In preparation for the ride, here are some important event details and FAQs:

 

What is the difficulty level of the ride? Do you need to be an expert rider to participate?

CHAFE 150 is of moderate difficulty. The route has no mountain passes or sustained climbs. The two steepest climbs are out of Bonners Ferry and Troy. The 150-mile ride length is the biggest factor for inexperienced riders. Riding with a group becomes important when doing a one-day ride of this distance. The 80-mile option offers similar terrain with a more manageable distance. The average grade ranges from 2.1 percent to 3.9 percent. The gravel rides are of moderate difficulty with a 20-mile sustained climb of approximately 3,000 feet. The average grade ranges from 2.8 percent to 3.2 percent.

 

For all routes, even the ones on country roads, group riding in packs of 2 or more side-by-side is discouraged and creates a serious safety risk to both you and other riders around you-don't take the risk!

 

How much of my entry fee and any pledges benefit the cause?

Our goal is to maximize the impact of every dollar raised. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we strive to ensure that 100% of your entry fee directly supports the CHAFE 150 beneficiary. Over the years, CHAFE 150 has contributed more than $1 million to youth education, with a significant portion benefiting local schools and additional funds supporting other Rotary Youth Service Projects, including scholarships and leadership training. Your participation helps provide students with essential literacy skills, setting them up for lifelong success. 

​

Is there a minimum donation amount required? 
Yes, riders agree to raise a minimum of $60. Riders 16 and under are required to raise a minimum of $30. This donation is separate from the registration fee and is easily raised through pledges. Riders may choose to make the donation themselves if they prefer not to fundraise. There are documents to help you drum up those donations on the About the Cause page. 

​

Is this a race or a ride? 
This is a ride with camaraderie and fun stops along the way. It is also a Gran Fondo, meaning the ride will be timed and riders will start en masse at City Beach or in Troy and Clark Fork, depending on the distance chosen. Those of you who love a good challenge will have the urge to set a goal for yourself!

​

Do you allow Electric Bikes at CHAFE150? 
Yes, we welcome riders on electric bikes ( e-bikes) to join us on any of the CHAFE 150 routes. However, we'd like to provide some guidance to ensure all e-bike riders are prepared for the ride:

​

• Mechanical Support: While we endeavor to provide mechanical assistance for all our riders, our capabilities are somewhat limited when it comes to e-bikes. We can often help with mid-drive e-bikes. However, we are unable to offer any support (including flat repairs) for hub-drive e-bikes. As such, we recommend e-bike riders be self-sufficient or arrange their own support for mechanical issues that may arise with their e-bike.

• Route Choice & Battery Range: Please ensure that the distance of the route you choose aligns with the range of your e-bike's battery. It's crucial to start with a full charge and have an understanding of your bike's capabilities to avoid running out of power during the ride.

• Charging Facilities: CHAFE150 does not provide charging stations along the routes. You are responsible for managing your battery life throughout the ride.

• Be Prepared: As with all riders, e-bike participants should be ready to address common issues such as flat tires. Carrying a flat repair kit and being familiar with its use is advisable.
   

We encourage e-bike riders to select their routes wisely and to come equipped for the journey ahead. With the stunning scenery and camaraderie that CHAFE150 offers, we're confident it will be a fantastic experience for all. 

​

What kind of food will you have at the rest stops? 
It varies every year, but you can expect food such as bagels, fruit, energy bars, sandwiches, chips, cookies, peanut butter and nutrition products to keep you fueled and hydrated.

 

Do you provide mechanical and SAG support along the route? 
Yes, there will be mechanical support and SAG support on all routes.

 

What time do the rides start?

The 150-mile ride starts at 6:30 am at City Beach in Sandpoint. The 80-mile ride starts at 9:30 am PT/10:30 am MT in Troy, MT. The Gravel rides start at 10:00 am in Clark Fork Idaho. The 40- and 25-mile rides start at 12:00 noon. Check out our detailed schedule on the THE RIDE page.

 

Is the ride in the Pacific or Mountain Time Zone? 
Sandpoint is in the Pacific Time zone. Once you enter Montana you will be in the Mountain Time Zone (one hour ahead).

 

How will the route be marked? 
The route will be marked with arrows and paint circles with the letter "C" inside the circle. Throughout the routes there will be large cautionary bicycles on road signs on busy highways.

 

What is the weather typically like in Sandpoint in mid-June? 
Average temperatures in mid-June can range from 50-70 degrees F, with mostly clear skies and calm to gentle breezes. Sunset is around 7:30 p.m. On occasion we do have the occasional storm so please keep an eye on the weather report and dress accordingly. 

​

Where should I park? 
Please use the city Rarking lot on 3rd Street. This is roughly 4 blocks from the start line. Please do not P.ark at City Beach or at the Best Western Hotel unless you are a guest. You will be towed if you P.ark at the Best Western. We encourage you to ride your bike to the start line at City Beach from your hotel.

 

Is there a photographer for the event? 
Yes, Jason Duchow of Jason Duchow Photography captures outstanding images and posts them online for viewing, where you may order prints or digital downloads. You can see his CHAFE 150 galleries at JasonDuchowPhotography.com.

 

Do you ever cancel the ride?
Our event takes place rain or shine! However, in rare cases of extreme weather (hot or cold), a natural disaster, or global pandemic, our emergency Go-No-Go team will assess the situation and make a decision that is in the best interest and safety of our riders. 

1. Transfer to another rider

2. Transfer to next year

​

Please email info@chafe150.org with your request to transfer and specify which option works best for you. Transfers must be requested at least 7 days in advance of ride day.

 

IMPORTANT! Your donations will NOT be transferred but will be contributed in your name for the current year. If transferring your registration, the new rider will need to raise the minimum donation amount required for that route and age category OR if ou choose to defer to next year's event, you will need to raise the minimum donation amount that will be applied to that year.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Registrations for riders under 18 can only be viewed and transferred by the guardian who registered them. Registrations made by someone else on your behalf (if you are an adult) can be transferred b that Rerson or by yourself. Registrations for those who are part of a group-registration team cannot be transferred. Transfers may only be completed into the same category - if the original registration was for the 80-mile route, the new registration must also be for the 80 (the new rider may change event categories after the change by contacting us). If a rider transfers categories BEFORE attempting to transfer the registration to someone else, the process can't be completed. The newest price is applied at checkout when the recipient accepts the transfer. Because of the different rates for the routes, the current price could be higher than that for the original rider. The original registration fee is not refunded until the new rider accepts and completes the transfer process. RunSignUp processing fees are not refunded. Once the recipient has accepted and completed the transfer, the original registrant will be canceled and refunded. Refunds are processed within 5-7 business days. 

​

I would like to be a sponsor. Who do I contact about that? 
Thank you very much for your sponsorship offer! You can contact the CHAFE team here.

 

I would like to volunteer for the event. Who do I contact about that? 
Thank you very much for your interest! You can contact the CHAFE team here.

 

Chafe Newsletter 
Sign up for the official CHAFE newsletter for the latest updates on registration dates, apparel, and more! 

​

​