Gravel Unravel - WhyNotChee

The Gravel Unravel Experience

Gravel Unravel is an endurance gravel bicycling series on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State This series is brought to you by a partnership between Peninsula Adventure Sports and La Vogue Cyclery  This event is designed for those who wish to challenge their physical abilities to the maximum while enjoying the lushness of Olympic National Forest. Participants can ride short (25-35 miles), medium (45-55 miles), or long (65-80 miles) distances on majority gravel courses (percent varies by race/distance) while enjoying towering evergreens and vivid green moss and ferns. There are both competitive and non-competitive Gran Fondo style divisions, and all are welcome to give the Gravel Unravel a try on their own terms.

The Why-Not-Chee race also has a very special Family Fun Ride, which is a distance of 17 miles. Perfect for beginners or families wanting to enjoy the beauty of Wynoochee Lake and experience their first gravel event.

We are grateful to our Series Sponsor Eleven Winery for making Gravel Unravel happen again for 2025! Eleven Winery has been with us since year one of Gravel Unravel, and we thank they for their unwavering support.

• Race 1: Bon Jon Pass Out - June 14, 2025 (Peninsula Adventure Sports) - SPOTS LIMITED TO 400 RIDERS
• Race 2: Why-Not-Chee - July 26, 2025 (LaVogue Cyclery) - SPOTS LIMITED TO 400 RIDERS

Racing categories are Open, Open Masters (45+), Open Super Masters (60+), Non-Binary, Womens Open, Womens Masters (45+), Womens Super Masters (60+), Juniors (under 18), and Singlespeed. The top three winners in each category will receive a medal.

You can also Gravel Unravel in the non-competitive Gran Fondo style in the Short and Medium distances. Loosely translated from Italian as “the big challenge”, think of it as more of a group ride or tour. Set your own goal, be it to go fast or ride for fun, or heck just to finish! E-bikes are allowed in the non-competitive ride as a separate category.

We are excited to announce the Title Sponsor for Bon Jon Pass Out  and Why-Not-Chee is once again Rene Herse Cycles. Rene Herse makes tires developed in this region and named after Bon Jon Pass and Humptulips Ridge, it was natural to get involved with our races. We welcome these new partners.

Why-Not-Chee

Wynoochee Lake is a hidden gem on the South Side of Olympic National Park just outside the park boundary in National Forest on Chehalis ancestral lands. Built in 1972, the Wynoochee Dam is used for flood control, irrigation, and industrial water storage. Every course will take you around the lake in its entirety, including a mile of single-track on the Maidenhair Falls Trail, and you will discover this tucked-away gem for yourself.

The Wynoochee Lake area represents some of the deepest logging roots in the state with the last of the company-owned logging camps in the continental United States, Camp Grisdale, located just south of the lake. Experience this region home to the first peoples of Chehalis, and imagine the effort of the loggers who harvested these rugged landscapes and forests as you ride among the children of giants (Hemlock, Spruce, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar).

All roads in the Wynoochee Lake area are open to non-motorized use year-long and the courses only represent a small sampling of possible routes in the area. This area is remote and rugged with the nearest cell reception being nearly 40 minutes away unless you are up on the highest ridges.

Pricing for Why-Not-Chee:

• Short Course = $60
• Medium Course = $70
• Long Course = $80
• Juniors = $35 (all distances)
• $5 off each race when bundled (sign up for Bon Jon and Why-Not-Chee at the same time)

Price increases $10 for race-day registration.

SPOTS LIMITED TO 400 RIDERS.

What’s included in your Why-Not-Chee Out entry fee?

In addition to an epic outdoor experience in the far northwest corner, all participants receive a professional, well-organized event, RFID timing, a well-marked course, on-course snacks and medical support, mechanical support, and post-race hot food and cold drinks. There will be a beer garden at the race finish should you want to purchase a frosty bevvie.

Camping

We will have an onsite camping situation, but we do not yet know the specifics. As soon as details are worked out with Olympic National Forest, we will let you know how to sign up for a spot. In the meantime, for those with medium or large RVs or trailers, or who like a more traditional campground experience, there is also Coho Campground on Wynoochee Lake which you can reserve a site 6 months in advance (so January 25 for you folks) by clicking here. It sells out quickly so we recommend setting an alert on your calendar! Free dispersed camping is allowed on the remainder of Olympic National Forest land according to these guidelines and regulations.

Refund Policy

• No refunds, however you will have the choice during the registration process to buy cancellation insurance (coverage not available for Canadian riders). With the insurance, you can get a full refund if you are unable to attend the event due to several covered reasons including accident, illness and family emergency. Full insurance information HERE.
• Transfers are allowed until 3 days before the race. Follow these instructions to transfer to another participant.
• No deferrals to next year
• If we are forced to cancel for any reason, runners will get a free transfer to the next year, or an 80% refund

Any other information, including course maps, can be found on our website.