Ouachita Challenge Race. The beauty and the challenges of gravel and single track racing in Ouachita National Forest.

Ouachita Challenge Gravel and Mountain Bike Races Double Weekend

Tastiest oatmeal ever along with spectacular gravel and single track racing.

60 mile gravel race Saturday March 20^th

60 mile mountain bike race Sunday March 21^st

Oden, Arkansas

Jess 5^th female gravel race, 3^rd female mountain bike race; 2^nd for those that did both races

Joël 16th male gravel, 28th mountain bike (mens field of almost 100 for gravel and over 100 for mtb); 12th combined

What a weekend, the perfect event experience.  Great courses. Amazing volunteers. Spectacular race amenities such as camping, food, and showers.  This is a race that both Nankmans would recommend. It has everything a race should have, there was nothing missing to make this a weekend of riding worth attending.  Even if like us you drive from 20 hours away it will not disappoint.

So first off, many are probably wondering why and how Joël and I came about traveling from Pennsylvania for this event. Riding in North West Arkansas has always been on our to do list and we wanted to go there during a time of the year that would be conducive to good camping and riding in Arkansas but would also allow us to escape the still snowy and chilly Eastern Pennsylvania.  End of March fit that description.  When traveling to new places Joël and I find it conducive to enter a race; racing is an easy way to learn the area, experience the trails, and talk with local riders.  Racing easily gives us inside knowledge about the area; riding, camping, eateries, etc.  Searching the internet for riding locations we were interested in along with races happening in the area and along came the Ouachita Challenge. The plan was to start off the trip with a gravel and mountain bike race, move onward to a few days of riding in Ouachita National Forest, and then finish up in Bentonville (stay tuned for a blog coming soon about camping and riding adventures in Ouachita and Bentonville).

Now that you know the history of what brought the Nankmans to this far away race, let’s get into detail about all the awesome things about the Ouachita Challenge weekend of racing.  Joël and I race a lot; and to us a race is not just about the riding. Sure, we want good riding which means fun and challenging courses that are well marked and prepped. But we also look for events that offer the full package.  A race director and staff that really care about the event and volunteers that enjoy being there.  Event locations offering camping on site for those that drive from a distance are in our minds a must. Things like flush toilets and showers are a wonderful added bonus.  Offering food included with race entry is a wonderful thing and I admit sometimes makes or breaks our decision to enter and event. Decent event swag and good awards is not a necessity but can make an event go from good to great.  The Ouachita Challenge had all of the above, getting gold stars for all the categories and had the full conglomeration of all the things a racer can want and need. So here are the details of all those amazing things.

Event location

All riding and everything having to do with the race was based out of the school complex in Oden.  This was the absolutely perfect hub. Registration, parking, and the race start/finish were all right there.  A rider could pretty much see and hear the announcer at all times, no wondering what was going on.  As noted in the following paragraphs, other amazing amenities were also offered at the school such as camping and food and you can read on to know more.

Camping, bathrooms, showers

WOW! Sums it up in this category.  Camping Friday and Saturday night was allowed directly on the school campus, with racers parking their vans and setting up their tents at various locations around the grounds.  The school gym was even open for sleeping if needed (and being it was below freezing both mornings people who slept in the gym were warm and cozy).  Flush toilets were available at various sites on the campus and the showers in the gym were open for racers to use. There is nothing better that having a hot shower after a race, especially important when Joël and I are going to boondock in the van for the rest of the week. We sometimes never know where our next real shower is going to be. The school complex is condense, so it was an easy walk to all of these things. Dogs were allowed which is a must for the Nankmans, no traveling without Clifford.

Food

Oh my, this was just top notch. In my opinion, for any type of long distance event it should be customary that races offer some sort of post race food included with entry.  Anything above and beyond that is an added bonus. The Ouachita Challenge rose above and beyond in the food category.  There was post race food on Sunday of personal pizzas for each racer which hit the spot perfectly after 60 miles of tough mountain biking. In addition, there was a hot breakfast for racers on Saturday and Sunday of pancakes, oatmeal, eggs, fruit, coffee and more along with and a pasta dinner on Saturday night.  All the food was cooked on site in the school cafeteria and it was quite tasty.  Honestly the best oatmeal I have ever had.  I always asked for an extra scoop.

