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.
Some sweet video from John S. Thanks man!
More sweet video from Jay E. Thanks man!
Last but not least. PZ’s take. Thanks man!
Great event! Next time I will have to bring some friends up from Dallas. I hope you have already started planning the next one!
Sweet ride and a great day for it. Is Havana and back up next?
Great ride yesterday in Fayetteville! It was unlike any other event I’ve ever done on a bike. The day included only one flat, an official beer stop, riding through the drive-through at McDonald’s, and not being 100% sure where we were going… Special thanks to Ozark Cycling Adventures and Robin Grunnagle for making this happen!
Had a blast at the Triple Crown Challenge today. Got in about 50 miles, and shredded some awesome trail. Thanks to Robin Grunnagle, The Bike Route, and all the other supporters of the event!
Triple Crown Challenge accepted. Great day for cycling in NWA. Thanks to Ozark Cycling Adventures, Robin Grunnagle, The Bike Route and all the sponsors
Thank you Rob for putting together such a fun event. Well Done. Thanks to Ben Upchurch with The Bike Route, Core Brewing, Steve McBee with Creative Awards and Richards Richard’s Country Meat Market for the hospitality, great food and awesome award for a free event! So cool. I haven’t had that much fun in the saddle for a long time.
What a fun day at the triple crown challenge on Saturday…..thanks for all who have helped build these incredible trails. Was a great day yesterday and thanks to all who helped make this happen.
Robin Grunnagle and everyone who put on this event just hit it out of the park.
Super fun event. Thanks to Rob and TBR for putting it on! It’s already on my calender for next year!