Growlers Gulch TT Creates Huge Buzz

The turnout out was large, the riders were phenomenal, and the times were shockingly low at the first-ever Growler Gulch Time Trial on Saturday, September 20th. Eric Loney, the Northwest’s top-ranked semi-pro, blazed to a 7:34.4 to claim first place. He was followed by Alex Hansen with a 7:45.3 and Bob “Fixie” Stanton with a 7:53.3.

Denise Vernon claimed first place in the Women’s Division with a time of 10.16.1. She was followed by Dara Muldoon at 10.49.3, and Melanie Norris at 11:21.7.

Dara Muldoon, Denise Vernon, Melanie Norris

Ryan McMaster shows how you finish when your bike blows apart

The tread was good, but Piece and Pound were not a gimmee. The roots and logs took their toll, particularly once you crossed the bridge and started the uphill section back to the finish line. Riders needed a combination of aerobic fitness and technical skills to rack up a good run. And virtually everybody was gassed and incapacitated when they reached the finish line. See below.

Mel hits the finish line

In addition to the top three placers, Rider-of-the-Day honors went to Thomas Mueller (8:08.5), Ryan Hicks (8:22.4), and Erik Carlson (8:31.0), all of whom rode out of their minds.

Big German uses a little English off this tree

Kudos also to Ryan “the Ringer” McMaster, who was recruited by Three Rivers Cycling czar Richard Haight. Even though he has very limited mountain biking experience, McMaster rang up an 8:23.5. Even better than his time was his wisdom in distancing himself from Haight’s ride route.

First out of the gate, Haight blazed down the first 10 yards of trail, took a left onto Carnage, and began hammering. If Bob Stanton hadn’t ridden him down, Haight would still be pedaling somewhere east of Mount St. Helens.

Ryan rails it

Kudos also to Ryan “the Ringer” McMaster, who was recruited by Three Rivers Cycling czar Richard Haight. Even though he has very limited mountain biking experience, McMaster rang up an 8:23.5. Even better than his time was his wisdom in distancing himself from Haight’s ride route.

First out of the gate, Haight blazed down the first 10 yards of trail, took a left onto Carnage, and began hammering. If Bob Stanton hadn’t ridden him down, Haight would still be pedaling somewhere east of Mount St. Helens.

Al Hansen, Eric Loney, Bob Stanton

Eric Loney              7:34.4
Alex Hansen          7:45.3
Bob Stanton           7:53.3
Thomas Mueller     8:08.5
Darrell Jamieson    8:20.0
Ryan Hicks            8:22.4
Rob Larsen            8:22.5
Ryan McMaster      8:23.5
Mike Van Hoose    8:24.7
Richard Haight      8:30.5
Erik Carlson          8:31.0
J. LeMonds            8:45.5
Jeff Muldoon         8:48.8
Lance Brigman      8:55.4
Randy Toney         9:12.1
Paul Norris            9:18.3
Geo Smith             9:33.1
Drew Jamieson    10:00.8
Denise Vernon    10:16.1
Dara Muldoon     10:49.3
Melanie Norris    11:21.7
Carol Mathre       11:49.1
Samantha Loney  12:03.6
Sara Carlson        12:34.8
Ksenia Mueller     13:54.6

At the awards ceremony folloowing the event, six riders received the coveted Growlers Gulch Grand Slam. Bob Stanton, J. LeMonds, Mike Van Hoose, Paul Norris, Melanie Norris, and Rob Larsen completed the TT, Tour de Gulch, GG5K, and Ride ‘em All. Andy Crump, Thomas Mueller, and D. LeMonds, earned Growlers Gulch Trifecta status by completing three of the four.

Grand Slammers (L-R): Rob Larsen, Paul Norris, Mike Van Hoose, Mel Norris, J. LeMonds, Bob Stanton

Thanks to Bob Stanton, who supplied the software program and computer, and to Mike Patterson, who asssisted with timing and recordkeeping.

Video clip – Carol Mathre out of the gate.