Ride Recap | TRIPLE CROWN CHALLENGE Fayetteville 2015
After some tough winter weather we finally caught a break and the sun shined o’plenty. With temps near 60 degrees folks were desperate to get out. I am really grateful to all those who accepted the OCA Challenge and attempted the Triple Crown. It is no small task. We issued almost 140 flasks! Congrats again on your achievement.
Great to see such a diverse bunch. From a handful of PRO level guys to folks who just started mountain biking. Roadies on MTB’s and MTB’ers riding on roads. Very cool. I enjoyed overhearing all the stories that came from a day of riding bicycles. People made the challenge their own and now have some great tales to tell. That is the beauty of riding a bicycle.
I would like to thank the ride sponsors. A collection of great businesses that support our cycling community. If you enjoyed this ride please seek them out on social media and give them a like, follow or share. Better yet stop by their businesses and check them out.
Creative Awards – Creator of the Triple Crown Challenge flask.
The Bike Route – Generous host of the ride.
CORE Brewing Company – “Recovery” beverage provider. So good!
CLIF BAR – Supplied much needed tasty energy for the ride.
Richard’s Country Meat Market – Provider of hardy chow for some hungry souls. So good! Hands down the best lunch in town for under $5.
Puritan Brew Co. – Official ride pit stop. Coffee, beer & more!
Newell Development – Specializing in sustainable, community-centered design and construction.
Matt Baxter, CPA – Best CPA in Fayetteville!
Also a special thank you to Ozark Off Road Cyclists (OORC). Years upon years of trail building and maintenance, servicing all three trail systems used in this ride. Check them out and their upcoming event The Buffalo Headwaters Challenge. Click here.
Christmas Spice was pumped. (Photo by Victoria M)
I did not get the memo. (Photo by Victoria M)
Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas & Missouri were represented. Thanks for making the drive! (Photo by Victoria M)
I’m not sure the greenway was built for this…
Tunnel vision.
The hooping & hollering was pretty cool.
Under the I. Almost to dirt!
Kessler trail head.
Triceratops? Tyrannosaurus Rex? Stegosaurus?
Legit.
Can’t say enough about Kessler. The trails are challenging but super special. I hope folks took some time to look around. When it was safe to take your eyes off the trail of course.
Western view.
Unfortunately someone took down many of our trail markers.
Dusty P had a great story. His chain broke on the last trail system and his buddies pushed him back to the shop. TCC flask earned!
Ozarkia.
Rolling in with the Phat Tire crew.
While some didn’t do their homework to learn the route, others planted supplies at key points.
Dropping in.
“Stop talking to me! I’m in seventh!” Ben U
Some fast fellas from Kansas City.
These cats know how to roll. Sean S is selecting the playlist before dropping in.
New kid on the block & official pit stop for the TCC, Puritan Brew Co. offered a generous discount to participants. A great place to end your rides. Check them out!
This is what it’s all about.
Good times.
Bicycles & beer.
And then, it was TCC flask time!
TCC flask time!
TCC flask time!
TCC flask time errr…ahhh! I know what you’re thinking. All I can say is you can put whatever you want in a flask. Apple juice, tea, chocolate milk, it’s a beverage container. Drummond Family Racing!
The Colombian rode Lake Fayetteville after all. TCC flask time!
TCC flask time!
Big ring tales.
IF this were a race…WHICH it is not a race and IF we had a podium WHICH we do not have a podium…then… (Photo by Victoria M).
HUGE shout-out to Creative Awards (the TCC flask), CORE Brewing Company (the awesome beer) & Richard’s Country Meat Market (the hardy ham & bean soup). You all rock!
“Hey man get that camera out of my face.”
“Hey man get that camera out of my face.”
“Hey man get that camera out of my face.” (Photo by Quin T)
Cross bike? Someone get that guy a beer! (Photo by Quin T)
Good times. Good people. Stay tuned. The next OCA Challenge is already brewing.
Thanks John S for this sweet video!
More sweet video from Jay E. Thanks man!
Last but not least. PZ’s take on the Triple. Thanks man!
Check out the 2015 ride flyer below.
The Flyer
WHAT IS THE TRIPLE CROWN?
Riding Mt. Kessler, Mt. Sequoyah & Lake Fayetteville trail systems all in one ride.
WHY?
Why not!
WHEN?
Saturday January 17th 2015, Wheels hot @ 9 am from The Bike Route
WHAT TO EXPECT?
About 20 miles of challenging single track trail.
About 40 miles total. 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!
Official ride pit stop Puritan Brew Co. is offering a discount on coffee, food & beer to all participants! They are located on Dickson Street.
The ride will start & end at The Bike Route.
OCA will have food & ‘recovery’ beverages waiting for you. Thanks CORE Brewing Company & Richard’s Country Meat Market!
Creative Awards will have a super cool award for those who complete the Triple Crown!
Cost? Free. There will be a tip jar to help offset food & ‘recovery’ beverage costs.
THE 3 RULES
1. You must ride all three trail systems.
- Mt. Kessler (you must ride Serpentine, Egg Beater, Spellbound, Western Myth & Crazy Mary trails)
- Mt. Sequoyah (1 loop, you choose direction, OCA suggests clockwise)
- Lake Fayetteville (1 loop, you choose direction)
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. Oh snap it has a map of all three trail systems! This will be a well earned award. Thanks to Creative Awards & The Bike Route!
THE WEATHER POLICY
If raining or snowing ride will be postponed to the following Saturday. I will make the call Friday morning.
THE RIDE SPONSORS
CREATIVE AWARDS, THE BIKE ROUTE, CORE Brewing Company, CLIF BAR, Richard’s Country Meat Market & OZARK CYCLING ADVENTURES
WILL YOU ACCEPT THIS CHALLENGE?
