CDA Fondo to roll on Saturday

COEUR d'ALENE — About 400 cyclists are registered for the annual Coeur d'Fondo on Saturday.

The fundraiser for the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation offers five distances from 14 miles to 112 mile.

The 51-mile Centro Fondo starts with a boat ride to Harrison, and then cyclists ride back to Coeur d'Alene.

The 36-mile Piccolo Fondo includes a bike ride to Harrison and then a boat ride back.

Due to construction, to improve the scenery and in response to rider feedback , the longer rides, the 112-mile Gran Fondo and 86-mile Medio Fondo, will not go on U.S. 95.

Instead, riders will complete a loop past Harrison, then finish along the East side of the lake on Highway 97 back to McEuen Park.

Organizers said the changes will improve rider safety and provide beautiful scenery.

Tabitha Kraack, executive director of the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation, hopes the course changes will make for a great time.

"People love the idea of going around the lake," she said.

Thee will be aid stations along the way and refreshments afterward at the park.

A Family Fondo of 14 miles goes along the North Idaho Centennial Trail.

Most rides start at McEuen Park at 7:30 a.m.

The race, in its 11th year, has had around 800 riders in years past. But inflation, rising cost of gas, and recession fears have combined to keep numbers down

While weather has been lousy in recent years for the Fondo and left riders in the rain, the forecast for Saturday is calling for clouds, with temperatures in the 60s.

To register: nictf.org