Aether's Traverse 2026

Description

Aether's Traverse Is a point-to-point gravel grinder that starts in Sandpoint, Idaho, and ends on top of Schweitzer Mountain Resort at the Sky House. The 35-mile route is predominantly on gravel roads and includes approximately 6,200 feet of elevation gain. This is a charity event, proceeds of which are donated to Pend O'reille Pedalers and KRFY - Panhandle Community Radio

Aether's Traverse is the last of three annual events in the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series. It is preceded by the 3/4 Minus Cykeltur on the first Saturday of May and the Monarch Grind on the last Saturday in June. Riders must participate in all three events to be eligible for overall series results, or can participate in 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, August 14, 2026: Matchwood Brewing, 513 Oak Street, Sandpoint, Idaho

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

Saturday, August 15, 2026: Start/Finish area, 10857 Baldy Mountain Road, Sandpoint, Idaho

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

· 7:45 AM: Pre-Ride Meeting

· 8:00 AM: Ride Starts

· 12:00 PM: Post-ride Celebration, food and drink, and Awards at Sky House – Prizes for top three men, women, and non-binary finishers, as well as top three men, women, and non-binary Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series finishers for post-ride and Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series festivities.

· Post-ride chairlift ride down to Schweitzer Village

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 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