The 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]
Tag: Castle Rock
Pump Track Receives Official Approval
The Castle Rock City Council voted unanimously to approve a comprehensive bike skills park at their meeting on Monday, January 24th. After a presentation by Al Hansen and the Board of Director, the council signed off an a design that will include two pump tracks, [Continue Reading]
Castle Rock Pump Track Survey
This 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]
Castle Rock’s German Community
The 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]
Pump Track Committee - Meeting Summary
The 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]
Castle Rock Pump Track is a Go!
On 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]
Castle Rock’s German Community
The following story by Jim LeMonds will be included 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 [Continue Reading]
Dwight Cranston, ’51
Dwight Cranston—Power in the Paint At 6’ 3” and 200 pounds, Dwight Cranston was a powerful force on the basketball court and football field for the Rockets from 1949 through 1951. As a senior, Cranston averaged nearly 15 points a game and led the Trico League [Continue Reading]
Town’s History Told in Pictures
Castle Rock librarian Vicki Selander shelves and checks out books every day. But until now, she’d never had one she could call her own. That changed this month when Arcadia Publishing released Castle Rock, the latest installment in the company’s “Images of [Continue Reading]
Spike Reroute Cranks Up on Sunday
Joel Rogauskus is recruiting trail dogs to assist with a 4.3-mile reroute of the Golden Spike Trail that connects Stella with Growlers Gulch. There are two options: Meet Joel at the top of Coal Creek Road and Woodside Drive at 9:30 on Sunday. He can provide [Continue Reading]
Floyd LeBaron Coached Basketball, Taught Life
This column was published in the Daily News on November 13, 2025 When I was a kid growing up in Castle Rock during the 1950s and ‘60s, I never missed a home basketball game. I dreamed of wearing the red-and-white and playing for Rocket coach Floyd LeBaron. I got [Continue Reading]
Short Quotes from Former Players
Jim Hansch (1956): “Coach was a real competitor and a real inspiration to me. I’ve always thought the world of him.” Steve Hansen (1957): “When you played for Coach LeBaron, you hustled your butt off. He was all about discipline, fundamentals, [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Ken Burgoyne, ’69
Coach LeBaron had a knack for elevating your game. Not just the game of basketball but the game of life as well. He was a man that always had concern for others but seemingly never for himself. One of my most cherished times with Coach was when Rand got us together [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Dave LeMonds, ’72
The start of the ’72 season was a train wreck. Before the very first game (maybe even before practices got going) several starters quit the team in apparent protest to Floyd and his “old-school” coaching style. We were left with one returning [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Coach Charley Baker
As a coach and teacher Floyd LeBaron did a most excellent job, not only in knowing how to win but also in helping many exceed beyond their own expectations. Floyd was a treasured and tremendous friend that I enjoyed spending time with, whether it was going [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Jack Gillen
My grandpa was, simply put, a legend. He taught me everything I know today about life. Spending time with him was always a joy. Whether it was on the basketball court, on the links, or fishing on the river, just being in his presence was something special. Win [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Don LeBaron
My uncle Floyd accomplished so much in his life, and I speak for everyone in our family when I say we love this man. Most will focus on the strength of his teaching and coaching, but I will always cherish the way he loved people. With kindness and sincerity he [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Rob Hippi
Coach LeBaron was a friend and mentor to me during my time as a high school basketball coach. My dad (Ted Hippi) met Coach LeBaron during a summer session at the U.W. in the early ’50s and they became friends. When dad left the Rock in 1953 to teach and [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Jim Burgoyne, ’59
In the years I’ve coached football at Castle Rock, I’ve tried to pass on to the young players the same values taught to me by Coach Lebaron. Be a good student, person, and citizen. Treat your teachers, fellow students, and opponents with respect. As far [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Hal Williams, ’55
Floyd LeBaron taught and coached at Concrete High School from 1948 until 1953. During these years he assisted in football and was head coach in boys’ basketball and baseball where he compiled winning records in both sports. During his last three seasons at CHS [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Carol Belany Rutledge, ’60
In our lives a few people stand tall above the rest and Floyd LeBaron was one of those special people. As a cheerleader in 1959-60, he made us feel as important as the team, and we felt honored to be representing Castle Rock . In the late 1960,s I was employed at [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Kurt Smith, ’60
I had a chance to work with Floyd for a brief time when I returned to Castle Rock as junior high principal from 1973-’75. At that time, he was still teaching. I remember having a difficult time thinking of him as “Floyd.” He was always the [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Randi Buker Gay, ’69
