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The Dusty Bandita

Sat June 6, 2026
Ovando, MT 59854 US Directions

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Packet Pick Up

Packet Pick Up High Priority

June 5, 2026

June 6, 2026

Details

Racer Packet Pick up:
- Check racers in via RunSignUp app
- Give racers their race plates and packet
- Get them pumped !

We will have a Lead packet pick up person available to help show you the ropes and flow before racers start showing up!

Location

Ovando Church, just up from Main st area. (tentative, may change)

Packet Pick up - LEAD High Priority

No volunteer spots remaining.

This volunteer task is full.

Details

Packet Pick up Lead:
Help show volunteers the ropes and flow on how to check racers in on the RunSignUp app on Saturday morning of the race. They will start checking in around 7am and will stay through the 45mile start.

Location

Ovando Church *(tentative, may change)

Aid Station

Water Stop LEAD - Seeley Nordic TrailHead area High Priority

June 6, 2026

Details

Water stop for the 85ish milers. This is around mile 31 and 57.
There will be course Marshall in the area as well.

Lead must stay until last rider, approx. 2 or 3pm*

Supplies provided:
- folding table
- gatorade jug
- some hydration/electrolyte needs
- trash bag (one for trash, one for all wrappers (for recycling))
- aid kit
- satellite phone
- radio

Plan on set up and break down of station

*end times are approximate. Wait for last rider through (SAG vehicle to let you know)

Location

LEADS:
7:45 AM : LEAD check-in with Melinda Balchan in Ovando at the volunteer check-in area near Ovando church to pick up supplies.

Post Race: LEAD check out with Melinda Balchan in same area above; unpack and hand in supplies

You can come grab coffee/snack in AM in Ovando. After your shift come on back to Ovando to hand supplies in, hang out, grab food, drink, watch finishers, etc.

Takes about 30 mins to drive from Ovando to this Aid Station.

- Take hwy 200, to 83 to Seeley, Right to Nordic Trailhead. Aid Station will be on the corner where racers turn right to head towards Rice Ridge

Aid Station LEAD - Top of Climb (85ish mile course) High Priority

June 6, 2026

This volunteer task is full.

Details

This is around mile 47 of the 85ish mile course.

You will be in charge of:
- pick up and/or drop off of all aid station supplies in Ovando.
- ensuring racers are going in the appropriate direction (down and take right)
- setup and break down with fellow aid station volunteers

You will stay until the last rider is through (approx. 3pm)*

Supplies provided:
- possible EZ up tent
- folding table
- gatorade jug
- all food, hydration/electrolyte (at least 1 large bin)
- trash bag (one for trash, one for all wrappers (for recycling))
- radio
- satellite phone
- aid kit

*end times are approximate. Wait for last rider through (SAG vehicle to let you know)

Location

LEADS:
8:45 AM : check-in with Melinda Balchan at the volunteer check-in area near Ovando church to pick up supplies.

Post-race: check-out with Melinda in same area above to unload and hand in supplies

Remainder of volunteers:
You can come grab coffee/snack in AM in Ovando, and/or just meet your leads at the respective aid station site for your shift. Everyone is welcome at any point before or after their shift(s) to hang out, grab food, drink, watch finishers, etc.

**Takes about 1 hour to drive from Ovando to Aid Station

Aid Station - Top of Climb (85ish mile course) High Priority

June 6, 2026

This volunteer task is full.

Details

This is around 47 miles into the 85ish mile race.

Aid station volunteers will also ensure racers are going the appropriate direction and will assist with set up and break down of the station.

Aid station volunteers will need at least ONE PERSON as lead(s) dedicated to picking up or dropping off supplies (depending on your shift) in Ovando. SIGN UP SEPARATELY FOR THIS LEAD ROLE.

General volunteers can meet at the aid station spot if they'd like, but are welcome at any point before or after their shift(s) to hang and cheer!

