CHaFE 150 Cycle Hard for Education Sandpoint, IDCycle Hard for EducationCycle Hard for Education - CHaFE 150


The CHaFE 150 bike ride

Our 5th annual CHaFE ride has been set

The fifth annual CHaFE is scheduled for Saturday, June 2, 2012! Be sure to mark that Saturday on your ride calendar right now. Ridership has jumped up each year for for the successive CHaFE rides, and if that holds up next year we'll be capping the ride at 300. So you don't want to miss out! And there will again be the 1/2 CHaFE option, to ride 80 rather than 150 miles.

In this fifth year there are several new and exciting experiences in store for you. We are pleased to introduce the Sandpoint “Triathlon!” Sandpoint offers all three legs of the triathlon on three different dates.  Come experience Sandpoint with your friends and complete your first Triathlon!

  • CHaFE 150: a one-day 150-mile bike ride, June 2, 2012
  • Long Bridge Swim: a 1.76 mile, open-water swim across Lake Pend Oreille. August 4, 2012
  • The Scenic Half: A 13-mile ˝ marathon run, September 16, 2012

You can register for all three and become one of the premier athletes to claim a finishing time in the Sandpoint Triathlon. Each event is timed and prizes will be awarded to those athletes who compete in all three events.  Visit the 3 websites for more details about the events: www.chafe150.org, www.longbridgeswim.org,  www.sandpointchamber.org/halfmarathon.html

We are pleased to offer a Gran Fondo experience.  Loosely translated from Italian, Gran Fondo means "big ride".   Gran Fondos are long distance, mass-participation cycling events – not races – that are immensely popular in Europe.  Participation is open to recreational and competitive amateur cyclists, riders of all abilities participate.  Some cyclists enter for the challenge and satisfaction of making it to the finish line; others want to push themselves and their friends; and some ride to win! Every participant in wears timing chip.  This allows us to track each athlete’s time.  Most riders will ride solo but we will also have a team competition this year. There are still two ride options available: Gran CHaFE, for riders who want to challenge themselves, the Gran CHaFE is the full 150 mile at your own pace for recreational to advanced riders. Medio CHaFE   , for those riders wanting a shorter option, the Medio is a lighter version starting in Troy Montana and finishing with everyone else in beautiful Sandpoint.  Suitable for beginner to advanced riders.

Here's a roundup on information and links for riders:

Our 2011 ride recap story »
YouTube slideshow by ride photog Jason Duchow »
Individual rider photos you can order »
2011 CHaFE 150 rider comments »

By the way, if you rode the CHaFE it may still be possible to get one of the cool-blue 2011 CHaFE jerseys. They're only $80; now limited to a few sizes. Click to e-mail us if you want one. Or, click to see a preview now»

Here are a couple more actions you can take right now: If you want to stay apprised of CHaFE ride news in the coming year, click to sign up for our occasional e-mail newsletter. Also, go "friend" our Facebook page»

Here's why you should put the 2012 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. The route winds into Montana through lush river valleys of the Cabinet Mountains. It's the premier Idaho-Montana bike ride. The distance is challenging but elevations are modest, with no mountain passes. There is also the 1/2 CHaFE 80-mile option. See the route map»

The perks are prodigious. The CHaFE 150 treats riders in the fashion to which they would like to become accustomed! There are 5 fully stocked break stops, attentive ride support, great food and drink apres-ride -- and of course, our very neat town of Sandpoint to explore and enjoy. 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 young kids in northern Idaho get a great start in life. 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. If you have any comments or questions, please e-mail us now»

CHaFE IN A NUTSHELL

  • Ride date: Early June 2012. Date TBA
  • Ride length: 150 miles or optional 1/2 CHaFE 80-miler
  • Route: Idaho bike ride, Montana bike ride
  • 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: Opens mid February 2012, till full!
  • Rider limit: 300

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