Records Smashed at The Fourth Annual Original Growler

Brian Smith and Kelli Emmett Battle High Wnds to Set New Course Records 

(May 29, 2011) GUNNISON, Colo- The start line was pack with anxious and smiling faces. For many, this was their first Growler experience and possibly even their first experience riding at Hartman’s Rock. The early morning brought a crispness to the air aiding in the buzz. Every racer had their eyes fixed on Gunnison Mayor, Jonathan Houck as he stood atop a classic GMC pickup with shotgun in hand.

The Original Growler is still a young event, seeing it’s fourth year this past weekend. However, the popularity and enthusiasm surrounding this awesome event boasts a vibe that of a long running race. The start line was pack with anxious and smiling faces. For many, this was their first Growler experience and possibly even their first experience riding at Hartman’s Rock. The early morning brought a crispness to the air aiding in the buzz. Every racer had their eyes fixed on Gunnison Mayor, Jonathan Houch as he stood atop a classic GMC pickup with shotgun in hand. Jonathan’s blast of the shotgun was the start for the neutral roll out to Hartman’s.  

There were a few missing faces on the start line however. Last year’s winner, Kelly Magelky was absent, as well as previous winner Travis Brown. With these key riders absent, it left a huge void for racers this year. Gunnison local Brian Smith (Alpine Orthopaedics) showed up to the start line, and left everyone in his dust.

“We were all fairly together going up Kill Hill,” said Dogma Athletica racer Jake Wells. “Brian was out of sight before we event hit the single track.” Brain Smith had no intentions for anything but to win.

One hour into the 64-mile race, Pro Cycling's Kalan Beisel was soundly in second place and well within stryking distance, only 40 seconds behind Smith but luck turned south on the young rider from Colorado Springs when he missed a critical turn onto a stretch of singletrack. Not realizing he missed a turn, Beisel rode nearly a mile on double track road before reaching the aid station from the wrong direction, where course marshals sent him back. His mistake was costly, setting him back an estimated ten minutes. Beisel ultimately battled back to an impressive third place and would have surely given Smith a challenge had it not been for his error.

By the time the racers had made it towards the back 40, Brian already had a commanding lead of 10 minutes over second place finisher Tim Allen (Niner/Stans). Smith broke the course record, set in 2010 by Kelly Magelky, by 28 minutes, finishing in 5 hours and 8 minutes.

In the women’s overall, Giant rider Kelli Emmett pulled to the front and never looked back either. Kelli looked calm and comfortable through out the entire race finishing in 6 hours and 9 minutes, besting Mellissa Thomasas past record by 27 minutes. The battle for second was demanded by Gunnison’s very own Jennifer Smith who battled with Eszter Horanyi (Alpine Orthopaedics)for most of the two lap race until Horanyi flatted on the Top of the World withing twenty minutes of the finish. Finishing nine minutes off of Emmett, Jennifer Smith held a strong ten minute lead over Melissa Thomas in third. Horanyi was able to fix her flat and hold onto foruth place.

As the Full Growler racers neared the end of their second lap, they cranked through the flowy Fenceline Trail. As the the leader Brian Smith came through, he seemed as though he had just started a nice afternoon ride and was planning for another 30 plus miles. Smith at the clear look of determination. To say he dropped the hammer would be an understatement. “This was probably my best racer ever. I felt great all the way through, but there was nothing I could do to catch Brian,” said second place finisher Tim Allen.

The race for second place in the Men’s Overall was not easily won however. As Allen came through the Fenceline section, a hefty twenty minutes after Smith, he had no time to slow his pace. Tim Allen was close in pursuit from Kalan Beisel, Bryan Dillon and Daniel Matheny. Kalan Beisel was able to shake Dillon and Matheny, but he didn’t have enough in the tank to catch Tim Allen. Allen ended up 20 minutes behind Brian Smith and Kalan Beisel sneaking into third under a minute off second.

There is no denying the fact that mountain bike racing can be fun, yet painful. Dave Wiens has been able to put together a great event that appeals to the top pros and first timers alike. The course is technical and physically challenging, but a smile always seems to sneak over your face no matter how deep in the pain cave you may be. From the words of Tim Allen, “This was my first time racing the Growler, and I had such a great time I will be sure to never miss this race again.” That is my suggestion to you as well. Don’t miss the fifth annual Original Growler next year, but be sure to have your registration racing up to par, because this puppy sells out quick!

Story and photos by Devon Balet

Full Results Here