Monarch Grind

The Monarch Grind Is a gravel grinder that starts and ends in Clark Fork, Idaho. The 59-mile route is predominantly on U. S. Forest Service gravel roads and includes approximately 7,900 feet of elevation gain. This is a charity event, proceeds of which are donated to Pend O'reille Pedalers and KRFY - Panhandle Community Radio

The Monarch Grind is the second of three annual events in the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series. It Is preceded by the 3/4 Minus Cykeltur on the first Saturday in May and followed by Aether's Traverse on the third Saturday in August. Riders must participate in all three events to be eligible for overall series results or can participate in any one or two events if not interested in being part of the overall series results. If planning to participate in all three events, select the bundle registration option for a 15% discount.

SCHEDULE

Friday, June 26, 2026: Matchwood Brewing, 513 Oak Street, Sandpoint, Idaho

·        4:00PM-7:00PM: Registration/Packet Pick up

Saturday, June 27, 2024: Squeeze Inn, 220 4th Avenue, Clark Fork, Idaho

·        6:30-7:30 AM: Last-minute Registration/Packet Pick up

·        7:45 AM: Pre-Ride Meeting

·        8:00 AM: Ride Starts

·        10:30 AM: Rider cut-off time at Johnson Saddle Aid Station. Riders not reaching this point by 10:30AM will be turned around back to the start without completing the ride.

·        2:00 PM:  Awards – Prizes for top three men, women, and non-binary finishers

Registration Includes:

• Event participation and on-course support
• Participation swag
• Post-ride meal and drink
• Post-ride raffle
• Award ceremony and podium presentations (must be fast to be in the limelight).

RULES                          

Failure to abide by the rules below will result in disqualification

• Electronic chip timing will be used for this event. Each rider will be issued a number plate with a uniquely-coded electronic chip that must be attached to the rider’s bicycle for the duration of the ride. Results will be available on site and online shortly after the end of the ride.
• Participants, in general, are responsible for their own mechanical repairs during the event, if needed, and should provide themselves with nutrition and hydration. RIDERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO RECEIVE MECHANICAL OR NUTRITIONAL ASSISTANCE FROM UNAUTHORIZED MOVING OR STATIONARY VEHICLES OR PERSONS. The route includes a rest/aid station (accessed at miles 16 and 54) where hydration and energy supplements will be available, and riders can seek first aid if needed. Event support vehicles capable of assistance, including minor mechanical repairs, will follow the riders. If a bicycle becomes unrideable, support vehicles will be available to transport riders and bicycles back to the finish line or to the on-course aid station.
• RIDERS MUST FINISH THE ROUTE ON THE SAME BICYCLE THEY START WITH AND ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SWITCH TO ALTERNATE BICYCLES ANYWHERE ALONG THE ROUTE.
• All riders are required to wear helmets and follow State of Idaho traffic laws for bicycles, including yielding at stop signs and treating red lights as stop signs. Extra caution shall be taken at railroad and highway crossings.
• Participants may ride any style of bicycle; however, motorized bicycles, including eBikes, and bikes with aero bars are not allowed. A large percentage of the route is on gravel or dirt roads; bicycles with traction tires are recommended. Traditional road bikes are not recommended.
• The ride will begin as a neutral start at a controlled speed, after which riders are free to ride at their desired pace.
• The route will be marked with directional arrows, as needed, at road changes and intersections. Select road intersections will be controlled by volunteer flaggers wearing high-visibility vests. All riders shall to follow directions from the flaggers.
• Riders shall ride single file when vehicular traffic is encountered for safety reasons and to not unduly obstruct vehicular traffic.
• A mandatory 10:30AM cut-off time at the aid station at the 16-mile point into the route will be enforced in an effort to ensure all riders finish the ride before sunset. This point is at the top of the first major climb on the route and at the start of the looped portion of the course. Riders not reaching this point by 10:30AM will be turned around to ride back to the start/finish.

Monarch Grind Points toward the IPGS will be awarded as follows:

Finishing Place                 Points                  

1                                           30             

2                                           26               

3                                           23              

4                                           20            

5                                           18           

6                                           16               

7                                           14                

8                                           12   

9                                           10     

10                                         9        

11                                         8            

12                                         7         

13                                         6                 

14                                         5     

15                                         4                            

16                                         3                            

17                                         2                            

18 and up                            1

More Info at Panhandle Gravel