Golden Spike Ride Report and Photos

More than a dozen riders – including a large contingent from PUMP - survived a guided tour on the Golden Spike from Stella to Growlers Gulch on Sunday, September 13th.

Ken Pearson (L) with Rob Larsen and Ken Roberts (R)

The 17-mile jaunt lived up to its reputation – an epic ride across varied terrain that made you work for everything you got. Golden Spike architect Joel Rogauskus and Harmony regular Ken Pearson served as guides. 

The sections near Stella have seen the most riders and are in the best condition. There is some challenging climbing in the middle, but the tread is good right now and the line is very doable.

Once you break over toward the Monahan side and head toward Growlers, things get wilder, with plenty of spoke-eating limbs and some butt-puckering downhill. At one clearcut about two-thirds of the way into the ride, there is a spectacular view that includes multiple volcanos and a slice of the Columbia River.

Lance Brigman can still smile after cleaning the most difficult climb

Overall, this trail is a good technical challenge that eats energy every foot of the way. It would be an unpleasant experience for anyone who has limited trail skills or is only marginally fit.

Several suggestions if you attempt this ride. First, don’t do it without a guide. “Finding your way” is not a wise move unless you want to end up in Pe Ell. Second, bring a couple of extra tubes and a toolkit. Third, carry 80 to 120 ounces of water and some food.

Opportunities for physical and mechanical breakdown abound. And if you get turned around up there without a guide, you might experience breakdowns of the mental and emotional kind as well.

Riders spill out into a clearcut with big views of the Cascades

GS architecht Joel Rogauskus