Pictures from the OC

Kraigness' prerace meal includes a Lil' Chub meat snack
Second race with the new Team kit
Kraigness and I during the preride

photos courtesy of Jeff Kerkove

Ouachita Challenge Recap

Kraig, Scott and I left around 7:30am towards Waterloo, Iowa to pick up Jeff. We left his place around 11am and headed for our hotel in Hot Springs, AR. Along the way we stopped at Harrahs in Kansas City, MO. We arrived in Hot Springs around 2 am and went to bed. On Saturday we pre-rode some of the course and registered for the race. That evening we went to dinner at Outback Steakhouse. Jeff, Kraig and I chilled in the room the rest of the night and Scott went out on the town. We got up early Sunday and Jeff, Kraig and I had breakfast while Scott slept in. We left for Oden around 5am. We arrived in Oden around 6:30 and started prepping for the race. The race included 200 entrants. Kraig and I rode the race together as he is still recovering from an ankle injury. The race started with a couple mile lead out through town and stopped at a dirt rode. The race started there. The first 10 miles were a gradual climb. The next 10 miles included some wicked rock gardens. The next 10 miles included one major river crossing and some gravel roads. Kraig and I only made it to the 2nd check point and did a total of 40 miles. It was a grueling 40 miles. Scott didnt finish the race either, he made it to the 3rd check point. Jeff did an outstanding job and finished 10th overall. It was a pleasure hanging out with Jeff this past weekend. After the race Jeff, Kraig and I went to Perkins while Scott slept in the hotel. After dinner we relaxed in the hotel room and went to bed since we were leaving at 6am for the 15 hour drive home. Scott decided to go out again that night and ended up staying in Arkansas while Jeff, Kraig and I drove home. Wow, what a wild weekend! I will post some pictures later.