DH Tires on G-Bay
May 21, 2012 on 1:59 pm | In G-Bay, Mountain Biking | No CommentsGreg Ogden is selling four DH tires, with all proceeds going to the bike park. Good condition – Make an offer and they’re yours. Contact at g_oggy@yahoo.com. WTB Prowler MX 2.5 WTB Dissent 2.5 Kenda ExCavato 2.35 Kenda Blue Grove 2.5 [Continue Reading]
5K Prognostications
May 18, 2012 on 12:50 pm | In Mountain Biking | 3 CommentsFor those of us who will be moving at glacial speed, the clock is not relevant. Some riders, however, will be riding for time and very focused on kicking ass. Having so many new riders in the mix makes predicting the results very tricky, but the Board of Director [Continue Reading]
Final 5K Details
May 17, 2012 on 12:43 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentIf the weather forecast holds, this year’s 5K will be something we have never experienced before – a dry day with bone dry tread. Consider what improved rolling resistance will translate into over the course of your ride. I fully expect Eric Loney, [Continue Reading]
Kelley Attempts to Fly
May 16, 2012 on 1:09 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 1 CommentIt didn’t go all that well. While descending the steepest part of Legacy, Kelley discovered that he had a bad seal on his new tubeless tires. For an older guy, he bounces incredibly well. [Continue Reading]
GGR Accepts Healthy Lifestyles Award
May 15, 2012 on 12:44 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentMel and I represented Growlers Gulch Racing at the ceremony on Tuesday, May 8th at the Brits in Longview. GGR was one of nine groups recognized for helping to improve the quality of life in the local area. We were specifically recognized for our work at the Castle [Continue Reading]
Growlers Gulch Racing Reaches a Crossroads
May 14, 2012 on 12:48 pm | In Mountain Biking | 4 CommentsSometimes a door opens and you have to decide whether to step through. In the past three to four years, the group we call Growlers Gulch Racing has changed dramatically. When I started riding at GG, there were no trails and no other riders. For the first half-dozen [Continue Reading]
Sign up Now for Tour de Gulch XV!
May 12, 2012 on 12:59 pm | In Mountain Biking | 30 CommentsHard to believe that this is our fifteenth Tour de Gulch. We bill this event as the best mountain biking experience west of Castle Rock on the third Saturday in June and we have never disappointed. When? – Saturday, June 16th at 9 a.m. Entry Fee – [Continue Reading]
Record Number of Riders Complete 2012 GG5K
May 10, 2012 on 1:36 pm | In Mountain Biking | 13 CommentsForty-seven riders were on hand for the 7th Growlers Gulch 5,000 on Saturday, May 19th, with a record 41 crossing the finishing line. Times were aided by fantastic weather and sterling tread. Eric Loney led the way with an incredible time of 2:58. He was followed [Continue Reading]
Become a Pump Track Superstar
May 10, 2012 on 12:55 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | No CommentsThanks to Keith Gianella for sharing a link to a great page about pump track riding. It explains technique and also emphasizes the skill transfer from the track to trail. Check it here. Also, view this video – which I believe features Keith – doing some [Continue Reading]
Parabody 400 Home Gym
May 9, 2012 on 12:56 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, G-Bay, Mountain Biking | No CommentsSOLD TO PAUL AND MEL NORRIS AT 6:46 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY Mike Van Hoose is offering a Parabody 400 home gym to anyone willing to pony up $100 for the Castle Rock Bike Park. Retail value is $2,000. Lord know that many of you slackers could use some definition. [Continue Reading]
GGR Crew Preps for Spokane Race
May 7, 2012 on 12:53 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentA large contingent from Growlers Gulch Racing will be headed to Spokane to compete at the Round the Clock 24-hour race over Memorial Day weekend. Nearly 1,000 riders are expected to show for the event. Denise Livingston will take on the daunting task of riding in [Continue Reading]
Hinkle Assaults Trees
May 3, 2012 on 12:42 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 2 CommentsKelley has been doing quite a bit of stunt riding at Growlers of late. In this clip, he attempts to take the bark off several alder trees. I am pretty sure this is near the end of the second Lower KMA. [Continue Reading]
Coldwater Work Party Set for June 24th
May 3, 2012 on 12:40 pm | In Mountain Biking | 4 CommentsFor several years, Growlers Gulch Racing has taken the lead when it comes to maintaining the 230A Trail at South Coldwater Ridge. This is the only trail on the north side of Mount St. Helens that is currently open to mountain bikers. This year’s work party is [Continue Reading]
