Category: Mountain Biking

The scope-of-work is big. We will have three machines and three operators onsite to move dirt and materials. Bring a lunch. It’s possible we will be there a while. On the list - Repair the pump track. This will require adding dirt to the rollers and [Continue Reading]

I have a Fist of Five coffee cup from 2010. Former GGR Dara Muldoon made these for anyone who participated in all five events we held that year at Growlers. We had the 5K, the TDG, a time trial, a Super D, and the Climbing Championship. Until recently, I [Continue Reading]

Liquid Sweater from Ex-Novo Brewing in Portland took the top spot at the 16th annual LeMonds Family Christmas Beer Tasting. This tasty winter brew - described as “warm and cozy” by one judge - was followed by Everybody’s Imaginary [Continue Reading]

I read a book several years ago called Younger Next Year. It’s the kind of thing aging athletes seek out in an attempt to convince themselves that all is not lost. What happens to your body between 50 and 60 is ugly. What happens to it between 60 and 70 [Continue Reading]

There were some significant challenges to overcome, but the crew that came out to work at the Growlers Mega-Build on Saturday. We completed FIVE miles of new line that includes the Elmer Fudd trail from Legacy to the top of Without a Paddle (it is [Continue Reading]

Continue reading Crew Breakdown and Details for December 16th

So glad I was finally able to put together a vid for the climbing event. Every time I hear the yelling and cowbells it puts a smile on my face. Apologies for the watermark. I’m currently using WeVideo for free, which is why it’s on there. Thanks to [Continue Reading]

Not sure what to do what it comes to trail work? We have you covered. Thanks to Nathan Frechen for putting together this guide. Tread 18-24” wide to start. More isn’t really necessary and just takes more time and effort Remove all duff (leaves, [Continue Reading]

The gate is closed. We will be riding in. I will have all info about tools, where and when to meet, and crew breakdowns the week of the work party. For the most part, the focus will be on benching and buffing out the trail. Bring dirt tools. If you have [Continue Reading]

Thanks to Josh Klug for the great vids. [Continue Reading]

Branden Nicholson came away with his first Growlers title, but he had to go to overtime to do it. Nicholson edged Mike Packer and Andrew Holder in a wild play-off to walk away with the 2017 Climbing Championship crown. The mood was festive, and conditions were [Continue Reading]

Meet at the intersection/farm gate where the clearcut starts. You can park at the top of Growlers Gulch Road and ride in or drive in and park along the gravel. Be ready to roll at 8:45. If you have questions, email me or text me at 360.430.4416. Spectators are [Continue Reading]

Our pre-Mega Build day is on for Sunday, November 12th. The blue gate should be open by around November 4th so we are hoping to be able to drive in to several key spots. The goal is the same as usual - to clear as much as possible to establish the line and [Continue Reading]

You might have seen the story Andy Crump and Jeff Wize posted on Facebook regarding their failed trip to Park City. Their van was broken into, they lost gear and credit cards, then they lucked out and got everything back. However, there were several things they [Continue Reading]

October 7th - A Race: Dave Bisers, Kevin Templeton, Jon Jennings - Kevin Templeton 1st; Dave Bisers 2nd B Race: Travis Cothren, Nic Howe, Darryl Kent, Heather VanValkenburg, Jasmine Zamora - Jasmine Zamora 1st; Darryl Kent [Continue Reading]

Thanks to Nathan Frechen for putting this together. Dates are as follows. ***PLEASE SPECIFY WHICH RACES YOU ARE IN FOR (IT’S NOT ALL OR NONE) AND WHETHER YOU ARE SIGNING UP FOR THE A RACE OR THE B RACE*** Saturday, October 7th – Predator, Cousin [Continue Reading]

Thanks in advance to all of you for volunteering. I will have all the information you need when you arrive at the bike park on Saturday, September 16th. If possible, bring your bike and ride for a bit before things get underway. It always gets the vibe going [Continue Reading]

By this time of the year, I am usually out of gas when it comes to organizing events. For that reason, we have only had two Climbing Championships in the history of Growlers. This year, I am vowing to follow through. The CC is pretty straight-forward. Depending [Continue Reading]

