Category: Mountain Biking

Scott Lynn, who is a friend of Bob Horness, is selling a 2011 Giant 3x. Despite the age, it is in excellent condition. Large29erDT Swiss wheelsXT drivetrainFox forkLev dropperFSA cranksAsking $1,300. Contact Scott at 509.591.2078 with questions or to make an [Continue Reading]

Ben McCormack is selling his medium 2020 Santa Cruz 5010. This is a custom build with the following components. Frame: Santa Cruz 5010 CCRear shock: Fox Factory DPX2Fork: Fox Factory 36 - 150mmWheels: Santa Cruz Reserve 30, i9 Hydra hubsDrivetrain/Crank: [Continue Reading]

Kim Sharp is selling a 2007 Specialized Sequoia Elite Road Bike. Size is small. Price is $365. Drop bars27 speedSide pull caliper brakesDerailleur gear mechanismIntegrated brake shifting levers700 x 25 tiresWeight = 22.5 poundsOriginal ownerNot used in the past [Continue Reading]

Andrew Bauer is selling his 2020 Evil the Offering. This bike is a large, with no more than 20 hours of ride time. If it doesn’t get action on G-Bay, he will post it on PinkBike. I guarantee that the price will be higher than the $3,500 he is currently [Continue Reading]

We dialed a great day for the Enchilada. As per TopoFusion, total mileage for the full route was 29.99 with 5,000+ feet of gentle ascent. Modifications were necessitated because a machine was working in the rock pit, robbing some of the Enchilada riders of a trip [Continue Reading]

After several weeks on frigid weather, we got lucky and dialed a nice day. Tread was a little sloppy early on, but compared to the snow and wind we’ve had, this was a good one. Bill Goritski took the lead ride out of the gate and kept it from start to [Continue Reading]

Thanks to everyone who contributed a story for this post. Taken together, they tell you exactly why Vaughn Martin is loved and respected in our community. Bob Horness - Vaughn Martin is my mentor. He was introduced to me by my wife, Becki. She and Barb [Continue Reading]

Jack Berry is selling his beloved 2015 Santa Cruz Tallboy C. This bike is an XL. He is listing it for $2,500 on G-Bay only. As soon as it goes on Pinkbike and Craigslist it will be $3,200. Contact Jack at 360.560.5973 if you are interested. He has upgraded the [Continue Reading]

We have big things planned for the new year. The list of events - both work and competition - is long. One caveat about the events: no entry without trail work. In some cases, I have provided only general dates. Specifics to come. January 29th Work [Continue Reading]

A Growlers regular is selling a brand new, never-ridden carbon boost 29er wheelset with tires. If interested, let Jeep know and he will give the seller your contact info. Specs: Bontrager carbon Kovee 23 Elite boost 29″ wheelset with Continental [Continue Reading]

After squeaking out an overtime win at the Growlers Gulch Climbing Championship, Kevin Templeton left no doubt at the inaugural GG Trials Championship, cruising to victory over a strong field of competitors. The carnage was spectacular, and the riders displayed [Continue Reading]

It’s going to take me awhile to grieve. The lower trails are being logged, and they were near and dear to my heart. Nothing to do but keep building trail. Even with the logging, we will still have nearly 50 miles of single-track. It will just be a matter of [Continue Reading]

What a day! It took a tiebreaker to decide it. In the end, Kevin Templeton edged out Sterling Sobczak and Scooter Sutterer to take the crown. This one had all the elements of a great Growlers event - costumes, cowbells, tough climbs, plenty of laughs, and [Continue Reading]

Two years of training, a year-long postponement, and many hours of planning finally came to a head on July 23, 2021. Bob and I were apprehensive, adrenalized, and ready to finally determine if we had enough in the tank to complete a 71-mile trail ride to celebrate [Continue Reading]

I tried to collect and save all of the info and stories about the 71 ride before they slip from memory. It was an incredible day and a great personal accomplishment, but Bob and I agree that what we will remember most is the support and love of our ride team and [Continue Reading]

By Ryan Peerboom, July 18, 2025 Time is undefeated and it always will be. People can try their best to combat it and hold off aging for as long as possible, but time catches up to everyone eventually. Jim LeMonds and Bob Horness are two of those people that [Continue Reading]

