Bicycling events abound in August
Some of the best organized bicycling events of the season are coming up around the Inland Northwest. August is a time to ride, and a last chance to plan and schedule for September, the region’s busiest month for cyclists.
Hundreds of riders already are signed up for two big local rides coming up on Saturday:
Eight Lakes Leg Aches: With 15-, 30-, 45-, and 75-mile routes, starting from Spokane’s Sunset Hill and out around lakes in Spokane County, to benefit Sexual Assault and Family Trauma Response Center. Info: (509) 343-5020.
Princess Pedalfest: A non-competitive women’s bike ride out of Hayden, Idaho, on routes of 25, 45 and 60 miles. Fully supported, plus treats, lunch and lots of nice touches.
Although it’s still a month away, this is a good week to register for SpokeFest, which is Spokane’s largest bicycling event of the year with a range of options. Cyclists who register for the Sept. 11 event by Friday qualify for a drawing for gift certificates at several local bike shops. Info: spokefest.org.
Farther afield, here are other upcoming bicycling events to check out:
Le Tour de Koocanusa, Aug. 13: From Libby, Montana, ride 83 miles along Lake Koocanusa in fifth annual event by David Thompson Search and Rescue. Coincides with annual Riverfront Blues Festival.
Tour de Lentil, Aug. 20: Scenic ride has 50K, 100K and 150K courses with pit stops through rolling Palouse hills based out of Pullman; fundraiser for WSU Cycling Club. Email: cycling@wsu.edu.
Kootenay Suffer Fest, Sept. 3-5: Based out of Kaslo, New Denver and Nakusp, British Columbia; gentle to extreme events include mountain bike, cyclocross, duathlon, trail runs and kids races.
Great Northwest Fall Tour, Sept. 4: Ride 15-, 30-, 50- or 85-mile routes beginning at Newport City Park. Benefits Newport/Priest River Rotary Club.