Bar prepares for annual Nut Runs

Dennis Guffy mixes some Rocky Mountain oysters with milk powder on Tuesday in the kitchen of Bruce's Bar in Severance, part of the preparation for Sunday's Nut Run. The 2006 Nut Run expects about 15,000 bikers to devour the Rocky Mountain oysters.

Xiaomei Chen/xchen@greeleytribune.com

SEVERANCE -- There's no bull about it: Preparing the world's famous Rocky Mountain oysters for Sunday's 24th annual Nut Run at Bruce's Bar is very time consuming, but worth every happy customer.

On Sunday, an expected 15,000 people and motorcyclists from around the state and country will make their way up to Severance to devour the all-you-can-eat, deep-fried oyster treat.

Bruce's kitchen manager Dennis Guffy and other Bruce's Bar staffers have been preparing since the beginning of the year. Guffy estimated 1 ton of bull testicles will be prepared for Sunday's event.

"There are three steps," said Guffy, as he held a half-pound bull testicle in his hand. "Skinning, cutting and breading. Then we freeze them for Sunday."

Guffy, who has been with the bar for 33 years, receives the testicles from throughout the country and in the past has received them from New Zealand and Costa Rica. He said preparing the oysters is not hard but very time-consuming.

"You have to be prepared for the Nut Run," said Guffy. "Right now we've got them where we want them to be. Hopefully we will be ready."

The Nut Run began as a foot race and then Maverick Cycles in Cheyenne turned it into a motorcycle rally.

"The bikers like the camaraderie," said Guffy. "They come to eat and exchange stories. It blossoms every year."

Between 8,000-10,000 people showed up last year for the Nut Run, according to bar manager, Bary Brim.

This year's Nut Run will hold more meaning than those in the past. Less than a month ago, bar owner Bruce Ruth died from health problems at the age of 73. Brim and Guffy expect more people will show up in tribute to Ruth.

"This is a memorial-type run," Guffy said. "I look forward to a big turnout in memory of Bruce."

Brim will donate $1 of every all-you-can-eat Rocky Mountain oyster purchase, match that total and give all the proceeds to Hospice of Northern Colorado Hospice in memory of Ruth.

The bar also will serve hamburgers and cheeseburgers as an alternative meal, and a band will entertain guests outside.

"It's a big run in the bike community and everyone is welcome to come," said Guffy. "By 1 p.m. it's full blown insanity."

Where to go

The 24th annual Nut Run, starts at 11 a.m., Sunday, Bruce's Bar, 345 1st St., Severance. The popular Nut Run T-shirts are now being sold at Bruce's for $25.

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Bar prepares for annual Nut Runs

Jennifer Moore