STOKR Saturday 2018
by Maggie Craig
May 15, 2018
STOKR, the Scenic Tour of the Kootenai River bicycle ride fundraiser to benefit Kootenai Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity, was held over the weekend, May 12-13. This is the 24th STOKR with twelve houses built in Libby and Troy to date. Organizer Susie Rice reported that a total of 416 riders had officially signed up, with no riders being turned away this year. And the weather was sunny and perfect for this year's event.
In past years the riders started from the Chamber of Commerce parking lot at the same time, all 400 of them. New in 2017, the riders were separated into three groups in a staggered start arrangement. And new again this year was a start-at-will setup, where the riders could leave any time in an effort to reduce congestion for the first few miles of the ride.
STOKR riders love coming to Libby for this event, and while organization is a monumental task ably undertaken by Susie, the community pulls together in a big way. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers contribute their time and talents before, during and after the event (not the least of which is soup making and pie baking). Dozens of volunteers help with building the Habitat houses, including some of the riders who come to Libby for STOKR. Local businesses contribute food and materials. And our community welcomes the riders to our town every May.
Next year will be STOKR's 25th year, an event that has raised funds to provide affordable housing for area residents for the past 24 years. Thanks to all the riders who come every year to support the Kootenai Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity.
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