Do I need a gravel bike to participate in this event?  

No, a gravel bike is not required, but is highly recommended.  Alternative options would be a cross-country mountain bike or a CX bike.  Excepting the one-humper route of the 3/4- Minus Cykeltur, which is rideable on a traditional road bike, we STRONGLY recommend against traditional road bikes. But, if you feel you must, please select the widest tires possible with knobby tread.

Are E-Bikes allowed? 

No. Due to safety concerns associated with cycling in closely packed groups as is the case on route portions of all three events, eBikes are not allowed. Additionally, these events are intended to challenge riders to the extent that they want to be challenged under their own power.

are registration refunds allowed?

Registration refunds are not allowed; however, registrants have the option to purchase third-party registration insurance at the time of registration. Should the participant be unable to attend due to one of the covered circumstances, a refund will be provided by the third-party insurer. 

Can I transfer my entry?

Riders may transfer their entry to another rider until 11:59pm PST on the Friday 8 days before the event (aka the previous week). Panhandle Gravel organizers will not assist with transfers, so please do not ask us to help.  Yes, we will have a waitlist, but we are a very small operation, run by volunteers, and do not have the resources to help with the amount of requests we receive. Some helpful tips on how to go about the transfer below.

Instructions:

1. Login to your RunSignup account (this is the account you used to register for the event)

2. Under your profile, scroll down to view Upcoming Events

3. Click Manage Registration to the right of your Panhandle Gravel event

4. Click the Transfer to Another Runner menu option from the column on the left hand side

5. That rider must then register with the link emailed to them and provide payment to you

6. PLEASE NOTE: You will not receive a refund. Step 5 must be completed as listed

Can I change courses if i've already registered?

Yes, you can change your course selection up until the Friday before the race day at 11:59pm PST.  If you miss this deadline, course transfers can be made at packet pickup/expo. If you change routes during the race, advise organizers or timing personnel when you finish. Again, some helpful tips.

Instructions:

1. Login to your RunSignup account (this is the account you used to register for the event)

2. Under your profile, scroll down to view Upcoming Events

3. Click Manage Registration to the right of your Panhandle Gravel event

4. Click the Transfer Event menu option from the column on the lefthand side

5. Click the Start Transfer button

6. Choose your New Event and click Continue

7. Proceed through the registration questions

8. Review your details, check the refund policy box, and click Complete Registration

9. Once you complete the transfer process, you can confirm your event registration under the “Find A Participant” tab on the registration website.

Can I use more than one bike?

No. Although we allowed this the first two years of the Monarch Grind, as the event continues to grow we want to create an even playing field. Choose the bike that suits you the best and trust in that! 

Can someone else carry my race equipment? (Nutrition, tools, etc) 

No. You must carry all of your own equipment. 

Can I have someone who’s not signed up for the race pace me? 

No. Plain and simple.

Where can I put my number plate?

Your number plate must be attached to your bike.   

What about wildlife?

While encountering wildlife is rare, all three routes cross wildlife habitat, including that of bears, mountain lions, ungulates, wolves, and other forest critters. It is important that you come prepared for not only the ride but also your other adventures around Sandpoint. We recommend taking the time to become bear-aware for your safety, as well as that of the animals who live in the areas that we have the privilege to recreate in.  While we have not had any instances of encounters with potentially dangerous critters during our gravel series in the past, carrying and knowing how to use bear spray would not be a silly thing to do.   

How do I get myself and my bike between the Aether’s Traverse start and the finish points?

As Aether’s Traverse is a point-to-point route, there are transportation logistics to consider and several ways to skin this cat:

• Option 1: Maybe you’ve got a family member or friend who can drop you and your bike off at the start and pick you up at the finish. Wow! That was easy.

• Option 2: Park at Schweitzer in the morning and ride your bike down Schweitzer Mountain Road to the start. Allow 30 to 40 minutes for this mostly downhill ride. Bonus: you’ll be warmed up and ready for the start.

• Option 3: Park your vehicle in the morning at Schweitzer. We will provide bus transport at 6:30AM from the village to the start point in Sandpoint. Bicycle transport will not be available. Instead, participants opting for bus transport will first need to drop their bicycles at the start area before heading up to the village to catch the bus. Allow approximately 30 minutes to drive from the start to where you’ll catch the bus. Your bike will be lovingly coddled by our caring volunteers as you go up and down the hill.

• Option 4: Last and least favorite option. Park at the start area, where there will be limited parking. Ride your bike down the hill to the start with your tired legs after you complete Aether’s Traverse or persuade some caring soul to give you a ride down. Post-ride bus service will not be available.

With all this in mind, we need to know how many people plan to take the bus from Schweitzer to the Start line. The bus departs at 6:30AM, August 16th.  As you register, you will be prompted to let us know.