When
Where
This course takes place in the Bitterroot Valley just south of Missoula, Montana. Students will bike “down” the valley and “up” along the Bitterroot River, covering 50+ miles while exploring the rich ecological and cultural landscape of western Montana. Along the route, you’ll make detours to visit regenerative ranches, national forests, organic farms, and local businesses leading the way in sustainable practices.
Semester Credits
2 Total Semester Credits/3 Total Quarter Units
Academic Credit:
All courses offered through the Wild Rockies Field Institute are accredited through the University of Montana. Each Wild Rockies Field Institute course is approved and supported by University of Montana departmental leadership and faculty.
The “Biking the Bitterroot” course offers pre-college students 2 pre-college semester credits for successfully completing the program.
Quarter System Students:
For colleges and universities on the quarter system, a 2-credit semester course is typically worth 3 quarter system units.
Block System Students:
At institutions where one course is equal to one credit, each class (e.g. CCS 391) within a WRFI course is typically equal to one credit.
Biking the Bitterroot Course Description
This course provides pre-college students with a unique opportunity to expand their understanding of sustainability initiatives and issues in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana throughout a 2-week experiential learning adventure. As students cycle from Missoula to Darby, they will be introduced to a wide range of sustainability related topics including regenerative ranching, social justice, green energy development, and organic agricultural production.
Along the way, students will hear from a variety of guest speakers that include academic researchers, community leaders and working professionals in Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley. At the end of the course, students will stay in the University of Montana’s dorm rooms, attend class in an institutional classroom, eat at the UM Lodge Dining Hall and present their learnings in a public forum at the University’s Davidson Honors College.
As part of this course, students will learn the ins and outs of bike touring/packing, bicycle safety, bike mechanics, Leave no Trance principles, and a variety of relevant outdoor recreation skills. In this way, students will leave the course with a wide range of exposure to outdoor travel and educational experiences.
