Well, all the riders from the 2025 edition of the cross-country bike ride from Washington, D.C. to the other Washington have successfully passed through Sequim and made it to the finish line at La Push. But while this year’s ride is over, the wonderful stories of community support and Sequim hospitality will linger until next year.

Little did I realize that the article that appeared in the June 11 edition of the Sequim Gazette, written by editor Kathy Cruz asking for support from the Sequim community, would yield over 50 responses from residents all eager to help in whatever ways they could.

There was Janet Nickolaus who hosted every single warrior either heading to La Push or coming back from La Push at her home in Port Angeles. She made sure the riders immediately felt right at home by doing laundry, getting some much-needed rest, and enjoying a delicious home cooked meal.

Then there was Susan and Michael Pittman, who were the first to call offering support to the warriors. They hosted Matt Hoffmeister and made him feel like he was part of their family. Then they made him feel like he was part of the Sunland community when they invited a few neighbors over for dessert and to hear Matt’s trail stories. It was an evening that everyone involved won’t forget.

Teresa and Mike Buckland waited until 9:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center to greet Michael Owens and then load him, his bike, and his gear into their truck to take him back to their beautiful home. He had a singular request that evening – fresh vegetables — and they gave him plenty of what he requested. Then, the next morning, they transported Michael to the starting line of the Tour de Lavender. Jeff Bohman of the Peninsula Trails Coalition provided Michael with a complimentary entry to ride in the event.

But there can be no better testimony of Michael’s stay with the Bucklands than when he called John Morash and Frank Nicholson, the final two riders to come through Sequim, and told them that the place to stay was with the Bucklands. So, they did and had a fantastic meal and stay with them.

There was also Summer Northern in Joyce who offered up one of the rooms of her bed and breakfast to any of the veterans who passed through. As it turned out, that offer would come in handy when Matt finished in La Push with his wife watching. Matt and his wife are from Olympia and wanted to have one more fun day on the Peninsula. Not only did Summer offer up one of her rooms for them to stay in, she cooked them a delicious meal in the evening and even offered to take them kayaking on Crescent Lake in the morning. She provided a wonderful day that Matt and his wife will not forget.

We say farewell to Lloyd, Bradley, David, Matt, Michael, John, and Frank, having achieved the objective of providing accommodations for all of them. In fact, there were many in Sequim who were actually disappointed that they weren’t called on this year to host one of the veterans, but there is always next year.

Welcoming party

The second objective to provide a welcoming party for all of the veterans as they entered Sequim was also a big success. They were all unaware that they would be met by a small group of flag waving and wildly cheering community residents.

They were intercepted at the Visitor Center on Washington Street as they were heading down the Olympic Discovery Trail. The small group was represented by members of the Military Officers Association of America, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Peninsula Trails Coalition.

They all made the veterans feel like heroes with a lot of congratulatory handshakes and photo opportunities.

One member was even collecting autographs. They probably would have stayed all day listening to the veterans trail stories.

The Sequim welcoming group was gratified to hear that the veterans had traveled 3,600 miles at that point but the best welcome they received was from the town of Sequim.

I would just like to extend a personal thank-you to each and every one of the 50-plus Sequim residents who offered to support these veterans. I don’t think they’ll ever forget their cross-country biking experience and particularly never forget Sequim, the tiny town with a big big heart!