Ammi Midstokke: STOKR serves a slice of heaven

There are not a lot of things for which I’ll get up at 4 a.m., but a slice of pie is one of them. Not just any pie, either, but pie baked by a dozen or so local grannies with love, for a good cause. Such as feeding a bunch of hungry cyclists. Or building a house for Habitat for Humanity.

Welcome to the Scenic Tour of the Kootenai River, commonly known as the STOKR. It’s a one or two-day ride (depending on your choice) that follows the Kootenai and Yaak rivers through Montana. For those intimidated by the idea of a peloton, this is not a race. It is a casual riding tour (I think there’s a BBQ party at most stops) with various amazing views from panoramic mountains to waterfalls to mirror-smooth still waters.

There is also one rather long but harmless hill, no less than a million billion homemade cookies, and some reckless butterflies (the most dangerous thing on the course).

The actual STOKR event is part of a community effort to build a home for a family in need. It typically takes about two events to build a house. After the ride, people are welcome to go be a part of the building project and see firsthand what their ride fees are creating.

The route takes Highway 2 west out of Libby and then turns north onto the 508 where it follows the Yaak River (and a beautiful set of falls) for several miles. Most of the traffic was race support or wildlife. I noticed occasionally that I was riding my bike, but for the most part I was distracted by the incredible, quiet landscape of Montana spreading before me.

The 98-mile loop connects to Road 68, leading over Pipe Creek Pass. While passes are typically the sort of thing that make you think you’re losing a lung, this gradual climb is for just about anyone. And the pie stop on the other side will make it all worthwhile.

You know you’re there when you see a front yard spattered with cycles and a bunch of lycra-clad riders in bright gear sipping coffee and eating pie. To get your slice (or five), simply walk into the living room filled with pie-baking grandmothers and their selection of pastries. They will, just like your own grandmother, offer you pie. And then some whipped cream. And would you like any coffee with that? Did you try the pumpkin yet? The apple?

Let’s say that you forget about the hour time difference and miss the start, as I hear this can happen. It would appear the pie supplies will last even for late starters.

Let’s say that you want to ride this incredible course on a different day, or with your family (provided your kids are whine-proof and have quads of steel). The route has a broad shoulder and limited traffic for most of the ride. After the pass, it’s a smooth, winding coast most of the way back to Libby. If you’re looking for a way to soak in some of our Northwest beauty on your bike, it’s a course you can enjoy all season long.

Just bring your own pie for that authentic STOKR feeling.