Gunnison Trails is looking for volunteers to help with the Original Growler mountain bike races that take place Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-26, 2013.

The Growler is the primary source of financial resources for Gunnison Trails and allows us to pursue our mission and remain engaged and at the table for trails and pubic lands discussions with federal agencies.

Resources provided by the Growler also allow us to organize volunteer efforts on public lands that include maintaining and building trails, and also reclamation projects. Last year, thanks to the Growler, Gunnison Trails was able to organize nearly 2,000 volunteer hours of work on trails and public lands.

Also, according to the Chamber of Commerce multiplier, the Growler may pump over a million dollars into our local economy annually. The direct spend from participants is estimated to be between $200,000 and $400,000. This weekend was historically quiet economically in our valley.

Weekly meetings will begin soon. The main areas we need help are:

Checkpoints/Course Marshals – The Growler course has 13 Checkpoints that are critical to the safety of the competitors. Each checkpoint has its own details and requirements but they’re all fun. Individuals or organizations can adopt a checkpoint and organize the setup and staffing. You can decorate, offer food and drink to riders, pretty much anything you like as long as the details specific to that checkpoint are covered. Our competitors love the Growler, in part, because of how the community comes out and is all around the course.

Downtown Operations/Registration – The Growler brings our participants into our downtown area repeatedly. They check in for the race in Webster Hall; they start and finish downtown; and the post race meal and awards party take place downtown. There’s never a dull moment, downtown!

Hartman Rocks base area – The Growler also has a base of operations near the main parking area of Hartman Rocks. This is where our timing company sets up; the emergency operation RV staffed by WSCU Mountain Rescue is located; a major food and hydration station and first aid are located. This is also where KOA Dave sets up and serves his world renowned “meat on a stick.”

These are the primary areas but other tasks exist, too. If you have lots of time and want to be a team leader, we’d love to have you begin helping with the Growler anytime.

To volunteer or for more details, please send us an email at: [email protected] or call (970) 275-0485. Thanks!