The sixth annual Bike Park Blowout will take place at the Castle Rock Bike Park on Saturday, September 16th. The event will run from approximately 9:30 to 1. Logistics for the Blowout will be handled by Growlers Gulch Racing. We need approximately 35 [Continue Reading]

Thanks to Bill Larson and Cyclepath PDX for their continued, generous support of the mountain biking community. Thanks to Charlie and Tara Biggs for prepping the great meals. To Sharon Steriti and the U.S. Forest Service for bringing tools and coordinating with us. [Continue Reading]

Safety: Wear work shoes if possible. No sandals or flip-flops. All machine operators must have eye protection. Long pants. Long-sleeved shirts. No shorts. Bring good gloves. Think about bug spray. Start-Time: All crews will be meet at Marble Mountain for a [Continue Reading]

Unless otherwise noted by your ride guide, all riders will meet at Marble Mountain at the scheduled start-times. Also, give your ride guide a heads-up (see email addresses below) so that he or she has an idea who [Continue Reading]

Wow! I had heard about the Timberline-to-Town Trail at Mount Hood but hadn’t thought much of it. I sure changed my mind after riding it with Dave, my four grandsons, and a few others on Monday. Think 16 miles of high-elevation single-track. We started [Continue Reading]

Virtually every mountain biker in the Pacific Northwest is aware of the spectacular Ape Canyon Trail on the southeast side of Mount St. Helens. So how is it that a trail with this reputation does not receive regular maintenance? For at least 10 years, the Forest [Continue Reading]

Kim McCormack was recently a guest on “The Bike Show” segment on KBOO radio. During the interview, she provided information about her epic 2016 ride with Sam Clark on the Oregon Timber Trail. Kim and Sam were the first riders to complete the entire [Continue Reading]

Looking for a big ride without driving to the mountain? Kelley Hinkle has just the thing for you - Kelley’s Big-Ass Loop, AKA KBAL. Hinkle may appear to be a cuddly, Santa-like person. Check the ride route he has designed and you will understand why [Continue Reading]

The day before the Coldwater build, Kelley Hinkle, Bob Horness, Braden Nicholsen, Susan Fleener, Cathy Crouch, and I did an out-and-back on the spectacular 211 trail on the north side of Coldwater Lake. Plenty of overgrowth that day, but we took care of that at [Continue Reading]

I’ve had several people ask me to explain what I refer to as the illusion of rideability, which is one of my favorite trail-building techniques. I know you guys have incredible skill. The only thing that sometimes holds you back is a lack of confidence. [Continue Reading]

More than 60 riders came out on Saturday to celebrate the 20th Tour de Gulch and to commemorate Vaughn Martin’s 80th birthday. There was some carnage. Travis Cothren tried to break himself and his bike but was only partially successful . . . Allen Legoburu [Continue Reading]

A huge shout-out to Abra McNair and Sue Grandjean for hosting the first-ever mountain bike orienteering event at Growlers. Twenty-six people came out and had a great time. Check this report from Abra: Knowledge of the trails proved to be an advantage, as [Continue Reading]

If you have questions, let me know. Basics - Directions: Mapquest 465 Growlers Gulch, Castle Rock. Driveway on the left. Mailbox on the right. Coming from the south: Take Exit 48. Go left at the end of the ramp. Continue into CR until you reach a [Continue Reading]

Nearly 70 people were on hand for the work party at Coldwater Lake on June 3. We had some no-shows, which put a little pressure on everyone, but that just caused the entire crew to work at a higher level. It was a little socked in during the early hours, but the [Continue Reading]

Hard to believe this will be the 20th consecutive Tour de Gulch. It might not seem like a big deal, but the TDG in 1998 was the first time area mountain bikers got together for a ride and party to celebrate the joy of the sport. In the earliest days, we rode [Continue Reading]

What to Wear: Long pants - no shorts. No flip-flops or sandals. Wear a hard hat or biking helmet. Eye protection needed - can be sunglasses. Gloves required. If you are on crews 4-9, be aware that there is a tricky water crossing at 2.1. Stay toward [Continue Reading]