NW Cup Vid
May 1, 2012 on 1:23 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsCheck the whip Eric Loney lays out at the 4:36 mark in this vid from the first Northwest Cup race at Port Angeles in April. Thanks to Paul Norris for the heads-up. [Continue Reading]
Essential 5K Information
May 1, 2012 on 1:21 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsDogs – While we are typically very canine-friendly at Growlers, we request that you not bring your dog to any Growlers event. Parking - I don’t have nearly enough parking for everyone. If it’s possible for you to car pool, please do. The ride [Continue Reading]
GGR Welcomes Newest Member
April 30, 2012 on 2:07 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsAndy and Sarah Plassmeyer are the proud parents of Adam Joseph Plassmeyer, the latest addition to Growlers Gulch Racing. Adam was born at 6:40 p.m. on April 28th. He is 8 pounds, 6 ounces and 20 1/4″ long. Adam and Sarah are doing well. Congrats to the [Continue Reading]
Growlers Gulch Racing Recognized as Champions for Healthy Lifestyles
April 30, 2012 on 1:57 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsCowlitz on the Move and Pathways 2020 has announced that it will recognize Growlers Gulch Racing as a 2011 Champion of Healthy Lifestyles. Pathways 2020 Director Paul Youmans said that GGR’s work ”exemplifies our efforts for everyone to eat smart, [Continue Reading]
Answers to GGR Quiz
April 27, 2012 on 12:40 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsLet’s see how you did - He will forever be tied to the Egg McMuffin as the result of an incident that occurred at a Tour de Gulch when this rider hurled the breakfast treat not long after the ride began. That would be Andy Crump. After stopping in Kelso [Continue Reading]
Sandy Ridge Vid
April 26, 2012 on 12:49 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsSandy Ridge is prominently featured in this vid highlighting recent IMBA projects. Thanks to Alex Sandrow for sharing. [Continue Reading]
The Boys May Be Back in Town
April 24, 2012 on 12:49 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentI have mixed feelings about the message I received last week. Mike Fajardo contacted me to ask if there were any openings for this year’s Growlers Gulch 5,000. It was clear where this was headed – Team Fajardo wanted back in the game. A little history [Continue Reading]
GGR History – Take the Quiz
April 23, 2012 on 1:00 pm | In Mountain Biking | 8 CommentsCheck your Growlers Gulch knowledge by taking the quiz below. Answers will be provided in a future post. He will forever be tied to the Egg McMuffin for an incident that occurred at a Tour de Gulch when this rider hurled the breakfast treat not long after the ride [Continue Reading]
Growlers Gulch Ride Guide
April 23, 2012 on 6:56 am | In Growlers Gulch Ride Guide | 16 CommentsThe Ride Guide is intended primarily for GG regulars. The purpose is to lay out possibilities that might add a little variety to your ride route. Signage and GPS coordinates will never be included. As things develop, I will try to add total mileage, photos and [Continue Reading]
Protected: Interval Training with Rob Larsen
April 22, 2012 on 12:50 pm | In Growlers Gulch Ride Guide, Mountain Biking | Enter your password to view comments.This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: [Continue Reading]
The Official Tour de Gulch Invitation(s)
April 20, 2012 on 12:52 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsI don’t know where she gets it, but Sher thinks I’m too hard on you guys. Last week, she told me, “Sometimes the way you word things to your biker friends is a little harsh.” “These guys are savages,” I said. “They [Continue Reading]
Vids from Kelley
April 19, 2012 on 12:46 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsThanks to Kelley Hinkle for supplying us with ongoing biking entertainment. Only Bob Horness has the athletic ability to recover after losing his footing on a narrow bridge and still avoid getting wet. This vid clip shows Kelley eating feces on the steep hill at [Continue Reading]
Kevin on the Elevated Skinny
April 19, 2012 on 12:42 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 1 CommentKevin makes it look simple as he cleans the elevated skinny on the east side of the Castle Rock Bike Park. What you can’t see from this angle is that most of the surface he is riding on is 4″ to 6″ wide, that the trail curves in places, and that [Continue Reading]
Larsen, LeMonds Brothers Provide 5K Advice