The weather was good, and the course was brutal. The 16th GG Enchilada (formerly the 5K) is in the books. I have the totals as 26.5 miles (Scooter had it as 29.5) with 5,837 feet of gentle ascent. Matt Crampton (4:02), Scooter Sutter (4:15), and Darryl Kent (4:52) [Continue Reading]

Jeremy Howard took the top spot at Saturday’s Four Hours of Pain, completing five laps in 3:43. He was followed by Bill Goritski, who was the only other rider to complete five laps (3:49). Conditions were dicey, to say the least, and worsened as the [Continue Reading]

A bike ride and a beer have led to a fundraiser for the Clatskanie Senior Center. Clatskanie resident Bob Horness and his Castle Rock friend, Jim Lemonds, decided the time was right. ‘“We will be 70 soon and should consider an epic 70-mile mountain [Continue Reading]

Friend and ride team member Dara Hartman is creating a 71 coffee mug to commemorate the 71 @ 71 event. It will highlight the Ape Canyon Trail. Here’s a great chance to purchase some stellar functional art for yourself or as a gift for a friend. To make things [Continue Reading]

Well, it was far from one of our standard family event, but we at least made an attempt to carry on our traditional Christmas beer tasting. With no family gathering on Christmas Day, Jeff, Dave, and I took matters into our own hands and put together a three-person [Continue Reading]

Let the party begin! The Growlers Gulch Climbing Championship is a go for Sunday, November 1st. This means you won’t even have to put your Halloween costume in the closet. You can just bust it out for the event. How does it work? The Board of Director [Continue Reading]

It’s not perfect, but it’s better than nothing. Weyerhaeuser property is open, but Sierra Pacific land is not. The route below keeps you off the radar and still gets you about 15 miles and 2,000 feet of vertical. This is a great test of your ability to [Continue Reading]

We had numerous work parties in 2011 and 2012 at the Castle Rock Bike Park. We took it from an overgrown 2.5-acre plot to a place with jump lines, pump tracks, and all kinds of technical features. When we hosted the grand opening in September 2012, several hundred [Continue Reading]

The 2018 GG Climbing Championship was an incredible day. Bob Stanton edged Kim McCormack for the crown, with Kim becoming the first woman ever to podium at a Growlers event. But the highlight of the day came on the second climb. Easy Peasy had just been [Continue Reading]

I currently have no plans to sell my old bike, but if I change my mind here’s what the ad might look like. 2014 Pivot Mach 429 for sale. Immaculate condition. Lightly ridden by eldery man who used the bike primarily for neighborhood rides and short [Continue Reading]

Pete Gardner is selling his 2016 Santa Cruz Bronson 2 Carbon. Excellent condition with no scratches. Great parts package. Advertised at $3,500, but if you do trail work at Growlers the price is just $3,200. It is a medium.*2017 Fox Factory 34 Float Fit4 150mm [Continue Reading]

It was one hell of an effort. It took us only six weeks to build 2.2 miles of trail in a clear cut where the conditions were extreme. It says everything you need to know about us that 71 people came out to make this happen. And nearly 30 of them came out multiple [Continue Reading]

Pete Gardner is selling his 2015 Niner SIR single-speed. Bike is a medium. Excellent condition. Price is just $900. Single speed: Oval 30T x 22TFork: Rockshox Reba RL 29 100mmWheelset: Shimano XT TubelessBrakes: Shimano XT 180mmDropper: Thompson Elite [Continue Reading]

AThis year is proving to be a dynamic one for Northwest Trail Alliance. The organization has seen its membership explode with the development of trails at Rocky Point. At the same time, NWTA has been dealing with changes in its relationship with IMBA. Throw in [Continue Reading]

Tim Kalimanis is selling a 2014 Giant Tempt 0. Asking price is $525. *Size XS.*Mix of XT and SLX components*Thompson seat post*Newer Bontrager tires From Tim: “This is a women’s specific geometry but works great for kids due to less [Continue Reading]