There is a lot here. If this doesn’t answer your questions, let me know. I will have a complete breakdown of crew assignments by Thursday. Drive up Spirit Lake Highway. Follow the road as it descends toward the boat launch at Coldwater Lake (I think [Continue Reading]

It promises to be a wild and crazy event. Abra McNair and Sue Grandjean, members of the U.S. National Mountain Bike Orienteering Team, are hosting an MTBO event at Growlers on Sunday, June 11th. Think about it - you, your bike, a map, and a lot of [Continue Reading]

A great time was had by all at the first-ever Scout Lake Jamboree in Clatskanie on May 20th. Shout-outs to Bob Horness, Dave Haas, Vaughn Martin, Kelley Hinkle, and Braden Nicholson for making it happen. I am blown away by all of the event options we are [Continue Reading]

The party at Coldwater Lake has been approved by the U.S. Forest Service the weekend of June 2-4. This event will feature ride opportunities on Friday and Sunday, a full-on build on Saturday, a party on Saturday night, and a rare chance to camp on the north side [Continue Reading]

How hard could it be? Well, as it turns out - pretty damn hard. The 2017 Growlers Gulch 5,000 left 26 bikers broken and humbled. Cue the music. It’s very appropriate. I had a pretty good inkling it was going to be ugly when strong, seasoned [Continue Reading]

REVIEW It takes some work to host events like the 5K. We do it for a number of reasons. We always like to bring people together to celebrate the sport, and we enjoy the chance to say thanks for all the trail work contributions (although you have to be a special [Continue Reading]

Now is the time. If you want to learn more about the system, here’s your chance. Vincent and I have flagged the 5K route and painted directional arrows on the ground. Unless you are Lipton, you should be able to follow the line without getting lost. Not [Continue Reading]

Two big efforts to improve the Oregon Timber Trail are set for June. OTT is lucky to have Ben McCormack and Nathan Frechen heading these up. I have included their email addresses. Be sure to contact them if you can participate. Beer will be provided by Base Camp [Continue Reading]

The fun never stops! You might not be aware that Bob Horness, Vaughn Martin, Dave Haas, Kelley Hinkle, and Braden Nicholson have been developing a new trail system near Clatskanie, Oregon, at Scout Lake. They have approximately 18 miles built in the Vaughn [Continue Reading]

GG5K XII is set for May 13th. I expect it to clock in at about 22 miles with approximately 5,000 feet of ascent. Thanks to Crump and his insistence on a more difficult route, you should prepare for a little more pain than you experienced last year. It’s [Continue Reading]

Yep, even for the good riders it’s tough, but there are a number of reasons why you should get off your ass and get yourself on the sign-up sheet for the Growlers Gulch 5,000 on May 13th. You’re training for something. This spring has been far less [Continue Reading]

May 13th it is. You start at my house, ride a couple of easy laps, and then go to a party. What could go wrong? The usual entry fee applies. If you do not what the usual entry fee is, hit me back here or email me at seattle0@hotmail.com. Who’s dumb [Continue Reading]

Conditions were sucky. The tread was treacherous. But we caught one break - the beer trees were in full bloom! We had 47 riders come out to get a taste of the Four Hours of Pain. For 15 of them, this was their first Growlers event. It was a tough way to [Continue Reading]

We’re still in the planning stages, but the date is solid. SHIFT 2017 is scheduled for August 18th through 20th at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park. Enjoy this opportunity to camp, ride, work on trail, party, and hang out with some great people. Growlers Gulch [Continue Reading]

Four Hours Info - Getting closer. We have 50 on the list right now. A little bit of helpful info: Forecast says 60 with showers. Run-up looks good with temps in the low 60s and minimal moisture on Friday and Saturday. Vincent has the course in great [Continue Reading]

Suspects? Apparently, the old guy made his escape on a fat bike. On 8:16 a.m. on Sunday, April 8, a man robbed the Taco Bell restaurant on Science Park Drive and Murray Boulevard in Cedar Mill. Deputies learned that a man with a white beard and hair entered [Continue Reading]