April 17, 2012 on 12:42 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentWhen it comes to intellectual power, you probably aren’t going to put Rob, Dave and me in the same classification as Jefferson, Lincoln and Kennedy. More like Huey, Dewey and Louie, or Larry, Moe and Curley. But if you know your Growlers Gulch history, [Continue Reading]
More Big Work at the CR Bike Park
April 16, 2012 on 1:15 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | No CommentsMaking it all come together can be complicated, but this much is simple – when you’ve got the best plan and the best people, nobody can compete with you. Once again, the progress we made at the Castle Rock Bike Park on Sunday exceeded expectation. Big [Continue Reading]
Desert Ride Hazards
April 12, 2012 on 12:47 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 2 CommentsGreat photo, courtesy of Rob Larsen. This shot was taken in Arizona. Rob knows us so well. From Rob - This was the son of one of my sister’s friends. The whole group that was riding together had to get out their tweezers and go to work on him. Fortunately, [Continue Reading]
Big Thanks To Toney, McMaster (No, Not Randy and Ryan)
April 12, 2012 on 12:41 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | 1 CommentIf you run into John Toney or Don McMaster, take a minute to thank them for all of the work they’ve done at the Castle Rock Bike Park. Think about it a minute – these guys don’t ride. And yet they have been key players throughout the build. Both [Continue Reading]
Growlers Trail Update
April 9, 2012 on 12:44 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsIt’s amazing how much one or two dry days can change things at Growlers, even after all the rainfall we’ve had. Saturday was a gorgeous day and the tread was outstanding. Places You Need to Visit I realize that nearly all of you have been to the top of [Continue Reading]
Try This With No Brakes
April 5, 2012 on 2:02 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsGreat vid, courtesy of Paul Norris. In the first minute or so, the guy looks like a mere mortal. After that, well . . . And remember – he’s doing this with no brakes. Welcome to the team, Flipp! from TartyBikes on Vimeo. [Continue Reading]
Fixie Video Perspective
April 4, 2012 on 12:11 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsInteresting trail vid from Bob Stanton, featuring multiple camera angles. [Continue Reading]
Your Early Easter Present
April 2, 2012 on 1:52 pm | In Mountain Biking | 4 CommentsWith the weather sucking so bad, everyone is in need of some extra love these days. So, as your all-purpose provider, the Board of Director has put together an early Easter present for you. This special care package won’t necessarily change the weather, but [Continue Reading]
Travis Degn at CR Bike Park
March 29, 2012 on 12:46 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | No CommentsCheck this vid of Travis Degn on the advanced pump track at the Castle Rock Bike Park. Work completed in January is now paying off and the massive outside line is completely pumpable, as Travis clearly demonstrates. We still have work to do on the smaller track on [Continue Reading]
Congrats to Camas Bikes!
March 28, 2012 on 2:24 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsProps to Ed Fischer and the crew at Camas Bikes for earning the number one ranking among Clark County bike shops in a recent poll conducted by the Columbian. In addition to providing solid bike shop services, CB also serves as a hub for area trail-building [Continue Reading]
More Press for the Castle Rock Bike Park
March 16, 2012 on 1:50 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | No CommentsThe following story by Kim Colucci - “Volunteers Build Castle Rock Bike Park” – was published February 23, 2012, in the Town Crier, which is distributed in Lewis and Cowlitz counties. ********************* A volunteer crew of dedicated mountain [Continue Reading]
GG5K Set for May 19th, Sign-up Now Underway
March 15, 2012 on 1:47 pm | In Mountain Biking | 30 CommentsThink of the Growlers Gulch 5,000 as one of those hurts-so-good situations. We started the 5K in 2006 for this reason – we aren’t disciplined enough to train because it’s the right thing to do; we need fear to motivate us. And it worked. When we [Continue Reading]
Patterson Late, Lipton Victimized
March 13, 2012 on 12:47 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | 4 CommentsTwenty-four people worked at the Castle Rock Bike Park on Sunday. Only Mike Patterson was so dumb that he forgot to set his clocks ahead. As a result, Patterson and Jeff Lipton – who was naively relying on Patterson for a ride – were late. The work they [Continue Reading]
Elevated Trail Now Complete!
