The weather can’t stop the runners in “Bon Jon Pass Out”

By Kirk Boxleitner

Gloomy weather forecast put a damper on what was expected to be a record turnout for the “Bon Jon Pass Out” gravel bike race in Quilcene on Saturday, June 15.

As always, three courses leading up to the Olympics, the longest of which was 80 miles, were run by Peninsula Adventure Sports and hosted by the Quilcene Historical Museum.

Race director Lorrie Mittmann reported that the Bon Jon Pass Out met its registration goal of 296 participants, up from 267 last year. But with the weather forecast, only 196 cyclists showed up.

“Those who have done it are very warm and fearless people, with a truly adventurous soul,” Mittmann said. “Normally the climb is the hardest part of the race for most people, but because of the cold and wet weather this year the descents were actually extremely difficult.”

Mittmann added that these are also potential dangers. The cyclists were soaked by rain for hours, and the effect of the wind during the rapid descent could cause “significant cooling, or even hypothermia”, if the riders were not dressed properly.

“Another challenge in wet weather was the risk of bikes malfunctioning, when their parts were too covered in mud,” Mittman said. “Our riders had to diligently monitor the performance of their bikes.” She expressed gratitude to Quilcene Fire and Rescue, “who were on scene, ready to respond to any medical emergency, even though there was none, fortunately.”

Mittmann was “particularly impressed” by Gay Hunter, the oldest runner in the race. At the age of 72, Hunter spent the day before the bike race kayaking from Victoria, British Columbia, to his hometown of Port Angeles, as part of an event to raise awareness and to support the fight against human trafficking on the Olympic Peninsula.

“She showed up at the Bon Jon Pass Out with a forehead so sunburned you could see where her sunglasses were,” Mittmann said. “She went from kayaking in the sun to a 32-mile bike ride soaking wet and freezing. »

Mittman also noted that this year’s big course winner, Ted King, 41, of Vermont, not only completed his course in 3:09.53, but also donated a set of René Herse tires to the second, 36 years old. old Mark Laughery of Seattle, who finished just 6 seconds behind him. King was sponsored by René Herse and had already won a set.

Mittman was amused that the top three finishers in the “junior” (under 18) short course were a trio of siblings from Port Angeles; Isaac Hales, 15, took first place with a time of 3:56.37, Julie Hales, 17, was second with a time of 4:10.52 and Samuel Hales, 15, finished third with a time of 4:13.36.

“I bet they have a lot of fun competing in this family,” Mittmann said.

According to Mittmann, the planned start of this annual event, in 2020, was delayed until 2021 because of COVID, but since then, registrations have continued to increase year over year.

“This should still be one of the biggest events in South County this year,” Mittman said.

“We were looking for a location on the east side of the Olympics, and Quilcene was a perfect fit. This is a grassroots race, in partnership with the local community, for which the village of Quilcene literally opened its doors to welcome race organizers, runners and participants.

With Port Townsend’s Social Fabric Brewing manning the taps at the beer garden and Brinnon’s Halfway House restaurant offering locally sourced meals for riders and participants, Mittmann called volunteering in Quilcene “more than just impressive “.

“It has truly been a joy to work with all of these wonderful people, putting in tons of hours to support this event and going out of their way in the cold and rain to keep our runners safe,” Mittmann said.

“Plus, Worthington Park at the Quilcene Historical Museum is a beautiful place! What a gem! It has everything you need for a big event, plus it looks incredibly beautiful.

Quilcene Historical Museum board member Brian Cullin added that this event benefits local nonprofit organizations, as he teased a number of other summer events and the start of upcoming fall in South County, including the “Up, Up, Up Circus” on July 27, the “Tasting Gala” on August 9, the “Oyster Races” Half Marathon, 10K and 5K on the 15th. September and the Quilcene Fiber Festival on October 12.