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Welcome to the premier bikepacking event of Arkansas. We don’t start or end in a busy city with traffic and flashing lights; instead, we get deep in the heart of the Ozarks and ride, hike-a-bike, resupply, and sleep where the population is low and the terrain is all-time.
This is not for the faint of heart; it’s a proper Ozark backcountry experience. Forest Service and County roads get ROWDY. This year we’ve even included some of the best singletrack in the state. Both options start and end at the BOC Ponca Downhill Trailhead. At least a hardtail mountain bike with a minimum of 2.2″ tires is the general recommendation. If you’re a fan of underbiking or only have a gravel rig… you won’t be stopped but you’ve been warned.
Total event cap is 100 regardless of what category numbers are at. This is the max number of day guests we can have at the lodge and the max the long-term parking area can accommodate.
In for the Long Haul? The Doom route incorporates most of what has already been used in the two prior years but elevates the experience with some new terrain after more scouting and avoidance of long-term Forest Service mandatory detours.
Doom
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44851077
Inclined to join the party but need/want to get back to real life in a more reasonable timeframe? Insert the new Despair route. Still a race on the front end but also a phenomenal 3 day+ tour.
Despair
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44851144
Both options have a pre-race check-in, hangout, and meeting the night before the event on Thursday, March 28th at the RiverWind Lodge. This is less than half a mile from the race start where all vehicles will be left during your ride. There are 8 rooms in this lodge that will also be available as an add-on to registration if you want to stay there. Rooms with two queen beds can sleep up to four people if you’re trying to split costs/logistics with some homies. If you reserve an available room it is your own private room unless you ask others to join you. Day guests will have to leave by 10PM to keep the BOC staff happy.
https://www.buffaloriver.com/lodges/riverwind/
There are plenty of lodging and camping options in the area – I advise you look into it sooner than later. No tent or vehicle camping at the RiverWind Lodge. No tent camping at the BOC Ponca Downhill Trailhead either.
Camping/Lodging ideas:
https://horseshoecanyonduderanch.com/
https://www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/camping.htm
Anything in Jasper, AR for the most amenities!
Everyone will be required to use trackers during the event via Trackleaders. Either rent or use your own… just please note that will be one additional cost as the event date gets closer.
Event price will increase after Dec 31st by $20 unless you’re a returning Doomer.
Questions in the meantime shoot over to andrew@ozarkgravelcyclists.com
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Our goal at ArkansasOutside.com is to provide information on outdoor recreation throughout Arkansas. We specialize in participatory sports like running, cycling, paddle sports, climbing, hiking.