March 12, 2012 on 1:10 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 3 CommentsMy hat is off to the people who showed up and worked their asses off at the Castle Rock Bike Park on Sunday, despite the usual inclement conditions. Deep in my heart, I know you guys are losers, but I can’t help but love you. I was expecting a crew of 16. We [Continue Reading]
Kid’s Bike on G-Bay
March 9, 2012 on 12:58 pm | In G-Bay, Mountain Biking | No CommentsMy grandsons have finished with this bruiser. It’s a low-end full-suspension bike. SRAM drivetrain. Single-chain ring. Seven speeds. 20″ inch wheels. V-Brakes. Heavy but durable. And it comes with a set of vintage Boone Dog Bikes stickers. Price is [Continue Reading]
Kelley at Bug Springs
March 8, 2012 on 1:45 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsNice vid of Kelley’s recent ride at Bug Springs near Tucson. [Continue Reading]
Growlers Gulch Trail News
March 6, 2012 on 1:42 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsWe have a goal of adding three miles of single-track to the GG system each year. Last year was our most productive of all time, with the addition of Legacy, WTF, Vortex and Little Sister, for a total of approximately four miles. This year, we have completed Plan B, [Continue Reading]
Payin’ It Forward
March 5, 2012 on 1:53 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | 5 CommentsSometimes, the reason for things just comes ringin’ through. I stopped by the bike park yesterday for a few minutes. There were a ton of kids onsite, and they were riding everything. I talked with some of their parents, who were excited about the work we had [Continue Reading]
Adopt-a-Trail Assignments for 2012
February 29, 2012 on 5:33 pm | In Mountain Biking | 10 CommentsWe started Adopt-a-Trail in 2010 when we realized that the system at Growlers Gulch was becoming too large for a handful of people to maintain. We have been adding three miles per year, which means the maintenance load keeps growing along with the single-track [Continue Reading]
Vids from Kelley, Rob
February 29, 2012 on 1:59 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 3 CommentsHearing Kelley talk about the balmy weather in Tucson has left me a little testy. After reading one of his recents Facebook posts I told him that I hoped he fell down and broke himself. He did his best to accommodate me. Unreal vid that Rob Larsen notified me [Continue Reading]
Pine Trees and Prep Work
February 27, 2012 on 2:30 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | No CommentsA small crew was on hand at the Castle Rock Bike Park on Friday, February 25th to assist with the planting of eight pine trees that Chris Laughlin procured for us through Watershed Garden Works in Longview. [caption id="attachment_10419" align="alignright" [Continue Reading]
GG5K Ride Route Now Set
February 23, 2012 on 1:45 pm | In Mountain Biking | 8 CommentsBob Stanton and Joel Rogauskus have set the course for the 2012 Growlers Gulch 5,000. There are a couple of changes from last year, so even if you’re a veteran, be sure to check the route. Warning – If you don’t recognize every trail name listed [Continue Reading]
TDN Highlights Castle Rock Bike Park
February 21, 2012 on 1:42 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsThe following story by Barbara LaBoe was published in the Daily News on February 20, 2012. Photos by Bill Wagner With more than 1,000 volunteer hours behind them, builders of the Castle Rock Bike Park say they’re making good progress and hope to have the [Continue Reading]
Results from Old Pueblo
February 20, 2012 on 2:20 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsPaul and Mel Norris – aka MelandPaulie – placed 8th among 20 teams in two-person coed at the 24 Hours of Old Pueblo race on February 19th and 20th. As part of their training regimen for the Growlers Gulch 5K in May, MelandPaulie covered 12 laps, [Continue Reading]
GGR Membership Continues to Grow with Arrival of Annika Carlson
February 15, 2012 on 1:47 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 1 CommentBig news at the Carlson household. Erik and Sara are the proud parents of GGG and GGR member Annika Carlson, who arrived three weeks early but is doing well. Sara also reports that Annika’s big brother, Riley – who is not quite three – is already [Continue Reading]
Growlers Gulch Racing Aiming for Spokane
