STOKR holding some slots for local riders
by Kootenai Valley Record
April 23, 2010
More than 400 riders are anticipated for Libby’s annual Scenic Tour of the Kootenai River bicycle ride on Saturday and Sunday, May 8-9, with entries still being accepted for local riders who would like to take part in the event.
While registration is closed for the Saturday ride, which includes the option of a 98-mile loop through the Yaak or a 45-mile ride that that explores the Iron Creek/Lake Creek areas near Troy, local cycling enthusiasts can sign up through May 1 for the Sunday’s 38-mile ride to Libby Dam and back. Entry forms are available at the Libby Chamber of Commerce; the cost for the one day ride is $20.
STOKR has grown considerably since the inaugural event in 1995 that drew 98 riders, noted said organizer Susie Rice.
"Each year we have an increasing number of people interested in the ride," Rice said. "This year we registered 435 and turned away 190. This was done by a lottery system. Those 190 who did not get in will have an opportunity next year to register before the lottery happens."
Riders from as far away as Texas and Florida have registered for the ride, Rice said.
STOKR is the major fundraiser for Kootenai Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity. The all-volunteer organization has built eight homes for people who could not traditionally have been able to afford a home and is currently in the process of reviewing applications to choose the partner family for the next build in 2011.
"STOKR itself could not happen without the incredible base of volunteers who cook and bake, drive support vehicles, man registration and food stops and help in a variety of quiet ways," Rice said. "I always say that these folks are just as important to building a home as those who hammer nails. Without them, STOKR wouldn’t happen. Without STOKR we couldn’t afford to build the houses."
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Editor’s Note: See the April 20, 2010 edition of the Kootenai Valley Record for the printed version of this story. The Kootenai Valley Record publishes once a week, on Tuesdays, in Libby, Montana. They are a locally owned community newspaper, located at 403 Mineral Avenue in Libby. For in-county and out-of-county subscription information, call 406-293-2424, or e-mail kvrecord@gmail.com.
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