With mid 60’s and plenty of sunshine the stage was set for a epic day in the Ozark National Forest. 100 riders accepted the OCA Hazel Valley Gran Prix Challenge. Riders from Kentucky, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri & Texas were represented. They would attempt to tackle 55 miles of gravel roads with 5500+ gain. This route has some of the most spectacular views that the Ozark Mountains have to offer. Topping out at White Rock Mountain. The day would see a new course record set by Duncan W at 3 hours 12 minutes and with it almost every KOM would fall. Well done!

I would like to take a moment to thank our ride sponsors. Without this kind of support and from our website advertisers we would not be able to do what we do, the way we do it!

THANK YOU RIDE SPONSORS! If you enjoyed this ride be sure to thank these folks.

HAZEL VALLEY RANCH | Generous hosts serving awesome food & hot showers!

CREATIVE | HVGP flask award, route cue sheets and event shirts.

OZARK SPOKES & FLOATS | Official SAG Vehicle

CORE BREWING | Providing much needed “recovery” beverages.

CLIF BAR | Aid station sponsor. #feedyouradvenutre

MOOTS | Cycling kit donations for prizes.

THE BIKE ROUTE | Course marking.

A big thanks to Wayne & Gina H owner of Hazel Valley Ranch. They rolled out the red carpet for us! Such a great venue to start and end this ride! 

Team camps? Come here and rent this awesome facility!

When you need to pull the plug you can at least ride back to the ranch in style. Thanks to Ozark Spokes & Floats! Official SAG vehicle. Hit them up for your next outdoor adventure with shuttle needs!

Awesome turnout on a super challenging course. 

[Video Christian M]

Ripping through the valley.

First climb of many. It is steep and many will walk. About 2 miles with 500+ gain.

Long descent to Winfrey Valley. [Video Christian M]

Start of Bidville climb. About 3.5 miles with 1000 gain. Ouch…

Thanks CLIF BAR for sponsoring our aid station!

This view was well earned. White Rock Mountain. About 6 miles, 1100 gain. [Photo Peter N]

Some of the best views of the Ozark Mountains. All day long.

If we had a podium. This would be it. Congrats! [Photo HVR]

Let the story telling begin!

Thanks CORE BREWING for the awesome recovery beverages!

I get a huge amount of satisfaction organizing and supporting these Ozark Cycling Adventures. We hope it was memorable! 

It was great to have the owner of MOOTS ride and sponsor our event. And thanks Brent for this post!

See you at the next one!