Race highlights autism awareness
-- Photo courtesy JIM MCKIERNAN The Sandpoint Rotary group wore their blue T-shirts to highlight World Autism Day, April 2. Sandpoint Rotary is a major sponsor of CHASE 150, a world-class bicycle race to benefit local students on the Autism Spectrum.
SANDPOINT — Local Rotarians dressed in blue CHAFE 150 T-shirts Wednesday to highlight annual World Autism Awareness Day, Saturday, April 2.
Over the past three years, Sandpoint Rotary has donated $110,000 to the Lake Pend Oreille School District to assist children with autism, according to a club press release. They raised the money through their CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo, an annual cycling ride that covers a 150-mile loop between Sandpoint and Troy, Mont. It has earned a designation as one of the top ten ultra distance rides nationwide.
The ninth CHAFE 150 takes place June 18 this year, and registration is open.
Participants who don't feel equal to riding the full course have two less demanding options. The CHAFE 80 route starts in Troy — bus transport from Sandpoint is available — and ends at City Beach. The 30-mile Piccolo Fondo is a 30-mile ride through the Selle Valley to the Pack River Store, according to the club.
Beautiful scenery with lake, river and mountain vistas are highlights of all three routes. The Gran Fondo features six break/snack stops. Professional support staff with emergency gear are stationed throughout the course, according to the CHAFE150.org.
"Riders get breakfast, six fully stocked break stops, a custom ride T-shirt, a CHAFE 150 pint glass, two drinks at the after ride party and a meal catered by Trinity at City Beach. For a small price, the after ride party meal can be purchased by anyone not riding," said PR Chair Elana Westphal.
Organizers ask participants to a minimum of $50 in donations, which, along with up to 100 percent of entry fees, go to the school district, according to the website. Top fundraisers are eligible for such prizes as bikes, registration fees, jerseys and equipment, she said.
"The funds will go toward research-based tools known to have a positive impact on the learning of these students. They will also provide ongoing training and support for staff and families to keep current on best-practices in meeting the needs of our students. Your support will have a direct impact on the level of education provided to the students of the Lake Pend Oreille School District," said Superintendent Shawn Woodward.
Two local happy hours will precede race day. CHAFE 150 organizers and Rotarians will be on hand to familiarize participants with race routes, meet other riders and collect contributions. Each event will feature prizes, live music and hors d'oeuvres. The first happy hour is Wednesday, April 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Idaho Pour Authority.
The second is slated for MickDuff's Beer Hall Thursday, May 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., according to the press release.
More than 350 entrants from the U.S., Canada and Europe will be in town for the June 18th race. More than 50 volunteers help put on the event, said Westphal.
More than 70 local sponsors have stepped up to support CHAFE 150, including North Idaho Flood and Fire, Bonner General Health, Pierce Auto Center, Parker Subaru, Kochava, Lone Tree Creative, Bonner County Daily Bee, Greasy Fingers Bikes and Repair, Sandpoint Living Local Magazine, KPND, and Northland Cable, she added.
Information: CHAFE150.org