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 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 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 Mountain Biking | 1 CommentWe thinks 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 [Continue Reading]
Flat-Drop Now Complete
December 6, 2011 on 1:39 pm | In 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 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 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 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]
Cascade Locks Work Day
October 7, 2011 on 12:29 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentAndy Jansky – with an assist from Andy Crump and NWTA – has been working with the Cascade Lock Port Authority to build a family-friendly bike park on Port property on the Columbia River. [caption id="attachment_9378" align="alignright" width="205" [Continue Reading]
Bike Park Signage Now Up
October 4, 2011 on 12:49 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsRyan McMaster did a great job of creating short-term signs for the Castle Rock Bike Park, and Dave and I finally got around to putting them up on Sunday. One side lists all current donors, with logos included for any businesses or organizations that have [Continue Reading]
McMaster Goes Down Hard
October 3, 2011 on 12:45 pm | In Mountain Biking | 8 CommentsRyan parked at 465 before Saturday’s ride. You wouldn’t think this would end up being a problem. However, . . . If this had happened to one of us elderly types, we would have been roadkill. Here’s is Ryan’s account of the incident. As I was [Continue Reading]
Bike Park Volunteers Deserve Major Kudos
September 30, 2011 on 12:41 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsThere is no way we would have taken on a project like the Castle Rock Bike Park without feeling confident that we could draw strong volunteer support. As of October 29th, 43 different volunteers had rung up a total of 545 hours. This is a phenomenal accomplishment [Continue Reading]
Sometimes It’s All Good
September 29, 2011 on 12:41 pm | In Mountain Biking | 3 CommentsWe had our first emergency extraction at Growlers on Wednesday. Paul, Kelley and Scott Bishop were riding near the Big Easy when Scott went down with a heart attack. Naturally, when Paul and Kelley said they needed to call 911, he told them it wasn’t [Continue Reading]
GG Events Cancelled – Apology and Explanation
September 28, 2011 on 12:49 pm | In Mountain Biking | 6 CommentsI’ve decided to cancel the remaining GG events for 2011 – these include the TT and Climbing Championship. I apologize for not following through, but I am out of gas right now and don’t have the energy to handle the organization of these events. There are [Continue Reading]
Pump Track Technique
September 27, 2011 on 12:28 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 1 CommentWatch the video. Then when you hit the Castle Rock Bike Park you will know what to do and how you are supposed to look. [Continue Reading]
Stella Closure Has Ramifications for All
September 20, 2011 on 9:03 am | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsThe recent closure of the parking area at Harmony sends a clear message – our situation as mountain bikers in Southwest Washington is very fragile. The ignorance and disrespect shown by a handful of riders with no stake in the local scene is all it took to [Continue Reading]
Bike Park Volunteers Make Headway
September 19, 2011 on 12:45 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsThanks from all of us to the great group of volunteers from Growlers Gulch Racing that showed up Saturday and Sunday to work at the Castle Rock Bike Park. On Saturday, Brian Isbell, Ryane Oline, Ryan McMaster and Greg Ogden focused on digging and installing the [Continue Reading]
Mel’s 40 @ 40 Vid
September 15, 2011 on 12:49 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsPhotos and vid clips courtesy of Kelley Hinkle, Jim LeMonds, and Paul Norris. This ride covered 43.1 miles with nearly 5,000 feet of climbing on the Ape Canyon, Blue Lake, and Falls Creek trails. Mel completed the ride in memory of Bob Clouse, Warren Martin, and [Continue Reading]