February 14, 2012 on 1:48 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentA large contingent from Growlers Gulch Racing will be heading to the 24 Hours Round the Clock race in Spokane over Memorial Day weekend. The event begins at noon on Saturday and finishes at noon on Sunday. There are a number of categories, including solo, two-, [Continue Reading]
Bike Park Total Surpasses 1,000 Hours
February 13, 2012 on 2:04 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | No CommentsA small crew got together to work at the Castle Rock Bike Park on Sunday, February 12th. Volunteers included Ryan McMaster, Dave LeMonds, Bob Horness, Vaughn Martin, Steve Reed, Jon Van Natta, Don McMaster, Chris Laughlin, and myself. We added 27 hours to our [Continue Reading]
Stuff Mountain Bikers Say
February 10, 2012 on 1:50 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsShit Mountain Bikers Say: Shit Mountain Bike Girls Say: Shit Mountainbike Girls Say on pinkbike.com [Continue Reading]
Portland Monthly Features Cascade Locks Trail
February 8, 2012 on 1:40 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentThe Dimwits (Andy Crump) with Bright Lights (Andy Jansky) are getting well-deserved attention for the work they’ve done at Cascade Locks. In fact, Portland Monthly is featuring the trail in the February issue. Trail of the Month: EasyClimb Trail 2 miles [Continue Reading]
GT Zaskar Expert 29er Now on G-Bay
February 7, 2012 on 1:42 pm | In G-Bay, Mountain Biking | 1 CommentMark Sanchez is selling his GT Zaskar Expert 29er. Check the specs and contact him at xyian11@gmail.com. If he can close the deal on both, he will donate $50 to the bike park. Medium frame. Reba SL 100 mm fork. 2010 model with approximately 250 miles of trail wear. [Continue Reading]
Roof-Top Rack on G-Bay
February 6, 2012 on 2:40 pm | In G-Bay, Mountain Biking | No Comments***THIS ITEM HAS SOLD*** Wayne Nussbaum has a Yakima roof-top rack for sale. He won it at a race raffled in 2011 and it is still in the box. Complete specs here. Asking price is $110. Contact him at sleepez@yahoo.com for details or to make an offer. [Continue Reading]
GG Events Update
February 6, 2012 on 1:56 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentThe 2012 ride circuit at Growlers Gulch is still in flux, but four events are currently on tap and others are possible. I will continue to update this page throughout the year. Eligibility – Not everybody gets this, so let me do my best to explain. There is [Continue Reading]
GGR Welcomes Samantha Hunter Ogden
February 3, 2012 on 1:47 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsGrowlers Gulch Racing has recruited a new rider – Samantha Hunter Ogden. She was born at 4:42 p.m. on January 28th. She is 19.5″ long and came in at the optimal riding weight of 6 pounds, 8 ounces. Samantha’s parents are Greg and Brigette Ogden. [Continue Reading]
Growlers, Stella Trail Updates
January 30, 2012 on 1:18 pm | In Mountain Biking | 4 CommentsThanks is due to a number of people who were at Growlers, Stella or both this weekend to help with clean-up. I’m including reports from those who forwarded info and don’t mean to minimize the work of those not mentioned in this post. Growlers Paul, Mel [Continue Reading]
Kelley and Paul on the National Trail
January 26, 2012 on 1:50 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 4 CommentsWhen Paul and Kelley were on their recent six-month biking tour of the Southwest, they hit the National Trail on South Mountain in Phoenix. Nice vid from Kelley. And, no, it’s not raining there. [Continue Reading]
Saturday Work Party Caps Massive Two-Week Effort
January 22, 2012 on 4:37 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | No CommentsSnow storm last Sunday. Rainy and cold this Saturday. But in spite of the weather, the GGR crew – along with a few friends - put in nearly 300 hours of time at the Castle Rock Bike Park during the past two weeks. Eighteen people showed last Sunday. We had [Continue Reading]
A-Bomb Snow Ride
January 19, 2012 on 1:39 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 6 CommentsGreat vid of Eric Shew and a friend riding A-Bomb in the snow on Monday. [Continue Reading]
GGR Hits Colonnade, Duthie
January 17, 2012 on 1:50 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsFourteen riders headed to Seattle to take a look at the bike parks at Colonnade and Duthie on January 14th. The crew included Paul, Mel, Seattle Fred, Jerry D, Joe and Marie Klemmer, Shannon, Dave, Doctor Brigman, Ryan McMaster, Kelley, Kevin, Cage and [Continue Reading]
