The CHaFE 150 bike ride

Our first-ever CHaFE 150 ride on Sept. 13, 2008, was a great success! Weather was excellent, with bell-clear skies and temperatures in the 70s. There were 68 riders from as far away as Seattle.

The CHaFE is not a timed race, but kudos to first rider in: Chris Wendt of Moscow, who was riding on his 47th birthday and completed the course in a little more than 8 hours. At the finish he was still peppy. "I don't mind riding my bike for my birthday," he said, adding: "I don't need a cake - although I could eat a cake right now." Jami Todd of Coeur d'Alene was the first woman in.

Although all the riders were winners, many posting personal records for distance, the biggest "winners" are the small children who will benefit from the cause that CHaFE supports. Entry fees, pledges and generous donors overall raised more than $50,000, with all net proceeds dedicated to the Ready! For Kindergarten program to provide young children skills they need to succeed in school.

Riders gave the event and the route high marks, ranging from "excellent" to "great." Organization, amenities and support won praise as well.

A huge thanks to the more than 50 volunteers who worked tirelessly to stage the race. Thanks also to the event sponsors, including major sponsors Contractors Northwest Inc., Pend Oreille Winery and the Shaha family. See our sponsors.

Planning for the 2009 CHaFE 150 is underway! We invite feedback, ideas and comments from riders, prospective riders, volunteers and donors -- from anyone, actually! Just e-mail us.

Riders: Area professionals donated photography services during the race, and may have a great photo of you. Check the images at Shutterfly, and order a print. All proceeds from the sale of photos go to the Ready! For Kindergarten! program.

And now, what about next year? Why should you put the CHaFE 150 on your ride calendar? Well, keep reading!

The route is redoubtable. Our ride starts in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho, and follows a course along magnificent Lake Pend Oreille, through lush river valleys amid the rugged Cabinet Mountains in northwestern Montana, returning down the glacially-carved Purcell Trench. Although the distance is challenging there are no major hills or passes. 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.

Rider cap for the 2009 event will be 250 riders, accepted on a first-come basis. Date for opening of registration has not been set. If you'd like to be added to our mailing list to receive information about the 2009 ride, please e-mail us now.

CHaFE IN A NUTSHELL

• Ride date: 2009 date TBA!
• Ride length: 147.52 miles
• 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: Registration dates for 2009 TBA
• Rider limit: 250

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

Remember, we're making CHaFE an annual event. So don't miss the next one!