Locals Hit Podium at High Cascades 24
September 14, 2011 on 12:59 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsHats off to two teams from Growlers Gulch Racing for their great finishes at the grueling 2011 High Cascades 24 in Bend on September 11. The Bad Bettys -comprised of Dara Muldoon, Denise Livingston, Juntu Oberg and Wynn Lobel – completed 14 laps, each of [Continue Reading]
Oregon Super D Series
September 13, 2011 on 12:43 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsThe Oregon Super D Series came to a close last weekend at Sandy Ridge. The legendary Brian Lopes showed up to claim the top spot. Check the great high-rez shots in the slideshow, courtesy of Guy Smith. [Continue Reading]
Kids’ Bikes on G-Bay
September 9, 2011 on 12:41 pm | In G-Bay, Mountain Biking | No Comments***These items were claimed by Andy Plassmeyer at 1:01 p.m. on 9-9-11.*** I have two kids’ bikes that need a home. Let me know if you are interested in one or both. I don’t want any money for them but would appreciate it if the new owner(s) would make a [Continue Reading]
Mel Knocks Down 40 @ 40
September 7, 2011 on 12:39 pm | In Mountain Biking | 4 CommentsShe trained so hard, there was never a doubt she’d get it done. On Saturday, September 3rd, Melanie Norris completed her 40 @ 40 epic to celebrate her 40th birthday and to raise money for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Mel also dedicated the day to the [Continue Reading]
Brigman Leaves His Mark at Nationals
September 6, 2011 on 1:39 pm | In Mountain Biking | 3 CommentsLance Brigman didn’t bring home a title, but he came awfully close. Brigman was in Bend, Oregon, to participate in 65-69 division of USA Cycling’s National Masters’ Championships from August 31st to September 4th. Individual Time Trial – [Continue Reading]
Kevin Going Fast
September 2, 2011 on 1:44 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentKevin hits 28.4 miles per hour in this clip filmed at Mount Hood. [Continue Reading]
Details of Stella Parking Closure
September 1, 2011 on 2:36 pm | In Mountain Biking | 7 CommentsAfter speaking with the people who own the areas at Harmony where most bikers park, Bob Stanton submitted this report: Notice to all: The homeowners at the end of Harmony Road (Longview, WA) have rescinded the parking privileges that we had previously enjoyed. [Continue Reading]
Norris Offers 2010 Niner S.I.R. 9
August 30, 2011 on 12:23 pm | In G-Bay, Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsIt doesn’t happen often – Paul is actually selling a bike. His 2010 Niner S.I.R. 9 is on the market. The bike has approximately 10 hours of ride time. Paul is asking $450 for frame only or $500 for the frame and King headset. Complete info about this [Continue Reading]
Bike Park Work Day Set for September 18th
August 25, 2011 on 2:29 pm | In Mountain Biking | 4 CommentsOur fourth major work party at the Castle Rock Bike Park is on tap for Sunday, September 18th. Start time is 9 a.m. Our focus will be on the following, with crews assigned to each: Tweak the intermediate pump track to perfection, using dirt from the abandoned [Continue Reading]
Mel Norris Closes in on Labor Day Epic
August 24, 2011 on 12:35 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsThe hay is just about in the barn. Mel Norris is putting the finishing touches on the training for her 40th birthday ride on Saturday, September 3rd. The epic route will include Ape Canyon (15.5), Blue Lake (8.8) and Falls Creek (17.1), with a total of [Continue Reading]
Aaron Altaeuser Lands on Injured Reserve List
August 23, 2011 on 2:44 pm | In Mountain Biking | 7 CommentsThe Board of Director has received word that Aaron Althaeuser went down with a head injury recently while riding the 450 Trail at Mount Hood. Although Althaeuser is sometimes considered an NWTA guy, we know he is GGR all the way. During the past year, Aaron helped [Continue Reading]
Legacy Trail Crew Makes a Big Dent
