The first Haines Century Ride, a 100-mile bicycling event through the Chilkat Valley for competitive and recreational riders, will be held Saturday starting at 8 a.m.
The event also offers participants 20-mile and 80-mile rides.
Haines Borough Tourism Director Tanya Carlson said she had the idea for a scenic bike ride years ago, but got tired of waiting for someone else to organize it.
“We need to get something going in August,” she said, and before the start of the school year. “I hope to see this grow. I think it’ll be fun.” The ride coincides with Canada’s “Discovery Day” weekend.
The 100-mile ride (full century) will take cyclists to the U.S. border and back, and include out-and-back rides on Lutak and Mud Bay roads. The 80-mile ride (part century) is only the border loop; the 20-mile event (beginner century) will include Lutak and Mud Bay sections only.
All rides begin and end at the barracks building on lower Fort Seward Drive. Century riders start at 8 a.m., the part-century at 9 a.m. and beginner event at 10 a.m. Cyclists can sign up Saturday.
Carlson said she wants to limit participation to 150 riders. Nutrition stations will be set up at 19 Mile and the Haines ferry terminal.
Volunteers will be on the course and routes will be chalked. There will be medals for top finishers and participation awards for everyone who rides, she said. The entry fee is $35.
Carlson said she’s also considering a run-bike-kayak triathlon early next June. For more information, contact her at 766-2234.