The CHaFE 150 bike ride

Come pedal our 5th annual CHaFE ride!

Registration opened Wednesday, February 15, at 5:00 a.m.!
Registrations are through Active.com! Click to go register now»

The fifth annual CHaFE is coming Saturday, June 2, 2012! Be sure to mark that Saturday on your ride calendar - and get registered right now. Ridership has jumped up each year for the successive CHaFE rides; if that holds up we'll be capping the ride at 350. Don't miss out! And this year again there will again be both the full 150-mile CHaFE, or the 80-mile 1/2 CHaFE option.

And hey! As befits an occasion as glorious as our fifth annual ride, we have a 'way cool jersey for the 2012 CHaFE!

With a sleeveless design and bold rider graphics, we think it's our neatest jersey ever. It costs a few extra bucks; you can order it during registration. Check out our 2012 jersey»

This year there are several new and exciting experiences in store. For the first time, CHaFE will be a timed, 'Gran Fondo' ride. Read more below. Plus, we are announcing the TriSandpoint, a summer-long triathlon that offers all three legs of a bike-swim-run triathlon at three different events. Enter all three as an individual, or grab friends to make a team:

• CHaFE 150: our 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 half marathon run, September 16, 2012

Each event is timed and the times will be compiled to declare final finishing placements after the Scenic Half with some mighty fine prizes. You can indicate you want into the TriSandpoint by just clicking the checkbox on your CHaFE 150 registration. Or go see more right now at TriSandpoint.org»

Also new this year, we are pleased to offer a Gran Fondo experience. Loosely translated from Italian, Gran Fondo means "big ride." Gran Fondos are timed long distance, mass-participation cycling events not races that are immensely popular in Europe. Riders of all abilities participate. Some enter for the challenge and satisfaction of making it to the finish line; others want to push themselves and their friends to make personal bests; and the most competitive ride to win! Every participant wears a timing chip to track time.

Most riders will ride solo but we will also have a team competition. There are still two ride options: The Gran CHaFE is the full 150-miler, most advisable for experienced riders. The Medio CHaFE is our 1/2 CHaFE, for those riders wanting the shorter, 80-mile option. It's suitable for beginner to advanced riders.

Want to know more about the CHaFE? Here's a roundup on information and links:

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

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»

More reasons 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: JUNE 2, 2012
• 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 Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 5:00a.m.!
• Rider limit: 350

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