Enjoy biking along scenic rural roads? Want to try some long distance or destination biking, or just bike with a group of friends or colleagues? Join us at the third annual BikeBender tours on Saturday, June 20 between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. You will have a choice of bike touring routes beginning and ending on the Bigfork Valley campus. All routes are on pavement, but anticipate bending your bike around lakes, pines and wildlife!

This year all participants will receive a tee shirt in addition to lunch, a bike water bottle and the opportunity to learn about tuning up your bike from a bicycle professional.

For experienced riders, there is a 42 mile route traveling along Scenic Highway 7. For those interested in a shorter destination ride, there is a 17 mile tour that travels the wide shoulder of Scenic Highway 7, entering Scenic State Park with a turnaround at the historic lodge on Coon Lake. State Park fees are waived for bicyclists. Finally, there is a 7 mile route for beginning riders. Hydration stations and snacks will be available along the routes.

Following the ride, enjoy lunch and music, and ask questions on all things bicycle from The Bike Guy Kirby Harmon.

Spectators are welcome to the on-campus events. Lunch will be available for $5 for non-participants. The registration fee includes lunch, a tee shirt and water bottle, and an opportunity for a great day pedaling scenic roads and finding out more about bicycling. Click here to register. You may also register at the event.

Registration is $20, $25 on tour day. Family pricing is available, and children 12 and under ride free. All participants must wear a helmet.

For more information, contact Bikebender Coordinator Kirby Harmon at 218.556.9190 or kirbyharmon@gmail.com.

The BikeBender is part of the Bigfork Valley Challenge series, a community health initiative bringing opportunities to develop skills in and enjoy life sports. The next event in the series is the Challenge half-marathon and 10k races and 5k walk/run on Sept. 12, 2015.

The BikeBender will be held rain or shine if there is a minimum number of registrations. In case of severe weather, watch the website bigforkvalley.org or Facebook page facebook.com/bigforkvalley for announcements. In case of cancellation by the event, all paid fees will be refunded.