Ouachita Challenge

"It's only 60 miles."  I've heard people say.
"Right."  I usually reply.
What else can you say?  They have no idea.

This race is all about the course.  It is impossible to relate the hardness of the climbs over the technically difficult Brushy Creek and Blowout mountains, the incredible steepness of Chalybeate mountain, and the three climbs on the Womble trail; Mauldin, No Name, and Gaston mountains.  Then, after you've made it onto the forest roads that will take you back to Oden, the cruel promoter routed you straight into an exposed wall that must be scaled to reach the finish.   Even if you have the meddle to drag your body across the climbs you must get your machine there unscathed.  Not an easy task given the mean tread in many places.  One moment of inattention can get you letters behind your name instead of numbers in the results not to mention an impossible walk back to the start.
  
"It's only 60 miles."
"Right"

All that said makes this a very satisfying race just to finish.  And, riding it fast is sure to put a grin on your face.  Sure the climbs hurt, but the forearm pumping descents are a BIG payback!

Topping the wall, exposed....Thanks Duvall

We had a great Hammerhead turnout.  Mostly veterans of the race, but it was Brandon's and Clay's first.  Both finished very respectably and I hope they return.  I know I will.