August 22, 2011 on 4:30 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsHuge thanks to the trail crew from Growlers Gulch Racing that hit Legacy on Saturday. Thanks also to Dara Hartman for organizing the effort. The crew included Dara, Laurie Larsen, Wynne Lobel, Chris Laughlin, April Kincaide, April’s friend Kalani, Nancy [Continue Reading]
Tree Wins Battle with Board of Director
August 19, 2011 on 3:22 pm | In Mountain Biking | 14 CommentsIt should never have been this complicated. With Mel’s ride coming up, I wanted to get in some climbing. Went down the Big Wow, up the Ridge Trail, and down Rush. Rode PMS, climbed Bitter Bitch, Lower Jekyll, Little Sister, Vortex and took gravel to the [Continue Reading]
Loney Finishes 2nd in 2011 NW Cup Standings
August 15, 2011 on 1:53 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsEric Loney completed the 2011 race season by placing fourth at Stage 5 of the Northwest Cup Downhill Series at Port Angeles on August 7th. Loney – who races for Project 529, SRAM, and Santa Cruz – finished the year as the second-ranked pro in the [Continue Reading]
Pump de Post-Pumptrack Jam Race
August 11, 2011 on 5:00 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsWe’re not there yet, but this is what we’re shooting for at the Castle Rock Bike Park. Video courtesy of Paul Norris and Vital MTB. Pump-De-Post-Pumptrack-Jam-Race – More Mountain Bike Videos [Continue Reading]
Mueller, Muldoon, Olin Race at Oakridge
August 10, 2011 on 4:39 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentThomas Mueller, Jeff Muldoon and Ryane Olin – all of Growlers Gulch Racing – ripped tread at the Oregon Super D at Oakridge on August 7. The course was set up on the Alpine Trail and included 4,700 feet of descent and 1,000 feet of climbing over 14 [Continue Reading]
Crump’s Nephew Learns by Trial and Error
August 9, 2011 on 5:06 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 2 CommentsAndy Crump’s nephew Spencer is learning to mountain bike. Apparently, Spencer has been taking lessons from members of the Killer Burritos – a now defunct biking group from Portland that rode in several TDGs. The video is only a minute long, but it is [Continue Reading]
Sign-up Now for GG Super D
August 8, 2011 on 4:24 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 26 CommentsSign-up begins now for the GG Super D on Saturday, September 17th. This event is brought to you by Growlers Gulch Racing. Course: Some work is needed on Legacy, but the ride route is in very good shape. You will start at the top of Legacy, then hit WTF, Vortex, [Continue Reading]
Mel’s 40 @ 40 to Raise Money for Cancer Research
August 5, 2011 on 4:04 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsIn an effort to alleviate some logistical nightmares I have decided to make some changes to the 40 @ 40 Ride. We are still going to finish up with the Falls Creek trail. Paul is going to pace me, Jeep is going to sweep me and Dave is going to be our driver so [Continue Reading]
Brigman Preps for USAC Nationals
August 4, 2011 on 4:25 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentLance Brigman of Growlers Gulch Racing has been training hard for the upcoming USA Cycling Nationals in Bend from August 31 to September 3. Lance will participate in the 65-69 Master’s Time Trial on Wednesday, hit the Criterium on Thursday and then finish [Continue Reading]
South Coldwater Video
August 3, 2011 on 11:47 am | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsGreat stuff once again from Kelley Hinkle. This is footage of our Monday ride on the 230A Trail at Coldwater Ridge, north of Mount St. Helens. We topped out at St. Helens Lake. In most cases, video doesn’t do justice to the terrain. That’s not the case [Continue Reading]
Under-employed Ride South Coldwater
August 2, 2011 on 1:53 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 1 CommentI tried to get out of it. When I talked with Paul on Sunday at the bike park, his knee was hurting and he was fatigued from riding Smith Creek with Mel on Saturday. I got the impression that he might want to cancel our ride on the 230A Trail at South Coldwater. No [Continue Reading]
Expert Pump Track Nearly Completed!
