Dirty Dozen Survives Ride ‘em All

Twelve riders completed the first-ever Growlers Gulch Ride ‘em All on Saturday, July 12. The event gave participants an opportunity to ride nearly every foot of the best single-track west of Castle Rock. Limb droop and heat posed problems, but the tread was in sterling condition.

A follow-up to the Growlers Gulch 5,000, which was held in May, the Ride ‘em All was the second stage in Growlers’ Dumb and Dumber Series. Although the route was almost exactly the same distance (27 miles) and included about the same amount of elevation gain (4,800 feet) as the 5K, it took most riders an additional hour to complete Saturday’s trek.

The reason? Less gravel riding and much more interval single-track. Returning riders shared the same opinion: “That was hard!”

Rob Larsen, Bob Stanton (again on his fixed-gear Vulture), Mike Van Hoose, and Van Hoose’s apprentice, Three Rivers Cycling czar Richard Haight, all came in under five hours.

J. LeMonds, Lance Brigman and Jack Berry completed the ride in 5:18. After experiencing several unexpected delays, D. LeMonds, Chris from Portland, and Andy Crump finished in 5:56.

Paul and Melanie “The Hammer” Norris were back in 6:42. Dave Haas rode for 3:38 before he was forced to retire due to extreme cramping.

After Saturday’s event, eight riders – Rob Larsen, Bob Stanton, J. LeMonds, D. LeMonds, Melanie Norris, Paul Norris, Mike Van Hoose, and Andy Crump – remained eligible for the coveted Growlers Gulch Grand Slam, which includes the completion of the GG5K, Tour de Gulch, Ride ‘em All, and September’s Growlers Gulch Time Trial. As you know, the Creek system will be logged soon, so the Time Trial could be your last chance to ride it.

Don’t forget the August 3rd work party at Ape Canyon. I will be sending details about that soon.