The Grande Enchilada started as the Growlers Gulch 5,000, with that 5,000 referring to the vertical gain. The ride typically included two or three laps of a particular route. After 12 years, the 5K was due for an overhaul, so in 2018 I changed it to the Enchilada and focused on trying to make it one big lap. The result was 28 very difficult miles with somewhere between 5,000 and 7,500 feet of ascent.
When we started the 5K, there weren’t a ton of people riding at Growlers. I think the first few had only 12 to 15 entrants, and there was no need to even mark the course. I just told people the route, and they had ridden Growlers enough that no markings were needed.
Back in the day, mountain biking was pretty much a summer-fall activity. Today, it’s year-round. The reason we forced ourselves to endure the 5K was because we knew it would get us in better shape for summer riding. Just signing up for the 5K sent a message to your brain - It’s coming up in May. I need to start training now.
That mentality got everyone riding earlier in the spring and translated into us being stronger and having more fun on those big summer rides.
Over the years, the 5K - and now the Enchilada - have proven to be an excellent test for riders of all ability levels. To those of you who do huge rides on a regular basis, it’s not a big deal. But for a lot of people, just being able to finish the 5K is affirmation that you are ready to take that next step to Ape Canyon, Lewis River, Smith Creek, Sheep Canyon, Coldwater, Green River, and more.
Because the numbers are pretty intimidating, we also included a Taco route in 2018, which came in at 20 miles and 3,000+ feet of climbing. It was certainly no gimmee. This year, to make the event even more inclusive we will offer a Chips & Salsa route that will be 15.6 miles with 2,300 feet of vertical.
You can check 2018 results at http://writeteknorthwest.com/archives/20364/taco-enchilada-results. If you are looking for Taco times, check elapsed for Suzie Griffin and Shane Oberg.
As you can imagine, hosting an event like this translates into a lot of planning and preparation, especially since many of those who sign up are not Growlers regulars. All the routes have to be flagged, and that is a big job.
Let me make this clear - This is not Chainbreaker or the Sisters Stampede.Here are a few things to know if you want to avoid suffering abuse in a future message or post:
*Don’t bitch about the fact that there are no course marshals; no aid stations; no OBRA points; no event t-shirts, medals, or goodie bags. No one wants to hear that shit, especially since there is no monetary entry-fee. If the things on the list above are a big deal to you, you are in the wrong place.
*Show some respect by coming out in advance to recon the places on the route that you are unsure about. Hook up with someone who can help you out (There will be multiple opportunities). There will be a zillion intersection to deal with. Take a wrong turn and you could end up in PeEll or Oakville. The rest of us will be at my house, drinking beers and trying to convince our legs to bend. Ask yourself how eager people will be to get back on their bikes to come and look for you.
*This is an unsupported ride. You must be able to deal with all your food, fuel, clothing, and repair needs.
*It’s amazing how often you end up riding virtually the entire route by yourself. It is possible to ride with a partner or two, but it can be difficult because everyone tends to ride at their own pace. If you are going to partner with one or more people, make sure you talk about it in advance. You essentially need to regroup at every intersection. BTW - I’m skeptical about the idea that someone who knows nothing about Growlers is going to “ride on your wheel.” I’ve seen people try this in the past and it has ended badly.