CHaFE 150 ride raises more than $50,000

SANDPOINT - Cyclists cycled, organizers organized and volunteers volunteered Saturday to help make the inaugural CHaFE 150 - Cycle Hard For Education - bike ride a rousing success.

Sixty-eight cyclists from around the Northwest took part in the 150-mile scenic one-day ride through parts of Idaho and Montana, and since it wasn't a race, the ultimate winner turned out to be local students, who will benefit most from the more than $50,000 raised from the ride. The money will benefit Ready! For Kindergarten, an early childhood literacy program to benefit children and enhance education in the Lake Pend Oreille School District of northern Idaho.

The ride is the brainchild of local avid cyclist Brad Williams, who was pleasantly surprised about how the first effort went. He had high praise for the host of people who worked hard to make the ride so successful, hoping it's merely a prelude of great things to come.

"My goal is to make it annual and that it grows and grows every year until we have to cap it," said Williams, who views the ride as a vehicle to raise money for education in the community. "I want to thank the people who've worked so hard, and there's a lot of them. I look forward to doing it again next year."

Many of the riders praised the race for its worthwhile cause, the safety of the route and the quality of the hospitality. There were five break stations along the route, each manned by a different local business and each providing its own special flavor. Coldwater Creek, Sandpoint West Athletic Club, Pend Oreille Pedalers, Riley Creek Lumber and Lake Pend Oreille School District each put a lot of thought and effort into making their respective stations special for the riders.

Although not a race, Chris Wendt, of Moscow, was the first rider in at just over eight hours. Riding on his birthday, he averaged over 19 miles per hour along the flat  course.

"I don't mind riding my bike for my birthday," said Wendt, 47. "I don't need a cake - although I could eat a cake right now."

Jamie Todd of Coeur d'Alene was the first woman rider in. Ted Diehl of Sandpoint also set a new personal record with the ride, as his longest previously was 120 miles. He said the 150-mile length was a challenge.

"That last 30 miles was hard for me," Diehl explained.

Kim Woodruff of Sandpoint said his longest previous ride was 100 miles. His opinion of the route: "Excellent."

Williams also praised the Coldwater Creek venue, which served as the start/finish line for the ride. He's already looking to next year, hoping to make the ride bigger and better.