FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: MIKE ERFLE
MSSG PHONE: (406) 663-2194
ANNUAL RAPELJE 100K, FINE ARTS FESTIVAL AND HOMESTEADER’S COSTUME BALL SET FOR SEPTEMBER 22, 2001
RAPELJE, MONTANA, AUGUST 17, 2001 — The community of Rapelje, Montana will hold their annual 100K of Rapelje Mountain Bike Race on Saturday, September 22nd, 2001. In addition to the race, there will be a Fine Arts Festival and a Homesteader’s Costume Ball.
Activities include the mountain bike endurance race, bicycle fun rides for people of all ages, barbecue style dining and a homesteader’s costume ball featuring old-time string band music and dances of the era. The day begins come rain or shine with the 100K of Rapelje Mountain Bike Endurance Race at 11:30 AM. Riders will compete on hard packed county roads winding through coulees and hills complete with spectacular mountain views and various wildlife. The route will be staffed with volunteers, a water/snack station, restroom, bicycle mechanics, emergency medical personnel, sag wagon and a Stillwater County vehicle escort.
Entry fee for all 100K riders is $50 and includes a T-shirt, water bottle, and one barbecue steak dinner. Hamburgers will also be available. The public may also purchase dinners. Entry deadline is September 15. Entry forms can be found at local bicycle shops.
At the conclusion of the 100K race, there will be an awards ceremony honoring the top finishers in the Male and Female categories in both the Expert and Sportsman class.
For those less adventurous bike riders, there will be 30K and 40K fun rides beginning at 11:45 AM. These routes are equally as scenic, yet do not include the steep climbs found in the 100K race.
The Fine Arts Festival is looking for vendors of Western theme arts and crafts. Those interested in obtaining a booth (10’ x 10’) may contact Cyndi Erfle (406) 663-2230; Cork Erfle (406) 663-2194, email: werfle@ttc-cmc.net or Lisa Barrett (406) 663-2239, email: barretts@ttc-cmc.net.
The day finale will be a Homesteader’s Costume Ball featuring old-time music provided local and regional talent. The town and citizens of Rapelje encourage everyone to celebrate history of the area by dragging out those ancestral photographs of Great Grandma and Grandpa and whipping up a costume based on their attire. You’ll get a chance to learn the Virginia Reel, a Paul Jones and other dances. Costumes are not required but add to the fun!
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