BICYCLING -- More than 600 tandem cycling enthusiasts are freewheeling to Spokane Friday through Sunday to celebrate the holiday weekend in the 26th annual Northwest Tandem Rally.

The Spokane Regional Sports Commission is helping organize the event. Based out of Mukogawa Ft. Wright Institute, the rally includes organized rides of up to 94 miles through the West Plains and through the small towns of the Palouse before they loop back to social events in Spokane.

The "it takes two to tandem" pedalers will head west out of Fort Wright in a mass start for their first ride starting at t 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.

 Read on for more details.

History of the Northwest Tandem Rally
The Northwest Tandem Rally has traveled extensively throughout the Northwest since 1986. The event has traditionally been on Memorial Day weekend but depending on venue and calendar may also be held on Fourth of July weekend. It is produced as an all-volunteer event, designed to be family oriented, grassroots and affordable. The last time the Northwest Tandem Rally visited Spokane was in 1998.

Weekend Schedule:

·       July 1, Friday: Noon–9 p.m., Rider Check in at Mukogawa Ft. Wright. Optional unsupported ride are available to riders.

·       July 2, Saturday: 8:30 a.m., Mass start from Mukogawa Ft. Wright with Spokane City Police escort for supported rides varying from 36-84miles. Riders will tour scenic routes through Airway Heights, Medical Lake, Cheney, Turnbull Wildlife Refuge, and Williams Lake. Supported food and water stops are along the way as well as EMT’s and traveling bicycle support.

·       July 3, Sunday: 8:30-9:30 a.m., Staggered starts from Mukogawa Ft. Wright for supported rides varying from 21-92 miles. Rider will enjoy scenic routes through Plaza, Cheney, Waverly, and Spangle—featuring Spokane trails such as the Fish Lake City Trail and the Columbia Plateau Trail. Supported food and water stops are along the way as well as EMT’s and traveling bicycle support.

·       July 4, Monday: Riders will enjoy this day at their own pace, taking unsupported rides through 9-Mile, 7-Mile, Greenbluff, and along the Centennial Trail.

Community Support:
To make this event an amazing experience, Spokane Regional Sports Commission is working with a countless number of dedicated community volunteers as well as business partners including: American Institute of Clinical Massage, CoMotion Cycles, David’s Pizza, Denny’s Harvest Foods, Hammer Nutrition, DraftMaster, ATOC, North Division Bicycle Shop, Bicycle Butler, Wheelsport, REI, Rockwood Clinic, McGregor & Company, Pactimo, Mukogawa Ft. Wright Insitute, Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, Emde Sports, The Flying Goat and Owl’s Pharmacy. Community Organizations include Waverly/Fairfield Food Bank, Medical Lake Food Bank, Williams Lake Fire Department, Spokane City Police Department, and Spokane Bicycle Club.

Spokane Regional Sports Commission

The Spokane Regional Sports Commission provides leadership in economic and community development through sports.  Our vision is to establish the Spokane region as the premier destination for youth andamateur sports in the Western United States generating a significant economic impact, improving the quality of life, while bringing prominence and recognition to the Inland Northwest.