Fund-raising climb at Lone Pine planned

It's time to gear up for the second annual Lone Pine Grind planned May 21.

The hike or bike up the hill at Lone Pine State Park southwest of Kalispell is a community-wide benefit for Kalispell Junior High School's Adventure Club.

This year, there's an extended course - 2.9 miles, with a short stretch of downhill involved - and a barbecue at the end put on by the Sunriser Lions Club.

Hikers and mountain bikers, whether they're racers or walkers, can enter in several categories. There will be groupings for male and female; biking, walking or running; and age divisions for 14 and under, 15-18, 19-39, 40-49, and 50 and up.

There's even a shorter course for those interested in a leisurely stroll.

Registration and check-in is from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the shelter at the top of Lone Pine. The race begins at noon down the hill at the park entry gate. For those who'd rather not walk or bike down to the starting line, a shuttle service will operate on race day.

There will be prizes and awards, and a chance to enter a raffle for items donated by local businesses.

A disc jockey will start playing tunes in the shelter and continue throughout the afternoon.

Entry fee is $10. Check with Wendy Olson at The Summit, 751-4500, for potential student discounts.

All proceeds will help purchase outdoor gear for the Adventure Club. Last year's race helped buy 14 pairs of snowshoes, some zero-degree sleeping bags, backpacks and expedition tents, all at a discount from local suppliers.

Preregistration forms are available at The Summit, the junior high office and the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks office on Meridian Road.

Return the forms, with payment, to The Summit.

Eric Sawtelle, junior high teacher and adviser to the Adventure Club, said the community is providing great support for the event.

Olson offered her services through her position as the community promotions officer and coordinator for Safe Kids, Safe Communities at the Summit.

Dave Landstrom, who is in charge of Lone Pine and other state parks for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, initially conceived the idea of getting the race going at Lone Pine.

He also was in charge of revamping this year's course to add the finishing downhill loop into the barbecue area.

Doug Overman, school resource officer for the junior high, has been instrumental in lining up all safety responders and security on the scene for race day.

Sawtelle said many students at the junior high, in addition to the 50 signed up for Adventure Club outings, are helping with publicity for the race.

For more information, call Olson at 751-4500.

Reporter Nancy Kimball may be reached at 758-4483 or by e-mail at nkimball@dailyinterlake.com