GG5K Reminder, Support, Menu, and More

With the Growlers Gulch 5,000 only six weeks away, it’s time to solidify the details. Please take a look and let me know if you have questions.

Do you know the route? Can’t stress enough how important this is. A number of people have been out to nail things down. If you aren’t one of them, now is the time. Not sure if this message is getting through or not, but you need to dismiss the notion that you will ride on someone’s wheel. Unless you know the GG system real well, it is very unlikely that you will be able to puzzle things out on race day, which means that you will become a major pain in the ass. Please do not let this happen.

Changed your mind? Don’t wait until the day before the ride to tell me you’re not coming. We have several alternates waiting to see if a spot opens. Speak now if you aren’t going to show and save yourself from a shower of verbal abuse. BTW – We’re mountain bikers. This is the PNW. We don’t cancel when the weather turns nasty. If you have a rain phobia, bring a bumbershoot.

Fitness. It won’t surprise anyone to learn that some of the cheaters have been picking up the pace. A quick check of the list tells me that virtually everyone on it is in good or very good physical condition. Just to be on the safe side, however, if you haven’t climbed Bitter Bitch, you might want to give it a shot. It will give you a feel for what you are up against. Three times on the Bitch. Three times on Jekyll. Twice up the 313 hill. Twice up the Ridge Trail. How hard can it be?

Support. We are still finalizing the details for the support station. However, there will be one and – just like last year – it will be located at the top of the Lament where the gravel turns right and heads up toward Jekyll. The support crew will be at 465 before the ride. If you have fluid, food, or clothing you want to send up with them, make sure it is clearly marked. In what can only be described as a very wise move, Jack has indicated that he will leave enough parts at the support station to rebuild an entire bike.

Cramping. We had moderate temps for last year’s 5K. However, that didn’t stop a large number of riders from cramping. You know your body. Don’t take things for granted.

Menu. Yes, since it’s part of who we are, I suppose there has to be a party. Paul is bringing carnitas, so the theme is Mexican. We need people to bring chips, salsa, sour cream, tortillas, rice and beans, guacamole, and more. Susan – This is your chance to try out that cornbread recipe. Anyone up for enchiladas? Desserts? Let me know if you want to bring something in particular. Otherwise, just bring $5 and we will feed you. BTW – Do not view the Mexican theme as a suggestion that you should bring Mexican beer. SIGN UP BY LEAVING A COMMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST. ALSO, PLEASE CHECK TO SEE WHO’S BRINGING WHAT BEFORE YOU RESPOND.

Favorites. With so many strong riders in this year’s field, prognosticating is an iffy proposition. The Board of Director has tabbed Lance Brigman, Cage Aaron, Mike Van Hoose, Bob Stanton, Eric Loney and Al Hansen as the favorites, with Thomas Mueller, Ken Pearson, Susan Martin, Darrell Jamieson, Dennis Veatch, and Brad Burger among those with a shot.

Start time. The main crew will be leaving at 9 a.m. A few riders have asked for earlier start times so that they can be back before the post-ride party wraps up. Early start times are by special request only, so be sure to let me know.

View list of participants.