What a deal! Pete Sloniker is selling his 2010 Pivot Mach 4. Growlers price is just $900. Check the components. I wouldn’t do a lot of tire-kicking if you are interested. This won’t last. *Frame: Aluminum*Size: Medium*Suspension: 100 mm Fox [Continue Reading]

Marty Swanson, Bill Larson, Bob Lessard, and Ben Tai wanted to see what Lemony Snicket was all about so we took them up there in mid-May. Bob was giddy to have other riders on board to do some sessioning. There were some remarkable efforts and plenty of [Continue Reading]

Darrell Jamieson is selling his sweet Yeti. It is a large. Craigslist price is $3,450. Growlers price is just $3,000. *Fox Factory 36 170mm fork*Fox Factory Float DPX2 shock*Renthal stem*Fat bar carbon bars*Fox Transfer dropper post*1×11 46/30. Shimano SLX [Continue Reading]

Not sure where to begin this. It isn’t every day that your friends pool their money and buy you an $8,500 bike. I don’t even know what the occasion was, other than that people heard my old bike was on its last legs and put out the word so that [Continue Reading]

Ben Milstein is selling a State Pulsar rigid single-speed with a carbon fork. Steel frame. 29-er. 2016. Size is small/medium. Advertised for $550 on Craigslist. Growlers price is $500. Specs - *Steel frame (4130 tubing) rigid single speed with [Continue Reading]

With the Four Hours of Pain and Enchilada being done virtually, I’ve been asked whether I’m worried about cheating. No. We have hosted approximately 30 competitive events at Growlers over the years. To the best of my knowledge, there have been [Continue Reading]

This year’s Enchilada promises to be a great challenge. Last year’s route covered 28 miles and included 5,000+ feet of gentle ascent. Expect as much or more this time around. All riders must start from 465. No exceptions. You log in with your [Continue Reading]

It wasn’t an easy decision, but after consulting with members of the ride team, Bob and I have decided to postpone our birthday ride until 2021. And, yes, we will have to ride 71 miles for it to count. Here are the key reasons we made this [Continue Reading]

Joe Santos - 6 laps in 3:47:29Sterling Sobczak - 5 laps in 3:39Matt Crampton - 5 laps in 3:50Jeep - 4 laps in 3:24:51Mike Packer - 4 laps in 3:28Darryl Kent - 4 laps in 3:29Pete Sloniker - 4 laps in 3:43Zach Sears - [Continue Reading]

Yes, it’s on. I did some rudimentary flagging and painting to mark the route, which is the same as in 2019. I ran out of paint and patience, so the work I did and the info below will have to suffice. I will post exact mileage and climbing in the next [Continue Reading]

In 2009, PUMP (Portland United Mountain Pedalers) became Northwest Trail Alliance. Andy Crump and Andy Jansky were both key players in NWTA leadership during the early days as it turned its attention to expanding its membership and more aggressively advocating for [Continue Reading]

Marty Swanson is selling his Pivot Mach 5.5, and let’s just say it’s in cherry condition. Marty works at Cyclepath PDX and this bike has seen love. It is a large. Text him at 503.481.3952 for a price or with questions. You can also email him at [Continue Reading]

In a recent story of the month, I put a heavy hit on Lipton with his inability to navigate, but - truth be told - I have had a couple of issues of my own. Dave and Jeff have never trusted me since. Hey, anyone can make a mistake. Sometimes the math is [Continue Reading]

Today’s lesson will make more sense if you have mastered Growlers 101. If you know where Predator, Cousin Eddie, Terminator, Beauty, Belly, Walk in the Park, Carnage, the Creek Trail, and the Jeep Trail are, you are ready to add a few more lines to your ride [Continue Reading]

Donation OpportunitiesSee Who’s DonatingRide DedicationsWhat Area Riders Are SayingSupport the 71 Ride, Get a Custom Coffee Mug60 @ 60 VideoNWTA InterviewVoice-Over Trails Video and Interview“Andy’s Adventures”- KPTV Ride Vid and [Continue Reading]

There might be some adjustments along the way, but this will give you a general idea of what’s on tap. As you will see when you scan the list, it includes some events that are on my training agenda and are not Growlers-related. Feel free to join me for [Continue Reading]

