If you accepted the HVGP Challenge then take 3 minutes and read through our UPDATES.
UPDATE 1.4
The stage is set for a pure Ozark Adventure this Saturday. The forecast is super and the gravel roads are in fantastic shape. A few reminders and updates below.
This is a FREE ride. You are riding on your own accord and responsible for your own well being. It just happens that if you ride this Saturday you might get some free stuff and have some fun! All riders must sign a waiver and rider roster.
Please prepare as if you are riding self supported. We will have support with the aid station at White Rock Mountain. Water, CLIF product and some snacks. We will have a SAG vehicle provided by Ozark Spokes and Floats (be sure to bring some cash to give them tips for their service!) but please come prepared. You may put your personal hydration and food in the aid station truck.
Pre-ride meeting. We will gather at the ranch @ 9:20 for photo and announcements.
Wheels Hot @ 9:30 SHARP!
How to get to Hazel Valley Ranch? CLICK HERE
MOOTS cycling kit. We are giving away 3 full MOOTS cycling kits (see kits below). The first person to White Rock mountain will receive a kit. The first MOOTS owner to finish the course will receive a kit. The first female finisher will receive a kit.
We have 100 flasks. They will be distributed to non locals first then locals. If we run out we will make more and they can be picked up at The Bike Route or mailed to you at a later date. You must complete the entire course to receive a flask. This includes topping out at White Rock!
The course is marked with black arrows on yellow backing. BUT we can only hope that someone doesn’t remove our signage. Study the map below! You can download this to your GPS device (see bottom of the map). We will also have route cue sheets. At the end of the day you are responsible for doing your homework on the route. Heck getting lost sometimes is the adventure!!! You’ll have a better story to tell!
UPDATE 1.3
Hot off the press. The 2017 HVGP flask!
We’ll have some event shirts for sale. Just to remind you of the suffering awesome time you had! Event shirts will be for sale on site for $20. This is a limited run. Cash or check (maybe credit if I can get a signal) but prefer cash/check.
UPDATE 1.2
We are pleased to announce that CORE BREWING is providing some delicious ‘recovery’ beverages for all those thirsty Challengers!
Event sponsor and official SAG vehicle Ozark Spokes & Floats is offering shuttle service from Bentonville and Fayetteville out to the ranch! Check it. Click on image for details.
Total climbing: 7554 ft
The official course! Download the GPX file to your GPS device. Click download and copy paste the file to your device. We will have route cue sheets as well.
UPDATE 1.1
Our first Challenge ride of 2017 is one month away! Check out these updates for the Hazel Valley Gran Prix Challenge!
We are super pleased to announce HVGP Challenge sponsor and official SAG vehicle for the ride is Ozark Spokes & Floats. If you have a mechanical or are on a bad day never fear. Ozark Spokes & Floats will be bringing up the rear and will shuttle you back to the ranch in style! Check them out here.
We are also super excited to announce that the iconic titanium frame builder MOOTS is a challenge sponsor this year! They will be on hand to show off some of their excellent gravel bikes and we will be giving away three complete MOOTS cycling kits at the ride this year! For more on MOOTS click here.
And of course our generous event host Hazel Valley Ranch is a fantastic place to start and end this epic ride. Watch this short video. They have a couple beds left in the main lodge. Email me if you’d like to reserve a bed. They will also allow camping on the property if you wanted to crash the night before. Email me at yogrunny@gmail.com and I’ll get you in touch.
The Flyer
WHAT IS THE HAZEL VALLEY GRAN PRIX CHALLENGE?
Riding one of the most challenging gravel routes (HVGP Loop) in NWA. Epic climbs & long descents. 55 miles, 6000+ climbing, smack dab in the beautiful Ozark National Forest!
WHY?
Why not!
WHEN?
Saturday February 18th, Wheels Hot @ 9:30 am from Hazel Valley Ranch
WHAT TO EXPECT?
About 55 miles of challenging gravel roads. About 4-6 hours of saddle love.
Several 30+ minute climbs with a incredible view atop White Rock Mountain.
This IS a ride. NOT a race. IT IS AN ADVENTURE!
You are responsible for any mechanical issues you might encounter.
You are responsible for doing your homework on the route. OCA will provide a cue sheet.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN WELL-BEING.
You are responsible for having fun!
TOP OF THE ROCK, official ride pit stop (aid station) is on White Rock Mountain.
The ride will start & end at Hazel Valley Ranch 16330 Olive Road Fayetteville, AR 72703.
OCA will have food waiting for you. Thanks to Hazel Valley Ranch!
We will have some ‘recovery’ beverages ready thanks to CORE BREWING!
Creative Awards will have a super cool award for those who complete the entire route!
All riders must sign a waiver.
Cost??? Free!!! There will be a tip jar and event shirts for sale to help offset costs.
THE 2 RULES
1. You must complete the entire HVGP Loop to receive award.
2. You must prove your achievement via STRAVA or other GPS device to receive award.
THE AWARD
The coveted HVGP flask! This flask will be well earned. Thanks to Creative Awards!
THE WEATHER POLICY
If raining, snowing or earthquaking ride will be postponed. I will make the call Thursday morning before event date.
THE RIDE SPONSORS
CREATIVE AWARDS, CLIF BAR, Hazel Valley Ranch, Ozark Spokes & Floats, MOOTS, CORE BREWING & OZARK CYCLING ADVENTURES
Check out the 2016 Challenge recap click here.
Click here to view the route or to download it to your GPS device.
WILL YOU ACCEPT THIS CHALLENGE?
good luck y’all, maybe someday I’ll get in shape again cause this sure looks like fun.