Supplies provided:
- possible EZ up tent
- folding table
- gatorade jug
- all food, hydration/electrolyte (at least 1 large bin)
- trash bag (one for trash, one for all wrappers (for recycling))
- emergency plan/clipboard
- radio
- satellite phone
- aid kit

*end times are approximate. Wait for last rider through (SAG vehicle to let you know)

Location

LEADS:
8:45 AM : Lead to check-in with Melinda Balchan at the volunteer check-in area near Ovando church to pick up supplies.

Post-race: Lead to check-out with Melinda in same area above to unload and hand in supplies

Remainder of volunteers:
You can come grab coffee/snack in AM in Ovando, and/or just meet your leads at the respective aid station site for your shift. Everyone is welcome at any point before or after their shift(s) to hang out, grab food, drink, watch finishers, etc.

**Takes about 1 hour to drive from Ovando to Aid Station

Aid Station - Top of Climb (45 mile course) High Priority

June 6, 2026

This volunteer task is full.

Details

This is around mile 25 of the 45 mile course and at the top of their main climb

-Lead will be in charge of pick up and drop off of all aid station supplies in Ovando.
-All will help set up, break down at the aid station

Everyone (at least the lead) will stay until the last rider is through (approx. 1/1:30pm) *

Sign pick up:
- Pick up signs on your way down the climb (go back the way you drove up) to the finish.
- Once on the main road, if all 85ish milers have not come through yet (ask course marshal at bottom, but likely they will not have), leave signs from the course marshal to the finish; 85ish mile SAG will pick those up.

Supplies provided:
- possible EZ up tent
- folding table
- gatorade jug
- all food, hydration/electrolyte (at least 1 large bin)
- trash bag (one for trash, one for all wrappers (for recycling))
- aid kit
- satellite phone
- radio

*end times are approximate. SAG/Sweep crew to Wait for last rider through (last rider to let you know)

Location

LEADS:
7:45AM: LEAD to check-in with Melinda Balchan in Ovando at the volunteer check-in area near Ovando church to pick up supplies.

Post Race: Check out with Melinda in the same area above, dropping off/handing in supplies.

Remainder of volunteers:
You can come grab coffee/snack in AM in Ovando, and/or just meet your leads at the respective aid station site for your shift. Everyone is welcome at any point before or after their shift(s) to hang out, grab food, drink, watch finishers, etc.

Approx. 1 hour drive from Ovando. You'll drive up the Shanley Creek climb counterclockwise (opposite of the direction of the course). You'll see an aid station sign at the top. Come back down the same way you went up.

Aid Station LEAD - top of climb (45 mile course) High Priority

June 6, 2026

This volunteer task is full.

Details

This is around mile 25 of the 45 mile course and at the top of their main climb

-Lead will be in charge of pick up and drop off of all aid station supplies in Ovando.
-All will help set up, break down

Everyone (at least the lead) will stay until the last rider is through (approx. 1/130pm) *

Sign pick up:
- Pick up signs on your way down (go back the way you drove up) to the finish.
- Once on the main road, if all 85ish milers have not come through yet (ask course marshal at bottom, but likely they will not have), leave signs from the course marshal to the finish; 85ish mile SAG will pick those up.

Supplies provided:
- possible EZ up tent
- folding table
- gatorade jug
- all food, hydration/electrolyte (at least 1 large bin)
- trash bag (one for trash, one for all wrappers (for recycling))
- aid kit
- satellite phone
- radio

*end times are approximate. SAG/Sweep crew to Wait for last rider through (last rider to let you know)

Location

LEADS:
7:45AM: LEAD to check-in with Melinda Balchan in Ovando at the volunteer check-in area near Ovando church to pick up supplies.

Post Race: Check out with Melinda in the same area above, to drop off supplies.

Remainder of volunteers:
You can come grab coffee/snack in AM in Ovando, and/or just meet your leads at the respective aid station site for your shift. Everyone is welcome at any point before or after their shift(s) to hang out, grab food, drink, watch finishers, etc.