The first time Bob came to Growlers was about 1997. Dave, Jeff, and I were working on the Melton Trail. Prior to logging, this line extended past the area where Frosty Balls, Trail of Tears, and the Melton Trail converge at the south end of the system. There [Continue Reading]

At what was unquestionably the most unique assemblage of beers to date, Hopworks Whiskey Barrel-aged A-Bomb took the top spot at the 19th Annual LeMonds Family Beer Tasting. Kudos to Dave for selecting a group of beers that pushed the envelope in terms of [Continue Reading]

This is our effort to keep the trails throughout the system in great condition. People commit to a particular trail (or two in some cases), check it occasionally, and make sure it remains clear and rideable. Please note, our focus is on lines that are off the [Continue Reading]

Jeff Lipton has been riding at Growlers nearly as long as I have, which makes the fact that he never knows where he is even more mind-boggling. It took me a long time to realize that he was directionally-challenged. When he was in tip-top condition, he would [Continue Reading]

It was a classic Growlers build with 136 volunteers coming out to work on several big projects. The total eclipsed the previous record of 130. If you were there, please post your photos on the Cowlitz Mountain Biking and NWTA Facebook pages. Here’s what [Continue Reading]

No turning back now. We will have more than 100 people out for Sunday’s work party. Be sure to take a look at the info below. Also, if you know non-Growlers people who are coming, please pass it along to them. Weather: Expect rain. High of 46. Low of [Continue Reading]

It didn’t start great, but 2019 turned out to be a very good year. Fingers crossed that 2020 will be able to match it. Things got off to a rough start when we were snowed out of two work parties in January and February that would have allowed us to finish [Continue Reading]

Crew #1: Meet an or near the blue gate. Focus will be on Lemony Snicket. Andrew Holder (503.753.2421), Bob Horness (503.308.2278), Nathan Frechen, Nancy Stone, Jason Crago, Jeff Weigand, Rye Livingston, Jeremy Howard, Kelly Stolz, Susan Martin, Gabriel Tiller, [Continue Reading]

Have you ever spent time with Brian Mahon? Brian is an incredibly strong rider. He is also a non-stop talking machine who comes up with the strangest and most humorous off-the-wall comments of anyone I know. Back in the mid-‘90s, I was attempting to [Continue Reading]

One of my goals has long been to help get Growlers to a point where we have 50 miles of active trail before I go to the home. To tell you the truth, it’s always been more of a dream because I never believed it was possible. Well, we are there. Would you [Continue Reading]

We never stop. We are planning a big build on January 5th, with three areas of focus: (1) a big hit on the new Carnage line; (2) completion of Lemony Snicket; (3) continued work on the Outer Spike. The plan is to have at least 40 on Carnage, 15 on Lemony [Continue Reading]

SIt had to be 2010 because I’m almost positive I was training for my 60th birthday ride. I got an email from a woman who wanted to join us for a ride at Growlers. She had qualified for Leadville and was trying to amp up to get ready. I didn’t know much [Continue Reading]

Thanks to all 86 volunteers who came out on Saturday for the first big build of the season. We had perfect weather, great people and a good plan, so it’s not surprising that we had great results. I rode it on Sunday with Joel, Barry, Lizzy, Preston, [Continue Reading]

Nobody does stupid like we do stupid. It was wet, slick, and vile. The tread was like pudding. Perfect conditions for the 2019 Climbing Championship at Growlers. With three new climbs on tap and a group of 24 stellar riders - including four former [Continue Reading]

Jack Berry was famous for bringing new riders to Growlers. I’ve often said that - in a previous life - Jack was a fitness instructor for Hitler Youth. He was fine when it came to recruiting people. Problems typically ensued when they came out and got [Continue Reading]

Right now, the weather-guessers are saying there is only a small chance of rain. It will be chilly in the a.m. Keep an eye on the forecast and prepare accordingly.We will have 80+ people out there. They can’t all park at the blue gate. We want bob-pullers, crew [Continue Reading]

Are you aware that Growlers has a loaner fleet that features some excellent bikes? If you are trying to get family members or friends interested in mountain biking but they don’t have bikes, this is a great opportunity. Also, if your bike is in the shop and [Continue Reading]

