STOKR success
The 11th annual STOKR ended Sunday under heavy clouds and the threat of more rain showers but the event never looked more promising.
Just over 350 bicycle riders registered for the two-day event with almost all of them coming from out of the area. That means a significant boost to the lodging businesses in the area and welcome crowds at area restaurants.
These are polite and gracious visitors who appreciate the first class event that STOKR has evolved into. And they went out of their way to say thank you to the many volunteers from the people driving support vehicles to the people serving food and drinks at the various stops to the wild and crazy group from the hospital who donned operating room scrubs to handle registration on Friday.
One rider expressed amazement that such a big effort could be undertaken by so many volunteers. She was impressed with the people of this county. And probably equally impressed at the great scenery that unfolds as you travel from Libby to Troy and north up the Yaak River Road. I even heard a couple of riders talking about how they thought the visitor's center at Libby Dam was great.
STOKR epitomizes the good side of recreation tourism. It is also a grand example of how to do it. Organized recreation - the two days of rides with specific routes - is focused recreation. You target a specific group of recreationists, you offer them organized opportunity and cater to their needs once they are here. They don't run amok all over the county. We know where they are and where they will be.
It works. The lodging business locally did well. The restaurants did well. Service stations and other businesses, too.
We have several more opportunities this summer to repeat this success with cultural tourism and recreation tourism events.
Another great thing about STOKR is it really gives a boost to the local Habitat for Humanity effort, which has been a great success story in itself.
Good job everyone. It's amazing what can happen when a large group of people work together. - Roger Morris