Approx. 1 hour drive from Ovando. You'll drive up the Shanley Creek climb counterclockwise (opposite of the direction of the course). You'll see an aid station sign at the top. Come back down the same way you went up.

Course Marshal

Course Marshal - HWY 200 High Priority

June 6, 2026

Details

Traffic is NOT STOPPING on Hwy 200, and vehicles are traveling ~80 mph. Danger zone!

AM - Racers will be trickling by as they make their way across to the start, which will be just north of 200, for a gun start.
PM - Racers will be RACING when they cross southbound to head to the finish line on Main St. in Ovando

All racers MUST come to a complete stop (with one foot down on the ground) before crossing. They may be bleary eyed, so you are their eyes and ears. Make sure they stop, and make sure absolutely no vehicles are coming before allowing the racer(s) to cross safely.


If racers do not stop and are blatantly rude, please take down their plate number and let the volunteer coordinator (Melinda) or race directors (Jenna or Meghann) know.

Supplies Provided:
- neon vest (must wear)
- radio

*end times are approximate. PM crew to Wait for last rider through (SAG vehicle to let you know)

Location

Check in with Melinda Balchan for supplies near Ovando Church
Post race: check out with Melinda Balchan in same area above

The intersection is ~1/2 mile from the finish area on Main St. Ovando.

Course Marshal - Rice Ridge Downhill Hairpin Turn (85ish mile race) High Priority

June 6, 2026

Details

Approx mile 49 of the 85ish mile course.

You'll direct racers to the right, and warn them to slow down or be careful on the Rice Ridge descent.

Supplies Provided
- Neon vest
- Radio (possibly)

*end times are approximate. Wait for last rider through (SAG vehicle to let you know)

Location

10:15AM - Check in with Melinda Balchan in the Ovando Church parking lot.

Post Race - Either come back to finish and check out with Melinda in same area, grab food, drink and cheer finishing racers, OR, give your stuff to the water/aid station LEAD and they can bring it back for you.

Course Marshal - Rice Ridge Climb Turn (85ish mile race) High Priority

June 6, 2026

Details

Approx miles 32 of the 85ish mile course.

You'll direct racers to go left to start the Rice Ridge climb about 1 mile after the water stop.

Supplies Provided
- Neon vest
- Radio (possibly)

*end times are approximate. Wait for last rider through (SAG vehicle to let you know)

Location

7:50AM - Check in with Melinda Balchan in the Ovando Church parking lot.

Post Race - either come back to finish and check out with Melinda in same area, grab food, drink and cheer finishing racers, OR, give your stuff to the water/aid station LEAD and they can bring it back for you.

Course Marshal - Final Bend High Priority

June 6, 2026

Details

You'll be placed along the last 1/2 mile of the course, cheering and making sure riders stay to the right of upcoming cones and cars to the left (this could change). The road is still open to vehicles.

LEAD will let the finish line know which numbers are coming and last racer.

Supplies Provided:
- Neon Vest (must wear)
- Radio

*end times are approximate. PM crew to Wait for last rider through

Location

12:00 PM: LEAD and marshals check in with Melinda Balchan or a Race director (Jenna or Meghann) for supplies and where to stand - Main St. Ovando

Post Race: Check out with Melinda Balchan and hand in supplies in same area as above

Course Marshal - 45 mile course. Bottom of descent High Priority

June 6, 2026

This volunteer task is full.

Details

This is at the bottom of the 45 mile course's major climb, around mile 30 of the course itself.

Supplies Provided:
- Neon Vest
- Satellite phone

You'll direct racers to take a left.

Once the SAG vehicle comes through after the last racer, you may head back to the finish to check out, grab a bite, drink and cheer the rest of the racers on.

*end times are approximate. Wait for last rider through (SAG vehicle to let you know)

Location

8:45AM: Check in with Melinda Balchan in the Ovando church parking lot and pick up supplies
Post Race: Check out with Melinda in same area as above and hand in supplies. Grab a bite, and hang!

