2014 Northwest Bicycling Events: Expanded list

  • The S-R’s ‘you snooze, you lose’ story posted in February listed several of the most popular summer events that require applicants to be on the ball during winter.

    February

    Chilly Hilly, Feb. 23: Kicking off the cycling season for 40 years, 33-mile route around Bainbridge Island attracts about 6,000 riders. About $30 with ferry fare.

    March

    Gran Fondo Ephrata, March 16: Ride 80 miles on mixed surface roads out of Ephrata, Wash. First of four events in Gran Fondo series. $65.

    April

    Spokane Bike Swap, April 12-13: Buy or sell used bikes at Spokane County Fair and Expo Center; benefits Friends of the Centennial Trail. $5 entry, kids under 13 free.

    Northwest Crank, April 12-21: Choice of at least two rides each day around Wenatchee area, including a RUSA Brevet (challenging ride with time limits at point stations). Sponsored by Seattle International Randonneurs. $100 for four days and banquet, or $25 daily.

    Gran Fondo Goldendale, April 13: Ride 90 miles on mixed surface roads out of Goldendale, Wash. One of four events in Gran Fondo series. $65.

    Daffodil Classic, April 13: Ride 40, 60 or 100-mile loops in the Orting Valley southeast of Tacoma; treats finishers with strawberry shortcake, 39th annual event sponsored by Tacoma Wheelmen’s Bicycle Club. $30.

    Spokane Summer Parkways Kidical Mass, April 26: A 3-mile ride for kids and their parents in the West Central Neighborhood, 1 p.m. Free.

    Lilac Century and Family Fun Ride, April 27: Ride 15, 25, 50, 66 or 100 miles starting at Spokane Falls Community College, with food stops and baked potato at the finish. (Also note the 5K and duathlon opportunity.) Sponsored by Aurora Northwest Rotary. Email: lilaccentury@gmail.com. $40-$50 early. Register in advance for discount, but event accepts same-day entries.

    May

    Tour de Frog, NOT YET SCHEDULED for 2014: Choose from 25, 50, 75 or 100-mile courses through Walla Walla Valley wheatland and wine country. Sponsored by Eastern Oregon Sports Training. $35-$50.

    Seattle Bike-n-Brews, May 4: Urban ride exploring Seattle breweries, with routes of 15, 30 or 45 miles, sponsored by Cascade Bicycle Club. Limited to 500 riders. $40.

    Inland Empire Century, May 10: Ride 25-, 50-, 75- or 100-mile routes through orchards, vineyards and farm fields in the lower Yakima-Columbia river valleys, sponsored by Kiwanis and Group Health. $10-$50.

    Skagit Spring Classic, May 10: Skagit Bicycle Club’s 24th annual event, routes range from 25 to 100 miles between Burlington and Bellingham. Rest stops, sags, showers, pasta feed included. $35.

    STOKR, May 10-11: Ride 82 or 135 miles in two days in the Scenic Tour of the Kootenai River based out of Libby, Mont. Limit of 400 riders filled by lottery. Applications available in February.

    Bike to Work Week, May 12-16: About 1,500 cyclists participate in Spokane’s promotion of bicycle commuting. Week kicks off with a free bike commuter breakfast and other activities.

    Spokane Summer Parkways Kidical Mass, May 17: A 3-mile ride for kids and their parents in the Chief Garry Neighborhood, 1 p.m. Free.

    Upper Columbia River Bike Run, NOT YET SCHEDULED for 2014: Family friendly fitness event at Northport, Wash., featuring fun runs and the flagship 10-mile bike ride followed by 2-mile run. $5-$15.

    Spokane Tour de Cure, May 17: Choose from a 3-mile family route or go 20, 50 or 100 miles, based at Northern Quest Resort west of Spokane in Airway Heights; benefits diabetes research. $200 fund-raising minimum (youth $50).

    Ride of Silence , May 21: Local rides in Spokane Valley and Sandpoint are among hundreds around the world for 11th anniversary commemorating cyclists killed in traffic. Loosely organized, rides start around 6 p.m. and usually run 3-10 miles. See website for changing schedules.

    Century Ride of the Centuries, May 24-26: Three days of fully supported riding and meals with new route options each day through Eastern Oregon farmlands near Pendleton and Blue Mountains. Limited to 275 riders. $210 (discounts for youths).

