By Lisa Shell
Do you ever want to get on your bike and pedal? Just like when you were a kid? The fourth Saturday in June is your opportunity – and, it’s for a good cause, too. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Lake Quinault Rainforest Cancer Fund Bike Ride. An opportunity to get out and ride in the beautiful Quinault Rainforest, this annual fundraiser encourages the community to pedal with purpose.
The event was first organized in memory of the Quinault National Park Ranger named “Woody,” who lost his life to cancer. After the fundraiser’s first year, it grew into a community event to help raise funds for locals suffering from cancer. Now, a quarter of a century later, the fundraiser has expanded to include assisting members of the community who have experienced other types of serious, medical events. Funds raised during the bike ride are used to assist with travel expenses, as well as food and lodging for people in need. One-time gifts are also presented to community members who have experienced a catastrophic event.
The event is made possible largely in part to a group of long-time volunteers, including Glennis Stamon, Mike Stamon, Elizabeth Tarbox, Alice Matthynssens, Jeanne Tobin and Delma Gilroy, and a long list of sponsors, including Dr. John J. Miller, Dr. William J. Tronvig, Price and Barbara Chenault, Sweatman Trucking and the Grays Harbor County Medical Society.
Volunteer Glennis Stamon says, “Our ride is non-competitive and is family friendly, suitable for riders of all ages and experience levels. The route is 30-miles long and is about 15- miles of paved road, and about 15-miles of well-packed gravel road. The loop is a beautiful ride that takes you up the scenic Quinault valley along the shores of Lake Quinault and the Quinault River. Many participants see a variety of wildlife – elk, deer, an occasional bear, eagles, rabbits, and other animals.”
Participants can pre-register for the event, or take advantage of morning-of registration before the start of the race. After registration, participants are invited to test their luck in a raffle and take a chance at winning a great prize. Raffle prizes include a beautiful quilt made especially for the Rainforest Bike Ride by the Groovy Gals Quilts from Aberdeen. It is designed with traditional Quinault Indian Nation colors to celebrate the national heritage of the area.
The ride begins uphill toward the North Shore Road. Once you reach the top, your legs will be warmed up and ready to go. The paved road gives cyclists a quick glance at life on the North Shore as you pass the homes and resorts of the locals. If time allows, cruise through a few driveways of the local inns as they welcome riders and overnight guests throughout the year.
My first stop is always at the Big Cedar Trail. Just a short way into the ride a grove of great cedars stand, awaiting your arrival just down the path. Say your mantra, ask for strength, get back on your bike, and continue along.
During the ride, “sag wagons” will be driving around the route to provide assistance to anyone needing help or a lift. Volunteers provide comfort along with snack and water stations at two convenient locations: the end of the pavement (county line) on the North Shore Road, and at the bridge over the Quinault River (halfway point).
This is one of the most beautiful rides you will ever take. Many folks attend each year, and registration is like a family reunion.
Registration opens at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, and closes around noon at Lake Quinault School on Highway 101 in Amanda Park. The registration fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and younger. Unique, commemorative t-shirts are available for an additional $10. If you want a 25th Anniversary t-shirt, pre-registration is recommended, as quantities are limited.
The Quinault Rainforest is one of four temperate rainforests located at Olympic National Park. The 25th Annual Lake Quinault Rainforest Bike Ride is a great time to experience this breathtaking terrain.
Participants interested in learning more about the Quinault Rainforest and Quinault Lake can click here for additional information about the area, lodging and camping information, dining and more.
To pre-register for the race, or to find out additional details about the 25th Annual Lake Quinault Rainforest Bike Ride, click here.