It’s taken, nearly five years for the work done by Northwest Trail Alliance and Growlers Gulch Racing to bring us to the point where new ride options are available at the mountain. Check the info below, get out there and put wheels on these lines, then [Continue Reading]

Our primary goal is to complete the final sections of the Outer Limit trail. This beast will be approximately five miles long. Just that last one left to go. We will need trail bobs, so let me know if you have one. We will be partying at Porky’s in [Continue Reading]

The Growlers Gulch Climbing Championship is on for October 20th. Last year, Bob Stanton edged Kim McCormack to win the title. We expect to see a number of strong challengers in this year’s field. The Board of Director will select five short climbs with [Continue Reading]

Results of 2019 SHIFT Work Party There are always complications, but, overall, it turned out to be a great day. We are fortunate to have so many experienced crew chiefs and volunteers; it makes things go smoothly. No-shows, late arrivals, and unexpected [Continue Reading]

***All crew members should bring a handsaw or long-handled loppers. Bring good gloves, food, and fuel. Consider long sleeves and bug spray.*** Sheep Canyon Crews: Be at the Blue Lake Trailhead by 7:40. If you are staying in camp, get together there and carpool [Continue Reading]

I guess we’re going to find out. About this time next year, Bob Horness and I will celebrate our 70th birthdays by attempting to ride 70+ miles of epic single-track in a single day. When I did my 60th birthday ride in 2010, I discovered that it was [Continue Reading]

Scope of Work for SHIFT 2019 - To some degree, our focus at SHIFT the past few years has matched up remarkably with the mission of Trans-Cascadia: “re-opening long forgotten or neglected trail networks deep within the Pacific Northwest.” With this in [Continue Reading]

I was staying in Manzanita over the Fourth and took my three younger grandsons to the new trail system at Klootchy Creek, just east of the 101-26 interchange. I was impressed. We rode up gravel for a bit and stumbled onto a black diamond line called DeFib. [Continue Reading]

When was the last time you had 75 people at your house for a party? It can be crowded and chaotic. Take a minute to read what follows so we can all be on the same page. *My address is 465 Growlers Gulch Road. Driveway on the left. Bike rim and chain rings [Continue Reading]

Approximately 70 volunteers turned out for the annual work party at Coldwater Lake on June 1st. It was a great team effort from NWTA, Growlers Gulch Racing, the USFS, and Daybreak Racing that saw most of the 12-mile loop around the lake cleaned. I think we [Continue Reading]

Talk about a sweet bike! Bob Keeney is selling his 2017 Pivot Mach 429 Trail 16 inch (small) with XTR/XT PRO build. It has s new FOX Factory 34 fork 140mm travel uncut steerer and FOX Factory shock 120mm travel. Features carbon riser bars and carbon stem. [Continue Reading]

Check your group below. All ride guides will be leaving from my house at 9 (Kim will be leaving at 8:30). If you plan to meet your guide at the top of the pavement or the top of the Power Line Hill, you are responsible for sending a text to make this clear. [Continue Reading]

No one likes to dwell on it, but we all know that somewhere out there in the future is our last ride. I’ve thought a lot about how it will happen for me. I’m guessing I will either experience a severe injury that I can’t come back from; [Continue Reading]

It was hot. It was grueling. It pushed people out there to the ragged edge. Mission accomplished. Scott Bradway, Allen Legoboru, and Matthew Crampton all broke four hours but I’m a little hesitant to declare a winner because of the iffi-ness of one or [Continue Reading]

For the 21st consecutive year, my family will be hosting the best ride west of Castle Rock on the third Saturday in June. The TDG has evolved along with the Growlers system over the years, but one thing has remained the same: this event embodies everything that I [Continue Reading]

You’d think that if you were in your 60s and still riding, people would admire you just for being on a bike. It doesn’t work that way at Growlers. In fact, even if you are a Social Security recipient saddled with multiple medical problems, there is no [Continue Reading]

I am hoping most of you have paid attention to the route descriptions. Either print your route or get it up on your phone. You can view the routes here. Chips & Salsa - The FHOP lap remains marked. After that, here are the keys. *After you finish [Continue Reading]