    R7 Hills of Kirkland, May 26: A 40-mile “seven hills” route, a 62-mile metric century or a 100 miler from urban to rural roads on a low-traffic holiday. Limited to 1,800 riders. $30-60 with early registration discounts.

    Flying Wheels Summer Century, May 31: Based from Redmond, ride rural Puget Sound routes of 25, 45, 65 or 100 miles in what’s billed by Cascade Bicycle Club as the largest century in Washington. $40.

    Pedal Around a Glacier, eh!, May 31-June 1: PAGE starts in Nelson, British Columbia, for a two-day, 140-mile ride along Kokanee and Slocan Lakes and twice across the spine of the Selkirk Mountains to loop around Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. Overnight in New Denver along Slocan Lake. Event cancelled if minimum sign-up not achieved by April 1. $95.

    TOSRV-West, May 31-June 1: The 44th annual Tour of the Swan River Valley follows the original two-day, 226-mile loop from Missoula to Bigfork, returning along Flathead Lake to Missoula, with great food stops. Limited to 200 riders. $109 plus Missoula Bicycle Club membership.

    June

    Gran Fondo Leavenworth, June 1: Ride 87 miles on mixed surface roads out of Leavenworth, Wash. One of four events in Gran Fondo series. $65.

    Apple Century, June 7: Routes are 25, 50 or 100 miles in the 27th annual event starting from Walla Walla Point Park in Wenatchee. Organized by Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary; 700-800 riders. $65.

    3 Rivers Race, June 7: Ride 55, 75 or 100-mile routes (also running options) based in La Grande, Ore., through Grande Ronde Valley. Benefits fight against domestic violence. Includes barbecue and poker run for prizes. $50 minimum pledge.

    Bicycle Poker Run, CANCELLED for 2014: Sponsored by Missoula Lions Club, ride 50 or 100 miles along the Clark Fork River starting east of Missoula at Bearmouth. Draw cards at aid stations for prizes. $50.

    Relay for Life Century, June 13: On the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, ride 100 miles from Wallace to Harrison and back on flat rail-trail. Sponsored by Bingham County Idaho Relay For Life for the American Cancer Society. $50 fund-raising minimum.

    I Made the Grade, June 14: Based out of Chief Timothy Park near Clarkston, the 34th annual 18-mile ride climbs 2,000 feet up the Lewiston Grade via the Old Spiral Highway. Organized by Clarkston High School Band. $25-35.

    Loreen Miller Bike Ride, NOT YET SCHEDULED for 2014: choose from 12, 25, 50 or 100-mile courses based out of Mt. Spokane High School. Post-ride music and food. Fundraiser for cancer patient care. $25-$50.

    Rock and Ride Through George, Wash., NOT YET SCHEDULED for 2014: The 8th annual event features 10, 30, 70 or 100-mile courses based out of George Community Hall, coordinated with post-ride Parties on the Green celebration in Quincy. $30-35.

    Spokane Summer Parkways, June 18 on South Hill at Comstock-Manito Neighborhood, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Event designed for families to ride streets free of motor vehicles, with contests. Free.

    Ride the Wall, June 21: About 150 riders of all ages celebrate the summer equinox in this 13-mile evening ride along the Coeur d’Alene River, start and finish at the Mission Inn in Cataldo, followed by a barbecue. Benefits Fuller Center for Housing.

    Ann Weatherill Cycling Classic, June 21: Ride 30-, 60- or 100-mile routes from Walla Walla’s Pioneer Park, includes food stop and post-ride wine and buffet. Organized by Wheatland Wheelers. Benefits cycling safety. $45.

    Cannonball, NOT YET SCHEDULED for 2014: A one-day ultra endurance ride totaling 276 miles mostly on I-90. Attracts a small field of top riders, but still considered an easier version of the July S2S ride between Seattle and Spokane via U.S. 2. Entrants must join the Redmond Cycling Club. $20.

    Lake Chelan Century Challenge, June 21: Join 500 riders on one-to-three loops ranging from 30-40 miles each past Lake Chelan vineyards. Sponsored by wineries and Chelan Rotary. Do the entire century ride and bag 8,606 vertical feet of elevation. $50-$60.

    CHaFE 150 Gran Fondo, June 21: a 150-mile loop, timed Gran Fondo, with five food stops from Sandpoint, through Troy and Bonners Ferry and back. Benefits autism programs in local school district, sponsored by Sandpoint Rotary. Limited to 500 riders. Showers available. Team options. $75 (plus $50 pledge requirement).

