Ride had been postponed from April to September

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Rotary Club announced Thursday that it has canceled its annual CHAFE 150 bike ride due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the community and region.

“We believe canceling the 2020 ride is in the best interest of our riders, our volunteers and our community,” Mel Dick, co-chair of the race’s sponsorship committee, wrote in an email.

In late April, the Rotary Club postponed its 13th annual Gran Fondo bike race on June 20 to Sept. 12.

Proceeds from this year’s CHAFE 150 were going to benefit the Lake Pend Oreille School District’s Literacy Initiative by helping fund a literacy curriculum, after-school reading programs and staff development.

CHAFE, an acronym for Cycle Hard for Education, has supported autism programs in the community by giving more than $300,000 to schools in the area.

Organizers are offering a full refund to riders and sponsors for this year’s event, but they have also asked if participants would be willing to allow the race to keep their registration fees and donations so they can support the causes they ride for every year.

“Our community and our children need our support, now more than ever,” Dick wrote.

Dick said in April many of this year’s sponsors offered to donate their 2020 sponsorships and the Rotary Club is grateful for their generosity.

“Rest assured that your donations will make a difference in the lives of thousands of our students and children,” Dick wrote.

Anyone seeking a refund can email melvindick@gmail.com.

The race is asking people to respond by Monday, July 27, so refunds can be processed promptly.

Next year’s CHAFE 150 is set for June 19, 2021, and will feature the event’s five-route format, family fun ride and after-ride community party. To learn more about the race visit chafe150.org.

Dylan Greene can be reached by email at dgreene@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @DylanDailyBee.