With 25 miles of paved trails bordering two rivers, the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley levee system is a magnet for bicyclists.
This weekend’s Riverfest and Rotary Rivers & Ridges Ride will emphasize that fact. The daylong event includes a festival and five different bike rides designed for all ages and abilities.
The goal is to showcase the levees as a place for cycling and family exercise, said Wanda Keefer, manager of the Port of Clarkston, which helps sponsor the event, now in its third year.
Twenty percent of bike riders who visit the levee system are from outside of the community, Keefer said. “We have fabulous shoulder seasons. You can ride a bike here when you're fighting ice or snow in other locations.”
Rotary Rivers & Ridges Ride
Cyclists can choose from five routes in the Rotary Rivers & Ridges Ride Saturday. All rides are paved and start and end at Granite Lake Park. There will be comfort stations along the way. Proceeds will go toward refubishing the gazebo at Beachview Park in Clarkston.
- The 7-mile Family Fun Ride and the 15-mile ride start at 10:30 a.m. Both are flat routes going toward Asotin along Clarkston's Green Belt Trail. Both include ice cream at the end. Cost is $20. Family rates are available.
- Other routes take in ridges and rivers in two states. The 25-mile ride starts at 10 a.m. and leads to Asotin Creek. The 8 a.m. 50- and 100-mile rides will loop through Clarkston, across the bridge to Tammany with a stop outside Lapwai for a provided lunch at the Nez Perce National Historical Park at Spalding. At Arrow Bridge the groups' paths diverge with the 50-milers returning to the starting point. The 100-mile ride will continue on to Kendrick, Troy and Genesee before winding down the Spiral Highway and back to Granite Lake Park via Red Wolf Bridge.
Registration is available online at riversandridgesride.org. More information is available by calling (208) 305-7646. Registration will be accepted on race day.
Riverfest
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday Riverfest will feature food, drink, live music, kids’ activities and vendors at Granite Lake Park. There will be entertainment on two stages. Featured bands are the Hitmen and Igor and the Swamp Donkeys. Lewiston Parks and Recreation will provide games and activities. The Port of Lewiston will provide a water wheel demonstration and the Asotin County Fire District No. 1 rescue boat will be on display. There will be an inflatable jumping toy, a camel, tours of remodeled “glamping” trailers, an adult beverage garden and a variety of food, craft and other vendors.
If You Go
What: Riverfest When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Granite Lake Park, Clarkston
Cost: Free
