Spring Issue Fjord 2020

Page 6

Worthington Park & the Quilcene GRAVEL UNRAVEL Brian Cullin

A remarkable experiment is unfolding along the north Hood Canal in the small coastal town of Quilcene. A volunteer effort to restore a Victorian mansion, begun in 2012 by the Quilcene Historical Museum, and the result of over 30,000 hours of volunteer effort, is nearing completion. When finished, Worthington Park will be a oneof-a-kind events center with an outdoor theatre, restored mansion, and ten acres of scenic grounds. On June 27, Worthington Park will join forces with another first-of-its-kind, the Quilcene Gravel Unravel, hosting an endurance bicycle race into the Olympic National Forest. Gravel races have soared in popularity largely because of both evolving bicycle technology and the changing landscape of the sport. There are far fewer cars on unpaved roads so you can ride for hours without seeing a car during many gravel events or off-road rides. The Gravel Unravel is a brand new endurance bicycle event for gravel, cross and mountain bikes on the gravel road system of Olympic National Forest. This event is designed for those who wish to challenge their physical abilities to

the maximum while enjoying the lushness of the Olympic National Forest. Participants can ride 32, 55, or 80 miles on a combination of paved and unpaved surfaces, while enjoying towering evergreens and vivid green moss and ferns and summiting the Bon Jon Pass. There are both competitive and non-competitive Gran Fondo style divisions. All are welcome to give the Gravel Unravel a try on their own terms. All participants will experience a professional, well-organized event, a great piece of custom race swag, timing services, a well-marked course, on-course snacks and medical support. Following this epic outdoor event will be a post-race party at Worthington Park, including food, beer garden, and live music.

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Cullin photos A portion of proceeds from this race will support the Quilcene Historical Museum, Count Me In for Quilcene (local scholarships), and the North Olympic High School Mountain Bike Team (a youth 4-H club). Ben’s Bikes out of Sequim is the Title Sponsor. Race Directors Lorrie Mittmann and Tim Tucker put on five other races on the Olympic 6

Peninsula every year. They include The Big Hurt which is a multi-sport race: mountain bike, kayak, road bike, run; two running trail races (OAT Run and GOAT Run), an 80-mile relay called Frosty Moss Relay and a new one for this year, the Salt Creek 24 (24-hour race). There is a great deal of professional experience coming into the Unravel.


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