    Mazama Ride, June 21-22: runs 75 miles each day on North Cascades Highway from Marblemount to Mazama for the overnight and back. $140-$190.

    Gran Fondo Winthrop, June 22: Ride 80 miles on mixed surface roads out of Winthrop, Wash. One of four events in Gran Fondo series. $65.

    Tour de Hood, June 22: Tour follows Mount Hood Cycling Classic race in Columbia Gorge near Hood River, Ore. The 2014 details are still pending. Sponsored by Oregon Bicycle Racing Association. $50-$100.

    RATPOD, Ride Around the Pioneers in One Day, June 28: Ride 130 miles through Pioneer mountains out of Dillon, Mont. Online registration opens March 4 at 8 a.m. MST until the cap of 650 riders is reached; waiting list is maintained. $100.

    Bite the Bullet Tour, June 29: A 70 mile tour with 4,000 feet elevatioin gain including Winchester Grade out of Lewiston. Loosely organized by Twin River Cyclists (Lewiston-Moscow area).

    July

    Northwest Tandem Rally, July 4-6: Popular roving holiday weekend event for two-seaters returns after one-year hiatus with rides based out of Pendleton, Oreg.

    Gran Fondo Kootenai, July 5-6: Ride 76 miles from Libby to Eureka, Mont., and return on a 98 mile route with plenty of elevation gain the next day. Second day includes 1.5 mile gravel section. Fully supported. Benefits Kiwanis-Lions programs. $150 (more after June 15).

    Seattle 2 Spokane, NOT YET SCHEDULED for 2014: One-day ultra endurance ride totaling 284 miles and 12,000 feet of climbing, mostly on U.S. 2. S2S considered tougher version of the June 22 Cannonball ride between Seattle and Spokane via I-90. Redmond Cycling Club membership required. $20.

    Tour de Root, July 12: The 42, 60, or 100 miles in Western Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. Start/finish in Darby; ends with barbecue and beer. Sponsored by Darby Booster Club. $45.

    One Helena Hundred, July 12: Ride 62, 80 or 100 miles along Missouri River from Cascade to Wolf creek and back, sponsored by Helena Bicycle Club. $70.

    Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic, July 12-13: STP goes 200 miles, fully supported. Largest of region’s cycling events with 10,000 riders, sponsored by Group Health. Tight schedule? Ride all 200 miles in one day. Return by bus. (Sells out by mid February.)

    Huckleberry Ride, July 13: Loosely organized by Twin River Cyclists (Lewiston-Moscow area), the ride starts in Deary City Park at 9 a.m. and runs 54 miles to Elk River and back.

    RedSpoke, July 16-20: Fully supported 27th annual 300-mile tour from Redmond to Spokane, sponsored by Redmond Rotary. $75 plus $675 minimum in pledges.

    Jedermann Gran Fondo, July 19: Third annual timed recreational ride — 30, 66, 112 miles, based out of Cheney, organized by Emde Sports. Supported, cool finisher medals, post ride BBQ and beer garden. $25-$80, see early discounts.

    Tour de Peaks, July 19: Ride 25, 50 or 100-mile loops against the Cascade Mountains in Snoqualmie Valley; finished with block party in North Bend. Sponsored by Snoqualmie Valley Hospital and the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce. $49 early.

    50 Miles at the Pass, July 20: 4th annual mountain biking event at 4th of July Pass east of Coeur d’Alene. Gran Fondo format, a timed recreational ride, includes routes of 10, 17, 35 and 50 miles with more single track, less climbing than last year. Benefits Lake City Trailbuilder’s Association. Post ride BBQ. Info: (208) 667-8969.

    4 Summit Challenge, July 26: Ride 30, 50, 60 or 75-mile routes and up to four cool mountain summits from Cascade, Idaho, to Landmark and back. Field limited to 750. Registration closes July 23. Led by Olympian Kristin Armstrong; supports local charities. $50-$75.

    Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration, July 27: Ride 10, 25 or 50-mile routes based from Mirabeau Meadows Park in Spokane Valley, with food stops sponsored by ValleyFest organizers. $15, $30 for family.

    August

    Eight Lakes Leg Aches, Aug. 2: Ride 15-, 30-, 45-, and 75-mile routes, starting from Spokane’s Sunset Hill and out around lakes in Spokane County with about 800 riders to benefit Sexual Assault and Family Trauma Response Center. $45. Info: (509) 343-5020.

