STOKR 2014
by Maggie Craig
May 12, 2014
Libby played host over the weekend to the 20th year of
STOKR, the Scenic Tour of the Kootenai River bicycle ride
that benefits Kootenai Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity.
Ten Habitat houses have been built in the Libby/Troy area to
date due to STOKR’s success.
Because the Kootenai Valley is an extraordinarily beautiful
place, and because the organizational skills of Susie Rice
and the generous donations of time and talents of countless
volunteers make this bike ride such a success, STOKR is an
event that riders hope to return to year after year.
Because of STOKR’s popularity, a lottery system was
instituted in 2008, limiting the number of riders to 400
(450 this year). This limit is based on Libby’s ability to
house the riders for the weekend and the ability of the
volunteers to support the enormous effort that goes into the
weekend, which includes cooking, baking, manning food and
rest stops and driving support vehicles for assistance.
According to many riders, Libby’s cheerful volunteerism is
part of the charm of the ride.
The weather report, however, was less than inviting, and a
reportedly 90 registered riders did not attend. While it
rained through the night Friday, by ride time Saturday
morning it was cloudy and wet, but not actively raining.
Sprinkles at the Yaak food stop were not too troublesome,
and by Saturday afternoon, most riders were pleased with the
weather conditions. Blue sky, some sunshine and cooler
temperatures made the ride comfortable.
Saturday night also saw some rain (and fresh snow at only
slightly higher elevations), but again, Sunday’s riders
started out on wet pavement but enjoyed gradual clearing
throughout the day. Many of Sunday’s riders had a glimpse
of the beautiful Cabinet Mountains along the Kootenai River
through cloudy, but clearing, skies.
Overall it was another successful STOKR, an event
appreciated by those who attend and by those who benefit
from this Habitat for Humanity fundraiser.
Photos by Maggie Craig, LibbyMT.com
Related Links
STOKR - More information
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