The Idaho Smoke ‘n’ Fire 400 is a 400ish mile self-supported mountain bike route traversing some of Idaho’s diverse geography on two-track, big gravel and dirt Forest Service roads, singletrack and some paved roads.

When

Date: September 5, 2018

Time: 6:00 am

Details

Cost: Free

Event Website

Organizer: Norb DeKerchove

Email: elev8208@gmail.com

The Smoke ‘n’ Fire 400 is a self-supported mountain bike route that highlights some of the great diversity of Idaho’s geography including prolific river systems, mountain ranges, and abundant wildlife. This 400ish mile loop features nearly 41,000 feet of climbing, big expanses, grand views, backcountry forest roads, the Centennial and the Harriman Trail, great single-track, occasional pavement, and a touch of hike-a-bike.

The route traverses several scenic mountain ranges and if you’re not climbing you’ll be descending.

There is no registration fee, no support and no prize money. SPOT tracker use is not mandatory, but encouraged and live tracking of the event will be provided by Trackleaders.

The Smoke ‘n’ Fire route travels through remote areas, however, there are sufficient resupply opportunities available. Besides the physical challenge, there are mental challenges to this route and it is also a great test of your bikepacking kit and gear.

This is a self-supported event so please read the rules and be prepared for the unexpected.

Follow the 2018 event live below:

(2017 Race Recap): This year we had 26 riders who finished and 23 riders who scratched.  Conditions were tough after the first day with a storm front that moved in and brought with it precipitation in the form of rain and at higher elevations, snow. It was nearly freezing temps in the Sawtooth Valley. We had to run a reroute this year due to the active Bearskin Fire in the Deadwood area. Our route was longer and included more elevation gain. We have dubbed this reroute the Broken Arrow 460.  We used this same route last year for the same reason – intense fire activity in the Deadwood area.

We had some fast guys this year.  Boise local Nate Gintzon crushed the course with a sub-48 hour finish. Day One saw three riders – Jay Petervary, Nate Gintzon and Andy Stauffer lead the charge. JP led until nearly midnight and that’s when Nate pulled away and never looked back. JP finished about 5 hours after Nate and Boise local Andy Stauffer was only about an hour behind Nate. Colorado rider Jeff Kerkove has a strong showing with a 4th place finish and only a few hours behind Andy. The bulk of the riders finished Friday and Saturday with a few that rolled in on Sunday. Huge props to Boise local Mr. Larry Cotters.  The man is 70 years old and shaved 5 hours off last years time. Steady and Strong and finished Sunday early afternoon. 
– Norb DeKerchove, Race Organizer