GG Events Update

The 2012 ride circuit at Growlers Gulch is still in flux, but four events are currently on tap and others are possible. I will continue to update this page throughout the year.

Eligibility – Not everybody gets this, so let me do my best to explain. There is generally no entry fee for our events, there is no t-shirt, you don’t score OBRA points, and we are not interested in selling out. It’s all about sharing the vibe with good friends. You are eligible to participate if you have recently worked on trail at Growlers, assisted at the Castle Rock Bike Park, or volunteered for the Adopt-a-Trail program. We give waivers on occasion to people who do big work elsewhere, e.g. Dave Hallock (DOD), Joshua Hutchens (Lumberyard), Andy Jansky (Cascade Locks) and Jerry and Andrea de Ruyter (everywhere).

Growlers Gulch 5,000: We are on for May 19th. Bob Stanton and Joel Rogauskus are handling the organization. The 5K has 5,000 feet of challenging climbing over about 26 miles. If that’s not enough, you can throw in an extra lap or two. Ride it fast or ride it to finish. The benefits are less about your day-of performance than the training you do in advance. The 5K is a great way to prepare for big summer riding. Info and sign up here.

Tour de Gulch: The best ride west of Castle Rock on the third Saturday in June is back for the 15th time! Dave and I will be organizing this one, which will feature the year’s biggest and most festive ride crew. Here’s your chance for a guided tour with a GGR regular. We will have groups for a wide range of cardio and skill levels.

GG Super D: After a hiatus in 2011, the Super D returns to Growlers on August 18th. Ryan Hicks, Ryan McMaster and Eric Loney are putting this one together. The route is pretty well set and will take riders down Legacy, WTF, Vortex, Jekyll, the Lower KMAs, and Secret Garden, covering approximately 3.5 miles with 1,500 feet of descent and a little bit of everything along the way. We will also have regional and national champions and pro’s in the mix, but we will also have at least two categories for mere mortals.

Climbing Championships: Paul and Mel have tentatively set November 3rd as the date for this unique event, which will feature five tough climbs, with particpants judged by total feet cleaned without putting a foot down. COSTUMES ARE REQUIRED, AND PASTING SOMETHING TO YOUR HELMET DOES NOT COUNT. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Other Possibilities – Nothing definite on these, but other events that have been discussed include a poker run and a GG 50. Rob is currently reconning a route that would include two 25-mile laps. If you know Growlers, you understand that there would be very little double-track involved, that you would not be averaging 10 miles per hour, and that this would be a very tough 50.