CHAFE 150 charity bicycle ride signups open on Jan. 16

Registration for the CHAFE 150 bicycle race, which now features six ride options, opens at midnight (12:00 a.m.) Wednesday, Jan. 16 at CHAFE150.org.

As an extra incentive for early birds, cyclists who sign up before Feb. 15 will save $10 on their registration. The Family Fun Ride registration will open on Feb 15.

The CHAFE 150 is presented by the Sandpoint Rotary Club and sponsored by Timberline Helicopters and over 80 other local businesses and organizations.

The signature 150-mile ride remains in a class of its own. The CHAFE 150’s course circumnavigates an entire mountain range while gaining a total elevation of approximately 6,600 feet.

The race was recently touted as one of the nation’s top charity bike rides by Bicycling Magazine.

Beyond the 150-miler, new for 2019 is an expansion of ride length options which now allows riders to choose the right fit — all while experiencing the beauty of this area.

For those looking for a challenge, yet aren’t quite up to the full 150 miles, the new century ride at 100 miles will be provided this year.

Here’s a look at all of the routes for the 2019 CHAFE 150:

CHAFE 150: The 150-mile ride is unchanged, and starts and finishes at City Beach in Sandpoint, Idaho.

CHAFE 100: Riders eat breakfast in Sandpoint and are bused to Troy, Mont., with their bikes; they start at approximately the halfway point of the CHAFE 150. The CHAFE 100 is a combination of a portion of the CHAFE 150 and CHAFE 40 mile routes.

CHAFE 80: Riders eat breakfast in Sandpoint and are bused to Troy, Mont., with their bikes; they start at approximately the halfway point of the CHAFE 150. The CHAFE 80 is the second half of the CHAFE 150 route.

CHAFE 40: Starts and finishes at City Beach. The CHAFE 40 is an extension of the CHAFE 30 route.

CHAFE 30: Starts and finishes at City Beach.

Family Fun Ride: The Family Fun Ride starts at City Beach park and goes to Dover Bay via the Sandpoint Dover Community bike path. Family activities and games at the park near Dover Bay City Hall. The ride returns to City Beach Park via the bike path.

All of the CHAFE routes are timed except for the Family Fun Ride.

This year’s CHAFE 150 continues Sandpoint Rotary’s legacy of support for education in the greater Sandpoint community, contributing more than $260,000 in the past six years.

Previously, funding has helped with autism programs and early childhood readiness.

This year, CHAFE proceeds will benefit the Lake Pend Oreille School District’s Literacy Initiative and After-School reading programs. Funds will support this initiative by helping fund a literacy curriculum, staff development, and expand after-school programs.

Riders are encouraged to raise funds for the cause through pledge donations; find more information at CHAFE150.org or through registration materials. The CHAFE 150 Ride Committee is putting together an assortment of prizes for riders who raise the most funds; stay updated at CHAFE150.org for more details or follow CHAFE 150 on Facebook.