    Double Divide Ride, Aug. 2-3: Sponsored by Helena (Mont.) Bicycle Club, goes 129 miles in two days crossing Continental Divide twice, (75 miles first day, 54 miles second day) through rolling hills, valleys and challenging MacDonald and Flesher passes. $100.

    Courage Classic, Aug. 2-4: Ride 172 miles in three days over three mountain passes – Stevens, Blewett, Snoqualmie. Sponsored by Multicare Hospital. Limited to 700 riders. $750 in pledges minimum.

    Ride Around Washington, by Cascade Bicycle Club, Aug. 3-9: 16th annual RAW will be on the Olympic Peninsula; distances 42-92 miles a day with a rest day. Fully supported tour. Limited to 250 riders. $1,035.

    Ride Idaho, Aug. 3-9: The 10th annual seven-day, fully supported, 400-mile bicycle tour that moves to different region of the state. 2014 route starts and finishes in Twin Falls. Organized by non-profit group of cyclists. Limit: 350 riders. $795.

    Gran Fondo Winthrop, Aug. 4: Ride 80 miles on mixed surface roads out of Winthrop, Wash. Last of three events in Gran Fondo Triple series. $65.

    Le Tour de Koocanusa, Aug. 9: From Libby, Mont., ride 83 miles along Lake Koocanusa in 4th annual event by David Thompson Search and Rescue. Coincides with annual Riverfront Blues Festival. $60.

    White Pine Pedal Mettle, Aug. 16: St. Maries Idaho community bike ride with routes of 16, 30, 42, 62 and 111 miles. (208) 582-0520; email tommillermn@hotmail.com. $10-$30 plus $10 for dinner.

    RSVP2, Aug. 16-17: Cascade Bicycle Club ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party, 106 miles on day 1 and 82 miles on day 2 into Canada. Return by chartered buss. $125.

    Conquer Schweitzer, Aug. 17: Timed gran fondo hill climb to Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 8.5 miles with 2,600 feet elevation gain. (208) 263-6959. Post ride BBQ. $35-$40.

    Tour de Lentil metric century, Aug. 23: has 50K and 100K courses with pit stops through rolling Palouse hills based out of Pullman. Post ride BBQ. Email: cycling@wsu.edu. About $35.

    Great Northwest Fall Tour , Aug. 31: Ride 15, 30, 50 or 85-mile routes beginning at Newport City Park. Benefits Newport/Priest River Rotary Club. $30 ($75 per family).

    September

    Cycle Oregon Sept. 6-13, billed as “the best bike ride in America,” the ultra-supported tour moves to a different route each year supported by local communities. A spin-off weekend event is set for July 11-13. Registration opens in February; fills quickly. $900+

    SpokeFest Sept. 7: Spokane event attracts 2,000 participants, families as well as serious riders; 7th annual event has four tour options: a 1-miler kid-ride and rodeo with amusements in Riverfront Park that crosses no streets, a 9-mile loop, the classic river loop of 21 miles in Riverside State Park, and a 50-miler extending Classic Loop into the Four Mounds area. Music at finish. $8-$15.

    Park-2-Park Montana, Sept. 7-13: Fully supported 424-mile tour from Yellowstone to Glacier parks. Limited to 100 riders. $599 plus $500 in fundraising to support CASA.

    High Pass Challenge, NOT YET SCHEDULED FOR 2014: Cascade Bicycle Club thigh-burner gives up to 600 riders 10 hours to pedal 114 miles and conquer 7,500 feet of climbing around Mount St. Helens. $80.

    Spokane Summer Parkways Kidical Mass, Sept. 11: A 3-mile ride for kids and their parents in the South Perry district, 1 p.m. Free.

    Kootenai River Ride, Sept. 13: Ride 16, 60 or 100 kilometers near Kootenai River out of Bonners Ferry fairgrounds supported by Rotarians, followed by baked potato feed. $20.

    Tour de Blast, Sept. 13: attracts 1,400 riders to national monument roads in Mount St. Helens volcanic blast zone. Routes cover 33, 54 or 82 miles, with longest tackling 6,240 in elevation gain to fantastic views. Sponsored by Longview Rotary. $65 includes shirt and pasta feed.

