Map & FAQ
Ride Dates: September 17-22, 2012
What is the cost? $395 per rider
What ride experience do I need to do this ride? This ride is considered an intermediate ride, mostly because of daily distance. Your shortest day is close to 60 miles. See chart below. Although there are no major passes on this mostly mountain valley route, in some portions there is a rolling nature to the roadway. You are riding around the Selkirk Mountains, thus the Selkirk Loop! If you need a lift, for any reason, there is a sweep vehicle that will pick you up.
Do you have a ride limit? Yes, we are limiting the number of riders to 50 riders starting from two locations, Sandpoint, Idaho and Nelson, British Columbia. Update as of 5/2/12: Due to the popularity of starting in Sandpoint, the ride directors have added a SECOND START in Sandpoint, Idaho with an additional 50 riders. The first 50 will ride Route 1 (counter clockwise)( full as of 5/2/12) and the registrants signing up after 5/2 will ride Route 2 (clockwise). Both starting and ending in Sandpoint, ID and following the same route with the same overnight stops. There will no longer be a Nelson Start for the 2012 ride.
How will I know if you have filled up? After you register, you will receive an email confirmation of your registration and your start location. In 2011 for instance, Sandpoint filled but we had room for more riders to start in Nelson. So, if Sandpoint is where you want to start, register as early as possible. Registration opens March 1. Update 5/3/12: We have added a SECOND SANDPOINT START identified as Route 2 Clockwise. Due to the popularity of starting in Sandpoint, the ride directors have eliminated the Nelson Start and added a second start group to go clockwise. Route 1 – Counterclockwise is now full as of 5/2/12.
What is the weather like? September sees temperatures in the 60s F (15.5 C) during the day and 40s F (4 C) at night. We are still in the dry season here; winter rain/snow typically starts in November. We should see gorgeous fall weather; however, be prepared!
What is the route? The route follows the International Selkirk Loop, counterclockwise, identified as Route 1 . You may notice that the International Selkirk Loop web site says 250 miles; we have included the “Super Side Trip” through Castlegar, Trail and Fruitvale for a total of 340 miles. Generally, the grades are gentle to moderate. There are two significant grades: leaving Bonners Ferry, ID, with 170 meters gain in 3 km; and leaving Trail, BC, with 200 meters in 5 km. In contrast, Nelson to Castlegar is slightly down hill all the way. You will be riding 5-days and laying over one day in Nelson, BC.
Route 2 (Clockwise Loop) riders will also start in Sandpoint, ID. Your first night is Ione, WA then second night in Salmo, BC. Nights 3 and 4 are in Nelson, BC, Night 5 is in Creston, BC with the sixth night ending back in Sandpoint.
View map routes on by clicking on town names below. Please note distance and elevation table, below . And remember, you will need a passport or enhanced drivers license to cross the US – Canada border.
| Start for Route 1 (counterclockwise) |
Stop | Miles | Kilometers |
| Sandpoint, ID | Creston, BC Sept 17 | 71.2 | 114.5 |
| Creston, BC | Nelson, BC Sept 18 & 19 | 77.8 | 125.2 |
| Nelson, BC | Salmo, BC Sept 20 | 77.7 | 125.0 |
| Salmo, BC | Ione, WA Sept 21 | 45.1 | 73.5 |
| Ione, WA | Sandpoint, ID Sept 22 | 83.6 | 134.5 |
| TOTAL | 355.4 | 571.8 |
| Start for Route 2 (clockwise) |
Stop | Miles | Kilometers |
| Sandpoint, ID | Ione, WA Sept 17 | 83.6 | 134.5 |
| Ione, WA | Salmo,BC Sept 18 | 45.1 | 73.5 |
| Salmo, BC | Nelson, BC Sept 19 & 20 | 77.8 | 125.2 |
| Nelson, BC | Creston, BC Sept 21 | 77.7 | 125.0 |
| Creston, BC | Sandpoint, ID Sept 22 | 71.2 | 114.5 |
| TOTAL | 355.4 | 571.8 |
How much baggage can I bring? Baggage transport from Motel to Motel (or campground) is included, with a limit of one 50 lb bag per rider. (If camping, two bags are accepted). Items such as rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen etc. will be up to the rider to carry. Riders are responsible for making their own arrangements for lodging. (see lodging page for recommended list) Regardless if you camp or stay in hotels/motels you will need to fill in the lodging form once you have made your reservations so that we can plan accordingly. We have tried to select a handful of accommodators at each nights location that offers basic to more upscale type rooms in a wide price range and identify the mileage distance to the next days start.
