3rd annual Gunnison Growler was another great day on the bike. Perfect weather with minimal wind, the singletrack trails were fast and dry. Racer field was stacked and the 300 spots filled up in just hours from registation opening on Feb 2nd. Dave Weins once again raised the bar and delivered another amazing event, with proceeds going to benefit Gunnison trails.http://www.gunnisontrails.com/ . This years course ran counterclockwise, as did the first annual Growler. It made for a few loose hiking sections but also delivered some technical fast descending down trails like rattlesnake. Justins team had several riders lined up in our brand new kits, spectators loved the new white kits and a few spectators even asked me for Justins nut butter while I was on course!
Gary Thacker, Mark Gouge, Beth Gouge, Stacy Moller & Myself were all on the start line at 7am. Gary Thacker took the top step on the podium in the 50+ age group by 3 minutes with a winning time of 6:33. I finished 4th in 40-49 with a time of 6hrs even. (last year I was 4th overall with a time of 6:03, this year I was 14th with 6hrs, showing that this race is growing and drawing good competition)
Pro photographer Rob O'Dea was on hand to capture some stellar pics for singletrack.com.
Postrace party/awards in downtown Gunni was top notch with free New Belgium Beer, Catfish&Jambalaya from Sugah's cafe and plenty of post race stories among friends. The bike culture in the Gunnison county is spectacular and this event should be on your 2011 calendar!
Ward Baker
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