August 1, 2011 on 3:07 am | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 1 CommentThanks to a great design by Kevin Knorr and Randy Toney and extraordinary work from a crew of volunteers from Growlers Gulch Racing, the expert pump track at the Castle Rock Bike Park is approximately 75 percent complete. We told Kevin and Randy we wanted them to [Continue Reading]
Major Work Underway at CR Bike Park
July 29, 2011 on 2:09 pm | In Mountain Biking | 4 CommentsProgress continues at the bike park this weekend with a two-day build on tap. The plan is to complete the expert pump track. The beginner and intermediate tracks are rideable. However, Kevin Knorr, Ryan McMaster and Ryan Hicks – who have been involved with [Continue Reading]
Smith Creek Vid
July 28, 2011 on 1:58 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsThanks to Kelley for this vid. You can read his full report about the Smith Creek adventure here. [Continue Reading]
Growlers Ride Report from Tony
July 27, 2011 on 12:24 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentJust worked out that I was back in town after grueling vacation stints in Vegas and LA and was able to connect with veteran rider Tony Harisimowic from Vancouver on July 17th. Tony has a great blog that details his wide-ranging ride experiences on 254 trails in 26 [Continue Reading]
Dave, Smitty on Injured List
July 26, 2011 on 1:19 pm | In Mountain Biking | 3 CommentsTough news for two GGR stalwarts. Dave LeMonds has received word that he will miss the entire summer and fall ride seasons due to a back injury. Dave has experienced extreme leg pain during the past two months. An MRI revealed a herniated disc that will require [Continue Reading]
Smith Creek, Ape Canyon Ride Report
July 25, 2011 on 1:20 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsRob Larsen, Jack Berry and Bob Horness joined the Under-employed – Paul Norris, Kelley Hinkle and myself – for a ride at the mountain on Friday. Our goals were to familiarize Paul with Smith Creek in advance of Mel’s Labor Day birthday epic, to [Continue Reading]
Eight Mile – Knebel Springs Report
July 21, 2011 on 1:43 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsDetailed report from Kelley Hinkle about a recent ride at Eight Mile – Knebel Springs at Mount Hood. Story. Video below. [Continue Reading]
Super D Route Now Set
July 20, 2011 on 1:22 pm | In Mountain Biking | 4 CommentsThe Board of Director has settled on the ride route for the 2011 Super D, scheduled for September 17th. This event is sponsored by Growlers Gulch Racing. The race will start at the top of the Legacy and then hit WFT, Vortex, Jekyll, the Lower KMA’s and the [Continue Reading]
Rogauskas Finishes at Cascade Creampuff
July 18, 2011 on 1:12 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentAll those big training rides on the Golden Spike paid off for Joel Rogauskaus, who earned a finisher’s hat by completing the Cascade Creampuff in 13 hours and 44 minutes on July 11th. The 100-mile event, which combined intense gravel climbing with vicious [Continue Reading]
St. Helens Report
July 14, 2011 on 3:09 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentBrian Mahon and Ken Noble were at Blue Lake for a ride this weekend to test the high-elevation conditions. They headed up toward Huckleberry Saddle and the Sheep Canyon Trail but could made it a quarter of a mile before snow turned them back. They were able to [Continue Reading]
Beginner, Intermediate Pump Tracks Ready to Ride!
July 11, 2011 on 1:39 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsAll of the planning and hard work is now paying off! A stalwart crew from Growlers Gulch Racing constructed the beginner and intermediate pump tracks at the Castle Rock Bike Park on Sunday, July 10th. See photos at the bottom of this post – they don’t [Continue Reading]
Valmont Bike Park
July 7, 2011 on 12:29 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 1 CommentTwo vid clips from the Valmont Bike Park in Boulder, Colorado. Big dollars and plenty of creativity on display. The first gives an overview of the park. The second has some good stuff shot with a helmet cam. The third has some air shots and a nice view of the [Continue Reading]
South Coldwater Vid
July 7, 2011 on 12:25 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsNice vid from Andy Plassmeyer showing the descent off the South Coldwater 230A on the work day in late June. [Continue Reading]
Golden Spike in Pristine Condition
July 6, 2011 on 12:40 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentIf a brain injury or bad DNA has left you unconvinced that the Growlers and Stella systems offer some of the Pacific Northwest’s best trail, Saturday’s ride would have changed what’s left of your mind. Joel, Dave, Jack, Erik, Lipton, Paul, Mel, [Continue Reading]
