Gear up for Kootenai River Ride

Enjoy the last full weekend of summer by pedaling along the Kootenai River and through the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Bikers of all levels are encourage to participate in the 11th annual Kootenai River Ride on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Riders can choose three different length rides: 100K (62 miles), 60K (37 miles) and 16K (10 miles).

Multiple checkpoints will be stationed along the routes with communication support by local amateur radio operators.

The starting line is at the Boundary County Fairgrounds.

The 100K begins at 8 a.m., the 60K at 9 a.m. and the 16K at 9:30 a.m. There will be prizes, food and entertainment.

Each rider is responsible for the mechanical condition of his or her bicycle.

Organizers advise each rider carry a spare tube, patch kit and bike pump.

All riders are required to wear an ANSI approved bike helmet while riding. Families are encouraged to participate.

Registration fees help raise funds for the Bonners Ferry Rotary Club and 100 percent of funds are returned to the community through Rotary projects. The registration fee for a single rider is $20 and includes a deluxe collectors long sleeve tee-shirt.

A family package is available for $40, which is good for up to four riders and includes two shirts.

A bike raffle is also being held for winner’s choice of an on- or off-road bicycle.

Tickets are $5 for one or $10 for three.

• Register for the Kootenai River Ride at www.kootenairiverride.com or registration forms are available at the Bonners Ferry Herald office.