Ride ‘em All Falls Before Stellar Growlers Gulch Crew
July 13, 2009 on 3:43 am | In Mountain Biking | 8 CommentsTwenty-two started and 22 finished.
On a day when the weather cooperated by staying mild and limb droop was minimal, a record number of riders completed the Growlers Gulch Ride ‘em All, the third and most demanding wheel in the coveted Fist of Five on the 2009 GG ride circuit. Times ranged from 5 hours to 7 hours as riders covered 31 miles and racked up 5,140 feet of elevation gain. The event took place on July 11th.
Riders who participated in the ’08 event said that, despite the addition of 3+ miles of new trail, this year’s REA was far less debilitating than what they experienced last year, in part because the temperature was in the low 80s instead of the mid-90s.
Notes: TDG Board member Rob Larsen has moved that the event be re-named and re-branded as the Buttercup 31 . . . Joel Rogauskus and Ken Pearson completed the ride on single-speeds . . . There were no significant injuries and no major mechanicals, aside from Ryan McMaster’s ongoing effort to break every component on his bike . . . Thanks to Mel for providing support and to Paul, Mel and Andy for donating the brats . . . Two events remain – the GG Climbing Championship on September 12th and the GG Time Trial on September 19th. Both are short, ride-hard-and-hurl situations and will not require the protracted suffering of the 5K and REA.
Photo gallery below, as well as a list of REA finishers and riders who are eligible for four and five wheels.
Ride ‘em All Finishers
- Aaron Altaeuser
- George “Rainman” Baskevitch
- Jack Berry
- Eric Carlson
- Andy Crump
- John Gibson
- Richard Haight
- Silent Bob Juntunen
- Rob Larsen
- D. LeMonds
- J. LeMonds
- Jeff Lipton
- Denise Livingston
- Susan Martin
- Ryan McMaster
- Thomas Mueller
- Dara Muldoon
- Jeff Muldoon
- Paul Norris
- Ken Pearson
- Joel Rogauskas
- Mike Van Hoose
Eligible for Five Wheels – Down to the Lucky Dozen!
- Aaron Altaeuser
- Andy Crump
- Silent Bob Juntunen
- Rob Larsen
- D. LeMonds
- J. LeMonds
- Denise Livingston
- Susan Martin
- Ryan McMaster
- Jeff Muldoon
- Paul Norris
- Ken Pearson
- Mike Van Hoose
Still Eligible for Four Wheels
- Cage Aaron
- Jack Berry
- Lance Brigman
- Eric Carlson
- Todd Edwards
- Richard Haight
- Al Hansen
- Thomas Mueller
- Dara Muldoon
- Jeff Lipton
- Eric Loney
- Melanie Norris
- Randy Toney
- Dennis Veatch
Susan relaxes at the support station. If only that chair had been a rocker.
George and Jack rein in Denise "Wrongway" Livingston
The look on Andy's face says it all - This ain't Forest Park.
Dave sticks his fingers in his ears so he doesn't have to listen to Eric tell him how much climbing remains.
Thomas and Jeep demonstrate the Growlers Gulch "Good Neighbor Policy," as they ride off and leave members of their group who are still refueling.
Paul Norris, Jeff Lipton, Jeff Muldoon, Dara Muldoon, Ken Pearson, and Joel Rogauskus started early, rode hard, and felt great about the ride. Notice the phenomenal power on display as they motor up the gravel toward Jekyll & Hyde.
(L-) Richard Haight, Ryan McMaster, and Mike Van Hoose demonstrate Growlers Gulch rehydration technique.
When you burn a few thousands calories, it's okay to enjoy a post-ride Death Tube.
8 Comments »
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Great ride as always!!!!!
Thanks Jeep.
Comment by Paul — July 13, 2009 #
A special thanks to Mel, Paul and Andy for the great support.
Comment by Mike — July 13, 2009 #
Fun Ride, but tough as hell!!!
Comment by Crumpster — July 13, 2009 #
This would have been the perfect opportunity for the Ridemaster and Bumbershoot Weglinski to quickly get back into shape while re-establishing the strong bond they once enjoyed. Maybe next year.
Comment by Jim LeMonds — July 13, 2009 #
Great ride, beer, brats and friends. Thanks to Mel for the support and Paul for leading his rag tag band of riders who looked fresh at the end of the day.
Cali George…it never rains in sw washington.
Comment by Dave — July 14, 2009 #
If only the ride had lasted longer.
I was riding strong and I know Thomas was starting to fade.
Another hour and the Snowman would have been nothing but a puddle along the trail.
Comment by Jim LeMonds — July 14, 2009 #
I look like a toddler on my trike next to the big boys Jack and George. Thanks boys for babysitting me at the REA.
Thanks also to Mel and Spencer for the support. You rock!
Oh, and Crump, try not to lose me next time.
Comment by Denise — July 14, 2009 #
Great ride, and company. Thanks to our ride leader Paul,for getting me back in the saddle, and our entire ride group. Mel – you’re incredible, thanks for the support, brats, and yes death tubes.
Patterson wants recognition for his incredible feat of riding Rush backwards!
Jeff
Comment by Jeff Lipton — July 15, 2009 #