You probably saw the headline shortly after it happened, but the full story of Keri Bergere and four friends (Auna Tietz, Annie Bilotta, Tisch Williams and Erica Wolf) fighting against a cougar that attacked them during a ride is truly unbelievable.

The five women in their 50s and 60s, part of the Recycled Cycles racing team, were riding on a gravel path near Tokul Creek northeast of Fall City and Snoqualmie when a young cougar attacked Keri, biting her face and holding on for 15 minutes. The other four women sprung into action and engaged in a grueling and long fight to free their friend before pinning the cougar under a bike until a park ranger arrived and killed it.

My words here are not doing the story justice. KUOW interviewed them, and you just have to listen or read for yourself. There are some gruesome details, but the courage and tenacity behind everyone’s actions is awe-inspiring. The web story also includes photos of Keri wearing her cycling jersey, but with all the scratches and holes embroidered in a rainbow of colors.

Go give it a listen or read the text version on the KUOW website.