At Unbound, we love cycling. Since many of us live in Boise, we get to take advantage of a really cool cycling spot. Not to say that your area is not great, or does not have some great opportunities for cycling as well. In fact, if there are events in your area you would like to share, please send them to us, or even apply to write for us.
But here is a partial calendar of the events going on in Boise soon. If we missed one, comment and let us know or email us, so we can add it.
Cycle for Independence, May 20, 2017
This ride leaves from Riverglen Junior High in Boise. Funds raised benefit the National Federation of the Blind of Idaho, Treasure Valley Chapter. Your ride fee includes lunch and their famous socks – $5.00 for non-riders if extras are available. Details and registration information can be found here: https://www.bikereg.com/cycle-for-independence
Lyle Pearson 200: June 3, 2017
The 200-mile ride is already full, but it is not too late to register for the 100-mile solo or team event. This road ride goes from Grandjean to Sun Valley, half the distance of the 200, and can be done by a solo rider or a team of two.
The field for this ride is limited, so if you want to get in, it is best to do it soon. See this link for more information and to register. https://www.bikereg.com/lp-200
The Longest Ride: June 21, 2017
The Longest ride is on the longest day of the year. The options are ridden on a ten-mile loop. The Longest Rider is all day, 16 hours or 160 miles. The Longest Ride Morning and Evening consists of two four-hour riding sessions, one morning and one in the evening. Riders can also choose to only ride one of the two four-hour sessions, morning or evening.
There is also a mere mortals category, a flat loop ridden in Boise’s north end for either two or four hours. An after party will be held at Highland’s Hollow. For details and to register check out this link. https://www.bikereg.com/thelongestride
The event is sponsored by George’s Cycles and Boise Green Bike.
Ride for Hope: Supporting the Medically Underserved: June 24, 2017
In only two years this ride raised over $22,000.
In 2015 and 2016 the money raised went to Send Hope, a non-profit that helps orphaned children in India afflicted with HIV/AIDS. In addition, this year Terry Reilly Treasure Valley Health Centers are included in fundraising efforts.
The ride’s website is still under construction as of this writing, but you can find more details and register here: https://www.bikereg.com/ride-for-hope0
Entry fees are relatively affordable, and distances range from 18 miles to a full century ride. Details and registration here: https://www.bikereg.com/ride-for-hope0
ASWB Twilight Criterium: July 15, 2017
This is the annual road race in downtown Boise. There are several categories, from the beginners all the way to the professionals.
This one is for points, so register soon. You can find the details here: https://www.bikereg.com/boisetwilightcriterium
4 Summit Challenge: July 29, 2017, Cascade, Idaho
This road ride takes riders 75 miles with 6900 feet of elevation gain. You and do as little or as much of the ride as you like, as long as you reach the turnaround point in time.
The ride is both stunning and challenging. The field is limited to 400, and the first 100 to register get a discount, so be sure to sign up soon if you want to do this one. Register here: https://www.bikereg.com/four-summit-challenge-bike-ride-cascade-to-landmark
Bogus Basin Hill Climb, August 19, 2017
It’s no secret in the Boise cycling community that riding up Bogus Basin road is a killer ride. Tons of vertical, great scenery, and more. This year again there will be a dirt route. The road route is 16 miles, on the dirt, it will take you 20 miles to get to the top.
This will be a great ride. Remember, better to look back and say “I can’t believe I did that” rather than “I wish I had done that.” Keep track of registration dates here, by following the Hill Climb on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/BogusBasinHillClimb/
Rebecca’s Private Idaho: September 1-3, 2017
A gravel race consisting of 50 or 100 miles (Small Fry or Big Potato), this race is held annually near Sun Valley, Idaho and is a great endurance event. The lodging and spots go quickly, so be sure to reserve yours today. The route goes up Trail Creek Summit, a steep climb for about 10 miles.
Below is the story of a 13-year-old boy who did the ride last year.
Unbound Northwest and a few of our contributors will be riding in this one. Want to join us? We will be writing about the training rides and lead up time to the race as well.
Register for Rebecca’s Private Idaho and get ride details here: http://www.rebeccasprivateidaho.com/
Did we miss any of your favorite races or a ride for charity? Let us know and we will add it to our list.
Troy is a Freelance writer, editor, and author who lives, works, and plays in Boise, Idaho where he hikes, cycles, skis, and basically enjoys the outdoor lifestyle of the Northwest. Troy writes about business, sports, GIS, Education, and more. He is most passionate about writing suspense thrillers, and his work can be found at https://www.amazon.com/Troy-Lambert/e/B005LL1QEC/