The Original Growler 2016 from Maxwell Wiggin on Vimeo.

Edit by Max Wiggin 2016

The Original Growler mountain bike races take place on BLM public lands at the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area near Gunnison, Colorado. Now in its 9th year, the Growler is not only one of the premier mountain bike races in the US, but it is also one of the most difficult. The Growler course is loaded with challenging singletrack and racers choose from the 32-mile Half Growler or the marquee event, the 64-mile Full Growler. The Hartman Rocks area trails alternate between being fast and flowy through seas of sagebrush; and tricky and technical, around, on and over islands of granite that are spiked with piñon and juniper trees. The Growler is recommended for experienced riders only – but for those mountain bikers who possess the skills and fitness that this course demands, the Growler experience is second to none.

The Original Growler is impeccably organized and is owned and operated by the non-profit, Gunnison Trails. All proceeds from the event benefit Gunnison Trails and their work on trails and trail advocacy in the Gunnison area.