UPDATE 1.2
Please take a moment and read the updates!
The weather is looking fantastic for Saturday! This should be a fun and challenging ride. Wheels Hot @ 9am sharp! There will be a brief pre-ride meeting/photo at 8:50 in front of Gearhead Outfitters. PLEASE park in the gravel lot on the north side of Gearhead. You MUST sign a waiver which will be located inside Gearhead Outfitters.
PLEASE note there are several awesome local businesses that are supporting this FREE bike ride and our cycling community. Please take a moment to seek them out and say thanks! Or better yet check out their businesses and buy something! See updates below. Getty Up!
THE RIDE SUPPORTERS
Updates:
-YOU are responsible for your own well being. You must sign the ride waiver before taking off.
-The course is not marked. We have a SUGGESTED route and maps below. It is your responsibility to do your homework. We have provided some links to a couple great resources. We strongly suggest you use the MTB Project App for your phone for on ride support.
-The tunnel is closed under I-49 and you will need to jump on the road for about .5 miles. There is a map of this below as well.
-This is NOT a race but a challenging adventure ride.
-Food and recovery beverage service will be from 1-4 PM located on the west side of Pedaler’s Pub.
-The Clif Bar aid station will be located 100 feet from the trail at the Lake Ann parking lot. We will have some energy products, water and extra tubes etc. there for you. Click on image for Google map details.
-We will have a limited quantity of awesome event shirts for sale ($20 cash or check). Thanks Creative Awards!
UPDATE 1.1
Please find maps for the suggested route for the Triple Crown Challenge Bentonville-Bella Vista below. Note this is merely a SUGGESTION, feel free to ride these trail systems in whatever order you would like. You will just need to ride the majority of each system and ride your bike to each system to qualify for the flask award. Expect 40+ miles of awesome Oz Trails single track!
A couple things to note. The route will NOT be marked. We feel that part of the challenge and adventure to these rides is participants doing the research and maybe even getting lost once or twice. We do provide a suggested route and links to online resources to help participants but part of any true adventure is the possibility of getting lost and having to figure out how to get back on track. Also the tunnel that runs under I49 is closed. We have a reroute that will run you on the road for a bit to get to Blowing Springs Trails.
A MAJOR thanks to Ben Craig for putting together these great maps and giving a locals perspective on the best way to ride these trails!
There will be one aid station located at Lake Ann parking lot on the east side.
Stay tuned for the next update!
Online Resources
MTB Project – We recommend you use this website for details on these trails. Links to each trail system are below.
MTB Project App – We recommend that you use this app for your phone. You can pull this up on rides and find your way!
Slaughter Pen Trails
Here is a link to MTB Projects map of Slaughter pen.
Tunnel closure reroute. Due to tunnel closure you will need to hop out on the road for a short stretch.
Blowing Springs Trails
Here is a link to MTB Projects map of Blowing Springs.
Back 40 Trail
Here is a link to MTB Projects map of Back Forty trails.
THE FLYER
We are stoked to bring the Triple Crown Challenge to Bentonville-Bella Vista! Come ride the world class Oz Trails! Triple Crown Bentonville-Bella Vista is presented by Newell Development. I promise this will be a challenging memorable ride!
WHAT IS THE TRIPLE CROWN?
Riding the majority of three (Slaughter Pen, Blowing Springs & Back 40) trail systems in one ride.
WHY?
Why not!
WHEN?
Saturday October 29th, Wheels hot @ 9am from Gearhead Outfitters
WHAT TO EXPECT?
About 50 miles of challenging single track trail.
Be prepared for 4-6 hours of saddle love.
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 & trail systems.
You are responsible for your own well being.
You are responsible for having fun!
Aid Station (TBD)
OCA will have food & beer…’recovery’ beverages waiting for you. Thanks to Pedaler’s Pub & Bike Rack Brewing!
Creative Awards will have a super cool award for those who complete the Triple Crown!
Cost? FREE!
All participants must sign rider release form.
THE 3 RULES
1. You must ride the majority of all three trail systems. The suggested route will be announced soon!
- Slaughter Pen
- Blowing Springs
- Back 40
2. You must start & stop from the same point (loop) and ride (your bike) to each trail system.
3. You must prove your achievement via STRAVA or other GPS device to receive award.
THE AWARD
The coveted TCC flask. Something super cool to hold your beverage of choice in. This will be well earned! Thanks to Creative Awards!
THE WEATHER POLICY
If raining, snowing or earthquaking ride might be postponed. I will make the call Thursday morning.
THE RIDE SPONSORS
Newell Development, CREATIVE AWARDS, Pedaler’s Pub, Bike Rack Brewing, Gearhead Outfitters, CLIF BAR, & OZARK CYCLING ADVENTURES
WILL YOU ACCEPT THIS CHALLENGE?
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