Wednesday night mountain bike ride series returns

SANDPOINT — Attention all mountain bike enthusiasts, as well as anyone looking for a fun way to spend a summer evening: The popular Bonner General Hospital Wednesday Night Ride Series returns for another year of racing at Farragut State Park.

The three week series starts on Wednesday, July 11, with racing on July 18 and 25, and both individual or group start times on the minute from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The fast, 11.1 mile course starts and ends at the Thimbleberry Group Campground, featuring 640 feet of climbing and descending along rolling terrain.

The entry fee is $20 per evening, with registration available on site. Full series riders will receive a commemorative gift, and the first 100 to register for the series receive a free gift bag.

A post-race barbecue will be provided all three evenings by: Pend Oreille Pedalers; Lake City Trail Building, promoting 50 Miles at the Pass mountain bike ride on July 22; and 24 Hours for Hank, promoting a Cycling for Cystinosis fundraiser on Sept. 8.

There will also be a free two-mile kids ride each night at 6 p.m., as well as nightly prizes and raffles. More than 80 riders competed last year on some or all of the races, and weekly times are posted online to track any improvement.

“It’s a quasi-competitive and fun family event,” said race director Ken Barrett. “There is something for riders of all skill levels.”

Before and after the rides Bonner General Hospital nurses will be on hand to counsel people on blood presure readings and other healthful hints. Bike shop owners from Bicycle Sales and Service, Greasy Fingers Bike n’ Repair, Sandpoint Sports, Two Wheeler Dealer and Vertical Earth will be on hand to help you tune-up on the free work stand. Jason Duchow Photography will be back on the scene to capture action portraits of the riders.

For more information, visit “www.allaboutadventures.com.”