My relationship with Floyd and Sue was as one of the local kids, and through Linda and I being best buds forever. It gave me a wonderful chance to be one of Floyd’s kids. He was a fantastic example of a dad, even to an extra daughter like myself. I will [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Bob Rockett, ’61
Mr. LeBaron was a very dedicated teacher and coach. During my senior year, I had a life-threatening injury from football. Naturally, I wanted to play basketball at all costs. Coach LeBaron pulled me out of class for a “man-to-teenager” talk. He [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Rob Andrew, ’69
I remember halftime of one game whenn we weren’t playing well. Coach was trying to impress upon us the importance of getting ourselves mentally prepared. Apparently, we weren’t paying attention. He didn’t yell or jump up and down but he smacked [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Sam Cooley, ’69
For the ’69 team, Coach LeBaron was our mentor and a true father figure to us. Floyd dedicated his life to not only making us better basketball players, but better people. There are so many memories of Coach that I have, but the one that stands out was when [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Jim Andrew, ’71
At this point in our lives, we’ve all had time to reflect on our playing days with Coach. I was so, so fortunate to be a part of a three-year varsity career with him that included three league titles, three trips to the district and state tournaments and a [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Bob Chastain, ’62
Coach taught me that hard work, discipline, sacrifice and being a good person were more important than being a good basketball player. He was such a great role model for all of us who played for him. He also expected all of us to perform at a high level in the [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Richard McBride, ’62
I always called him “Mr. LeBaron” and still think of him as Mr. LeBaron - our teacher, coach, role model - and I always will. I have a lot of good memories about Mr. LeBaron, our team and our high school community at that time. If I remember [Continue Reading]
Reminisces - Larry Downing, ’62
I think it was a dream come true for any player that put on a Castle Rock Rocket uniform to play for Coach LeBaron. The character and ability of each player is different, and he had a way of bringing himself down to your level, working on your skills and then [Continue Reading]
TDG XII Draws Record Crowd
Nearly 60 riders joined the party at the 12th Annual Tour de Gulch on June 20th. Billed as The Best Ride West of Castle Rock on the Third Saturday in June, TDG XII was another opportunity to celebrate good trail and great friends. Thanks again to our sponsors [Continue Reading]
TDG Ride Groups
General Info Start time, parking, food, libations, TDG etiquette, etc. at http://writeteknorthwest.com/archives/1085/tour-de-gulch-hits-max-ridership Trail Work Two trail work days are planned in the St. Helens area for this summer. We want to do our best to get [Continue Reading]
Van Hoose Takes 5K Title
CASTLE ROCK - Three Rivers Cycling stud Mike Van Hoose took the lead on the third leg and ground out a victory at the Growlers Gulch 5,000 on Saturday, May 9th, winning by a full eight minutes. [caption id="attachment_945" align="alignright" width="300" [Continue Reading]
Sign-up Begins For Tour de Gulch XII
We’ve traditionally referred to the Tour de Gulch as “the best ride west of Castle Rock on the third Saturday in June.” But to tell you the truth, it has become one of the best celebrations of mountain biking and friendship in all of Southwest [Continue Reading]
All Systems Go for GG5K
As Hamlet said in Act V, “the readiness is all” - or as Van Hoose said on Tuesday, “The hay is in the barn.” No more pre-rides or route analysis. The GG5K is set to go on Saturday, May 9th. Right now, we have 24 riders still on the [Continue Reading]
Stanton, McMaster Out - Haight, Edwards In
Additions and Deletions: Due to circumstances beyond their control, defending champion Bob Stanton - along with Ryan McMaster, Paul Prouxl, and Sam Loney - have withdrawn from the 2009 Growlers Gulch 5,000. Todd Edwards and Three Rivers Cycling guru [Continue Reading]
GG5K Ride Route Now Available
Wheel #1 is on the line. Disclaimer: Riders who show up on May 9th understand that they are responsible for their own safety and for knowing the ride route. Ride Cancellation: Won’t happen unless the wind reaches dangerous levels. If you are intimidated by [Continue Reading]
Tour de Gulch Board of Directors Welcomes Growler Carlson
Growlers Gulch regulars Erik and Sara Carlson will soon be adding a rider to the newbie group. Their first child, a boy, is due in June. Fortunately, the due date falls right between the Growlers Gulch 5K and the Tour de Gulch, so that Erik will still have a chance [Continue Reading]
Golden Spike Ride Report and Photos
More than a dozen riders - including a large contingent from PUMP - survived a guided tour on the Golden Spike from Stella to Growlers Gulch on Sunday, September 13th. Continue reading Golden Spike Ride Report and Photos
Girls Hit Growlers
Thanks to Melanie “Ride Master” Norris, the first-ever women’s ride at Growlers was a huge success. A dozen women showed for the event on Sunday, August 9.
Mel has already scheduled the next women’s ride for Sunday, August 24th. If you, or someone you know, would like to sign on, contact Mel at [email protected]. Continue reading Girls Hit Growlers