The best laid plans..Ouachita Challenge Race Report Part One
Submitted by namrita on Mon, 03/29/2010 - 19:30
Sure, it would have been ideal to have the race at the beginning of spring break, rather than on the last day but that was not going to stop me from spending the week riding the famed Arkansas trails. We didn't do any long rides, per se, but we rode every day except Friday last week. That was definitely the most mountain bike hours I've put in this year. The trails were rugged and so fun that it was hard to NOT ride while we were there, though.
photo by Sonya Looney
Group ride with Competitive Cyclist
Submitted by namrita on Fri, 03/26/2010 - 11:49
Yesterday was cold and windy with off-and-on rain. Luckily the weather for the Ergon/Competitive Cyclist group ride wasn't bad. The trails were in great shape..there were a few puddles but the trails around here are pretty rocky and hold up to rain well.
The Competitive Cyclist office and operation was huge and really impressive. I think almost everyone on the ride was already using Ergon grips!
There are a bunch of photos from the ride and Klinik here
Day 3: More Ouachita!
Submitted by namrita on Wed, 03/24/2010 - 19:33
I know, I know, everyone keeps telling us to ride the Womble and I wish I had unlimited hours to ride this week. But, with the race on Sunday...I sort of have to keep the pre-race riding hours in check. Today our teammates Jeff Kerkove and Sonya Looney made it out from Colorado and we got out on the Ouachita Trail again. The trail is a blast, it's totally my kind of trail. I felt much better today. I didn't take the camera but Sonya and Jeff had theirs out for some still shots and video.
Day 2
Submitted by namrita on Tue, 03/23/2010 - 21:40
Today we ventured over to Hot Springs to hit up Parkside Cycle, the most recommended bike shop in the town. Their mechanic is really good and he fixed up my drivetrain that was having issues yesterday. They also have a great selection of products including the Team Green Ergons currently on sale!
Welcome to AR and the Ouachita Trail
Submitted by namrita on Mon, 03/22/2010 - 19:09
Well, I just typed up a long post about the day's adventure and then accidentally deleted it!!!
Grrrr. So, in a nutshell...we made it to Arkansas last night..there is no edible food within 45 min of our hotel and, even worse, NO COFFEE around. No coffee maker or fridge in our room either. Thank goodness we are moving to a new place on Wednesday or I might go crazy! I will be more prepared next time we venture into this neck of the woods...a word to the wise: bring the kitchen sink!