I keep wishing that whining would suffice to get the system cleaned up after yet another storm. Seems unlikely so let’s deal with it. Based on recon I’ve received from Vincent, Wayne, Dave, and Tim, we need chainsaws or robust handsaws to deal with [Continue Reading]

Sometimes beer grows on trees. At least if you’re at the Four Hours of Pain at Growlers on Sunday, April 23rd. The Board of Director was leaning toward an inhuman lap that would have included all the greasy new stuff we built on March 4th. In a rare moment [Continue Reading]

It’s never easy to see your local bike shop go down. Canyonview Cyclery opened in 2012 and was always there for area mountain bikers. Mark Plotkin was incredibly supportive of our efforts. In fact, he paid for numerous lunches for the entire crew when we [Continue Reading]

Andy Crump has been unrelenting in his criticism of the Growlers Gulch 5,000. Evidently, 22 miles with 5.000 feet of climbing does not meet Crump’s lofty standards. [caption id="attachment_19026" align="alignright" width="200"] Use your [Continue Reading]

I was invited to attend a U.S. Forest Service meeting on March 3rd that hosted various user groups, including mountain bikers, hikers, back-country horsemen, ATV people, and others. They must have lowered the bar for this event because I typically don’t [Continue Reading]

Thanks to the 120 people who came out to build trail at Growlers on March 4th. After two cancellations, the weather cooperated and everyone was eager to dig. A list of those who attended can be viewed here. We completed the entire scope of work, which [Continue Reading]

GGR’s own Kim McCormack has submitted an application to be accepted into the legendary Blackburn Ranger program. Kim, along with Leslie Kehmeier, are hoping to become two of only four riders accepted to the Rangers in 2017. If they make it, they will be [Continue Reading]

Find your name on the crew list below. If you have been listed twice, left off or know someone who has, contact me ASAP at seattle0@hotmail.com. I have included a cell number for your crew chief. Call or text if you are running late or won’t be able to make [Continue Reading]

PART II - A CULTURE DEVELOPS: 2003-2010 A number of changes marked the transition to this era. First, as the trail network expanded, word spread. As a result, Growlers began to draw riders from the Portland-Vancouver area. Second, I retired from teaching in [Continue Reading]

The liquor cabinet is empty and the morphine has started to wear off. Nothing left to do but check the calendar and pick a date for the work party. Since the weather gods are seriously pissed off about something, I have elected to bypass February and go with [Continue Reading]

Typically, if we were hit with this kind of storm damage, it wouldn’t be such a big deal because the Mega-Build would already be in the rear view mirror. With bad weather forcing the cancellation of two work parties, we are now faced with both a general [Continue Reading]

It took me a long while to realize that the mountain biking scene at Growlers Gulch, a few miles west of Castle Rock, is unique. Initially, I was under the impression that this was the way things were everywhere. I’ve discovered that’s not the case. It’s [Continue Reading]

GGR Calendar of Events Mega-Build - March 4 Can’t wait to get this one in the books. Join one of the biggest and best dirt crews in the region as we aim to complete 2.8 miles of single-track in one day. Four Hours of Pain - April [Continue Reading]

Reigning champion Pfreim Winter Ale proved to be as good in 2016 as it was in 2015, walking away with the title at the 16th Annual LeMonds Family Christmas Beer Tasting at the Pub at 465. In what was once again a photo finish, Pfreim edged out Liquid Sweater [Continue Reading]

I track my workouts throughout the year, dividing them into rides, gym workouts, and other (includes power walking, trail work, etc). In 2016, I had a total of 336 workouts - 107 rides, 133 gym workouts and 96 other - and averaged 28 workouts per [Continue Reading]

Here’s the crew - Scott Ahrens (saw and brush-cutter) Preston Antisdel George Barnett Steve Basden (CP) Steve Beatty Jeanne Beko (JK) Jack Berry Dave Bisers Eliot Bravard Etan Bravard John Bravard Lance Brigman [Continue Reading]

