This past Saturday, more than 800 cyclists took part in Washington’s inaugural Reach The Beach, a charitable ride for the American Lung Association. The event raised over $185,000, which will fund research, education and advocacy.

Cyclists chose one of four routes beginning in Lacey (100 miles), Olympia (80 miles), Elma (44 miles) or Cosmopolis (25 miles), all culminating in Westport.

Gov. Jay Inslee and his team made the 100-mile journey from Lacey. Inslee, an avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast, also has worked with other West Coast leaders to establish the Pacific Coast Collaboration to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

CSM Brian Flom of Joint Base Lewis-McChord was the event’s top fundraiser. He said he rode because the physical push helps him combat PTSD. Flom led five other JBLM residents as “Team Protectors”: Michael Dearborn, David Lintz, Jason Tillero, Aaron Whittle and Jennifer Whittle.

“We are grateful to all of the sponsors and participants for contributing to the success of the inaugural Reach the Beach Washington event, with special appreciation to the Thurston and Grays Harbor county communities for such a warm welcome,” said Executive Director Season Oltmann. “We look forward to next year.”

Courtesy photo CSM Brian Flom (left) of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the event’s top fundraiser, shakes hands with Gov. Jay Inslee at the Westport finish line of Reach the Beach Washington.

Dave Haerle | The Daily World Reach the Beach Washington participants prepare to hit the trail from the 25-mile launch point at Cosmopolis Lions Park on Saturday.