It’s not too late to get in on the only women’s bike ride of its kind in Southeast Idaho.

    Ladies can still register for the Spinderella Ride, which will take place Saturday, June 15, beginning at Ross Park. Registration for the race is open until June 7 and will close at 1000 riders.

    Pocatello Women’s Cycling, which is the organizing force behind the Spinderella Ride, invites all women, regardless of biking ability or age, to participate in the ride. The goal of Pocatello Women’s Cycling is to encourage women of all ages and fitness levels to get out and ride, so the group has created a ride that incorporates various distances and challenge levels, keeping in mind the safety of the ladies on the road.   

    This is a fully supported ride, meaning that there are support services all along the way.

    “We call it Prince Charming to the rescue,” quipped DaNae Young, President of Pocatello Women’s Cycling. “If someone has a flat tire or some type of mechanical malfunction on their bike, there will be a vehicle or a contact that can get there to help them.”

    There will also be refreshment stops strategically placed along the route to provide hydration and goodies for all riders, as well as any first aid assistance when needed.

    Spinderella offers five riding options, at 10, 22, 50, 70 and 100 miles. All the rides are a round trip course, starting at Ross Park. There will be staggered start times to ensure a smooth beginning to the race for all categories. The 10-mile route will make a loop to Century High School and back, while the 22 mile race is to Inkom and back, the 50 mile race goes to McCammon and back, and the 70 mile and 100 mile races are round trips to Arimo and Downey, respectively.  

    Spinderella organizers anticipate that the latest finishers will return to Ross Park at approximately 4 p.m., at which time all participants, organizers and volunteers can enjoy a celebratory party. The post-ride celebration includes a finish line gift, festivities, music and a buffet. There will be a drawing for free merchandise, including the grand prize of a road bike donated by Barrie’s Ski and Sports.

     Last year’s first ever Spinderella ride was a great success, with 308 riders plus a host of sponsors and volunteers. Perhaps the greatest success of the Spinderella Ride was that Pocatello Women’s Cycling was able to donate $10,000 to the National Kidney Foundation’s Idaho Chapter.

    With this year’s registration has already more than doubled that of last year, organizers are also hoping for similar success on the charitable donation front, noting that this year a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Family Services Alliance of Southeast Idaho and the Portneuf Health Care Foundation’s Cancer Patient Assistance Fund.

    “It is so rewarding,” said Young, about being able to host a ride like Spinderella, and to be able to contribute to good causes at the same time. “Who knew our little ride would have such an impact on people lives. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

    Young also noted that on last year’s ride there were several riders who inspired her and others to continue organizing the event.

    “We have amazing stories of personal triumph from some of these women,” she said. “This is the reason why we all do what we do. Some of these women have overcome such obstacles, and we are driven to provide this opportunity for them.

    “We had a stage four cancer patient ride last year who really taught us what living is all about,” she said.     

    Registration packets containing detailed information concerning the routes will be available to be picked up at Ross Park, June 14, from 5-8 p.m., or on race day, Saturday, June 15, at 5:30 a.m. To register or to get more information about the race, contact DaNae Young by email at spinderella33@gmail.com, see the Spinderella website at www.spinderellaride.com, or watch the Spinderella Facebook page.