Bike Park Crew Makes Huge Progress
January 16, 2012 on 4:19 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsUnbelievable. A day that was on the edge of being written off because of snow ended up being one of the most productive thus far at the Castle Rock Bike Park. A crew of eighteen braved the weather, and did they ever get the job done. I got a text from Ryane at 6:48 [Continue Reading]
Major Build Days on the Way
January 9, 2012 on 1:57 pm | In Mountain Biking | 7 CommentsUpcoming Build Days We killed it on the 15th and are looking to do the same on the 21st. Start time is 9:00 a.m. We will have pulled pork sandwiches, chips, and cookies, as well as pop-ups and a big fire. We are working on crew assignments and will keep you in the [Continue Reading]
GGR Crew Headed for Colonnade, Duthie
January 6, 2012 on 1:39 pm | In Mountain Biking | 6 CommentsRoad trip! We are planning a trip to Seattle on Saturday, January 14th to hit Colonnade and Duthie, two of the best-known bike parks in the Pacific Northwest. We will be meeting at the park-and-ride on the west side of Castle Rock at 7 a.m. sharp and then [Continue Reading]
Spectacular Legacy Photos
January 5, 2012 on 1:49 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 1 CommentThe view up there won’t last so soak it up while you can. Ten years from now, you’ll be telling the newbies, “In the old days, you could see all the way to the Olympics.” Photos courtesy of Mark Sanchez [caption id="attachment_9943" [Continue Reading]
Growlers Events on Tap for 2012
January 4, 2012 on 2:04 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsDespite the numerous failures of the Board of Director in 2011, Growlers Gulch Racing will bounce back strong in 2012 with at least four events now on tap. Please keep in mind that we are unsure of dates at this time and will do our best to pin things down as soon [Continue Reading]
Big Ride Crews, Great Weather Help Ring in the New Year
January 3, 2012 on 3:29 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentSaturday, Sunday and Monday were stellar days at Growlers. After the monsoons that rolled through earlier in the week, there was standing water in places you rarely see it. The great part was that, aside from those spots, the tread was fantastic. We had more than [Continue Reading]
Scott SUB Now on G-Bay
December 28, 2011 on 3:21 pm | In G-Bay, Mountain Biking | No CommentsAndy Plassmeyer is looking to sell a 2008 Scott SUB 10 (Speed Utility Bike). Size large. He has put it on Craigslist for $600 but will let it go on G-Bay for $500. It has a total of about 75 road miles on it. Frame has a couple of scratches but is in very good [Continue Reading]
Phoenix Vid
December 20, 2011 on 1:54 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsAnother good vid from Kelley, this time at Scottsdale. This ride included 1,600 feet of elevation gain over a four-mile stretch. [Continue Reading]
The Boys in Bakersfield
December 15, 2011 on 1:49 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 1 CommentThis isn’t Paul and Kelley in the vid, but this is the trail they rode in Bakersfield earlier in the week. They liked Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride so much that they hit it four times. [Continue Reading]
Hopworks A-Bomb Gets Great Press
December 14, 2011 on 1:43 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsSaw this review of Hopworks A-Bomb on a beer blog and thought it was worth sharing. A-Bomb is 7.3 percent ABV and carries 70 IBUs. I am a big fan of non-traditional “winter warmer” releases of breweries. Yep, the weather in this northwest region is [Continue Reading]
Bike Park Volunteer Hours
December 8, 2011 on 1:41 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | 1 CommentWe think it’s going to take 2,000 hours to complete the Castle Rock Bike Park. Our goal is to have at least 100 names on the list below by the time the project is finished. We understand that everyone has commitments. All we ask is that you step up and lend a [Continue Reading]
Flat-Drop Now Complete
December 6, 2011 on 1:39 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsWe had room for a 36″ flat-drop on the south end of the site at the Castle Rock Bike Park, so I decided to build a hybrid. Instead of simply rolling into a three-foot drop, which would probably be beyond the reach of those of us who are mere mortals, I add a [Continue Reading]