Courses

60 miles of gravel racing on my Devote Advanced Saturday and 60 miles of mountain biking on some amazing single track on my Piqued Advanced Pro 29 Sunday.  Both days of racing started and ended at the school so it did mean a few miles of pavement on both ends of the ride.  The gravel day included many beautiful rural and forest roads with amazing views of the surrounding Ouachita National Forest and rural farm country. According to Joël, on a ranch he saw a “bull with balls as big as my head”.  The mountain bike day had some pavement and gravel but the highlight of the course was the Ouachita Trail and other local single track which were all fairly technical; challenging yet fun. Courses both days were well marked with volunteers at road crossings and trail intersections directing racers. Both days had ample aid stations that offered both nutrition and hydration. Typically drop bags were allowed but this year due to COVID restrictions no drop bags but riders could have friends/family/helpers present at some of the aid stations to supply personal items. With the races being no more than three to six hours for us we easily carried all we needed including all out Honey Stinger nutrition in our back pockets.  Some notes for riders. Get your climbing legs ready, both days have significant climbing; they make your legs hurt but are worth the effort. Creek crossings were numerous at both races, be ready for wet feet.  Temperature swings are quite possible.  For this year racers woke to frost on the ground both days and with an 8am start it was still quite cold in the mornings but warmed up to the 60s/70s by the end of the race.  Make sure your tire sealant is fresh and you carry flat fixing items; flat tires were numerous both days including Joel who did get two flats on the gravel day. Luckily Saucon Valley Bikes supplied us with lots of tubes and sealant to take along on this trip so flats could be fixed.

Volunteers

They were all so amazing. Every person involved with this race was just so nice, caring, involved, and friendly. One could tell they all just want to race to be a success.  From registration to aid station volunteers and course/traffic directors to the people serving meals there was never a lack of a smile and genuine concern for how racers were doing and if they were having a good time.  A local fire company along the course had volunteers helping racers and cheering them on. Some locals along the course had water bottles for racers. Race volunteers were even moping the showers and refilling toilet paper. That’s dedication. Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who made this race possible!

Race swag and awards

Just a few goodies from sponsors at registration but that’s all that was really needed. There was a drawing for some really nice prizes at dinner on Saturday night.  Race T-shirts were available for purchase if wanted and there was a bike shop on site for repairs and supplies.  Podium awards were for the top three each day and then the top winner overall for the combined double event.  Awards were cash; can never go wrong with that.  A race photographer was present both days taking some amazing photos for purchase. 

In summary, a race that was well put together and offered racers so many extra things that just made this race the complete experience; great pedaling and a great experience. Two days of great riding, good accommodations, bellies filled with tasty food, and friendly and supportive staff.  Even our dog Clifford came away with new friends so it was a weekend to remember for all the Nankmans.  Thanks for a top notch event! Note: this race did adhere to COVID regulations. Masks were worn when appropriate and social distancing guidelines were followed.

-          Words by Jess

-          Photos by Joël

-          Professional photographs by Kai Caddy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warm Weather and the Win at the Gone Riding Hammer Head 75

Escaping the Snow For the Hammer Head 75

Gone Riding Productions; Florida Endurance Series
Ocala, Florida
February 21, 2021

Jess 1^st open women
Joël mid-pack open men

Yes, the Nankmans traveled during the COVID-19 pandemic.  We admit it, Joël and I traversed many states and went many miles southward.  I am fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  We wore our masks, washed our hands, and social distanced appropriately.  We lived out of our van; boondocking off the grid when camping overnight and bringing all of our own food and supplies. Only stops were to fuel-up the van.  No hotels, no restaurant's.  All self contained from Pennsylvania to Florida and back; essentially we drove, did a race, and drove back. Some may disagree with us and say what we did was wrong, traveling and potentially spreading the corona virus.  Some may say what we did was right, living life and enjoying what we do while doing it all safely and responsibly.

Before we get started deep into this post…one thing I need to make noteworthy.  This race was made possible by all the wonderful people at Easton Animal Hospital. I know the schedule is crazy and traveling is questionable but I really need to thank all my fellow employees and friends at EAH for allowing me to do what I do. You support me and make sure I get to ride and race my bike. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to take time off and travel. I so appreciate all of you. Now, sappy stuff aside onto the race.

Mid-February is a dreary time in Pennsylvania, especially this winter The temperatures are generally too cold for riding outside. Currently there is well over a foot of snow on the ground; the first snow storm hit before Christmas and there will probably be snow on the ground until mid-March.  Riding is primarily done on the home trainers (stationary bikes) in the basement.  There have been way too many movies watched and way too many episodes of NetFlix shows viewed. Doing a race in the southern US in February is a way to escape the cold, feel the sun on our faces, and actually get our tires moving on dirt for a bit. Even Clifford the dog seems tired of the snow and wants to run on the trail, so a short jaunt southward is something all three Nankmans can look forward to.

