The Grande Enchilada - as well as the Taco and Chips & Salsa - are self-supported rides that will take place at Growlers on May 11th. Last year, Vincent Deluccio and Mike Packer both set up aid stations; you should not expect that to happen this time around. Some people stage food and fluid along the way in advance of the ride.
The 5K and Enchilada have been notorious for afflicting riders with severe cramping. Hydration is critical, but I strongly recommend that you have Endurolytes from Hammer Nutrition - or an equivalent - in your pack. And don’t wait until you start cramping to take them.
To give you a little feel for the ride, I have included comments from some of last year’s participants. Listen and learn.
“I think Jeep asked me to comment about last year’s Enchilada because he was looking for an experience of arrogance followed by defeat. I showed up to the Enchilada with close to zero rides in the previous month or two and figured I’d be fine. Right off the bat, and I mean on the road climb to the end of the pavement from Jeep’s place, I knew I was in big trouble. By the time we got to the woods I was doing okay but wondered how long I could maintain. Turned out that point was the turn off to Trust Me during the initial Legacy climb. I waited there and jumped back in when they came back around on the second Legacy lap. By the turn onto to SISL I was cramping. At one point both quads locked up and I fell over sideways. I tapped out there and turned back toward Trust Me and started working my way back to Jeep’s. Mike Packer was handing out sandwiches at the top of A-Bomb. Eventually, Kim and the others came by and I rode the remainder with them. I’ve decided to ride more leading up to the Enchilada this year. - Ben McCormack
“The Grande Enchilada is the event we prepare for all spring. Last year, I did several training rides before the event. This helped to learn the course and get in shape. I was prepared with a well-maintained bike, lots of food, and 3 liters of water. As long as you get in the training this ride is doable and a blast. Still, you should understand it will be a long day and it will hurt. I plan on going a bit into race mode and will leave Crump and Wize in the dust if they can’t keep up. I will also have this trail list taped to my down tube.” - Scooter Sutterer
“As in childbirth, the mother forgets the pain and does it again. That may sum up the Enchilada. Sign me up! For me, it was all about pace. Leave a little in the tank for the climb out of Watershed. This is critical!” - Bob Horness
“When Jeep first announced a rebranding of the 5k to a single-lap format called the Grande Enchilada my first thought was holy crap, I hope this guy knows his course design better than his Spanish grammar. Looking back, I’d say it didn’t disappoint. The course was challenging and well thought out. But in the end it’s really the spirit of the event that makes it one of my favorites. The positivity and support from a wigged Vincent setting up an impromptu aid station at the Tank Trap to how everyone is cheering and encouraging along the course and at the finish in Jeep’s garage. Looking forward to another go at it this year as long as I can find a babysitter for my 5 and 7 year olds. Anyone?” - Scott Bradway
“The Enchilada is real motivator. It motivates me to get fit, and it motivates me to learn Growlers. This is not an event to take lightly. I need to lengthen my rides over many weeks to prepare and ride every part of the course. I practice eating and drinking a lot as the rides get longer. I pray for good weather.” - Russ Speirn
“You will want to puke, possibly many times, maybe laugh a little, and most likely cry. The course is brutal, but an awesome tour of Growlers. Training is a must. Also, make sure you have enough food, water and electrolytes, especially if you cramp.
“When you finally get back you will be so exhausted yet feel so good, almost as if you can accomplish anything. Thanks to Jeep for all his hard work putting this together and his love for making us suffer!” - Jeanine
“The Enchilada is a great change from the old 5K because you get to riding more of the system instead of doing the same loop twice. This made it more fun (if that’s possible) and more of a challenge. Expect to get ‘water boarded’ on Watershed at the end of the route after already climbing almost 5,000 feet. That’s a real treat! If you don’t hydrate you will cramp up for sure.” - Jeff Wize
“I did the Taco in 2018 after only mountain biking for 15 months. It was a ride of several firsts for me: first time riding the trails by myself, first time riding that many dirt miles consecutively; and first time riding that much dirt elevation in one ride. Despite the challenges, I was supported by well-marked trails, a stocked aid station (thank you Vincent and Proper Cycle Werks), and lots of encouragement from fellow GG riders along the way. Because of the satisfying taste of completing my ‘firsts,’ I’ll be back for my second.” - Suzie Griffin
“Plan on it being tougher than you anticipate. I thought I trained for this and that it would be pretty straightforward but was beat at the end. I would not underestimate the amount of ass-kicking this ride will hand out. Also, when Jeep says all the turns are marked, be aware the last turn last year was not marked. When in doubt, turn uphill, not down. I chose the latter and added a ton of elevation to an already crazy vertical day. Know the route.” - Lynn Green
“While I’m not a big fan of pushing the limits too far like running marathons, the Enchilada is that kind of event. It will definitely require some training time so you don’t kill yourself completing the task. Electrolytes and food are critical, but so is weight. This race is very physically and mentally challenging. The Watershed climb out at the end is very brutal. Some say we might be climbing 7,000 feet. Ugh. I think my body would appreciate it if I switched to the Taco. We will see.” - Darryl Kent