Reputation: Regional WA event.
[01]
Course Overview
Washington mountain gravel challenge.
69 mi
Distance
5,000 ft
Elevation
Quilcene, WA
Location
June 13, 2026
Date
~50
Field Size
$80-100
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Olympic Peninsula mountain gravel.
Signature challenge: Olympic Peninsula mountain terrain.
20
MILE
Early Mountains
First mountain sections.
30
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
50
MILE
Late Mountains
Final mountain sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Bon Jon Pass climb MI 15
Starting at sea level and climbing exclusively to approaching 4,000 ft altitude, with one rider noting they were approaching 3500 ft at 15 miles in. Riders describe this as climbing for the better part of an hour and a half.
15 to 18 gravel climbs
Multiple steep gravel climbs throughout the course that cause many people to walk, though some riders complete without walking.
The ground is more loamy and soft on the west coast, with moss encroaching the middle of paved roads and plants growing out of the pavement. Expect muddy conditions.
Dusty conditions on climbs, with riders needing masks due to dust.
[04]
From the Field
I'm approaching 4,000 ft in altitude which is pretty impressive because I started the day at sea level and I've basically exclusively been climbing - what 15 miles in approaching 3500 ft this is a challenging race.
Ted King · 13.3K views
The name bonjon pass out is quite fitting - if you're going to be climbing for the better part of what an hour and a half, you kind of want to pass out when you get up this high.
Ted King · 13.3K views
I can honestly say this is the hardest ride I've ever done over the past two years
Always in Motion · 291 views
The important thing is we made it, we did not walk we did not, a lot of people want a lot of people walk we did not walk those 15 to 18 climbs on the gravel
Always in Motion · 291 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Gravel Unravel - Bon Jon Pass Out? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
June 13, 2026 GRAVEL UNRAVEL - BON JON PASS OUT
RIDERS REPORT
700x44 Manastash Ridge tires in endurance plus casing recommended for the softer, loamy terrain and unfamiliar sharp rocks.
Maximum 30 chainring with 42 cassette for the steep climbing sections.
[08]
Train for Gravel Unravel - Bon Jon Pass Out
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
6
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
6
Technical
6
Heat
0
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
3
FREE
GET THE GRAVEL UNRAVEL - BON JON PASS OUT PREP KIT
12-week training timeline, race-day checklists, packing list, and personalized fueling calculator — unlocked instantly.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Seattle (SEA) 2.5 hours
Lodging
Quilcene has limited lodging. Plan ahead or stay in nearby towns.
Food
Quilcene has limited dining. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Prepare for weather - expect 40-something degrees at the start with precipitation possible. Bring layers including ultralight jacket for the temperature variation from sea level to 4000 ft.
Secure your equipment well - multiple riders experienced GoPro mounting failures on the rough gravel terrain.
[10]
Tire Picks
42mmMIXED
1
IRC Boken Double Cross
Underrated mixed-terrain tire. Fast center with confident shoulder grip.
2
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
3
Panaracer GravelKing SK
Affordable all-rounder. Light knobs add grip without killing speed.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Panaracer GravelKing TLC 43mm / IRC Boken Double Cross 42mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
[—]
Similar Races
[—]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Gravel Unravel - Bon Jon Pass Out?
Weather varies dramatically from "showers and even sleet" in 2024 to "good conditions" in 2025, though riders still faced "cloud and fog at high elevations." King experienced "cold fingers" affecting bike handling, while elevation changes create "an entirely different climate" requiring careful clothing strategy for the 4,000-foot elevation range. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Gravel Unravel - Bon Jon Pass Out?
Worthington Park start/finish keeps things simple, but Ted King notes "there is essentially zero cell coverage on the course" forcing offline GPS downloads. King benefited from "staying on site a day before" to scout finish line positioning, while organizers warn RideWithGPS surfaces are incorrect. Limited 400-rider field helps organization but navigation prep becomes mandatory.[3]
How adventurous is Gravel Unravel - Bon Jon Pass Out?
King describes reaching "a remote valley in the far reaches of the course, which was bucolic and just stunning" where he and his companion "were both shivering from the long cold descent." Zero cell coverage adds isolation factor, while June timing hits peak rhododendron blooms "spotlighted against the deep green background of the forest."[3]
How prestigious is Gravel Unravel - Bon Jon Pass Out?
"the field wasn't huge at Bon Jon Pass Out" in this 400-rider regional event. "very grassroots" with "no showiness to this event, just people out having a good time on two wheels." Limited to Pacific Northwest appeal despite quality organization.[1]
Should I race Gravel Unravel - Bon Jon Pass Out?
If you're local to WA—yes, it's solid. If you're traveling—skip it.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Other Sources Olympicpeninsulaolympicpeninsula.org/event/gravel-unravel-bicycle-race-se...
- Other Sources Peninsulaadventuresportspeninsulaadventuresports.com/events/gravel-unravel/bon-jo...
- Route Maps RideWithGPSridewithgps.com/routes/31776039[1
- Other Sources Bikesignupwww.bikesignup.com/Race/WA/Quilcene/GravelUnravelBonJonPa...
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/8761/gravel-unravel-b...
- Other Sources Peninsuladailynewswww.peninsuladailynews.com/sports/gravel-unravel-big-hill...
- Other Sources Racecenterwww.racecenter.com/cycling/gravel-unravel-bon-jon-pass-out
- Other Sources Renehersecycleswww.renehersecycles.com/rene-herse-x-gravel-unravel-races/
- Community renehersecycles.com: Ted Kings Impressions From Bon Jon Passwww.renehersecycles.com/ted-kings-impressions-from-bon-jo...