Event Report: 2019 Buffalo Headwaters Challenge
The 14th annual Buffalo Headwaters Challenge event in Red Star, AR, is always one of my favorite events to go to. Despite being in the middle of winter, it's always an adventure and a great time. The Upper Buffalo Wilderness Trails have been there for decades now, thanks to individuals that have helped protect, preserve and share the zone. As far back as I can remember every BHWC the weather has been different- one year it was 60 degrees and felt like Spring, another year I remember wearing moto pants with baselayers and all. But the thing that never changes is the comradery, no matter if you're XC or enduro or just a trail rider. This year was no different, the people, music and food was awesome! We were all surprised with a little bit of snow fall overnight and it really added to the overall scenery.
It snowed overnight, but the roads weren't bad driving in. The temperature was great for riding.
OORC has a sweet grill trailer built by one of their own, Corey Milford. They grilled over 500lbs of meat- smoked ribs and pork butts. It was the best meal that you've ever had.
Theron providing his best vinyl beats, trail-side.
Fire Tower is one of the highest points in the area, which is why it deserved to be the lunch stop and the final descent before finishing the ride.
The BHWC was a route designed to be about 32 miles through the best trails the Upper Buffalo Wilderness trail-system has to offer.
The ultra-runners weren't phased by the trail, they passed a lot of riders!
This year the event hit participant numbers over 350 riders.
Grilled cheese? Yes, please.
Clint Squires telling us how to win an enduro stage. "Eat your food, Clint!"
Fires were built at every rest stop and meeting area.
Nate Feilds assist one of the fast young-guns get his bike ready before the big ride.
Guys telling stories about how epic their day was.
Again, warm fire while you wait for dinner.
Ladies talking about the epic day they had. All was good.
Because, bikes.
Groovement rocked shook the Red Star school house late into the night.
32 miles | 2,887' + | 2,892' -
http://www.slaughtertrailguides.com
http://ozarkoffroadcyclists.org
16810365
Author Info:
Member since Dec 28, 2016
Must Read This Week
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup
1 Comment
- 1 0
Hogfly
(Jan 30, 2019 at 17:12)
It’s a challenge to communicate the feel of this ride. Great job on this write up, but folks really gotta experience it to get it. Look forward to it every year.
Login or Sign Up