Usually the race of choice for this time of year is 12 Hours of Santos by Gone Riding, held out of the Vortex Trailhead area of the Santos Trail system in Ocala. This race is just as much of a social event as it is a race.  Joël and I race it solo but many people race as teams, making it a weekend party of hanging out together.  Campers stay all weekend and racers bring friends and family. Post race food and party provides a gathering place for all to socialize.  Due to the current health situation, Gone Riding was not having 12 Hours of Santos this year, which I think all of us can agree with and support. Thus, the race of choice this time for the Nankmans was another Gone Riding event the Hammer Head 75 miler.  No camping at the race, no post ride party, and social distancing guidelines of masks, keeping apart, and a staged start helped keep the race safe for all.

The Hammer Heard race was held out of the Landbridge Trailhead, mid-section of the Cross-Florida Greenway Trail system. The course was a 25 mile loop with racers having the option of doing a 25, 50, or 75 mile length option via completing the appropriate one, two, or three laps.  Riders could set-up a pit area with their bottles in coolers and food at the start/finish area to get hydration and food after each 25 mile lap.  The course was primarily all single track with a few short sections of double track and a few very short sections of pavement. For those that have ridden Santos you know what the trails there are like and you will know that this race was 75 miles of constant pedaling on tight, twisty, sandy trails. For those that haven’t how do you imagine Florida….sandy, flat, and palms. The trails of Santos are fun and challenging and require skill but yes they are overall flat, sandy, twisty, and there are palms and pines everywhere.  

One may think that because of the lack of climbing, lack of descents, and lack of rocks this would be an easy course. Certainly not. 75 miles of constant pedaling while railing the corners, watching for trees, and avoiding sketchy roots really is hard work; especially for those who are not accustomed to it. Heartrates stayed high, legs kept pedaling, arms kept moving the bars, and I swear I barely blinked the entire race.  In addition to getting in a good hard ride this race was a perfect respite from the winter weather in Pennsylvania.  The temperatures were in the 70s, the sun was shining, and there was a slight breeze. What perfect weather to be outside all day. The scenery was grasses, palms, pines, and some color added in with flowers and berries.  Riders were friendly and the race staff supportive. Just overall a great day to be on the bike.

As for individual races both Nankmans were happy with their performance and races.  We both put in hard efforts and left it all out there on the course. I worked my way up through the womens field during the first few miles, it took me some time to get into a groove and figure out how to ride the turns smoothly. The second place women and I rode a good portion of the race together, keeping the pace high and helping each other push hard. We both agreed we enjoyed riding together; we enjoyed the company and the constant push to keep the pace up.  I was eventually to pull away for the win, but second place was not that far behind. It was a close race where a mechanical, wrong turn, or taking it easy could have made a big difference.  Joël started hard with the group of front riders.  After the first lap he realized this pace was not sustainable for the entire 75 miles and he settled into a hard but sustainable pace finishing mid-pack. Awards were custom plaques and a cash payout.  Best part of the race: the people parked next to us.  A super friendly group of racers and their family offered help the entire event; every lap through and every pit stop they checked to see if we needed anything, offered assistance, and most importantly cheered us on. Thanks parking lot friends!

Jess 75 miles in 5:56 for 1^st open women
Joël 75 miles in 5:31 for 8th place open men
 
Good riding. Great weather. Friendly fellow racers.  Supportive race staff.  All spectacular reasons to escape south for a few days. We left Pennsylvania during a winter snow storm.  When we arrived home we had to shovel the snow that happened while we were away. But a few days of warmth and sun was worth it.
 
A few other socially distanced highlights of out trip. A stop at Conagree National Park; a unique forest in South Carolina.  All outside events and we were there super early in the morning when it was empty.  We did some hiking to see the natural features of the swap and the giant loblolly pines. Along the way we stopped at Richland Rum distillery and grabbed a few tasty bottles.  And one can’t be in the southern United States without stopping at a roadside shack for boiled peanuts.  Yum, they were delicious!  As usual, van life never disappoints. Living off the grid while spending time in nature is wonderful.

Now, a shout out to those that make things like this possible:

Bike made possible by Liv Cycling USA; the Liv Pique Advanced Pro 29 1
Bike kept working by Saucon Valley Bikes
Body kept going by Saucon Valley Massage and Dr. Qureshi along with Balanced Acupuncture and Be Well Chiropractic
Nutrition by Honey Stinger
Lighting for training rides and races by Lupine Lights North America
Support by Bicycling Magazine
 
Words by Jess, photos by Joël, and fun traveling by Clifford the dog

And here are a few vanlife moments from our travels:

Making coffee on the way down; coffee is pre-made at home and then just warmed up on the camp stove.

Campfire and awning lights; always a relaxing even at camp.

Ice and snow along the way made for quite the exciting drive.

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