OPPORTUNITIES

Scenic 65-mile Ouachita Challenge two days of fun

The Ouachita Challenge, one of the largest mountain bike events in Arkansas, rolls into its 17th year this weekend. This two-day, 65-mile, closed-loop mountain bike tour and race begin at Oden School, 135 School Drive in Oden.

The tour begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, the race at 8 a.m. Sunday. Both days, riders will take scenic routes through the woods using the Ouachita Trail and the Womble Trail. Seasoned riders and first-timers -- on various types of bicycles from hard-tail mountain bikes to single speeds and tandems -- will share these famous single-track paths.

The course will begin at the school, using some paved roads to reach the forest road that accesses the Ouachita Trail. Riders will head toward Brushy Mountain's recreation center. From there, the ride will go eight more miles toward Sims. A connecting trail will carry riders to the west end of the Womble and headed to North Fork Lake. Then they'll take the forest road back to Oden School.

Steep hills, dirt, concrete and woods can be a challenge for even the most experienced riders. Organizer Scott Hopkins urges riders to pace themselves and prepare for a long ride.

Online registration has closed, but through a chat board on the website, people who have to drop out at the last minute are posting offers to relinquish their spots. Registration is $100 for either event.

A complimentary breakfast from 6 to 7:45 a.m. at Oden School will get participants started on both days, and they can look forward to a spaghetti dinner Saturday. Family members and volunteers can eat as well. Whether riders eat breakfast or not, they must be ready to line up for last-minute instructions 15 minutes before the mass start.

Friday night check-in begins at 4 p.m. at the school.

Packet pickup is available at the school from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 6 to 7:45 a.m. Sunday.

Everyone must check in before each day's ride -- no bandits allowed. For the tour, riders can sign in from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 6 to 7:45 a.m. Saturday. For the race, sign in will be 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday or 6 to 7:45 a.m. Sunday in the school's cafeteria.

The fastest rider is expected to complete the Challenge in 4.5 hours, while it should take a less driven rider six hours. Food and water will be provided at each checkpoint, but participants should carry 72 ounces of water or a fluid replacement of some sort as well as energy bars, gels and other foods to help them keep cranking in between the checkpoints.

Also, to ensure safe riding, bikes must be in tip-top shape, in expectation of unpredictable weather. New brake pads are a good idea. Extra clothes are suggested for the possibility of wet weather; and layers of clothing that can be stripped off as you warm up are also advised.

To ensure that every participant makes it through safely, course monitors will follow the pack, sweeping through every aid station up to the finish line.

Some of the U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in the Mena and Oden area that riders have used in past years are closed. Many participants plan to stay in local motels or even pitch tents around the school.

Many riders take advantage of the school facilities. To stay overnight in the school gym, take a donation of at least $3 to the gym, along with a sleeping bag, towels and other essentials. Donations will cover the water and electricity costs to the district.

Arm bands will show the tour rider's distance. Racers will compete for trophies and cash in the overall men's, women's, as well as men and women's single-speed category. Also, first-place winners in each category will receive a cash prize of $300.

The Challenge is hosted by the Ouachita Mountain Challenge Association, a small group of representatives of the nonprofits that benefit from the event. Polk County Development Center, CASA of the Ouachita Region, Rural Department of Cove and Friends of the Ouachita Trail are among the organizations.

Volunteers are essential to the Challenge. To find out whether your help is needed, email Robert Cavanaugh at [email protected] or call (870) 490-1511.

Souvenir shirts cost $20, socks $7 and jerseys $60. Go to ouachitachallenge.com for more details or email Hopkins at [email protected].

Dam Mountain Trail 10K

Be prepared to run in Lake Catherine State Park at Malvern from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, for the Dam Mountain Trail 10K.

This out-and-back footrace starts at the park's trailhead, crosses over the waterfall and onto the Dam Mountain Trail. Runners will take this route twice, following the trail back from the waterfall and finishing up in front of the park bathrooms.

Due to the ruggedness of the trail, steep hills, loose rocks and fallen trees, this race is considered a technical run.

Packets can be picked up the morning of the race or at a check-in canopy set up Friday at the trailhead near the restrooms.

Medals will be given to first-place male and female runners and walkers. Overall first place will win $50 plus a Lake Catherine and Arkansas State Parks tattooed walking stick.

Entry is $40. Participants can register at runsignup.com and pay online or at arkansasgettingeveryoneoutside.com and pay the day of race.

Hosted by Arkansas Getting Everyone Outside, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, this race is in its second year. Pets are welcome. For more information, contact Tony Jenkins at [email protected] or phone (501) 815-2383.

Please send tips for active recreation events to

charlette.williams

@arkansasonline.com

ActiveStyle on 03/19/2018

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