Name: Gravel Unravel - WhyNotChee
Start: 2026-07-18
End: 2026-07-18
Location: Hoquiam, Washington

About the Event

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.

We are grateful to our Series Sponsor Eleven Winery for making Gravel Unravel happen again for 2026! 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 13, 2026 (Peninsula Adventure Sports) - SPOTS LIMITED TO 400 RIDERS
Race 2: Why-Not-Chee - July 18, 2026 (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 overall winners (Men, Women, and More) in each distance will receive an award / podium.

You can also Gravel Unravel in the non-competitive Gran Fondo style in the Short and Medium distances (Micro is only Gran Fondo and Long Course is only racing). 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.

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:

Adult pricing is $75 per person, regardless of distance.
Junior (under 18) = $35 (any distance)
Race Bundle Get $5 off each race if you register for Bon Jon Pass Out and Why-Not-Chee at the same time.

Price increase of $10 one week ahead of the race

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, a finisher token of badassness, 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 at Satsop Center and will post and email the camping link as soon as it is available.

Additionally, 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

timer

09:30

Gravel Unravel - WhyNotChee

About the Event

Races Offered

Long Course - Juniors (under 18)

Long Course - Non Binary

Long Course - Open

Long Course - Open Masters (45+)

Long Course - Open Super Masters (60+)

Long Course - Single Speed

Long Course - Womens

Long Course - Womens Masters (45+)

Long Course - Womens Super Masters (60+)

Medium Course - Juniors (under 18)

Medium Course - Non Binary

Medium Course - Non Competitive Gran Fondo

Medium Course - Non Competitive Gran Fondo E-Bike

Medium Course - Open

Medium Course - Open Masters (45+)

Medium Course - Open Super Masters (60+)

Medium Course - Single Speed

Medium Course - Womens

Medium Course - Womens Masters (45+)

Medium Course - Womens Super Masters (60+)

Short Course - Open Masters (45+)

Short Course - Juniors (under 18)

Short Course - Non Binary

Short Course - Non Competitive Gran Fondo

Short Course - Non Competitive Gran Fondo E-Bike

Short Course - Open

Short Course - Open Super Masters (60+)

Short Course - Single Speed

Short Course - Womens

Short Course - Womens Masters (45+)

Short Course - Womens Super Masters (60+)

Weather Overview

About Hoquiam

Hotels & Places to Stay

Nearby Races

Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon at Heritag…

Eagle 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon at Heritage Park, …

Eagle 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon at Heritage Park, …

Ninja 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon at Heritage Park, …

Recommended for You

Run Manatee - Rye Preserve 5K -2026

Turkey Trails - Sioux Falls

Candy Cane Course- Lincoln

Space Coast Triathlon and Duathlon

Get race deals & updates