Travis Doesn’t Eat Feces
July 5, 2011 on 1:17 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsAfter making his debut at Growlers in the feature film Travis Eats Feces and then following that with a repeat performance at the Tour de Gulch, Travis Degn proved this weekend that he is ready to start schooling people. Check out his performance on the bridge on [Continue Reading]
Locals Place at Hood
July 5, 2011 on 1:08 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentStage 3 of the Northwest Cup Downhill series saw several local riders turn in good showings at Mount Hood. The event took place June 24-26. Geo Smith of Project 529 was first in Cat 1 50+ with a time of 5.32.39. Jason Moon finished fourth in Cat 1 40+ with a time [Continue Reading]
Beer Survey Snubs Most Oregon Offerings
July 1, 2011 on 1:10 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentFrom Biz Journals: I don’t want to sound like a Stone Arrogant Bastard, but reading the 2011 Zymurgy Best Beers in America list gave me the Oskar Blues. Only two Oregon beers made the top 50 in the annual list, which is compiled by the American Homebrewers [Continue Reading]
Jamieson Wins at Crested Butte
June 29, 2011 on 1:12 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsAfter missing the entire 2010 race season to shoulder surgery, Darrell Jamieson proved that he is all the way back. Jamieson won the 30+ Cat 1 crown in dual slalom at the Wildflower Rush Mountain Bike Series Race in Crested Butte, Colorado. He also finished third [Continue Reading]
Mel Norris Completes Mount Adams Century, Ramps Up Training
June 28, 2011 on 12:33 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsMelanie Norris completed the Mount Adams Century on Saturday, June 25th. Training partner Paul Norris was along for the ride. Totals included 105 miles and 7,600 feet of climbing with time in the saddle at just over seven hours. “This lets me know we can tap [Continue Reading]
South Coldwater Crew Steps Up
June 28, 2011 on 12:31 pm | In Mountain Biking | 4 CommentsA small but staunch crew from Growlers Gulch Racing made big progress on the South Coldwater 230A Trail on Sunday, June 26th. The group included Brian Mahon, Dave LeMonds, Jeff Lipton, Lance Brigman, Erik Carlson, Bob Horness, Ken Noble, Ryan McMaster, Chris [Continue Reading]
Bike Park Photos – Additional News
June 27, 2011 on 1:48 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 3 CommentsThe photos below are from last Thursday’s work day – with Ryan McMaster, Ryane Olin, Randy Toney, and Randy’s dad, John, on site to handle the layout, rocking of the access area, scrape-off and grading. Huge thanks to them for putting in 11 hours [Continue Reading]
Castle Rock Bike Park Breaks Ground!
June 24, 2011 on 1:34 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentA small crew from Growlers Gulch Racing broke ground on the Castle Rock Bike Park on June 23rd. Our Fill & Grade permit, which allows us to disturb less than one acre of dirt, was approved earlier than expected and we decided to take advantage. The initial [Continue Reading]
3Minute Gaps – Biking Documentary
June 23, 2011 on 8:17 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | 1 Comment3Minute Gaps For two years the crew of 3 MINUTE GAPS have followed the world’s best mountain bike racers around the globe documenting them as they trained, prepared, rode, ate, traveled, raced, celebrated, commiserated, and made sacrifices simply because of [Continue Reading]
Controversy Clouds Brigman’s 65th Birthday Celebration
June 22, 2011 on 12:07 pm | In Mountain Biking | 8 CommentsYes, it’s Lance Brigman’s birthday! Now, instead of feeling bad because you’re getting your ass handed to you buy a 64-year-old, you can experience that same angst knowing that the elderly gentleman riding away in the distance is 65. On a day [Continue Reading]
South Coldwater Work Party – June 26th
June 21, 2011 on 1:23 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsThe South Coldwater work party on the 230A Trail on the north side of Mount St. Helens is a go for Sunday, June 26th. Full details and sign-up here. Brian Mahon and Ken Noble went up recently to do recon and start the work. Brian reports that heavy snow brought [Continue Reading]
Video Footage from TDG XIV
June 21, 2011 on 1:18 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsTDG XIV Draws 75 Riders
June 20, 2011 on 12:51 pm | In Mountain Biking | 5 CommentsSeventy-five riders shrugged off drizzle and sloppy tread to soak up the vibe at the Fourteenth Annual Tour de Gulch on Saturday, June 18th. The event was sponsored by Growlers Gulch Racing. Having fun was the top priority and that goal was accomplished! With so [Continue Reading]