In its fifteenth year, the Ouachita Challenge, a 60-mile mountain bike race in western Arkansas, uses two greatly varying IMBA Epic-rated trail systems (Lake Ouachita and The Womble) and a bit of dirt and paved road to piece together an incredible day of racing. This year’s race saw perfect trail conditions thanks to recent rains, sunny skies and a mild temperatures.
The area’s rural nature, rolling hills, limestone rock and numerous creeks offers a perfect canvas for mountain biking. Even if you don’t go for the race, a trip to the region will offer mountain bikers of all abilities and tastes a good time.
- The course: The Ouachita Challenge, a 60-mile race through the mountains and woods of western Arkansas, with more than 6,000ft / 1,800m climbing, also taking some dirt and paved road
- The equipment goal: A light, capable cross-country machine suited to insulating me from a long day of rugged riding
- The horse: A mostly stock Niner RKT 9 RDO in X01 / RS-1 build kitted with a dropper, Maxxis Crossmark II EXO/TR tyres, Selle SMP Drakon saddle and JPaks RukSak stem bag
At 60 miles, this was to be my longest mountain bike race to date, so I sought advice from past participants on bike and tyre choice. In deciding upon an ideal bike, it became clear that a full suspension 29er would be a great place to start, insulating me from hours of rugged riding.
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With more than 6,000 feet of climbing, a light bike would be appreciated. Niner’s RKT 9 RDO had caught my eye when it was launched in 2015. The carbon race bike looked like a light, capable option and it proved to be perfect for Ouachita.
The Ouachita Challenge traverses 60 miles (with more than 6,000 feet of elevation gain) through the Ouachita Mountains of west-central Arkansas
Niner RKT 9 RDO
Maxxis Crossmark II EXO/TR tyres
Selle SMP Drakon saddle
JPaks RukSak stem bag
Backcountry Research frame and saddle mounts
Ergon grips/bar-ends GS2
Bar Fly 4 MTB Garmin mount
Bontrager TLR Flash Charger floor pump
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