NW Cyclist: Castle Rock Bike Park

Castle Rock Rocks!
A bike park for the people, by the people

By Hilary Meyerson

Photo at right: You too can learn how to do this at Castle Rock. Photo by Jim LeMonds

Looking for your inspirational bike story of the day? Look no further than the Castle Rock Bike Park.

This amazing bike skills park in Cowlitz County in southwest Washington is the definition of a grass-roots effort. After getting approval from the City Council in November 2010, work started the following June and has been completed on a volunteer basis by an informal group that calls itself Growlers Gulch Racing.

The grand opening last September drew more than 350 people, with a huge number of them kids. Since then, the site has been well-used by a dedicated group of riders.

The park has hosted skills clinics, and the volunteer efforts are still ongoing to turn this skills park into one of the best in the Northwest. A recent work party spanned two days as volunteers built several new technical lines and laid pavers in erosion-sensitive areas.

Jim LeMonds (or “Jeep,” as he’s known in the community) coordinates the work parties and skills clinics. There couldn’t be a better ambassador for biking. We asked why he took on this effort.

“I’m a hometown boy,” said LeMonds. “I’m 62 and looking for ways to give back to my community. I can’t bequeath millions but I’m good at organizing.”
Indeed he is.

Much of the materials for the park were donated. Of the money they’ve raised, about 40 percent was from local business and about 60 percent from local bikers. Those same bikers are happy to continue to volunteer at work parties. To date, 126 people have contributed 2,186 hours. LeMonds credited Randy Toney, Kevin Knorr, Dave LeMonds, Ryan McMaster, Greg Ogden, Ryane Olin, and Chris Laughlin for their contributions as the unofficial Growlers Gulch Racing board of directors.

“It’s been a real joy to be involved with this project,” LeMonds said. “We love biking and we want kids to get involved with biking as well. We hear all about kids and video games, but you have to give them an alternative.”

The Castle Rock City Council recently granted access to an additional 1.5 acres just south of the current bike park. A plan is being developed for that space.

In the meantime, Growlers Gulch members encourage people to come out and ride and plan to attend the Bike Park Blowout Sept.21, 2013. There will be a 12- to 15-station kids’ challenge, with lunch and prizes provided.

The park is located about two miles off Interstate 5 at Exit 49 if you are headed south and Exit 48 if you are traveling north.

Hilary Meyerson is the editor of Outdoors NW and NW Cyclist.

If you like this post, you might also enjoy:

Cycling Features Home Recent Articles bike park, cycle