Ouachita Challenge race report

Well, while some members of TRW were at adventure camp making necklaces out of dry macaroni, the more hardcore of us were down in Arkansas racing up and over mountains at the Ouachita Challenge.

Sonya and Jessica drove down together, while BGB, Corey, Don, Noelle and I drove down in Don's truck hauling our kickass trailer.  Boy, what a drive down!  8 hours each way trying to determine who is the alpha male.   I thought everybody already knew I'm the alpha male on this team.  Obviously I'm joking, everybody in that truck could have easily kicked my butt(Noelle included).

It's hard to believe, but BGB threatens Don more than Berry threatens me.   Don, in the words of Bill Clinton - "I feel your pain."  Public Service Announcement - if we're driving past you and BGB waves at you, YOU BEST WAVE BACK!!!  Otherwise, BGB will want us to turn the truck around, so he can teach you some manners.  Just wave back, it'll be much easier for all of us.

After spending the night at Mt. Ida's world-renown Royal Oak Inn, race day was upon us.  Don and Corey had a bet that the loser between them would have to wear a fanny pack of the winners choice at the next race(other than 24 hours of Syllamo).  I'm glad I didn't get in on the bet because they both left me in their dust.  Don beat him by around ten minutes, so Corey will be wearing a fashionable fanny pack at the next race.  I think it should be rainbow colored, with the word "Giggles" spelled out in glitter.  Giggles is the new nickname we came up for Corey, heh heh heh.  Feel free to leave your suggestions for the fanny pack in the comments section.

Even though I hadn't been on the trails all year, I have been putting in lots of base miles and thought I would ride strong the whole way.  I was wrong.  I blew up on Blowout mountain first, then "Suck" mountain just really frickin sucked. I don't even remember the names of the other mountains.

To summarize, Don finished in just over 7 hours.  Corey twenty minutes later.  I was around 30 minutes after him.  Sonya and Zach weren't far behind me.  BGB got pulled at the last checkpoint, but rode a strong 50 miles.  Results are here.

Here is a link to my garmin information if anyone cares.

Noelle and Jessica were our support crew meeting us at each aid station with our drop bags, taking pictures(please post), and updating us on our positions.  Thank you both! 

Also, thank you to the Ouachita Challenge race staff and volunteers, everyone was always helpful and friendly.  The trail was in great shape, and the mountain scenery was beautiful.  Thanks for putting on a great race.