UPDATE 1.1
Hey everyone please read our update all the way through! Folks, there is a reason why the word Challenge is in our event title. I can’t stress this enough. This is a challenging but rewarding route. The views of the Ozarks are amazing! With 6,000 feet of elevation in 55 miles. The climbs are long and tough. The descents fast and twisty. The route is also very remote. Please know what you are getting into and err on the side of caution. Thankfully it looks like most weather models have pushed precipitation to Saturday night or no rain at all with high temps around 50. We will proceed with the 9am start time. Please read below for event details.
Event parking is located in the field on the right just as you hit the gravel road. Please be efficient with how you park. We will need to fit everyone in there. EVERYONE MUST SIGN A WAIVER. There will be a mandatory pre-ride meeting and group photo at 8:45am. We do our best to start on time.
We have to estimate how much food/beverages to have on hand after the ride. After reading our update, please go to our Facebook event page click here and indicate if you are going. This will help us make the food purchases more accurate. Please continue reading below.
We will not have cue sheets. It is expected that you do the homework and download the route to your GPS device here. Some services will actually allow you to print turn by turn directions. If you follow the link we have additional details on our site as well. We will be marking the course Friday morning with the arrows you see above but there are no guarantees our signage won’t get pulled down or blown away overnight. Click here for Hazel Valley Gran Prix route details. The GPX file download button is just below the elevation map.
Unfortunately we will not have the large van and bike trailer this year as we have had in years past. So do not plan on getting in the SAG vehicle midway. It is expected that all riders prepare for self-support. However, thanks to The Bike Route we will have the TBR van with TBR mechanic John Sandy driving behind helping out.
The CLIF Bar aid station will be located at the top of White Rock Mountain. Big shout out to CLIF Bar for feeding our adventures! And to our volunteers who are helping out. Be sure to thank them!
The Meteor Cafe will be there Saturday morning serving coffee and snacks before the ride!
Here is the 2020 finishers flask! You must complete the course to receive this. We only have 150. We will distribute to out of town participants first then locals. If we run out there will be a sign-up list and I will have some more made to distribute later. Thanks to Creative Promotional Marketing for giving us a great deal on these flasks!
We would like to thank Wayne & Gina Hudec owners of Hazel Valley Ranch for rolling out the red carpet for participants! And for throwing one heck of a post ride party. To find out more about the ranch click here.
We would also like to thank all of our annual sponsors. Without these great businesses/organizations we would not be able to do what we do.
The Bike Route
Matt Baxter, CPA
Newell Development
Cycling Performance Lab
Hazel Valley Ranch
Experience Fayetteville
CLIF Bar
If you like this free event consider making a donation to our tip jar which will be at the waiver sign-up table. Or go to our online store here and purchase a super cool Ozark themed cycling shirt, poster, hat or cycling kit. We want to keep putting this on for years to come.
We look forward to seeing you Saturday morning! #ridetheozarks
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 22rd, Wheels Hot @ 9AM 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.
We will have a SAG vehicle but again be prepared for a self-supported ride.
You are responsible for doing your homework on the route. You can download it below.
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.
We will have awesome chili & “recovery” beverages waiting for you. Thanks to Hazel Valley Ranch!
We will have a super cool finishers flask 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 ROUTE
Total climbing: 7618 ft
THE AWARD
The coveted HVGP flask! This flask will be well earned.
THE WEATHER POLICY
If raining, snowing or earthquaking the ride could be postponed. I will make the call Wednesday morning before event date.
THE RIDE SPONSORS
Hazel Valley Ranch, CREATIVE, CLIF BAR & OZARK CYCLING ADVENTURES
Check out the 2017 Challenge recap click here.
Click here to view the route or to download it to your GPS device.
WILL YOU ACCEPT THIS CHALLENGE?
Rode the course last Sunday after some good rain Friday and Saturday and was happy that it was still rideable. I highly recommend this ride!
Thx! Good to know!
Hi, can you update on the weather? The forecast is looking a LOT better than earlier this week. I’m planning to come from KC and looking forward to it!
We are about to update the event flyer any minute. Please check back in a couple minutes. But yes we are pleased with the forecast!