Doom

We’ve shifted to the Ouachita National Forest to continue showcasing some of the most rewarding backcountry riding and views in the Natural State. The move brings long stretches of singletrack and true remoteness—entirely new terrain for any previous edition. Hot Springs now serves as the launch and return point, offering more accessible food, lodging, and activities for anyone making the trip.

We’re including three distances again:

Ouachita Doom
325+ Miles | 32k+ Feet of Vert | 110+ Miles Singletrack | 80%+ Unpaved

A full-scale Ouachita epic. Over 100 miles of singletrack link the Northwoods Trails, the IMBA Epic Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, the IMBA Epic Womble, and long runs of the Ouachita Trail—stitched together with tarmac, gravel, doubletrack, and rugged forest roads. The route grinds to Tall Peak’s old lookout tower and carves through the Flatside Wilderness before closing the loop around Lake Ouachita—a demanding multi-day push stacked with bonus miles and hidden gems.

This distance includes a drop-bag option at the end of the Ouachita Trail section before you head into the far-east loop. You’ll access the same drop twice as the route returns to that spot. The plan is to use a box trailer or U-Haul secured with a padlock; the code will be provided before the start. Drop bags must be a sealed 3-Gallon Ziploc bag and can be handed in at check-in before the race. Provide you own bag and contents!

There will be one additional neutral aid on course that is shared with the High Watch distance option. Location TBD but you can get context by referring to their route file on shared miles.

Route Link

The High Watch
200+ Miles | 16k+ Feet of Vert | 45+ Miles of Singletrack | 65%+ Unpaved

This figure-eight route weaves the Northwoods Trails, the IMBA Epic Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, and a patchwork of tarmac, dirt, and rugged ridgelines into a ride of deliberate contrast. From punchy singletrack to fast backroads and the climb to Tall Peak’s old lookout tower, every transition feels intentional—each element returning in new form as the route loops back through the Ouachitas to Hot Springs.

One neutral aid location on route. Location TBD.

Route Link

LOViT or Leave iT
116 Miles | 9k+ Feet of Vert | 45+ Miles of Singletrack | 55%+ Unpaved

This route traces a compact figure-eight through the Ouachitas, weaving the Northwoods Trails, the IMBA Epic Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, and a mix of tarmac, dirt, and rolling backroads into a seamless ride. Every section shifts tempo—from punchy singletrack to fast, flowing roads—looping through the hills before returning to Hot Springs.

Route Link

Bike Choice

We recommend a cross-country mountain bike for all three distances. While many modern gravel bikes blur the line into MTB territory, this event is framed as a mountain-bike effort. Plan on running at least 2.2-inch tires—even if you’re an underbiking champ.

Simple Schedule below. More details to roll out to signed up participants via email. 

March 12th – The Club House

Check-in from 1pm-7pm

Rider Meeting at 7:30pm

March 13th

Last call check-in 5:00am-5:30am

Bell Ringing Ceremony at 5:55am

Grand Depart at 6am

Tracking

Tracking is required for all participants and is provided by a third-party service for an additional fee. It’s essential for safety, and it also allows friends, family, fans, and the event team to follow your progress in real time. We will email with more details as the event date approaches. Expect around $30 for registering your own device (inReach, SPOT, etc.) or around $80 for renting one out.

Refunds

Refunds are available through February 1, 2026. You’re welcome to transfer your entry to another rider, but that process is entirely up to you to arrange. No deferrals to future editions.

Price Increases

There’s a price increase of $20 on December 1st and another price increase of $15 on January 1st. Sign-up early on!