Ride Idaho Past Rides

Ride Idaho 2005 - The Inaugural Ride - Thanks to the sponsors, town hosts, cyclists and volunteers for participating in the very first Ride Idaho! We traveled a Southwestern route with a variety of terrain including desert plains, high mountain meadows, forested valleys, and a few mountain climbs.

Our christening naturally took place at the Capitol steps in Boise, after which a police escort worthy of a President, led the cyclists on our very first route! This trailblazing ride brought us to the overnight host communities of Payette, Council, McCall, Garden Valley and Idaho City. We pedaled on secondary roads and highways through pristine wilderness areas, all made safe by our escorts, the Treasure Valley Police Motor Patrol and the Voice of Idaho Amateur Radio Club, who monitored our riders as the SAG support crew.

The first day will set the record for years to come for flat repairs. The route could easily be renamed, Goat Head Highway because of Idaho's nasty little desert thorn. Payette's shaded city park, and celebrity band, Sparky and the Aardvarks, provided a forgiving venue after the challenging day.

The next two days were spent going, oh yes, up and up until riders reached the municipal golf course of McCall, where camping was provided on the driving range. A memory most will not forget, is waking up to mist swirling on the greens and the nostalgic sounds of Sergeant Rich Fuhriman's bagpipe, greeting riders to another glorious day of cycling.

We finished the ride with a 'mostly' downhill coast from Idaho City into Boise, onto the greenbelt and through a celebratory arch of balloons! Woo Hoo, We did it!

The 2005 participants were spoiled every night by our host cities. Nightly entertainment was provided along with savory meals and ample room for camping. These elements, along with a spirit of community, great enthusiasm and an enormous helping of volunteer energy made for one great week.

And so it was, a week in which life-long friendships began, sentimental moments were shared, lifestyles of cycling emerged, and an annual cycling tour was realized. Until next year's Ride Idaho, we bid you ado.