Rotary Century Challenge and Cycle De Vine this Saturday
by Dennis Rahm, LCN file photos from 2018 event
If you are driving around the Lake Chelan Valley this Saturday, a word of caution to be aware of a major increase in bicycle traffic. The annual Lake Chelan Rotary Century Challenge and Cycle De Vine rides will bring hundreds of bicyclists to the area.
The Century Challenge is comprised of three separate loops in a cloverleaf design passing through orchards and vineyards and into mountainous terrain. Loop 1 is the longest and steepest featuring the CAT 1 rated signature McNeil Canyon climb.
For those desiring a ride a bit less strenuous, the Cycle De Vine may be for you. This route of just over 21 miles starts and ends at Vin Du Lac Winery in Chelan and involves a trip across the lake so that riders can complete a course that follows both the north and south shores of Lake Chelan. Starting in Chelan the course makes its way up the north shore to Manson, then riders and their bikes are transported by boat across the lake to the State Park to continue on the south shore and back to Chelan.
The Century Challenge course opens at 7 am Saturday and the course for Cycle De Vine officially opens at 9 am. For more information on the event, visit www.cyclechelan.com.