Failure on JLS
December 5, 2011 on 1:42 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 3 CommentsI was a teacher for 30 years. Fortunately, the vast majority of my students did well when test time rolled around. Apparently, I have lost my touch. On Sunday afternoon, a small group of us headed over to JLS to session some log-overs. The lesson did not go as [Continue Reading]
Check Out the A-Bomb Line
December 2, 2011 on 1:47 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 2 CommentsIf you’re wondering how the A-Bomb trail turned out – here’s your chance to take a look. In addition, the Hawg Trail, all of A-Bomb was completed in approximately 3:15 by a crew of 32. If you try to ride it up instead of down, it might take you [Continue Reading]
Dara Hartman Pottery Sale
December 1, 2011 on 1:42 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsThis weekend - December 3 & 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p. m. – ceramic maven and GGR member Dara Hartman will be having an open studio and pottery sale, along with artists Robin Hominiuk and Stephen Mickey. Stop by to see some new work and visit with the [Continue Reading]
Baby Steps Adding Up at the Castle Rock Bike Park
November 30, 2011 on 1:43 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | No CommentsIt’s slow going, but the beat goes on at the Castle Rock Bike Park. The south end of the site now has a ramp that should enable riders of all ability levels to easily access the common area and the feature trail that will follow. A 36″ flat drop coming [Continue Reading]
Kids and Bikes
November 29, 2011 on 5:20 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 1 CommentGreat feel-good bike story courtesy of Paul Norris. [Continue Reading]
Growlers Gulch Racing Says Good-bye to Muddy Norris
November 23, 2011 on 1:41 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 Comment[caption id="attachment_9765" align="alignright" width="224" caption="Muddy on Predator - her first and last trail at Growlers"][/caption] It’s always sad to announce the passing of a member of the GGR family. That’s why it’s tough to break the [Continue Reading]
Session #2 at Cascade Locks
November 17, 2011 on 1:41 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentReport and photos from Andy Crump. On behalf of the Northwest Trail Alliance, we would like to thank everyone who came out to join us in Cascade Locks over three build days to create a trail loop you can ride at Cascade Locks NOW. easyCLIMB is open for [Continue Reading]
Mega-Build Day Draws Big Crowd
November 14, 2011 on 1:48 pm | In Mountain Biking | 7 CommentsThe annual mega-work party at Growlers drew more than 70 people on Sunday, November 13. In combination with last Saturday’s Plan B effort, we had approximately 90 people involved this year. The weather sucked but the crew hung tough, finishing both A-Bomb and [Continue Reading]
Stella, Growlers Vids
November 11, 2011 on 2:08 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 2 CommentsCompilation vid from Stella, followed by a ride down the new line in the Secret Garden at Growlers. Courtesy of Kelley Hinkle. [Continue Reading]
Mountain Bike Projects in the Pipeline
November 9, 2011 on 1:58 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentThe following story appeared in the Oregonian on October 29, 2011. From new trails to pumptracks to indoor bike parks, things are happening on the mountain bike front. They pretty much have to, with the way the sport is bursting at the seams. Eichler Bike [Continue Reading]
Crew Breakdown for November 13th
November 8, 2011 on 5:03 am | In Mountain Biking | 8 CommentsWhere to Meet: Every member of the Hawg crews will meet at the wide area on the right side of the road about 75 yards past the blue gate at 8:50. Paul will lead you in. This includes the chuckwagon crew. All members of the A-Bomb crews will meet at the intersection [Continue Reading]
Plan B Gets It Done
November 6, 2011 on 10:37 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsThe Plan B crew came through big time during day one of this year’s two-part mega-build on Saturday, November 5th. Led by Jack Berry, the crew completed a new line that branches left off the top part of the Secret Garden. It swoops east and eventually gives [Continue Reading]
