Bike event to raise money for Glacier Trail

 The inaugural Pedal For Paths fundraiser for the Gateway to Glacier Trail is Saturday, Sept. 21.

This family oriented event is open to all bicyclists and supports the future bike path connecting Coram to West Glacier along U.S. 2.

The Gateway to Glacier Trail is a nonprofit citizens’ organization with a goal to build a bicycle/pedestrian path stretching from Bad Rock Canyon to West Glacier.

Options are available for the whole family at the Pedal for Paths event. Cyclists can enjoy a gentle family bike ride along a beautiful 7-mile stretch on the lower South Fork Road or engage in a more vigorous 30-mile ride along Hungry Horse Reservoir on the West Side Road to Lid Creek, which features a 4-mile climb to Hungry Horse Dam. Riders will start at 10 a.m.

Two cycling clinics will be available:

q Bill Schneider, vice-chairman of BikeWalk Montana and a longtime bike advocate in the state, will give a presentation on bike safety.

q Local cyclist Ben Parsons of Sportsman’s Cycling Team will lead a discussion on road climbing and competitive cycling techniques.

Discounted pre-registration is available online at http://www.gatewaytoglaciertrail.com or visit http://usacycling.org/events/?state=MT. The deadline to preregister is 10 a.m. Sept. 18.

Event-day registration is also available.