Ozark Cycling Adventures Day 1

I have been working on a new project. What is it you say? Ozark Cycling Adventures a bicycle touring company. This weekend I put the project through the first run with eight clients partaking in the very first OCA excursion. A special thank you to my clients, head chef PCG, Thomas U, The Bike Route, Vince C and Roger R at Hazel Valley Ranch for making it a successful weekend. Now for some two wheeled adventure...

Bicycles being tuned for a big weekend.

Stocked and ready.

A collection of great folks getting to know one another.

Hazel Valley Ranch provides a beautiful outdoor setting.

Let's Eat! Enchiladas and all the fixings.

After dinner a heated baggo match...

turned into a heated shuffle board match. 

Good times.

Let's Eat! Breakfast service started at 7.

Steeds are ready.

Time to tackle the Hazel Valley Gran Prix loop.

The first climb was legit.

Up top, we had spectacular scenic views and great conversation.

Rolling right into the teeth of the Ozark National Forest.

Sailing down long dirt road descents...

seemingly without end.

Grins...ear to ear.

In the belly of the beast.

Motor SAG (support and gear) gave the bunch a sense of comfort. Vince C carried water bottles, tools, food  & extra tubes. Total PRO.

Pause in the action.

In the Ozark National Forest what goes down must come up...

up...

and up.

But the reward for conquering the climbs is the incredible views. 

There are moments when you sort of forget everything else.

The fog rolls in.

After climbing for almost an hour this sign might as well say winning lottery ticket.

 Super proud of Dusty P. 

The bunch is greeted with lunch at the top of White Rock Mountain.


Struck by lightning...nope. Long day in the saddle!

Might be the best tasting sandwich, chips, M&M's and Coca-Cola I've ever had.

Ozarkia.

Taking it all in. 

Then we headed back to Hazel Valley Ranch...

and were greeted by ice cold American brews, chips, queso, salsa and guacamole. All you could stand to eat. Let the story telling begin...

Let's Eat! 

Head chef brewed up some savory steaks & taters with a delicious salad. The muscles were needing it!

This is where the worlds problems go to get solved. Good times.

Stay tuned for day 2 of Ozark Cycling Adventures...

Here is a look at the Hazel Valley Gran Prix course as STRAVA sees it. 

Preview: Ozark Cycling Adventures

Stay tuned...Ozark Cycling Adventures...

Weekend Ride Notification 6/27

Happy summer folks! Details on group rides are posted below. Have a super weekend. This will make you laugh. All elements of a TDF team must practice to be ready...

Saturday

WHF ride. Wheels Hot @ 7:30 from the parking lot adjacent to MopedU. Whats on tap? Airport Loop, 56 miles of flat to rolling terrain. About 3 hours of saddle love. Click here for route details. 

Bentonville Square Ride. Leaves from Bentonville square @ 8:00 am.  Usually 55 to 65 miles.  Hard but with regrouping. Usually 15-20 riders. Pace spirited. Route TBD.

Sunday

12:30 ONYX Coffee Lab Ride off Gregg St. Usually 50 miles or so. Pace Spirited. Route TBD.

Ride fast & be safe,

WHF

Tuesday Shorts 6/24

Tour de Suisse

Pete is becoming a human highlight reel. I sure hope Cannondale pays him whatever he wants. Can Rui podium at Le Tour? Looks like Bert will have a strong team for the big show. Kreuziger is looking solid and Roche is on fire. 

Monday

Good Bikes ride. Leaving @ 6:30 from Good Bikes (on MLK across from Lowe's). It is intended to be a recovery pace, no-drop, skills-building/technique ride. Everyone is welcome. Hosted by University of Arkansas Cycling & Good Bikes. Click here for details.

Tuesday Night Worlds

Leaves @ 5:30 from TBR or @ 6 from Brits & Turks. Get ya some!

Wednesday
Summer Crit Series
Evans Events is putting on a summer crit series every Wednesday starting June 18th-Aug. 27th in Rogers. Local crits are a great way to get your feet wet if you are a first time racer. For the experienced it's about building/sharpening race fitness. Click here for more information.

Thursday
Athlete Forward/The Bike Route beginner ride. Leaving @ 6:00 from Owl Creek Middle School. Pace easy-moderate. No rider left behind.

The Highroller Cyclery ride. Leaving @ 6:15 from Baum Stadium. Usually about 30 miles or so. Click here to find ride details.

Ride fast & be safe, steer clear of speed bumps at 50+ mph,

WHF

The Saturday Ride 6/21

With races in Kansas City and Little Rock this weekend a smaller group turned out to tackle 50+ miles of Ozark goodness. The bunch was in good spirits on a muggy summer solstice kinda morning. The route had about 3,000 feet of gain. Two challenging climbs, 4 Corners and Hell's Kitchen.

  Summer haze has begun.

Made our way to Viney Grove Rd. heading into PG.

Then cut over to 62 via Bob Kidd Lake.

Greasy Valley Rd. is scenic. Going south it's a slight uphill most of the way & usually a headwind this time of year. Felt like we were in slow motion.

Ozarkia.

At the top of Hell's Kitchen. It's cool to see the ridges we rode over in the background.

What goes up must come down. A great morning.

The R3 continues to impress. A more detailed review is coming.

Let's Eat! Pancho's white cheese dip is money!

My good buddy Thomas U is in from Dallas participating in the Ozark Valley Triathlon this morning.

Another good friend Jake N rode the bike leg with a team.

Over the bars trying to slow down for the transition zone.

Something looks out of place? Good times.