Castle Rock Bike Park Continues to Take Shape
November 4, 2011 on 3:58 am | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | 6 CommentsIt’s a testament to the members of Growlers Gulch Racing that the change of seasons has not slowed progress at the Castle Rock Bike Park. We just finished two very productive days that were helped tremendously by having an excavator operated by Ryane Olin and [Continue Reading]
Goat Mountain Ride Report
November 3, 2011 on 12:43 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 1 CommentBrian Mahon and Ken Noble recently completed a ride from Ryan Lake up Goat Mountain and eventually down into the Gren River. To say the scenery is spectacular is the grossest of understatements. Things begin with an ass-kicking climb up Goat Mountain and then to [Continue Reading]
Bike Porn of the Finest Kind
November 2, 2011 on 12:47 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 2 CommentsChris Akrigg is an incredible athlete. Vid forwarded by Cage Aaron. [Continue Reading]
Mega-Work Party Set for November 13th
November 2, 2011 on 12:42 pm | In Mountain Biking | 34 CommentsSign-up begins now for this year’s mega-work party at Growlers Gulch on Sunday, November 13th. We are working on details re: where to meet, when we start, etc. and I will provide that info to you in the next few weeks. Hard-working kids and non-mountain [Continue Reading]
Muldoons Hit Bend Super D
November 1, 2011 on 1:00 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentJeff and Dara Muldoon both came away with great results at Bend’s Day of the Dead Super D on October 28th. Jeff took third place in Cat 2 40+ with a time of 32:13. Douglas Schumacher of Bellingham claimed the top spot with a time of 29:02. Dara was sixth in [Continue Reading]
Preview Day Draws Local Kids
October 30, 2011 on 5:23 pm | In Castle Rock Bike Park, Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsNearly two dozen kids from the local area stopped by the Castle Rock Bike Park on Saturday to test things out as part of Pump Track Preview Day. The event was hosted by Growlers Gulch Racing. After watching a demo by Kevin Knorr, bikers had a chance to ride a [Continue Reading]
Cascade Locks Bike Project Kicks Off
October 23, 2011 on 1:40 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsThe Cascade Locks Bike Park got off on the right foot, with work parties on October 15th and 16th. The effort was spearheaded by Andy Jansky and Andy Crump and received a big boost from Paul and Mel Norris of Growlers Gulch Racing. Jansky said that 15 people showed [Continue Reading]
Incredible Trials Riding on Huge Rocks
October 21, 2011 on 12:41 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsGreat vid courtesy of Aaron Dennis and Andy Crump. [Continue Reading]
Materials Acquisition for CR Bike Park
October 17, 2011 on 12:48 pm | In Mountain Biking | 4 CommentsWe can really use your help On the very simplest level, we are looking for all dimensions of outdoor wood. Please check your scrap pile at home. It will be trickier to locate logs, telephone poles (These cannot be working power poles that you plan to cut down or [Continue Reading]
Pump Track Preview Set for October 29th
October 14, 2011 on 1:44 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsEveryone is invited to kick off the Halloween weekend by joining us for Pump Track Preview Day at the Castle Rock Bike Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 29th. This will be an informal get-together, with the focus on introducing people to the pump tracks and [Continue Reading]
Trail Gnomes – Fact or Fiction?
October 11, 2011 on 2:10 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsDo trail gnomes really exist? Holmes and Watson were unavailable, so the Board of Director recently set out to examine a question that has puzzled mountain bikers for years. The Legend Many riders believe that trail gnomes are native to biking systems. They labor [Continue Reading]
Board of Director Provides Safety Tips
October 11, 2011 on 12:41 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentI realize that my record does not qualify me to lecture people about safety. However, I received the tips below from real medical professionals – Brad Burger and Carla Mitchem. Whenever possible, avoid riding alone. Let someone know where you will be going [Continue Reading]