Ride Idaho tour crosses into Sanders County
<p>Bike mechanic Jason Leathers tend to one of many bikes that need attention following a 70-mile ride.</p>
THOMPSON FALLS- The annual seven-day bicycle tour known as “Ride Idaho” cruised into Sanders County on Tuesday with 380 riders making their way into Thompson Falls. Cyclists camped at Ainsworth Field and PPL Park after logging approximately 70 miles during the day.
As riders gradually filed into the campsites, tents were set up, food was prepared and bikes were piled up in front of the mechanic station for routine maintenance. The expected wear and tear from riding 70 miles a day up and over mountain passes kept mechanic Jason Leathers busy.
“We see a lot of flat tires,” said Leathers.
The tour will eventually log 400 miles over the course of the week during which cyclists will make their way back into Idaho after their brief layover in Thompson Falls. Tyler Balow of Decorah, Iowa was on his first tour and said the terrain of Sanders County posed some new obstacles he was not used to.
“Going up and down hill after hill is difficult in terms of endurance,” said Balow. “It’s my first time in this part of Montana and it’s absolutely gorgeous here.”
The route for Ride Idaho changes every year, beginning and ending this year in Couer d’Alene. Ride coordinator Susy Hobson said Thompson Falls was chosen as a destination due to the warm reception they received during a previous tour.
“Thompson Falls is fantastic,” said Hobson. “Everything runs smoothly when we come here.”
The ride includes 40 volunteers, 380 riders from 40 states and enlists the help of local citizens. Supported by the Sanders County Community Development Corporation, the Ride Idaho event aims to economically assist small communities as an integral part of the tour.
“Our goal is to bring a positive economic impact to places like Thompson Falls,” said Hobson. “For some communities it can be a big fundraiser for them.”
According to Hobson, the Ride Idaho tour accomplishes this goal by hiring locals to assist in preparing food, providing live entertainment and help with setting up the extensive camp required by 380 tired cyclists.
Ride Idaho was established in 2005. The event is not a race and riders were encouraged to take their time and enjoy the scenery of Sanders County.