Grizzly Riders International

Our Mission 

Grizzly Riders International works to foster and promote the development of The University of Montana by bringing together people with diverse national and international interests. 

We are united by our love of Montana’s natural environment, the fellowship nurtured in Montana's outdoors and our support for the University of Montana.

What We Do

Under the auspices of The University of Montana Foundation, the Grizzly Riders provide a unique social opportunity for members and their guests and act as a channel for endowments, scholarships and memorial funds for past Riders. 

The Grizzly Riders provide grants and financial support to a wide range of University of Montana related academic, conservation, artistic, student and scholarship projects.

Grizzly Riders Paul Williams, Deborah Doyle McWhinney and Jack King at the E Bar L Ranch 

History and Background

Members of the Grizzly Riders International first gathered to ride, fish and enjoy a wilderness experience in 1966 after a University of Montana Foundation Trustees meeting at The University of Montana.  The original concept of taking a group of people with diverse national and international interests into the Montana back country still binds the Grizzly Riders together on our annual Ride.

The Riders gather each September at one of Montana's renowned guest ranches to enjoy riding, hiking, fly fishing, floating, evening conversations....and of course, good food, the pleasures of an evening fireplace and fellowship nurtured in Montana's outdoors.  

Grizzly Riders International is led by a Board of Directors that is responsible for the bylaws, planning and direction of the organization.  Each Rider may nominate guests for the annual Ride.  An attempt is made to develop an eclectic group of individuals who share in the Riders' mission, goals and love of Montana. Those who have come as guests may, in time, be considered for membership in Grizzly Riders International.

"Heading out on the trail" - Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, Gallatin Gateway, Montana

Events & News

John Villarino talks about the gallery full of Rembrandt etchings that he has collected since 1994. Click here to read more. 

The Bitterroot River

Art work compliments of Mark Gibson - Gibson & Schweyen Gallery & Studio Missoula, MT  ( www.gibsonschweyengallery.com)

Calendar of Events

2009

April                       Spring Board Meeting

• Date and time to be           determined                            

September 11         Grizzly Ride Board Meeting

• 1:00 - 3:00pm
• Canyon Room- Double Tree Hotel                                                     

                               Grizzly Rider BBQ

• Prescott House, UM Campus
• 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

September 12         Grizzly Rider Breakfast

• Double Tree Hotel
• 7:30 am - 8:30 am                          

September 12 - 16       Grizzly Ride

• E Bar L Ranch, Greenough, Montana

Request Your 2007 Grizzly Ride Group Picture

2007 Grizzly Ride at the E Bar L Ranch, Greenough, Montana

Click Here  

To Request Your 2007 Grizzly Ride Group Picture

The 2008 Grizzly Ride Group Picture will be available soon for any Rider or guest requesting a copy.

Important Links  (Click the Grizzly Logo)

Montana Fishing Information

  Purchase a Montana Fishing License On Line

   Montana Fishing Regulations

   Missoula Area Fishing Reports

   Missoula Area Weather Report

Missoula Area Fishing Guides

   Montana Flyfishing Connection 

   Grizzly Hackle 

   River Otter

Montana Stream Flow Reports 

   Blackfoot River near Bonner, MT

   Clark Fork River above Missoula, MT

  Clark Fork River below Missoula, MT

   Clark Fork River at St. Regis, MT

  Bitterroot River near Florence, MT

  Rock Creek near Clinton, MT

   Missouri River below Holter Dam

Rembrandt Exhibition    

National Museum Tour of Sordid and Sacred: The Beggars in Rembrandt's Etchings 

Sponsored by the Grizzly Riders International 

A Private Reception For Grizzly Riders    And Their Guests

Sunday, March 9, 2008

The Grizzly Riders International is privileged to host a private reception to the opening of the National Museum Tour of Sordid and Sacred: The Beggars in Rembrandt's Etchings From the John Villarino Collection. 

This exhibit, at the Montana Museum of Art & Culture, offers a rare opportunity to see the works of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, recognized as the greatest practitioner of the etching technique of intaglio printmaking.The traveling exhibition displays 35 of these prints which focus with profound empathy on the poor and underprivileged of his time.

This Private Reception on March 9 is open exclusively to Grizzly Riders and their guests. Look for mailed invitations in January.

(The Rembrandt Exhibition will be open to the general public from March 11, 2008 - April 29, 2008.)

Click for additional information:

National Museum Tour - Facts, Images, List of Works, etc.

Montana Museum of Art & Culture

Grizzly Riders International Sponsorship