Champion racer to speak at CHAFE 150 dinner

By Cameron Rasmusson
Reader Staff

CHAFE 150 has been recognized for years as a world-class bicycle race. This year, it’s getting the world-class athlete to match.

Tristen Chernove. Courtesy photo.

Tristen Chernove, a Paralympics gold medalist, three-time world champion rider and Canadian para-cyclist of the year, is the guest of honor at this year’s CAFE 150 lineup of events and will speak at the pre-race dinner on Friday, June 14. Between the dinner, the race and the thousands of dollars raised for local schools, it all adds up to a CHAFE 150 for the books.

If CHAFE riders are looking for a little pre-ride inspiration, they’ll find a ready supply in Chernove’s talk. He plans to go over his training regimen, his athletic history and the experience of competing at the highest level of his sport. But he’ll also detail his battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurological condition that afflicts the nerves communicating brain and spinal activity to the muscles. Riders looking for that competitive edge — or those simply fascinated by a compelling life story — can pick Chernove’s brain in a question-and-answer session following the talk.

Along with the presentation comes an all-you-can-eat pasta dinner, dessert and two tickets for beer or wine. Taking place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, at Trinity at City Beach, the dinner is the perfect occasion to build excitement for CHAFE 150 and chat with other riders. Tickets are available online — sandpointrotary.ejoinme.org/chafedinner. But word to the wise: Pick them up sooner rather than later, because organizers expect this one to sell out quickly.

Between the special presentation by Chernove and what looks to be strong attendance, the 2019 ride may well go down as a historic year for CHAFE. In April, the organization announced that sign-ups for the ride were already outpacing previous years. Part of that may be the acclaim CHAFE 150 has generated over the years. In 2018, Bicycling Magazine named it the number-three charity ride in the U.S., thanks in no small part to the beautiful North Idaho vistas that keep riders pedaling forward.

It doesn’t hurt that organizers keep expanding CHAFE offerings to provide the ideal challenge and length for all skill levels. New this year is the 100-mile century route, adding another long-distance option for endurance riders. Bicyclists looking for a less intense experience can check out the 30- and 40-mile routes, which now offer options for electric bike riders. The 150-, 100- and 80-mile rides, meanwhile, all offer professional timing. And for those simply seeking a fun day in summertime Sandpoint, the new four-mile Family Fun Ride starts at Sandpoint City Beach, ends at Dover City Park and features family activities and games.

Are you ready to take on CHAFE 150 for yourself? Head over to chafe150.org and sign up.