SpokeFest gearing up for Sept. 7

Bicycles will rule in Riverfront Park on Sept. 7 with the debut of SpokeFest.

The non-competitive cycling event includes food, entertainment and ride options for cyclists of all abilities and ages, ranging from short loops in the downtown park to a 21-mile tour using the Centennial Trail into Riverside State Park and back.

The event, hatched by members of the Spokane Bicycle Advisory Board, will begin casually at 7 a.m. with Thomas Hammer coffee and a free pancake feed served by Mountain Gear staffers.

Bikers can fuel their bodies with the breakfast and free BumbleBars as they register or pick up their packets at the Riverfront Park North Bank Shelter.

Bloomsday founder Don Kardong is scheduled to start the 21-mile riders at 9 a.m.

Youngsters and other riders will begin their loops within Riverfront Park at 10 a.m., encouraged by entertainers as they pedal.

A Bike Swap organized by the Bicycle Alliance of Washington will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sellers can group up to reserve half table space for $15 or a full table for $25. Contact Louise McGrody (206) 224.9252 ext. 303 or e-mail louisemc@bicyclealliance.org.

SpokeFest participants will finish their rides to the tune of live bluegrass music and ice cream from The Scoop.

“I’ve been aware of other cities doing this same type of thing,” said Bill Bender, a Spokane physician and SpokeFest director. “Chicago has a spectacular event called Bike the Drive, where 20,000 cyclists take over the Lakeshore Drive for a morning. Louisville has the annual Labor Day Hike & Bike.

“We felt it was time for Spokane to have an annual event to celebrate bicycling and a healthy population. We’re a non-profit group, so we’re still looking for more sponsors and tax-deductible donations.”

Participants should preregister online to assure a t-shirt and water bottle, but anyone can register up to the morning of the event, he said.

Cost: $10 or $25 for family of three, plus $5 for additional family members.

Info: www.spokefest.org .