Where do I layover? Due to popular demand, this year we are adding a sixth day to the ride. What this means is that during the ride you and your group will lay over in either Sandpoint, ID or Nelson, BC . So, in other words, if you start in Sandpoint, ID and ride Route 1 (counter clockwise), your day three is in Nelson, BC and a layover day (you will book 2 nights accommodations). You’ll have the day to explore the fun town of Nelson or participate (optional) in one of the following activities.
Activities being planned for the Nelson layover day:
- Guided day-hike to the popular, scenic Pulpit Rock. Get a birds eye view of Nelson and Kootenay Lake from this stunning vista. Half-day activity
- Guided Bike ride to Ainsworth Hot Springs. A 26 mi (one-way) easy ride to soak in some fabulous hot springs pools and explore the popular horseshoe cave. Allow 5-6 hr.
- Guided walking tour of the magnificent historic buildings of Nelson (there are 300 on the historic register). If you’ve seen the movie “Roxanne” with Steve Martin, the fire hall and other scenes were filmed in Nelson.
- Guided Bike ride on some of Nelson’s rail trails and off road trails. You’ll rent a mountain bike locally for the day, as the rail trails are crushed gravel.
CLICK HERE for Significant discounts at Selkirk Loop member lodging.
I would like to camp, is that available? Yes, camping each night is available. We will have one recommended camping location each night that does include showers. Your camping gear (in two bags) will be delivered to and picked up from your campsite each day. There is one designated camping facility each night which is included on the accommodations list.
Are meals provided? There will be a complimentary breakfast at the initial start points. Lunch on the section between Sandpoint and Creston will be graciously hosted by the Bonners Ferry Rotary club in Bonners Ferry. Other meal spots will be suggested to give you the best flavor of the area if you choose to go out on your own, but, there will be one breakfast and dinner location selected for the group with a group rate at each stop location. At the Ione, WA stop we will have dinner and breakfast catered at the community hall.
Ride Support: The route is fairly remote with light traffic and will be well marked and patrolled. Since this is an indeterminate ride with start time at 8 am every morning patrols will be at least early morning (8 a.m.) and evening sweep (5 p.m.); as well as the SAG vehicle. Support cell phone numbers will be in your ride packet. Rest stops are 10 to 25 miles apart depending on terrain and restroom availability. Snacks are included at rest stops and Stations. You will receive a Ride Map in your registration packet to help guide your ride. The sweep vehicle and SAG vehicle will have basic bike maintenance equipment, i.e. pumps, oil, tubes, etc. as well as a first aid kit. Personal escort vehicles are welcome.
This is designed to be a noncompetitive, enjoy-the-scenery, ride. All proceeds go to Rotary charitable projects, both local and international. You’ll get to meet the local Rotarians during the ride. Volunteers are welcome. Please phone if you wish to help.
My spouse (or friend) wants to provide SAG for me, is this allowed? Yes, just let us know so that the luggage handlers aren’t expecting your bags.
What is the closest airport in US? Spokane International (GEG) in eastern Washington is the best airport to use if flying in to do the ride. From Spokane to Sandpoint, ID it is a 1.5 hr. drive (via Interstate 90 east bound to Coeur d’Alene, ID, then north on Hwy 95 to Sandpoint). From Spokane to Nelson, BC (via Hwy 2 to Newport, then Hwy 20 north to the Intl. border crossing at Metaline Falls) it is a 2.5 hr. drive. These are the most direct routes to either destination. Rental cars are available at the airport. There are no shuttles available to Sandpoint or Nelson from Spokane.
What is the closest airport in Canada? Castlegar, BC. Air Canada flys into this airport. There is a shuttle available to and from Nelson, BC. which is a half hour drive.
What is the closest railroad station? There is an amtrack (Empire Builder route) stop in Sandpoint, ID. Train stops at midnight and departs at 2 am….but best to check their schedule…as the train is not consistent with it’s times. The depot is within walking distance of downtown and adjacent to the Best Western Edgewater, our start and stop location in Sandpoint.
I want to ship my bike, where is the best place? Sports Plus, 819 Hwy 2, Suite 102, Sandpoint, ID 83864, (208) 263-5174 OR Two Wheel Transit, 1405 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 747-2231
Where can I leave my car? We have arrangements for parking, if your motel will not accommodate your car, within walking distance of the start and ending location. In Sandpoint, park your car in the parking lot behind the Best Western Edgewater Motel which is the City Marina parking lot.
One more reminder, you will need a passport or enhanced drivers license to cross the US – Canada border.