This time next week I will be singing the praises of the OC and re-living the days events.  The trip to this historic forest shall commence  on Friday around noon with the Element packed full of gear for a comfortable weekend at the Ouachita River Haven Resort.  Camp on the river for only $5.50 per night.  What a deal!!!

Commemorating this historic cycling event (in my opinion), I feel a duty to learn about the history of the Ouachitas and any stories surrounding the trails I will be spending most of the day on.  To start, a quick google of Ouachita National Forest leads me to the Wiki article.  Right away, I learn that the Ouachita forest is the oldest national forest in the southern US.  The Ouachita range runs east and west, not north and south like the more popularly known Appalachian and Rocky ranges.

Another interesting piece of info is that Ouachita is the French vernacular of Washita.  An indian word (not sure which tribe) meaning "good hunting ground".  I suppose this enforces the fact that we have to wear bright jersey's or hunting vests during the ride as required by the race organizers. 

The Ouachita trail is the most extensive network encompassing 223 miles.  2/3rd's of which are available to us MTB fiends.  The western most end of the trail finishes at Talimena state park and the eastern ending at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in central Arkansas.  Another interesting point in the Ouachita's is the Cassatot River.  Cassatot is an Indian word for "Skull Crusher" and is known to be the most difficult white water rafting stream between the Smokey and Rocky mountains.  This area is located in Howard county Arkansas and passes through the Ouachita forest. 

Early weather reports indicate we are in for a day of bliss.  Highs in the mid 70's with a 10% chance of rain.  As of now, the rain will come on Thursda and leave the weekend dry.
I will be doing some trail recording with the Oregon Scientific 2K camera so expect some great views and exciting singletrack action. 

What a great way to start off the season.

Okay, so I certainly have not been consistent in posting to this page but when I do, you can be sure that it will be filled with informative fun filled goop.  Goop is a word by the way.  A sticky wet viscous substance.

Anywho, took an early morning road ride today re-anointing myself with the dusty road bike.  Sitting on that thing, I quickly felt and heard the neglect I have put it through.  But, with no time to waste, I promptly juiced up the tires and hit the road. 
Street night riding conjures some freaky panic feelings in me.  I am always looking over my shoulder expecting to see two bright lights bearing down on my path.  I suppose I would not be so paranoid if I lit my back end up a little better.  Sure, I wear reflective gear and a little blinky light but I seriously need to invest in more if I plan on increasing the frequency of these rides.  That being said, here are a couple neat items I found that could alleviate my jittery disposition.

Reelight is offering a new setup to an old idea.  The inductive powering capabilities of the motion provided by the rider give this setup the power it needs.  No batteries or re-charging.  Just peddle and it blinks.  I have a flashlight that works in a similar fashion.  You shake the magnet through the coil of wire and poof, light!

Another cool item I ran across long ago is a jersey that has neon flashing lighting sewed into the material.  You insert a couple batteries and it provides a bright strobing beam that surrounds your body.  The only issue here is I cannot find the link for the site.  It has all the performance aspects you would expect from your cycling wear but adds the benefit of being seen when out before and after daylight hours. 
Someone point me in the right direction. 

A comment posted to MoCycling requested I put forth more effort on getting a podcast setup with Jan Kopka and Peter Basinger.  I agree.  I am pressed for time but write my commitment here to getting some talk time nailed down with these guys. 

I think I am going to get one of these.




The Ouachita Challenge is quickly approaching and I can see the unique features of the Oregon Scientific ATC2K working well for this amazing trail.  Running on a couple AA batteries and on board memory capable of  expanding to 2GB in capacity, the 640 X 480 resolution is just what you need to capture the thrills of any ride. 

It comes with everything you need to mount to your handlebars or helmet.  Hell, you could easily carry a couple of these for a front and rear view of the action.  You can pickup the camera and 2 GB card for $200!  This is a hell of a bargain for a weather proof camera with this level of mobility and functionality. 

A cool way to put the ATC2K to use would be by using WikiMapia.  If you have not been to the site yet, you will find that it is a mashup of Google maps.  In short, it allows you to mark any place in the world with pictures, opinions, experiences and more. 
Here is some goofing I did at Busiek.  Couple Wikimapia with the ATC2K and you could share a ride on any trail with the map and actual video of the experience. 

If I can muster up the cash, I will be purchasing one of the ATC2K's and giving it a whirl in my back yard as well as the Ouachita's.  With Oregon Scientific on backorder for the ATC's, I may not be the only one sporting the toy on race day. 

Say Cheese!

So, I would like MoCycling to be a podcast covering all the major news in Missouri and beyond but I am still working on acquiring some good sources.  In the meantime, I wonder if I can get a Skype call setup with the new course record holder of the Iditarod Invitational Peter Basinger?

I am curious to know his thoughts on the experience.  I am sure many others would like to know what someone goes through in those conditions.  The preparation, the gear and the emotions.

I have yet to setup remote interviews through programs like Skype but am researching it right now.  If I can get it to work well, then I anticipate making some calls and tracking down Peter for a conversation. 

Congrats to Peter, Carl Hutchings, Jim Jager and Jacques Boutet for completing the 350 mile journey. 
As of this writing, Joseph Dundee is the first to pass through McGrath for the 1100 mile trek to Nome.

Conditions have worsened since last report.  Winds are howling and about 8 racers are hold up at Puntilla.  Hopefully the weather will change by tomorrow and they can get back to the trail. 
Steve Reifenstuhl has made it to CP 6 and is planning on leaving soon for McGrath.  According to his brother Ricky, it will take Steve up to 16 hours to finish the last 50 miles in these conditions. 

I am not sure how to react to that. 

I am Googling all the gear available for -72 conditions and for some reason cannot find a good combination for such elements. 
Perhaps it is because NOTHING EXISTS!

As a result, several participants in the Iditarod Invitational have scratched.  You simply cannot risk your life for the glory.
Aaron and his partner Jon Orban have called it a day.  Rightfully so, given their professional lives and responsibilities.  To take to the trail or wait out the storm would prove detrimental both personally and professionally. 

The effects of even the slightest exposure to the temperatures being seen right now are scary.  From almost instant frostbite to permanent lung conditions and ultimately death.  Humans are just not made for that kind of fun...well, except the last few that are out there right now. 
As of this writing, 3 more have left for the final trek to McGrath and in between page refreshes, one other has arrived at CP 6.  If I am making sense of the checkout times there are still about 13 people on the trail.  I believe there are a few that have turned back according to the updates.  In any event, the good weather is gone for now and the real face of the Iditarod Invitational is showing its face.

In the meantime, I will watch as the race continues and look forward to Aaron's informative phone call.

If you get to a computer Aaron, lets go to Busiek this weekend!