The Year in Review
December 30, 2010 on 2:36 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsI was going through stories and vids from 2010 and suddenly realized how much we accomplished, both individually and as a group. I think it’s easy to get accustomed to the way things are in the local area and start believing it’s like this everywhere. [Continue Reading]
Winterfish Wins 2010 Christmas Tasting
December 29, 2010 on 3:28 pm | In Stories by Jim LeMonds | 2 CommentsWinterfish from Fish Brewing of Olympia was the surprise winner at the LeMonds Family Holiday Tasting on Christmas Day. A hoppy brew with an ABV of 7.5 percent, Winterfish received high marks for its citrus flavor, smooth finish, and overall drinkability. [caption [Continue Reading]
Highlander Announces Shop Ride at Stella
December 28, 2010 on 3:28 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsHighlander Cycling is putting together a group ride at Stella on Saturday, January 15th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a great opportunity to tour the Stella system, but you must sign up at the shop to be eligible. Ride leaders are Ken “The Other White [Continue Reading]
Castle Rock Pump Track Survey
December 27, 2010 on 2:33 pm | In Mountain Biking | 3 CommentsThis is the way we prove to the city of Castle Rock that there is legitimate interest in a pump track. It is essential that you complete the survey at the link below. If you don’t want to bother with the entire thing, be sure you hit questions 9, 10 and [Continue Reading]
Beer List Set for Christmas Tasting
December 23, 2010 on 1:43 pm | In Mountain Biking, Stories by Jim LeMonds | 1 CommentEveryone has a Christmas tradition. Some people have a special stuffing recipe. Others hang unique decorations. At the LeMonds house, we celebrate the holiday with beer – and not just any beer. We have about a dozen varsity tasters and several others in [Continue Reading]
Photos of Al
December 22, 2010 on 3:18 pm | In Mountain Biking, Photos and Videos | No CommentsA few photos of Al Hansen, winner of both the Super D and Climbing Championship at Growlers Gulch in 2010. [caption id="attachment_6742" align="alignnone" width="459" caption="Fort Stevens"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_6744" align="alignnone" width="720" [Continue Reading]
All-Comers Meat VII
December 21, 2010 on 11:51 am | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsALL COMER’S MEAT VII Sunday, January 16, 2011 9:45 a.m. at “The Pile” Whypass Trail Network near Lorane, OR Hosted by The Disciples of Dirt Everyone is welcome This is an all-abilities fun ride day Not a race Bring a post-ride snack… bring [Continue Reading]
Growlers-Stella Trail Update
December 20, 2010 on 2:18 pm | In Mountain Biking | 4 CommentsGROWLERS Vortex Now Open: Dave, Jeff, Kelley and I went up to finish the newest Growlers line on Sunday. It eliminates the dreaded gravel climb from Upper Jekyll to the top of the 313 hill. Now you can gain the same amount of elevation without the inconvenience of [Continue Reading]
Neil Williamson, ’83
December 18, 2010 on 2:10 pm | In Player Profiles | No CommentsPoint Guard Extraordinaire Neil Williamson was one of those special players who got as much joy from setting up a teammate’s score as he did from dropping in a shot of his own. That unselfish attitude—in combination with superior quickness and ball-handling [Continue Reading]
Castle Rock’s German Community
December 17, 2010 on 1:41 pm | In Stories by Jim LeMonds | No CommentsThe following story by Jim LeMonds appeared in the December 2010 issue of the Cowlitz Historical Quarterly. During the first part of the 20th century, Castle Rock was home to a large contingent of German immigrants, many of whom were born and raised in Russia’s [Continue Reading]
Seattle’s Colonnade Bike Park Beckons
December 16, 2010 on 1:40 pm | In Mountain Biking | 2 CommentsI-5 Colonnade is the first-ever urban mountain bike skills park. Colonnade features a novice area – the Tqalu Trail; an intermediate and advanced area – Limestone Loop; a dirt jumping section; pump track; trials area and more. And because it’s [Continue Reading]
Canfield Brothers’ Yelli Screamy Reviewed
December 14, 2010 on 1:46 pm | In Mountain Biking | No CommentsRyan McMaster previously submitted a story about Chris Canfield’s recent ride at Growlers. In the article, Aaron Althaeuser provides a full review of Canfield’s Yelli Screamy. The Yelli Screamy is, by far, the best 29er hardtail I’ve ridden. It [Continue Reading]
Pump Track Committee – Meeting Summary
December 13, 2010 on 1:36 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentThe Pump Track Committee of Growlers Gulch Racing met at the Backstage Cafe on December 9th to discuss design plans for the proposed pump track in Castle Rock. Just how big is the project? Eighteen people showed up to provide input. Thanks to all of you for [Continue Reading]
CHQ Column – December 2010
December 10, 2010 on 2:11 pm | In Stories by Jim LeMonds | No CommentsThe following column by Jim LeMonds appeared in the December issue of the Cowlitz Historical Quarterly. Americans have short memories. Listen to the buzz today and you’d believe 20th century immigrants to the United States would never have considered entering the [Continue Reading]
Bikes-for-Kids Garners Support
December 9, 2010 on 1:42 pm | In Mountain Biking | 3 CommentsWe’re getting bikes and frames. Now we need riders! Start asking around. We are interested in kids and adults who would like to give mountain biking a shot. Have them get their name on the list and we will do our best to supply them with a ride. Here’s [Continue Reading]
Legacy Trail Gets Wheels
December 8, 2010 on 2:40 pm | In Mountain Biking | 1 CommentThe new line at the top of the 313 hill has been getting some action of late. It could use more. As I mentioned previously, we need to hit this hard to keep the vegetation under control. Elevation: Kelley Hinkle says the elevation at the top is 1,728 feet. This is [Continue Reading]
Golden Spike Update
December 7, 2010 on 1:43 pm | In Mountain Biking | 3 CommentsBy Joel Rogauskus From the Harmony Road side, the Spike is clear of snow except for the very top segment (Bad Camber), but that shouldn’t last long unless the snow level drops again this week. The timber owners have recently pre-commercially thinned along [Continue Reading]
Castle Rock Pump Track is a Go!
December 6, 2010 on 1:42 pm | In Mountain Biking | 3 CommentsOn Tuesday, November 30th, I met with the Castle Rock Parks Board to propose the construction of a pump track in CR. They were very enthusiastic and gave us the unofficial go-ahead. I am reasonably confident that construction can begin in March. The site will be [Continue Reading]
GGR Announces Bikes-for-Kids Program
December 3, 2010 on 1:40 pm | In Mountain Biking | 3 CommentsWe’ve been trying for some time to come up with ways to get more people involved in mountain biking. The door is now open and it’s time to step through. GGG member Ann Spencer has gotten the ball rolling. Ann generously donated an Enduro Specialized. [Continue Reading]
Chris Canfield Rides Growlers
December 2, 2010 on 1:55 pm | In Mountain Biking | 4 CommentsStory by Ryan McMaster It’s not every day that mere mortals get to ride with a mountain biking legend. Last Saturday, a group of local riders were given that very opportunity when Chris Canfield showed up at Growlers Gulch for a tour of the trails. In [Continue Reading]
Black Friday Beer Tour
December 1, 2010 on 1:47 pm | In Mountain Biking, Stories by Jim LeMonds | 3 CommentsIn my eternal quest to find the spirit of Christmas, I loaded our rental van with the usual group of losers – Paul Norris, Dave LeMonds, Larry Morehead, Jeff Muldoon, Ryan McMaster, Jeff Lipton, and Lance Brigman, along with the incredible Melanie Norris [Continue Reading]