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Wet and Wild Highway 71 Classic 2004

The Ozark Off Road Cyclists hosted the 6th annual Highway 71 Classic on Sunday, February 29, 2004. The 2004 Highway 71 Classic proved to be the best yet. 80 cyclists helped raise nearly $1,000.00 for the club. Road riders were faced with strong head winds along the way to Mountainburg, then were hit on the way home with torrential rainfall.  Mountain bike riders tackled huge climbs up Wakefield Mountain to Dockery’s Gap and Gaylor Mountain and were treated to a scenic jaunt along Jack’s Creek to Lake Shepherd Springs.  The mud caked on riders’ faces couldn’t hide the smiles at the end of the ride. The event culminated with a good old fashion pizza feed at West Moutain Brewery. Special thanks to all of our sponsors, especially GetOut, who covered the ride with staff photographers. Photos of the event are available for viewing and purchase at www.getoutphotos.com.

Money raised from the event helped support clubs activities, as well as allow us to purchase tools and equipment needed for trail maintenance. The Highway 71 Classic is a non-competitive event which is unique in the fact that it offers both road and mountain bikers a riding opportunity.  This event is a celebration of cycling and is open to the whole family. Riders can choose from two road rides and one mountain bike ride.

The Road Rides
The 75-mile “Big Rig” road ride started from the Fayetteville Bicycle Company in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This ride offered road riders the ultimate road riding experience. The ride starts with a 25 mile warm up through the White River Valley to Winslow before turning towards the sky for a leg burning 2 miles. The road then gradually rolls along ridgetops of the Ozark Mountains before topping out at Mount Gaylor. You’ll be treated to a spectacular view of Lake Shepherd Springs at Artist Point.  A 9 mile descent deposits riders down to the small village of Mountainburg. In the past, riders have helped themselves to a frozen treat at the Dairyette in Mountainburg before pointing their bikes north to ride back over the mountain.  The ride ended in Fayetteville at the Fayetteville Bicycle Company.

The 25-mile “Road Cruise” road ride started and ended at the Winslow Mercantile in Winslow. The Mercantile is located about 1 mile west of Hwy 71 on Hwy 74.

Mountain Bike Ride
The 25 to 30 mile “Mega” mountain bike ride started out at the Winslow Mercantile in Winslow. Mountain bikers start out on the road between Winslow and Mountainburg, then meet the dirt on the way back.  Expect to ride on a combination of pavement, dirt roads, double track and trail.  Special features on this ride include views of Lake Fort Smith and Lake Shepard Springs.

Fees & Registration
The entry fee for the event is $20 and $10 for OORC members. Entry fee includes a long sleeve Highway 71 Classic  t-shirt, food and water, and an OORC membership. The entry fees will help fund mountain bike advocacy efforts in Northwest Arkansas and trail maintenance projects organized by the Ozark Off Road Cyclists.

Information about registration for the 2005 Highway 71 Classic is not yet available.

The OORC would like to thank the following sponsors of the Hwy 71 Classic:
Adventure Subaru, Eureka Sweets, Eureka Bread Company, Fayetteville Bicycle Company, Get Out Magazine, Highroller Cyclery, Lewis and Clark Outfitters, Packrat Outdoor Center, West Mountain Brewery, and Winslow Mercantile.