SANDPOINT — While the riders of the CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo were tackling rides up to 150 miles long, the next generation wasn't that far behind them. 

The Family Fun Ride is the last of the event's races to start, but it's no doubt the most educational and adorable one of them all. Around 20 people gathered to take on the task that not only tries to get the youth in cycling, but ensures that they do it safely, according to Rotary District Governor David Keyes. 

"These are our future CHAFE riders," Keyes said. "These are the ones we want out with the family doing fun things, and they're starting to show for that." 

Before any of the families could take off for the ride, Keyes walked them through basic bike safety. From checking to make sure their helmet fits them appropriately to helping the youngest riders get a feel for their presence when riding, the presentation made sure all participants were up to speed before the event began. 

Keyes said that piece of the family-focused event is invaluable, especially for local families who live in a very cycling-focused Sandpoint.  

"Everyone in our town is a cyclist, and what happens is kids that don't learn it from somebody, they get hurt," Keyes said. "Anything we can do with this to raise awareness is important because it's all about education. Cycle Hard For Education is what CHAFE stands for." 

A former publisher of the Bonner County Daily Bee, Keyes, recalled a time before the byway went in when biking in Sandpoint was a dangerous activity. While he's glad those days are in the past, Keyes said there's still risk, and he hopes that at least one thing the kids learned sticks with them. 

"Sometimes they're hanging out with their friends, and you forget, right? You just kind of do kid things, but if we can save one life, we've done our job," Keyes said. "If they can think about one time the way they shoot through traffic, hopefully we save that life." 

CHAFE's ride coordinator, Mariah Williams, said the Family Fun Ride also provides an opportunity for family members of the long-race riders to get involved in the fun. Williams said that families of riders tend to spend the day at City Beach, waiting for them to return, and the fun ride is an option to make sure everyone is included in the festivities. 

Keyes added that the kids riding will also reap the rewards of CHAFE, which raises money for Lake Pend Oreille School District's 'Every Student Graduates a Reader' initiative.  

"Every student graduates a reader is real right now, and that touches every grade of every school in our district," Keyes said. "The next generation, these guys will benefit from that." 

    A young rider checks her helmet size while learning about bike safety before the CHAFE family fun ride.