Five Wheels on Tap at Growlers in 2009

The Tour de Gulch Board of Directors – with help from an independent study group – has established the essential dates for the 2009 ride season. Please note that there has been some slight tweaking, including the addition of another wheel.Yes, that’s right. There will be five events at Growlers in 2009, which means one more opportunity to prove yourself.

The coveted Growlers Gulch Fist of Five is on the line. And it won’t be easy. The Growlers Gulch TT and the 12th Annual Tour de Gulch will get you part way there, but if you plan to run with the big dogs you’ll have to hitch up your spandex and endure some pain.

May 9th – Growlers Gulch 5,000: Melanie “the Hammer” Norris is chairing the GG5K Ride Route Committee. This is not good news. Her guiding principle? “I want to see this be a little more like last year’s Ride ‘em All. If people want this wheel, they’re going to have to earn it.” Mel is working on a plan that would substitute single-track ascent for some of the “easy” gravel climbing. If you haven’t climbed Jekyll & Hyde, now is the time to practice.

June 20th – 12th Annual Tour de Gulch: Yes, we usually schedule it for the second Saturday in June, but my niece is graduating this year so we bumped it back. The ticket could be a little tougher this time around since Mel and Paul have been pulling in so many new riders. I’ll make sure all the locals – especially those who worked on trail get first shot at sign-up before extening the invite. TDG Rule #2: You can ride our trails, eat our food, drink our beer, and use our porta-potty, but don’t show up unless you plan to have fun. We are in negotiations with a prominent craft brewer (No, not Budweiser) and hope to have a key of superior suds at this year’s event.

July 11th – Ride ‘em All: As usual, I tried to be the voice of reason, but no one else listened. After the pain of last year’s REA, I was in favor of jettisoning this event. But no. This was a butt-kicker in ’08. Consider the fact that we have added 3+ miles of new trail, you can understand why I am concerned. Our route will cover virtually every foot of trail at Growlers. Plan on 28+ miles and plenty of interval riding. We’ll clock about 5K – 6Kof climbing, but virtually none of it will be on gravel. The route is a bit convoluted, so my recommendation is to hook up with a small group and stay with them.

September 12th – Growlers Gulch Climbing Championships: This one will be a little different. We will line out 8 to 10 short climbs that should provide a good test. While legs and lungs will be necessary, technical skill will be at a premium. Time will not be a factor. Riders will be awarded points if they can complete a climb without putting a foot down. If you think you’re a climber, here’s your chance to prove it.

September 19th – Growlers Gulch Time Trial: Eric Loney has promised that he will return to defend his crown. If I can just cut a minute or two off my time I should be able to challenge for the title. The course is still in the works but expect fewer opportunities to ride around those nasty obstacles that people throw in the trail.

Trail Maintenance: We are signed on to assist with Ape Canyon trail work on Sunday, July 26th. We’ve had a great turnout the last two years, so please put this on your calendar.