~approx. 45 min drive from Ovando (~14 miles, back roads only)

Course Marshal - Private Land Turn High Priority

June 6, 2026

Details

This is at mile 4.2 for both the 45 and 85ish mile course.

You'll direct racers to take a left onto the private land (Shoup Lake Lane)

Supplies Provided:
- Neon Vest
- Satellite phone

Once the SAG vehicle comes through after the last racer, you may head back to the finish to check out, grab a bite, drink and cheer the rest of the racers on.

*end times are approximate. Wait for last rider through (SAG vehicle to let you know)

Location

7:40 AM: Check in with Melinda Balchan in the Ovando church parking lot and pick up supplies
Post Race: Check out with Melinda in same area as above and hand in supplies. Grab a bite, and hang!

~approx. 15 min drive from Ovando. Be at this turn by 8:10 am - so you've driven through the race start prior to racers lining up and the pre-race meeting.

Course Marshal - 85ish/45 split High Priority

June 6, 2026

Details

Approx mile 19.8 of the 85ish and 45 mile courses (near lat/long 47.146144, -113.312951)

**Different racers go different directions here**

85ish racers will take a sharp LEFT (uphill) onto FS-5417.
45 mile racers will continue STRAIGHT towards the Aid Station that's in 1/4 mile.

You'll direct racers to go the appropriate direction at this intersection depending on which race they're in and slow/stop vehicles as needed.

Supplies Provided
- Neon vest
- Radio (possibly)

Location

7:30AM - Check in with Melinda Balchan in the Ovando Church parking lot.

Post Race - come back to finish and check out with Melinda in same area

*end times are approximate. Wait for last riders. When both the 45 and 85ish SAG vehicles have comes through after the last racer, you may head back to the finish to check out, grab a bite, drink and cheer the rest of the racers on.

~approx. 30 min drive from Ovando

SAG/SWEEP

SAG/Sweep vehicle - 85ish mile course High Priority

June 6, 2026

Details

This is a 2-in1 for the 85ish mile course split into an AM and PM shift.

AM/PM Sweeps will change over around mile 57 at the Water Stop / Seeley Nordic Trailhead area (Approx 2-2:30pm)

**This is long day**

The SAG (Support And Gear) vehicle will:
1. Follow the last riders of the 85ish mile throughout the entire course. Tell aid stations and marshals who the last rider is, so they know when they can leave as well.

Once you see the last rider, it's okay to stop and wait for a while before finding them again.

2. **Please pick up all signs after the last rider is through. This will be from the 85ish/45 split until Cottonwood Lakes road (miles 19.8 - 25.1 on FS 5417)

and then again starting at Rice Ridge climb (mile 32.6 Auggie Morrel Rd turn) until the the finish OR the bottom of the 45 mile descent (mile 68).

If 45 mile SAG has been through (ie. if there is NO course marshal at bottom of 45 mile course descent - around mile 68 ), pick up all signs from there to finish.

Feel free to stop at aid stations and hang out for a bit, you don't need to be right on the last riders tail as that is unnerving and annoying for the rider. You can leap frog a bit as well, just make sure you know who the last rider is at all times.

If anyone wants to stop riding/not finish, they can ride with you, but will need to stay in the car until the last rider is through well.

If there's an emergency you can drive to the location if needed.

Supplies provided:
- AED
- Aid kit
- Some food, hydration, electrolyte supplies
- Bike pump (if you have one, please bring with you)
- A couple of bike tubes
- Radio
- Satellite phone
- Emergency plan

*end times are approximate. Wait for last rider through

Location

8:45 AM: AM Sweep check in with Melinda Balchan and pick up supplies in the Ovando Church Parking lot. Then head out and find the last rider for the 85ish.

PM Sweep take over for AM Sweep at the mile Water Stop / Seeley Nordic Trailhead (mile 57).

**Takes about 30 minutes to drive from Ovando to Water Stop Station

Post Race: PM Sweep Check out with Melinda at same area as above.

