Cover photo courtesy of Syringa Cyclery
The Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series returns in 2025 with an intriguing format change for the ¾ Minus Cykeltur and a new event. The ¾ Minus Cykeltur is on May 3, the Monarch Grind follows on June 28, and the new event, Aether’s Traverse, concludes the series on August 16.
The format change for the ¾ Minus Cykeltur allows for an event that is more accessible and social for recreational or competitive riders who are not quite yet in the racing mode for this early-season event. Rather than logging a time for the entire ride, participants will be timed on certain segments and results will be based on the cumulative record of these segments. This format allows participants the option to ride casually and stop to enjoy the aid station offerings while still testing themselves on the timed segments if they like. The best aid station wins a coveted rotating trophy.
Aether’s Traverse will replace the Chafe 150 gravel routes in the series. (The Chafe 150 road and gravel rides are still happening on June 14, they are just not part of the Panhandle Gravel Series this year.) In Greek Mythology, Aether represents the primordial god of light and the bright, pure air of the highest and purest reach of the cosmos. Aether’s 35-mile route edges westward from Sandpoint, passing over the southern reaches of the Selkirk Range into the Priest River drainage and winding back around, climbing 6,300 feet up to the Selkirk Crest from the west and topping out at Schweitzer’s Sky House. With the exception of two short sections of asphalt, the route is entirely on gravel roads. A chairlift ride will take riders down to Schweitzer Village from the Sky House for the post-ride party.
Also new for 2025 is a change of start/finish venue for the Monarch Grind. The start and finish will be at Clark Fork High School in Clark Fork, Idaho, cutting out about 9 miles of mostly flat road from the route. The post-ride celebration and meal will be at the Squeeze Inn, Clark Fork’s gem of a restaurant. To register for the series or an individual event, visit www.panhandlegravel.com. (OTO)
