With most of the bunch over in Harrison racing Tour de Hills this morning we had a pretty small group as expected. We rode the Black Oak Loop with Crawl Hill Extension. Black Oak is one of the most popular routes in NWA. The scenery is second to none. I had us do Crawl Hill to add a little flavor. The route is about 55 miles with 2,500 gain.

For a turn by turn description (Black Oak Loop Traditional) or to download it to your GPS device via STRAVA click here.

After the Black Oak climb you get some great views and a nice descent. 

But most of the route is pretty flat. 

Spring is in full swing.  

The rain clouds were looming.

Ozarkia.

But to get out of the valley one must go up…

and up.

This is why it was named Crawl Hill. I felt like I could walk faster. This ramp is over 20%.

You think it’s over but…

Here is a look back.

The final ramp. In total Crawl Hill is about 1.5 miles with 550 feet gain. Congrats to Art H for grabbing the KOM. From here we descended for about 8 miles back to 71 which was super fun. Then in on 71. Good times and a great route.