WaCanId Ride gearing up to take off with 131 cyclists from around the globe
A group of WaCanId cyclists make their way through a mountainous road during a past race.
Photo provided by International Selkirk Loop
INTERNATIONAL SELKIRK LOOP — With its 395 miles/635 kms of breathtaking scenery and vibrant communities, the International Selkirk Loop is becoming a popular destination for cyclists who wish to participate in a unique six-day cycling adventure.
Now in its 16th year, this annual Rotary supported event takes cyclists on paved roads encircling the Selkirk Mountains of Washington, Canada and Idaho — hence the name WaCanId.
“This year we have riders coming from 24 states, three provinces of Canada,” said Stephanie Sims Executive Director of the International Selkirk Loop, who provides administrative support for the ride. “The cyclists are a diverse group of individuals and they are excited to participate and visit our beautiful area.”
The Rotary clubs provide the support during the ride — everything from assistance to the riders, snack and lunch stops, luggage handling, and more.
“The clubs truly do an outstanding job and the feedback from the participants demonstrates Rotary’s ‘service above self’ motto year after year,” Sims said. “Their goal is to provide the best support of any ride, and they just keep getting better.”
Watch for the group as they traverse the International Selkirk Loop and a couple of their Super Side Trips over the coming week. Their schedule is as follows:
• Sept. 9 — Sandpoint, Idaho, to Colville, Wash.
• Sept. 10 — Colville, Wash., to Rossland, B.C.
• Sept. 11 — Rossland, B.C., to Nelson, B.C.
• Sept. 12 — Rest Day
• Sept. 13 — Nelson, B.C., to Creston, B.C.
• Sept. 14 — Creston, B.C., to Sandpoint, Idaho
If you would like to know more about the International Selkirk Loop or Rotary, visit www.selkirkloop.org or contact Stephanie Sims at info@selkirkloop.org.
About WaCanId Ride
WaCanId Ride is a unique partnership between the International Selkirk Loop and Rotary Clubs of District 5080 along the route. The participating clubs include Sandpoint Rotary, Rotary Club of Ponderay Centennial, Bonners Ferry Rotary, Newport-Priest River Rotary, Colville Rotary, Kettle Falls Rotary, Rossland Rotary, Castlegar-Sunrise Rotary and Nelson Daybreak Rotary. The partnership provides a way for the clubs to work together to raise funds and enhance the local economies through the promotion of tourism. The funds that are raised during the event support each club’s individual community service projects. For more information on WaCanId Ride visit www.wacanid.org.