Fall is just around the corner and what better way to enjoy the change in seasons and some fresh air than by cycling for a cause. The American Lung Association (ALA), a non-profit, is hosting its Reach the Beach fundraiser for its second annual year. On Saturday, September 29, join cyclists on what is sure to be a good ride and also work to help advocate for anyone who breathes.

Tour through scenic Thurston and Grays Harbor counties during the Reach the Beach event that is mapped out to be a fast and flat route. Hundreds of cyclists joined in last year making it a great turnout and the ALA is thrilled to bring back the event for its second year.

“Reach the Beach Washington is really a way for the American Lung Association to engage with the Grays Harbor and Thurston county communities and what our mission is,” shares Season Oltmann, executive director of the ALA in Washington. “It’s also a way for us to bring constituents of ours from other counties and really show off the beautiful counties that are Thurston and Grays Harbor county.”

Cycling fundraiser
If people are unable to make it to the event, check out the official website found below for ways people can still help this great cause. Photo courtesy: American Lung Association

The ALA has many goals that include helping people with lung disease, promoting lung health for everyone, working to prevent lung cancer, and much more, making their cause truly relatable.

Whether riders are avid cyclists or relatively new, they can choose from several starting options on the route that makes it doable for everyone. Participants can choose from four beginning points from Lacey (100 miles), Olympia (81 miles), Elma (44 miles), or Cosmopolis (25 miles), that all conclude at the beach in Westport for a celebration.

“The last eight miles are actually on the bike track on the dunes of the beach at Westport, which is just a really beautiful route,” says Oltmann.

No matter where riders choose to begin, whether it’s the full route or a jaunt from Cosmopolis, participants can expect to be covered for any needs. The ALA will have medical and mechanic personnel as well as rest stations along the length of the route and will provide a lunch and snacks.

If people plan to lodge overnight in Elma and begin at the halfway point in the morning at the Elma High School, a convenient lodging option is the Stay Beyond Inn & Suites. Another strong option are the campground sites for $20 a night at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds which have on-site showers and bathrooms. For dining options, locals recommend eating at the Rusty Tractor or at SchuJacks Bar & Grill a little ways into Elma.

Reach the Beach Grays Harbor
A fast and flat great ride awaits participants as they prepare to take on the Reach the Beach event to support the American Lung Association’s causes. Photo courtesy: American Lung Association

Once Reach the Beach starts, there will be rest stops every 15 miles and riders won’t want to miss taking a break at the last stop before the end.

“Our last rest stop of the day is the Westport Winery,” Oltmann shares. “They’re giving us 10 percent off anything that is purchased that day in the tasting room. And we’re doing a wine valet service so people can buy wine at the winery and we’ll bring it out to the finish line for them.”

To rein in the event, restaurant and brewery Blackbeard’s Brewing will be serving local beer at the finish line and Aloha Alabama BBQ & Bakery will be serving up the dinner that evening.

A day of riding followed by relaxing at the beach sounds pretty ideal. For those looking to stay overnight, take a look at Vacations By The Sea or Chateau Westport Resort for an event discount. There are countless ways to enjoy the rest of the weekend. By visiting the Westport Maritime Museum, checking out the overlook tower by the jetty, or looking through shops, among other activities, there’s a lot to do. When hunger strikes, there are lots of tasty local restaurants. For anyone craving some fresh seafood, make sure to stop by Bennett’s Fish Shack.

Reach the Beach is patterned after an annual cycling event in Oregon by the same name that has been hosted by the ALA for 27 years. Bringing it to Washington has been a winning experience for ALA and for riders, many breaking their personal records when participating last year. For any riders looking to end the cycling season with a century ride, this event is the perfect occasion to check it off the list.

Even if riding isn’t a possibility, it’s great to be a part of communities coming together and support a cause and there are plenty of volunteer possibilities.

“There’s lot of volunteer opportunities for students or any groups all the way along the route,” Oltmann says.

September 29 is fast approaching, so grab a friend or two and register for the event for $55 per person along with a minimum of $150 per person in fundraising to participate. There is no cutoff date to register and to find more information on donating, volunteering, registration, incentives and more, please see the Reach the Beach Washington official website.

Sponsored