The CHaFE 150 bike ride

- Coming June 12, 2010 -

Get ready to ride! The third annual CHaFE 150 is coming Saturday, June 12, 2010 -- and registration opens Wednesday, February 10. Our ride planners are in the thick of plotting and scheming to make our 2010 ride better than ever. We'll have a surprise (or two) as the plans develop, so check back here as registration draws nearer! Also, keep an eye on our Facebook page. Meantime, keep reading to see more about just how well last year's ride came off...

Our 2nd Annual CHaFE on June 13, 2009 was a fine success. Terrific sunny weather, a gorgeous course - and the best pack of riders ever - made the event a stellar experience for all, we hope!

See the ride photos. Our terrific CHaFE photographers have posted a whopping 265 photos of the 2009 ride. Riders can review to find their photo, and even order a copy. Click to see photos now. Order a bunch; money from the photo sales go to our cause of early childhood education.

Plus, here's more eye candy: Thanks to the skillful videography of Theron Humphrey, click to see this new 2009 CHaFE ride video. It's cool!

Read all about it. Click to read the ride recap with details on the event and comments from riders. The thumbnail report: Ridership almost doubled this year, riders had glowing praise and the CHaFE volunteers performed like champs.

Browse down below to see more on the 2009 CHaFE ... and don't fail to mark June 12, 2010 on your ride calendar now! We'll announce more details over the next few weeks as we aim to make the 2010 edition even better.

One very positive change in the 2009 ride: The new 1/2 CHaFE proved popular. The new "1/2 CHaFE" ride received nearly four dozen entrants. The 1/2 CHaFEers caught a bus at the half-way stop in Troy, Mont., to ride back to the finish line.

As that old Idaho proverb says, "Half a CHaFE is better than no CHaFE at all."

Here's why you should put the 2010 CHaFE 150 on your ride calendar:

The route is redoubtable. The ride starts and finishes in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille.  Riders head north on Highway 95 toward Canada and turn into Montana at Highway 2.  They wind down through lush river valleys of Montana’s rugged Cabinet Mountains, returning along the magnificent Lake Pend Oreille.  Distance is challenging but the elevation changes are barely 800 feet.  There is a 75-mile option for those friends who just want 1/2 the fun!  Five fully stocked break stops are manned by enthusiastic and cheerful volunteers to help you along the route.  We make sure this ride is an experience you won’t forget!. See the route map.

The perks are prodigious. The CHaFE150 treats riders in the fashion to which they would like to become accustomed! There is great food and entertainment, attentive support along the route, fine facilities -- and of course, our very neat town of Sandpoint to explore and enjoy. All finishers receive a unique gift commemorating their CHaFE ride. Check event details.

The cause is worthy. This event is staged by the Panhandle Alliance For Education to raise money for Ready! For Kindergarten, an early childhood education program to help new parents and disadvantaged kids. Riders are encouraged to raise lots of donations, with rewards for the top fundraisers. Read about the cause.

Below is some more info on the CHaFE 150; note that some details may change as we continue the 2010 ride planning, but that June 12 date is firm! If you have any comments or questions, please e-mail us now.

CHaFE IN A NUTSHELL

• Ride date: New 2010 date! June 12, 2010
• Ride length: 150 miles (optional 1/2 CHaFE 75-mile)
• Number of food stops: 5 fully-stocked break/lunch stops
• Support: Lead ride vehicle, bike mechanics & nurses, sweep-vehicle
• Registration Fee: $120. Includes T-shirt and dinner voucher
• Registration: Opening February 10, 2010
• Rider limit: 300

Explore our website to learn more about the ride. Got a question? Just click to e-mail us.