I can’t tell you how much it pains me to do this - especially with 133 people on the list and with all the work we’ve put into setting things up - but we need to cancel Saturday’s work party at Growlers. The “light [Continue Reading]

Find your name on the crew list below. If you have been listed twice, left off or know someone who has, contact me ASAP at seattle0@hotmail.com. I have included a cell number for your crew chief. Call or text if you are running late or won’t be able to make [Continue Reading]

The annual Mega-Build at Growlers is scheduled for Saturday, December 17th. We will be re-imagining the old Creek Trail and also adding a new section. The logging that was done during the past year fragmented the system. The goal of this work party is to put [Continue Reading]

***THIS ITEM HAS SOLD*** Kevin Templeton is selling his 2016 Transition Smuggler, built in March and ridden very little for three months. He used the cassette, chain, derailleur, and shifter on another bike to ride the Colorado Trail this past summer, so they [Continue Reading]

Some of my best times as a mountain biker have occurred when I wasn’t on a bike. I started at Growlers when there were no trails. We’ve been responsible for building every foot of single-track in the system. Back then, it quickly became apparent that [Continue Reading]

We often bemoan the fact that it’s tough for entry-level riders to find a solid bike at a reasonable price. Look no farther. Brandon Erickson is selling his 2016 27.5 Tokul 3 hardtail for $750! Size is medium. Completely stock except for Chromag grips, [Continue Reading]

I’ve received several comments during the past few weeks, asking why we’re building trail in a clear cut - and hinting that it isn’t worth it. Let me say that I feel your pain if you’ve been involved in the builds of Deja Vu, Upper [Continue Reading]

Thanks to everyone who came out on Sunday to work in very difficult conditions at the Chainsaw Massacre. We had things dialed pretty effectively, with 17 saws and 26 swampers spread out over several square miles. Our goals were to (1) re-establish some semblance [Continue Reading]

It all started innocently enough. My grandsons had Friday off. Perfect day to hit the Lumberyard with them and one of their buddies. We knew things would be tight in spots, but we decided taking our trail bikes was the right move because it would be great skills [Continue Reading]

If you need information about where to meet, tools, clothing, scope of work, etc. check the post here. Most important thing is that we are meeting on Sunday at 8:30 at the parking area just west of Four Corners. Let’s work until 1 or 1:30. Be at the [Continue Reading]

I will have the crew breakdown for you later in the week. For now, here’s what you need to know. Meet at the parking area just west of Four Corners (about 75 yards through the four-way stop as you’re headed toward Growlers) at 8:30. If these [Continue Reading]

The information below is for a small group that will be attending a beer tour sponsored by my financial advisor, Cole Mills. We have a couple of spots available. If you are searching for someone to assist you with finances and would like to join us and meet Cole [Continue Reading]

Author’s note: Trail poachers may interpret parts of this story to be an indictment of their douche-baggery. Just so we’re all on the same page - that would be the correct interpretation. I’ve seen all sorts of articles and pamphlets [Continue Reading]

Great job by everyone involved with construction and kick-off at the Washougal Bike Park. The skills area is finished and jump lines and a pump track will be completed in 2017. Check the vid and watch those kids having a great time. [Continue Reading]

The weather was perfect, the park was in sterling condition, and the crowd was big and enthusiastic at the Fifth Annual Bike Park Blowout at the Castle Rock Bike Park on Saturday, September 10th. As you can imagine, helmet stickers, medals, and shirts were all [Continue Reading]

Thanks to all of you who are on the volunteer list. Everything about the park since the beginning has been based on the willingness of people like yourselves to donate their time. If you’re attending the skills clinic, be there by 8:45. I’d like [Continue Reading]

The network of ski and snow mobile trails that were opened at SHIFT 2016 make for great beginner and intermediate riding near Marble Mountain Sno-Park. Let’s get some wheels on these lines! Map courtesy of Vaughn Martin.   [Continue Reading]

Timber companies have limited recreational access in recent years, frequently gating off their land through much of the year and charging hunters, bikers, and hikers for entry. Mark Plotkin, owner of Canyonview Cyclery, decided it was time to use the new [Continue Reading]