE: You will not receive a refund. Step 5 must be completed as listed
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Can I Change Courses If I've Already Registered?
Yes, you can change your course selection until Friday, August 4th, 2023 at 11:59PM. If you miss this deadline, course transfers can be made at packet pickup/expo. If you are changing from the short course to the long course, you will be required to pay the additional difference. If changing from long to short, you will not be refunded the difference.
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Instructions
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Login to your RunSignup account (this is the account you used to register for the event)
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Under your profile, scroll down to view Upcoming Events
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Click Manage Registration to the right of your Last Best Ride event
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Click the Transfer Event menu option from the column on the lefthand side
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Click the Start Transfer button
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Choose your New Event and click Continue
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Proceed through the registration questions
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Review your details, check the refund policy box, and click Complete Registration
Once you complete the transfer process, you can confirm your event registration under the “Find A Participant” tab on the registration website.
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WHAT IS YOUR REFUND and Event Cancelation POLICY?
PLEASE REFRAIN FROM EMAILING US TO ASK FOR AN EXCEPTION!
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The Last Best Ride has a no-refund policy, except in the case of our Wildfire Policy or other unforeseen circumstances that are out of our control and/or could pose a health or safety concern to all participants. the last best ride is not responsible for unforeseen circumstances that occur to individual riders. In a circumstance not covered by our Wildfire Policy, riders will have the choice to defer their registration 100% to 2024 or cancel their registration for a 50% refund.
NO other refunds will be allowed, NO exceptions. Please note that RUN SIGN UP offers a third-party event insurance policy that participants may choose to purchase. Unfortunately, The Last Best Ride organizers can’t be responsible for participant injuries and other life events including but not limited to the following: work events, weddings, pregnancies, illnesses, and weather/smoke conditions That might impact one's ability to train for the event. To be fair to those who do choose to purchase this insurance we will not offer any exceptions.
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What Is Your 2023 Deferral Policy?
Deferrals will only be allowed for unforeseen events, such as wildfires or other natural disasters which are out of the race organizer’s control. For more information, please refer to our Wildfire Policy below.
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The Last Best Ride 2023 Wildfire Policy
Wildfires and smoke conditions vary over the course of the summer in Montana. Often, even when the Whitefish area does not have active fires, smoke is blown in from the west causing poor air quality. Wildfire conditions are variable, unpredictable, and can change daily in northwest Montana. As we experienced in 2021, smoky conditions were persistent until race weekend where we experienced rain and clear skies.
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In the event of an active wildfire posing a safety threat to The Last Best Ride courses and/or rider safety, the race organizers reserve the right to cancel the event at any date. Please keep in mind that we work with several different land owners that will also be looking out for the health and safety of participants in our event, and also have the discretion to cancel The Last Best Ride.
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If The Last Best Ride is forced to cancel due to an active wildfire, participants will have the options to:
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Defer their registration 100% to 2024.
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2. Cancel their registration for a 50% refund.
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In the event of smoky conditions causing variable air-quality, The Last Best Ride organizers reserve the right to make a final race cancellation decision by 6:00am on the race morning of Sunday August 6, 2023 based on the official Montana.gov air quality report. The Specific Air Quality Index Chart We will refer to can be viewed here.
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The event will not be cancelled for Air Qualities With NowCast Concentrations Between < 12 (green) to 35 (yellow).
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If air quality has a NowCast Concentration of 35-55 (orange), riders will have the choice to 1) complete the event 2) defer their registration 100% to 2023 or 3) cancel their registration for a 50% refund.
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If air quality 55 or above (Red to Purple), the event will be cancelled and riders will have the choice to 1) defer their registration 100% 2024 or 2) cancel their registration for a 50% refund.
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Are E-Bikes Allowed?
Unfortunately, due to permitting and land-use Restrictions, We cannot allow E-bikes in the Event.
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Become Bear Aware and Learn How to Use Bear Spray
Whitefish is Grizzly bear country, and while bear attacks are rare, it is important that you come prepared for not only The Last Best Ride, but also your other adventures around Whitefish and any possible trips into Glacier National Park. We recommend taking the time to become bear aware for your safety, as well as that of the animals who live in the areas that we have the privilege to recreate in.
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Be Bear Aware - Courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
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We recommend that you carry bear spray during The Last Best Ride, as well as during all your outdoor Montana activities. You can purchase bear spray with your registration and we will have it ready to go with your race materials at packet pick-up Saturday, August 6, 2023.
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Bear Spray Info and Video Tutorial - Courtesy of The National Park Service