SAG/Sweep Vehicle - 45 mile course High Priority

June 6, 2026

Details

This is a 2-in-1 for the 45 mile course.

**This is long day**

Starting at the private land gate on Upsata Lake Rd, SAG (Support And Gear) vehicle will, meet (driver TBD) who will sweep through private land, then hand of SAG to you. You will :

1. Follow the last riders of the 45 mile through remainder of the entire course (*see below).

- tell aid stations and marshals who the last rider is, so they know when they can leave

*You can go up some of the climb to the ~24 mile course mark (or about 4 miles up the climb). There is an intersection to go left or straight. Stop There. Racers will continue straight for another mile to the top/the aid station. Let the last rider know they're the last rider and for them to tell the aid station at the top. If they pass anyone, tell the aid station how many people they passed. Turn around and go down the way you came.

2. **Please pick up all signs after the last rider is through the 1st aid station, then the "up side" of the course climb. If the 85ish milers have all come through already, pick up all remaining signs through to the finish. If the 85ish milers are still out there, then the other SAG vehicle will pick up.

Feel free to stop at aid stations and hang out for a bit, you don't need to be right on the last riders tail as that is unnerving and annoying for the rider. You can leap frog a bit as well, just make sure you know who the last rider is at all times.

If anyone wants to stop riding/not finish, they can ride with you, but will need to stay in the car until the last rider is through well.

If there's an emergency you can drive to the location if needed.

Supplies provided:
- AED
- Aid kit
- Some food, hydration, electrolyte supplies
- Bike pump (if you have one, please bring with you)
- A couple of bike tubes
- Radio
- Satellite phone
- Emergency plan
- Have your cell phone on you

*end times are approximate. Wait for last rider through

Location

9:15AM: Check in with Melinda Balchan and pick up supplies in the Ovando church parking lot. Then head out and find the last rider for the 45 mile course.

Post Race: Check out with Melinda at same area as above. Then grab some food, drink, cheer and hang!

Post Race

Race Food Helpers

June 6, 2026

Details

9:00am- 11:30 am: You'll be help set up food and drink area!


12:15pm: You will help racers with their food and drink! You'll also check trash bins and change out if as needed if close to overflowing. After everyone has gone through, you'll help clean up the food area and grab any trash that people may have left in the area.

Melinda will also direct you more the day of!

*End time is approximate. It will be when most racers have all come through, so you may be out earlier. Again, direction will be under Melinda.

Location

9:00am SET UP: Check in with Melinda Balchan or a Race Director (Jenna or Meghann) in Ovando, who will then direct you to the food caterer.

12:15pm SERVERS: Check in with Melinda Balchan or a Race Director (Jenna or Meghann) in Ovando, who will then direct you to the food caterer.

Post Race Clean up High Priority

June 6, 2026

Details

Help pick up the Main St area after the last racer and the party is winding down:

- Tables
- Chairs
- Collapse tents
- Pick up cones
- Bring garbage to appropriate area
- Pick up any left over signs (parking, check in, etc)
- Race tape

Location

Main St Ovando area - check in with Melinda Balchan

PARKING ATTENDANTS

Parking Attendants High Priority

June 6, 2026

Details

6:30AM-9:30AM:
1 person to direct cars into the parking area the morning of the race.
2 people in the parking area to direct cars and organize parking
2-3 people downtown to be the "parking police" and make sure people move their cars to the parking area

9:30AM-1PM
1-2 people hanging out around the entrance to parking area making sure all spectators park in the lot. Cheer on racers!

There is NO parking downtown!

Location

Parking area and downtown Ovando- check in with Melinda Balchan

Course Set Up

Course Set Up- 85ish Mile High Priority

June 5, 2026

Details

Friday task!
85-ish mile course set up 1PM-5PM
Ovando Church, just up from Main st area.

Course Set up- 45ish Mile High Priority

June 5, 2026

Details

Friday task!
45ish mile course set up 2PM-5PM
Ovando Church, just up from Main st area.

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