Montana events
Montana motorcycle events, rides and bike nights
Montana motorcycle events follow the short summer. The Beartooth Highway's late-May opening and Going-to-the-Sun's full opening in early summer are events in their own right, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride comes around in May, and eastern Montana riders are a long day from Sturgis in August. Below is the live list from the Rippin' events map, then the recurring events, the Sturgis run and how to find or post a bike night.
- Season
- Late May to September
- Rally run
- Sturgis, August
- Post your own
- Free
- Platforms
- iPhone and Android
On the map
Upcoming Montana motorcycle events in Rippin'
The list below comes straight from the Rippin' events map: bike nights, meets, charity rides, toy runs and rallies that riders, clubs and shops have posted. It updates as new events go up. Dates come from the organizers and can change, so confirm before you ride out.
Montana's map is wide open. Rippin' started in Southern California, and few Montana events are posted so far, so a bike night you add is one every rider in your valley can find. For roads, seasons and laws, see the Montana state guide.
Live from the app
Montana on Rippin' right now.
1 upcoming event and 2 rider-added roads in Montana on the map today. This list updates whenever the site is rebuilt; the app always has the latest.
Roads riders added in Montana
Every year
Recurring motorcycle events and dates in Montana
Riders travel to Montana for the roads more than for rallies. These come around most years. Dates move, so check the organizer or the park.
- Beartooth Highway openingThe Beartooth typically opens in late May, weather permitting, and Red Lodge fills with riders for the first runs over the top. Check MDT and WYDOT for the opening.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road openingThe full road usually opens in late June or July once plowing is done. Riders plan Glacier trips around it. Check the park for the opening and any reservation rules.
- The Distinguished Gentleman's RideEvery May, riders dress sharp on classic and vintage-style bikes and ride to raise money for men's health. Check the DGR site for Montana rides and routes.
- Sturgis rally weekThe Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota runs for about ten days in early August. From eastern Montana it's a long day's ride. Check the organizer for dates.
- Holiday toy runsClubs and shops in Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Great Falls and other towns run toy drives and toy runs in November and December most years, weather permitting. Check the events map.
August
Riding from Montana to Sturgis on US 212
The classic Montana route to the Black Hills is US 212. From the Billings area, it runs past the Little Bighorn Battlefield at Crow Agency, through Lame Deer, Ashland and Broadus, and across the empty corner of the state at Alzada into South Dakota near Belle Fourche. It's long, open and quiet, with big skies and few towns.
Plan fuel at every chance, carry water, and ride in daylight: deer and pronghorn are on the road at dusk. Coming from the west, many riders start on the Beartooth Highway out of Red Lodge, which is also US 212, and make the whole highway the trip.
Every week
Find a Montana bike night, or post your own
Bike nights are how you find riders to ride with, and in a state this big, they matter. Rippin' puts them on the same map as turf, segments and poker stops.
Shops, clubs and brands that host a lot can use Organizer Pro ($8.99/mo) for unlimited and recurring meets, official events on the calendar and recurring ride plans. A cafe, bar or shop can also become a poker stop. More on motorcycle events in Rippin'.
- 1
Open Meets
In Rippin', open the meets and events list. It covers bike nights, meets, rallies, swap meets, charity rides and toy runs, nearest first.
- 2
RSVP
Tap RSVP so the organizer knows you're coming and other riders can see who's going.
- 3
Post yours
Add the name, time, place and a short note. A weekly bike night or monthly breakfast ride can repeat, so you post it once.
- 4
Ride in together
Start a group ride so the crew is on one live map on the way there.
Crowds
Busy times to plan around
Dates change, so check before you go.
- Peak park season, July and August: Glacier and Yellowstone are at their busiest, and lodging fills early.
- Wildfire closures, late summer: fires can close roads and parts of the parks with little notice.
- Construction stops: summer is the paving season, so expect pilot cars on main routes.
- Crow Fair at Crow Agency, usually in August: a large gathering near the Little Bighorn and the US 212 route.
- Fall hunting season: more trucks and trailers on back roads, and more wildlife moving.
Before you go
Before you ride to a Montana event
Timing matters as much as the event. See the best time to ride in Montana for openings, smoke season and snow.
- Confirm the date and place with the organizer the week before. Plans change.
- Plan fuel. In eastern Montana and on the Hi-Line, stations can be 50 miles or more apart.
- Check the road and weather with MDT and in the app the morning you leave.
- Pack layers. A summer evening in the mountains can drop near freezing.
- Ride home in daylight. Deer and elk are the top hazard on Montana roads.
- Share a ride plan with your squad so everyone knows the departure time, route and stops.
Seasons
Montana's motorcycle calendar, by season
Spring (April to May): Valley rides on good days, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride in May, and the Beartooth opening late in the month.
Summer (June to August): The whole season in three months: Going-to-the-Sun opening, bike nights in every town, park trips and the Sturgis run in August.
Fall (September to October): The quietest and maybe best riding of the year, until the Beartooth closes in mid-October.
Winter (November to March): Toy runs when the weather allows, then a long wait. Plan next summer's trip.
FAQ
Questions riders ask.
What motorcycle events are coming up in Montana?
The live list from the Rippin' events map is on this page. The big dates are the Beartooth opening in late May, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride in May, Going-to-the-Sun's full opening in early summer and Sturgis week in August.
Are there big motorcycle rallies in Montana?
Not really. Montana's draw is the roads, not a big rally, and many riders here head to Sturgis in South Dakota in August.
What's the best route from Montana to Sturgis?
US 212, from the Billings area past the Little Bighorn Battlefield and through Broadus to Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Plan fuel carefully.
How do I find bike nights in Montana?
Open meets and events in Rippin' and browse what's nearest. If your regular night isn't listed, post it and set it to repeat.
Can I post my own motorcycle event in Rippin'?
Yes, any rider can post a meet or event for free. Organizer Pro adds unlimited and recurring meets and official events for shops and clubs.
When does the Montana riding season start?
In the valleys, on good days in April and May. The Beartooth typically opens in late May and Going-to-the-Sun in late June or July.
See what's on near you.
Download Rippin' free, find Montana events and bike nights on the map, and post the ones we're missing.
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