A Different Oktoberfest
Downtown Coeur d'Alene Crit Fest 2014
Every year I give you all a run-down of the various Oktoberfest celebrations throughout North Idaho. I've listed several beer tasting events by town, did a three-part series about the Leavenworth Oktoberfest and last year highlighted Critfest and the Coeur d'Fondo - two biking events hosted right here in Coeur d'Alene.
This year is a little different...This year I'm shifting focus to those bike events I mentioned. You see, for three days a week, over the course of at least two months, Kyle has been training with an extraordinary group of people for the Coeur d'Fondo. For those that don't know, the Coeur d'Fondo is a series of long-distance bike races ranging from 15-108 miles in length. Kyle and his crew will be completing the Gran Fondo - all 108 miles around Lake Coeur d'Alene.
As if that's not enough, after talking with Mike Gaertner, owner of Vertical Earth, last Friday, Kyle was easily convinced to race in the category 5 criterium. So that's two very different, very intense bike races separated by mere hours. Some may say crazy (myself included) those competing call it fun, exciting and challenging.So while there will be live music, tons of beer and lots of fall festivities, there will also be a lot of people out on the road, giving it their all. But don't worry too much, I've met most of these people and believe me, they know how to celebrate after a good race.So while you're out this weekend be sure to congratulate those that raced this weekend and maybe pass on one of your tasting tickets if you find you have some left over. After all, I'm sure they'll need the extra calories.
Prost! (Cheers!)
Critfest: Begins at 5:30 on Friday, down on Sherman Ave
Coeur d'Fondo: Riders leave at 8 a.m. Saturday
Oktoberfest: Runs Friday 4-9, and Saturday 1-8