Please take a moment to read this information about the Enchilada/Taco/Chips & Salsa. *All participants start from my house and finish there. No exceptions.*If it’s not too wet, you can park along my driveway. You can also park along the spur road [Continue Reading]

It was a perfect day, with mellow temps and no precipitation. The tread was great. The entire day felt like cornering practice because you could carry so much speed into every turn. It was also a historic day, with co-winners Sue Grandjean and Abra McNair [Continue Reading]

If you have questions about the FHOP course or anything else pertaining to the event, now is the time to ask. You can view the route at the bottom of this post. Here are a few things that you need to know. *You can park at my house, at the top of Growlers [Continue Reading]

There’s only one question - Who’s dumb enough? We have three routes to test your skill and stamina on May 11th. *The Grande Enchilada: 28 miles with somewhere between 5,000 and 7,500 feet of vertical. The Enchilada route will give [Continue Reading]

The Grande Enchilada - as well as the Taco and Chips & Salsa - are self-supported rides that will take place at Growlers on May 11th. Last year, Vincent Deluccio and Mike Packer both set up aid stations; you should not expect that to happen this [Continue Reading]

The Four Hours of Pain is scheduled for April 28th. The route has been marked, with the lap covering approximately 5 miles. This is a great opportunity for riders of all ages and ability levels. The goal is to ride as many laps as you can in four hours. Please [Continue Reading]

Dang, this is a good one. Shane Oberg is selling a set of 27.5 wheels and tires and the price is definitely right. *27.5 650B plus wheels/tires*Stans Major S1 rims(38mm internal)*Tubeless set-up*Marin branded Boost hubs, 6 bolt, XD driverMaxxis Minion DHF and [Continue Reading]

All Riders - Everyone starts at 465. No exceptions. Sign in with your start time. This gives you a chance to warm up on the pavement climb and the Power Line HillRide the FHOP lap to the top of Walk in the ParkUpper part of the Big WowMiddle [Continue Reading]

These are tentative dates, but it should at least give you a chance to get something on your calendar before other people in your household book things. I still have to determine when we can have our work parties at Growlers. I can’t pull the trigger on [Continue Reading]

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 [Continue Reading]

I know it’s hard for some people to understand, but some of my best days as a mountain biker have been the builds at the Castle Rock Bike Park. Things invariably start the same. Our main guys show up at 8 or 8:15. Everybody stands around, talking about [Continue Reading]

March 3rd Info Crew chiefs arrive by 8:30 to discuss the plan and do early work to stage materials. All other crew arrives at 9. Lunch will be provided by NWTA. Bring beer for the social hour at the end of the day. If it’s a monsoon, we can get a beer at the [Continue Reading]

I hate the idea of having back-to-back work parties, in this case one at Growlers and one at the bike park, but there is no option. Let’s see what kind of crew we can put together for the 24th. We have the plan. We just need people. Preston AntisdelQuin [Continue Reading]

All systems are go for Sunday’s work party. If you have questions, ask them now. Road conditions have been much better in CR than in PDX. It will be up to individuals to make their own decisions on Sunday morning. Don’t do it if there’s a safety [Continue Reading]

There are so many things on the calendar that it just wasn’t possible to avoid a conflict. I am setting the date for completing The Outer Limits line for Sunday, February 10th. Please note that it will not be pimped. My goal is to get it cut out and raked. [Continue Reading]

***SIGN-UP FOR THIS WORK PARTY HAS CLOSED*** This will likely be our only work party at the Castle Rock Bike Park in 2019. We have four significant projects to complete: Construct a 300-foot feature that combines logs and slabs Move the wall ride to the north end [Continue Reading]

True story. On Sunday, Dave, Jeff, and I were reconning the last portion of Outer Limits, the new line that will terminate right across the road from the big trees on Trust Me. We were pretty excited because Dave had been able to find what is probably the one [Continue Reading]

Thanks to Troy Brightbill for his work in putting this together. We now have the opportunity to order a great new GGR shirt with options that include short- or long-sleeve and women’s and kids’ sizes. The shirts are 100 percent polyster [Continue Reading]