Pedaling up and down mountains over rough terrain may sound like torture to some, but it’s heaven for the dedicated mountain biker. Those adventurous types get to test their mettle on the Ouachita Challenge, a journey over the mountains following an epic trail.
The Challenge is epic in name as well as in fact, according to the International Mountain Bicycling Association, which years ago designated the Womble Trail an IMBA Epic for its varied terrain, ride-ability and scenery, including trailing along the edge of a 200-foot cliff.
“It’s one everyone should go and do,” says Scott Hopkins, who organizes the challenge.
Participants will ride a portion of the Womble Trail and also the Ouachita National Recreation Trail when the Ouachita Challenge takes off March 28-29.
This is the 14th year for the adventure, a two-day combination with a tour on one day and a race the next that is, as Hopkins warns, aptly named. It is quite a challenge.
“You’ve got five mountains you’re going to climb over the course of 65 miles.”
With creek crossings, rocks, steep hills and narrow tracks, it’s not exactly an easy ride through the hills, and it’s definitely not for neophyte mountain bikers. “You need to have a little bit of riding experience behind you,” Hopkins says.
The website has careful instructions and tips for equipment and preparation. For instance, prepare to walk your bike for some stretches, keep an eye on the weather and have plenty of food and water for the stretches between checkpoints.
There have been some changes behind the scenes this year. The Ouachita Cycling Club, which ran the event, dissolved last year. The challenge is now in the hands of the Ouachita Mountain Challenge Association, which is made up of volunteer groups that helped in the past. Hopkins says participants shouldn’t notice any differences from earlier years.
Also, while last year personal sag and individual support were forbidden for insurance liability reasons, Hopkins says those problems have been ironed out and personal support will be allowed.
The Challenge is sold out at this time — actually it sold out six hours after registration opened in December — but interested riders still have a chance to get in.
Because slots fill quickly and there’s a three-month gap between registration and the event itself, riders are given the opportunity to sell their slots if they have a change of heart or a change in plans. Those who registered in December paid $100 for the tour, $100 for the race; sometimes riders enter both events and later decide they will do only one. There’s a waiting list online and a $20 transfer fee.
Money raised will be divided mong organizations, including Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Ouachita Region and the Polk County Developmental Center.
The tour starts at 8 a.m. March 28 and the race is at 8 a.m. the next day, both starting at Oden.
Call (479) 466-6601 or visit ouachitachallenge.com.
Tipple
For a ride through the mountains that’s still challenging but a bit more laid back, there’s the Arkansas Wine Country 100. It’s basically whatever the rider wants it to be.
A 100-mile training ride to get ready for a big race? Check.
A 17-mile ramble with stops for winery tours and tastings along the way? Check.
Organizer Amanda Dicken explains they get all types: the serious riders with top-of-the-line gear and determined attitude to match, and those who are looking for a scenic pedal through the hills.
There are five route options: 17 miles, 35 miles, 100 kilometers (62 miles), 80 miles nd 100 miles. All rides start and end at the Post Familie Winery in Altus, and there is no competition involved.
“It is a tour,” Dicken stresses. “It is not a race. We don’t have prizes.”
What they do have are T-shirts and a sandwich lunch for riders at the end. And the chance to sip a little wine along the way.
But while the approach may be relatively laissez-faire, this isn’t just an easy pedal. Dicken warns that while the ride is “just a fun, enjoyable ride around the countryside,” that doesn’t mean it isn’t a challenge.
All the routes (except the 35-miler, which has ups and downs of its own) have a very steep, strenuous section in the last portion before coasting downhill to the winery.
“It is not flat,” she says. “For those that are not aware, Altus is not flat. I had a guy last year who wanted to do the 17-mile route in a recumbent bicycle. After he realized that the last portion of that would be the section he had just done on the interstate in his car, he decided that he wouldn’t be able to pull that off in a recumbent bicycle.”
Other than a challenge, though, it’s a relaxed affair. Registered riders are welcome to change their route length if the day comes and they’re feeling like more or less of a challenge. “That’s fine for us,” she says. “As long as we know who’s on which route.”
There’s no time limit, and if riders want to pause along the way to admire the views or tour a winery, that’s fine, too.
“If you want to stop at the wineries, you’re free to do so and just drink your way down the hill,” Dicken says. “Sometimes they do.”
Some riders use the tour to time themselves or to train for bigger rides later in the spring. The steep stretches are good training grounds and provide an excellent workout for the serious competitive rider. Others just enjoy the scenery, the camaraderie and the chance to support Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
The ride is hosted by the Arkansas River Valley Circle of Friends, a fundraising auxiliary for the ACH Foundation. Proceeds from the ride go directly to the hospital.
“We don’t have a lot of expenses,” Dicken says.
Registration is $45 through March 24, $50 on ride day. T-shirts are guaranteed through Wednesday.
Call (479) 967-9122 or (479) 890-1331 or visit active.com.
Readers can send tips about wellness-supporting active recreation opportunities to Jennifer Nixon at
jnixon@arkansasonline.com