Bicyclists enjoy Rotary KR fundraiser ride

Local riders, folks in town for a high school reunion and bicyclists from as far as Washington and Montana showed up to ride along the river at the Rotary Club fundraiser Kootenai River Ride Saturday, Sept. 13.

Riders showed up for a chilly 8 a.m. start to ride the 100k (around 62 miles). Riders are able to choose three distances for the annual ride, 100k, 60k and 16k.

The 100k course took riders from the fairgrounds out the Westside road to a turnaround point, then through downtown Bonners Ferry along the river to Cow Creek Road, with a loop through Paradise Valley before returning to the fairgrounds.

The 60k course allowed riders to skip the torturous climb up Katka mountain, an 850 foot elevation change in three miles about halfway through the 100k course.

“We like the climb,” said rider Christie McKee from Spokane, “It’s worth it for the scream back down.”

McKee and riding partner Nancy Glazier wore riding jerseys from their own fundraiser ride, the 8 Lakes Leg Aches ride which raises funds for Lutheran Community Services in Spokane. McKee has been coming to the KRR for a few years, and says they like to cross-promote their ride with the Kootenai River Ride since they attract the same audience.

More than 120 people were pre-registered for the event and with event-day registrations more than 140 riders were expected to follow the course, said event organizer Ron Sukenik.

“It’s a good turnout,” Sukenik said. “We’ve had as many as 200 plus, and as few as 80.”

Fees from the ride go to support Bonners Ferry Rotary Club projects throughout the year. Supporting sponsors included Accurate Collision, the Kootenai River Inn, The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Profotofix, LLC, Tactical Inc. and the Three-Mile Store and Cafe. Riders were treated to a baked potato feed at the fairgrounds upon completion of the course.