Rick arrived in Clallam County six months ago with almost nothing but memories.
After losing his California home to wildfire with just 15 minutes to evacuate, his long-planned move to the Olympic Peninsula suddenly became reality. He came here to rebuild — still missing furniture, still unpacking, still keeping one framed reminder close: an artist’s rendering of the home he lost.
Then Rick heard a podcast.
It was the story of Austin Wolfley — a young janitor commuting by bus and e-bike between Port Angeles and Sequim, who intervened to protect a Clallam Transit bus driver during an assault. In the podcast, Austin briefly mentioned his e-bike had recently been stolen, leaving him entirely dependent on public transit while working the graveyard shift at the Sequim Walmart.
Rick didn’t know Austin. He wasn’t looking for recognition. He simply left a comment beneath the story:
“If there is a fund for him for a new e-bike, I would like to contribute.”
Less than 24 hours later, that single comment — combined with a room full of neighbors gathered at a Community Conversations event held for District 3 County Commissioner candidate Jake Seegers — turned into something bigger. As people mingled to discuss leadership, homelessness, and the future of the county, the real conversation kept circling back to one question: What can we do for Austin?
Someone shared that Sound Bikes & Kayaks had stepped forward immediately, offering to replace Austin’s stolen e-bike at cost. A basket was passed. Cash appeared. Checks followed. Again and again, people said the same thing: “I wish I could give more.”
It turned out they didn’t need to.
So many people gave what they could that all those “I wish I could give more” moments added up to an entire bike — fully funded in a single day.
By Friday morning, Sound Bikes & Kayaks had pulled the bike from the showroom floor, tuned it, and outfitted it with accessories and a lock. By Saturday, Austin was lured into the shop under false pretenses — only to be greeted by the very team who sold him his first bike, the bus operator he protected, his family, Rick, Jake, and a crowd of strangers who knew him simply because they knew his story.
No boards. No task forces. No grants.
No six-figure salaries. No mandatory fees or taxes.
No waiting.
Just a community that saw a need — and met it.
This is what happens when people lead with character, when local businesses step up without hesitation, and when solutions come not from government programs, but from neighbors choosing to act.
And it all started with one quiet comment — from someone still rebuilding his own life — and a room full of people who believed that doing the right thing is worth showing up for.
The Speech at Sound Bikes & Kayaks
Good morning, everyone.
Austin, today is really about you.
A few days ago, many of us heard your interview — the story of what happened on the Clallam County bus. When a passenger became verbally abusive and then struck the driver, you didn’t freeze. You stood up, you stepped in, and you protected someone who needed help. That kind of courage tells us exactly who you are.
You also shared that your e‑bike had been stolen from your rental in Port Angeles. And the moment we heard that, we knew we wanted to do something. Not because of the dramatic moment on the bus, but because of the steady, everyday character behind it — the kindness, the humility, the way you move through the world.
When we reached out to Troy and Maura at Sound Bikes and Kayaks — the folks who sold you your original Specialized — they immediately offered to sell our group a replacement at cost. They told us you’re a shop favorite: always polite, always genuine, someone they were truly upset to see impacted by the theft. Their generosity helped make today possible.
And here’s something important: it wasn’t just Jake, Jeff, and me. The night we shared your story, multiple community members stepped up without hesitation. People donated on the spot. Others pledged what they could. Within 24 hours, the entire cost of this bike was covered. That’s how quickly people wanted to support you.
Austin, you have an army of people behind you — people who see you, appreciate you, and believe in lifting up someone who does the right thing even when no one is watching.
So this bike is more than a replacement. It’s a thank‑you. It’s a recognition of your courage and your character. And it’s a reminder that this community stands with you.
On behalf of everyone who contributed and everyone who was moved by your story, we are honored to give this to you.
Enjoy the ride, Austin. You’ve earned it.
