10th annual Chafe 150 sets records
Riders round the corner from First Avenue to Cedar Street during the start of the Chafe 30 mile ride. (Photo by JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
(Photo by JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY) The 30 mile route starts and ends at City Beach, which lets cyclists ride through the streets of Sandpoint on their way out to the Selle Valley.
SANDPOINT — An event-record 341 cyclists from Montana, Washington, Alberta, California, British Columbia, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado and Oregon helped make the 10th annual Chafe 150 another whopping success.
At the risk of burying the lead, well over $50,000 was raised with more still trickling in, money that will be given to the Lake Pend Oreille School District for students on the autism spectrum.
From Sandpoint 10 year-old Hayden Ettiger, who finished the 30-mile route in 2:11.52, to Calgary 86-year-old Jerry Schwartz, who finished the 80-mile route in 7:01.52, riders of all ages and skill levels enjoyed a scenic ride through North Idaho and Montana.
A total of 97 riders opted for the event namesake’s 150-mile route, with Sandpoint’s Scott Rulander and Spokane’s Scott Starbuck finishing first in 7:24.14, a 20.26 mile per hour clip.
A total of 111 riders conquered the 80 mile trek, with Cocolalla’s Don Hicks leading the locals with a fifth place finish at 4:23.39.
Wayne Pignolet and Jason Meshberg, both of Sandpoint, were first to finish the 30-mile ride with a time of 1:13.02.
Sandpoint’s Robin Helm, 61, was one of the many tired riders enjoying the famous after-ride party at Trinity at City Beach. Helm finished the 150 mile loop in 10:51, which wasn’t too short of spending half a day on a bike.
“Riding the Chafe inspires my workout efforts for the entire year,” she said. “I love the Chafe, thank you.”
Other riders praised the rest stops along the route, and called the groups of volunteers friendly.
Organizers wished to thank the more than 100 volunteers, as well as the host Sandpoint Rotary Club, for all of their hard work.
The scenic ride, great cause and fun atmosphere are a few of the reasons the event continues to grow, with many of the finishers already talking about returning next year.
“I just rode the 150,” said Connie Brett, calling it a great ride. “I’m already looking forward to next year.”
For complete results, more information or to make a donation, visit www.chafe150.org.