Climbing Championships on for Saturday

October 11, 2009 on 5:16 pm | In Mountain Biking | 3 Comments

The Title Could Be Yours: If you’ve seen the list of participants, you know the field is ridiculously weak. All you have to do is cover 1,550 linear feet on five climbs without putting a foot down. How hard can it be?

The climbs are in great shape – smooth and manicured with that precise Growlers Gulch camber you have come to expect.

We will need all of you to assist with monitoring and measuring where front tires stop. It would be very helpful if you could bring a tape measure. Total footage will determine the winner. Bring your camera to record the pain.

Some of the cheaters have already indicated that they plan to throw their bikes forward when they come to a stop. This sort of cheap behavior will be rewarded with a 25-foot penalty from where the front tire stopped. Wouldn’t it be easier just to man-up and make the climb?

Where to Meet: I’m going to go up early. You can park at 465 and ride in with members of the Board of Directors of Growlers Gulch Racing. You will leave from 465 at 9:30. If you park at the gate, they will pick you up at about 9:35 or so.

If you drive in, GGR members will pick people up at the intersection at 9:45 and escort them to the first climb. Unless you know your way around, it could be tough to find us if you’re late.

The Climbs:

• Creek Trail: 300 feet
• Lower Jekyll: 300 feet
• Secret Garden: 175 feet
• Creation: 525 feet
• Lung Buster: 350 feet

The Order: A random draw has determined the order for the first climb. We will flip-flop the order as we move from one area to the next.

1. Jeff Muldoon (FOF)
2. Denise Livingston (4 Wheels)
3. Randy Goode
4. Dara Muldoon (4 Wheels)
5. Andy Crump (4 Wheels)
6. Rob Larsen (4Wheels)
7. Mel Norris (4 Wheels)
8. Thomas Mueller (4 Wheels)
9. Chris Brannen
10. Ryan McMaster (FOF)
11. Kevin Knorr
12. Paul Norris (FOF)
13. J. LeMonds (FOF)
14. Lance Brigman
15. Mark Norris
16. John Gibson
17. Bob Horness
18. Mike Van Hoose (FOF)
19. Cage Aaron (4 Wheels)
20. Jordan Norris
21. Al Hansen (4 Wheels)
22. D. LeMonds (FOF)
23. Randy Toney (4 Wheels)
24. Bob Juntunen (4 Wheels)
25. Erik Carlson (4 Wheels)
26. Andy Jansky

Post-Ride Festivities: Nacho bar and taquitos for $3. Bring your own beverage. If it’s wet, bring a change of clothes.

Four-wheelers and Fist of Five recipients will be recognized, and the coveted Rider of the Year cup will be awarded.

Weather: Looks like a chance of rain all next week. Please note that we will not cancel. Put on your mud tires and bring extra clothes.

I’ll set up tables and chairs in the garage, but if you have a pop-up you can bring, that would be great.

If you can’t handle it, check the newspaper to see if there is a quilting bee or Christmas bazaar scheduled in your area. You’ll stay dry, and the tea will be a nice substitute for those big, nasty brews we will be swilling at the Post-Ride Pub at 465.

Where’s Waldo? An unnamed source has reported that climbing specialist Brad Burger may make an appearance. If he shows, Burger will compete in the tough Medical Division, which includes Dr. John Gibson, Dr. Lance Brigman, and Peace Health administrator Dave LeMonds.

Meanwhile, accomplished climber and Three Rivers Cyling guru Richard Haight has not responded. Sources report that he has been training in Brazil.