    Bike MS 150, Sept. 13-14: ride 20, 50, 75 or 100 miles in one day or two, on Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes to benefit local Multiple Sclerosis. Overnight at Silver Mountain Resort. Minimum donation $250.

    Huckleberry 100, NOT YET SCHEDULED for 2014: Chose from short family ride or longer courses of 25, 50 or 100 miles from downtown Kalispell through region between Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park. Sponsored by Fresh Life Radio and local businesses. $25-$55 depending on course and date of registration.

    RIM Ride, Sept. 14: Rotary In Motion Family Fun Ride starts and finishes in Liberty Lake with rides of 5, 15, 25, 50 or 100 miles; finishes with Quizno’s lunch. $20-$60 with family discounts.

    WaCanId Ride, Sept. 15-20: Rare international bicycle tour on the Selkirk Loop; 5th annual ride includes up to 350 miles or shorter segments. Start in Sandpoint, Idaho, or at Nelson, British Columbia. Limited to about 50 riders from each start. Sponsored by Rotary clubs. Info: (208) 267-0822. Passport required. $495, includes jersey.

    Blazing Saddles Bike Ride, Sept. 20: Combines 40, 62 and 100-mile cycling routes out of Colville, Wash., with the Northwest International Chili Cook-Off and beer garden. Sponsored by Rotary Club. $25-$50 (family rate available), includes t-shirt and entry to chili festival.

    Ride the ROC, Sept. 20: Ride 50 or 100 miles through sage-steppe via Omak,Wash., Conconully and Riverside. Sponsored by Omak Kiwanis. $45-$55.

    Tour de Rock Mountain Bike Ride Rough Ride , NOT YET SCHEDULED for 2014: At 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort. Choose from at least three ride, including a fun mountain bike ride at resort or challenging climb starting in Chewelah and gaining 4,000 feet of elevation on a variety of surfaces. Benefits ski patrol. Info: (509) 937-4922 or baker9454@gmail.com.

    Valleyfest Trail Ride, NOT YET SCHEDULED for 2014: Family bike tour on the Centennial Trail starting at 11 a.m. with other festivities at Mirabeau Point Park. Choice of 6.8-, 8.8- and 15.6-mile routes. $10 or $5 for kids under 11.

    Apple Valley Kiwanis Wine Country Trek, Sept. 27-28: Ride 120 miles in two days through the Yakima Valley between Moxee and Prosser visiting wineries. Fully supported with meals; camping indoors or out. $150.

    Swan Lake Mountain Bike Festival, NOT YET SCHEDULED for 2014: Free family event with clinics, kids’ courses, women’s ride, poker rides, Dutch oven cooking and more, south of Republic, Wash. Camping available. Co-sponsored by Spokane Parks and Recreation and Republic Ranger District. Info: ( 509 ) 775-3305.

    Rotary Rivers Ridges Ride, Sept. 27: Ride 15, 50 or 100 miles from Clarkston area, with a Riverfest event. $25-$50.

    Coeur d’Fondo, Sept. 27: The 3rd annual Gran Fondo style timed event begins and ens in Coeur d’Alene with competitive and non-competitive options. Choice of five distances: 15, 37, 47, 85 or 108 miles. Riders end with entry to Oktoberfest. Course features Lake Coeur d’Alene and Idaho’s Highway 97 Scenic Byway through Harrison and St. Maries. Shorter ride participants board a partyboat back to Coeur d’Alene from Harrison (Riders on new 47-mile ride board boat to start at Harrison). Sponsored by Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation. $10 for family ride, $75-$85 for others.

    October

    Cycle for Life, NOT YET SCHEDULED for 2014: Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser starting in Spokane’s Browne’s Addition. Ride 30 or 65 miles on Fish Lake Trail and routes near Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge; fully supported, rest stops every 10-12 miles. Riders must be at least 18 years old and raise at least $165 in pledges.

    Manastash Metric Century, Oct. 4: The 18th annual ride includes 50K or 100K options along the Yakima River from Ellensburg to Cle Elum and back, with post-ride barbecue. $40.

    Chewelah Valley Lions Fall Half-Century Bike Tour, Oct. 5: Ride 25 or 50 miles from Chewelah to Springdale and back via Stevens County loop around Waitts Lake. Sign ups allowed up to the 10 a.m. start in Chewelah City Park. Info: Becky Washington, rebecca214@centurytel.net

    Add an event

    If you don’t see your regional cycling event listed, send information by email to Outdoors editor Rich Landers.

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