The Ouachita Challenge will be held Saturday April 5th and Sunday April 6th 2008.

In 2008 the 60 mile "Tour" will be on Saturday and will be run the opposite direction from last year. This year the Ouachita trail will come first for the "Tour" riders.

In 2008 there will be 2 races on Sunday, a 60 mile race and an 80 mile race! The 60 mile race will cover approximatly the same course as in 2007 except going in the opposite direction from 2007. This year the Womble Trail will come first in 2008 for racers.

NEW for 2008, there will be an 80 mile race.This VERY difficult event will be limited to 100 well qualified riders. This event will have VERY strict cut-off times so if you are not prepared to ride with the "big dogs" at the "big dog" pace, we STRONGLY ADVISE you to choose from one of the other events.

Choose between the 60 mile tour, the 60 mile race, or the 80 mile race but PLEASE realistically assess your abilities before choosing!

This event is held in a "dry county" (no alcohol sales). Also, the Oden Schools are a drug free environment. Please respect these rules.

Schedule of Events:

Saturday Morning - 6:00 am to 7:45 am –Breakfast of pancakes,cereal,bagels, toast, fruit coffee ,etc  for tour riders and families - no charge for paid participants/families and volunteers.

Saturday Night - 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm- Dinner of Spaghetti/Burgers, salad, drinks and dessert for both tour and race riders and families- no charge for paid participants/families and volunteers.

Sunday Morning - 6:00 am to 7:45 am Breakfast of pancakes,cereal, bagels, toast, fruit, coffee,etc for race riders and families - no charge for paid participants and volunteers.

 Paid participants will receive 2 meal tickets for themselves (1 breakfast and 1 dinner) and upon request 2 for another family member.  Children eat free. Meals are free, tickets are for our planning and accounting.

There will be a pre-event meeting at 7:45 am each day for final instructions.

Both the Tour and the 60 mile Race will have 3 Aid/Food Stations which will provide water, energy drink, fruit, energy bars, cookies, etc. as well as first aid supplies. PLEASE eat and drink, we want you to finish!  The 80 mile race will have an additional area at Highway 27 and the Womble Trail with water and a “self stocked” bag to be picked up by each rider.             

Each participant as well as volunteers will receive an event t-shirt.

Sign in for the Tour will be on Friday, April 4th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Saturday April 5th from 6:00 am to 7:45 am. Both will be at the Oden School Cafeteria.

Sign in for the Race will be on Saturday, April 5 th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and on Sunday, April 6th from 6:00 am to 7:45 am. Both will be at the Oden School Cafeteria.

Remember both the tour and the 60 mile race start at 8:00 am sharp!!!

If you must sign in on the morning of your event please allow adequate time. There will be a rider’s meeting each day starting at 7:45 am.

The 80 mile race starts at 7:45 sharp!!!

There will be a rider’s meeting at 7:35 a.m.  for the 80 mile race

Miscellaneous Info: 

Massage therapists will be set up at the finish line area both Saturday and Sunday from around 1:00 p.m. until ??

The Oden School District has decided to offer another service to Ouachita Challenge participants in 2008.  If you arrive in the Oden area without a motel reservation or other facilities, the gym at the school will be available for sleeping space for a small donation ($3 or so).  All proceeds from this will go directly to the Oden athletic fund (Go Timberwolves!!).

The gym will be open Friday April 4th and Saturday April 5th from early evening until 7 a.m.  You will need a sleeping bag, pad, and good humor.

The gym will also be open several hours for showers after each day's event!  Again, a small donation ($3 or so) will be requested and users will need their own towels, soap, etc.

Hours of operation and use rules will be posted at the gymnasium.  PLEASE show your appreciation of this wonderful service by obeying all rules!!!