By McKenzie Williams
The Scenic Tour of the Kootenai River, or STOKR, was originally dreamed up by Greg and Susie Rice of Libby. The annual cycling event is held in support of Kootenai Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity, and it takes about two STOKR events to raise money for one home.
STOKR includes two days of bicycle touring and three choices for ride routes.
This year, STOKR had 450 registered riders. On day one, 280 riders completed a longer, 90-mile, ride, and 76 completed a 45-mile ride. 187 of the cyclists then did a 37-mile ride on day two.
Susie Rice, still a STOKR organizer after 25 years and Kootenai Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity volunteer, told The Montanian, “This year there were 125 new riders that have never ridden before.”
Since starting 25 years ago 3,077 riders have participated in this unique event. Of those riders, 756 have completed more than half of all STOKR events held. This year, the event raised approximately $38,000, Rice said.
On Saturday, May 11, STOKR’s 98-mile ride started in Libby then turned west along the Kootenai River, it continued up the Yaak Road passing the beautiful Yaak Falls. Cyclists then climbed the 4,000-foot Pipe Creek Pass to inspire them with incredible scenery and wildlife sighting opportunities on the 25-mile descent back to Libby alongside Pipe Creek.
The shorter, 45-mile ride started alongside the 98-mile route but turned off in Troy on the Lake Creek to Iron Creek loop.
On Sunday, May 12 some participants also took a 37-mile ride which began in Libby and continued along the old Haul Road on the south side of the Kootenai River. The went to the Libby Dam and back to Highway 37 via West Kootenai Road near Thompson’s Old Fort.
Many volunteers helped organize STOKR, and ensured its success. They donated store-bought and homemade sandwiches, cookies, pies, pasta, and more. EMT’s from Cabinet Peaks Medical Center volunteered to be on call for medical emergencies, and Libby’s Search and Rescue volunteers were ready in case they were needed.
Thanks to Greg and Susie Rice, all of the volunteers, the cyclists, event sponsors, and the community, this event is a highly successful and fun way to both promote tourism and help locals in need.