Local ride raising funds for reading
By Jillian Chandler
Get ready to ride at this year’s CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo, set for Saturday, June 15! Started in 2008 by the Panhandle Alliance for Education, a nonprofit organization that focuses on grants to the Lake Pend Oreille School District (LPOSD), the Sandpoint Rotary took over the ride in 2013, and this year marks the 17th annual CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo.
Gran Fondos, known as “big rides,” started in Italy, and they provide a festive atmosphere with multiple timed bike routes. The CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo offers 150-, 80-, 40- and 25-mile road rides and 55- and, new in 2024, 75-mile gravel routes. There is also the family fun ride for everyone of all ages to enjoy. There are food and drink stations along the routes, as well as mechanical and medical support. The after-ride party, held on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille at City Beach Park from 2 to 8pm, concludes the day and includes prizes, food, a beer and wine garden, and music. Riders, their friends and family, and the entire community are invited to attend.
Since 2008, approximately $1 million has been raised to support educational programs of LPOSD and other Rotary Club of Sandpoint Youth initiatives, such as scholarships and leadership training for high school students.
“The CHAFE 150 ride continues its legacy of support for education in the greater Sandpoint community. For the past 10 years, CHAFE has helped support autism programs, after-school reading and literacy initiatives and the Book Trust program by contributing over $600,000 to the Lake Pend Oreille School District,” shares Mel Dick, Sandpoint Rotary Club member and CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo Ride Committee member and sponsorship organizer. “For the 2024 ride, CHAFE donations will benefit the Lake Pend Oreille School District's Book Trust program for kindergarten through grade three students in its seven elementary schools. Like in past years, a portion of the CHAFE proceeds will also support other Rotary Club of Sandpoint Youth Services programs.”
The ride has been recognized for being one of the Top 10 Scenic Rides in the County and was listed as the Number 3 Charity Ride in the Country by Bicycle Magazine. “It will be one of the best rides of your life,” Mel promises. “Every year we hear from riders that it is the one of the most scenic and best supported rides they have ever ridden.”
To find out more about the ride and courses, and to register, visit CHAFE150.org.