Growlers Trail Crew Knocks Out Big Miles

I’ve had a lot of great days as a mountain biker, but November 16th was the best one I’ve ever had while not on my bike.

It was so gratifying to have 35 people show up to work on trail. Not sure if you realize this, but there are a lot of legitimate bike clubs out there that can only dream of matching the collective trailbuilding power that Growlers can muster. My hat is off to Paul and Mel for their incredible recruiting efforts. I think this also says a ton about the passion that area riders have for mountain biking and for the Growlers system.

Dave, Paul, and I had everything lined out in advance so that we could get everyone to work immediately. It’s hard to believe how much we accomplished in about 4 1/2 hours:

• Finished the north line on Double Down (new trail to the west of the RR grade)
• Finished the C Loop – off the Bee Loop
• Completed a signature trail for climbing and descending to the right of the big gravel climb up to the RR grade. The ascent starts at the first Lower KMA and is guaranteed to get your attention. The down starts right across from the RR grade and will put a smile on your face if you don’t hit a tree.
• Maintenance on the Canoe Trail, Miracle Mile, Rush, Big Wow, Dead Left, and Upper KMA

I am anxious to see how much mileage we added. Dave and I already have big plans to make this a once-a-year event if you are willing. We are scoping a major downhill run that would start from much a higher elevation (You know the bad news, but think of the positives).

Thanks again to the following volunteers:

• Shawn “The Former Seahawk” Alexander
• Brad Berger
• Jack Berry
• Lance Brigman
• Cody (Jeff Muldoon’s neighbor)
• Andy “Ride Master” Crump
• Jerry DeRuyter
• Ryan Hicks
• Kevin Knorr
• Laurie Larsen
• Rob Larsen
• D. LeMonds
• J. LeMonds
• Jeff Lipton
• Eric Loney
• Sam Loney
• Brian Mahon
• Carla Mitchem
• Jason Moon
• Ksenia Mueller
• Thomas Mueller
• Jeff Muldoon
• Melanie Norris
• Paul Norris
• Ann Price
• Monte Price
• Ian Rogers
• Leland Shaw
• Geo Smith
• Bob Stanton
• Randy Toney
• Megan Tucker
• Mike Van Hoose
• Denise Vernon
• Carol Williams