Hey guys and girls,
Wondering if anyone has ridden the Ouachita from beggining to end (sans the wilderness areas)? From reading, it seems there are some tough sections and some tame sections, and not a lot of water. Not looking to time trial it or anything, just a pretty fast tour with a bivy or even two in there. I don't mind push bike and "adventurous" trail conditions.
Locals, any input would be appreciated.
cheers, jason

I am local and ride and do a lot of maintenance on the OT. Timing is crucial for a thru ride, as sections can grow thick with briars etc.

I have only been on part the OT and it was rocky and hilly. You might post on this site for more local details.
http://bikearkansasmessageboard.yuku.com/

Also, have you seen this map?
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita/maps/documents/TR-01DETAIL_ONRTSegmentMapsB.pdf

Kevin

Thanks for the replies! I'm thinking the first or second week of April. Starting in Talihina, OK and riding east. Is there a preferred direction? How about a resupply stop somewhere in the middle? Mena, AR? any convience type store would be perfect.
One more thing, I've been using a steri pen for water treatment (uses UV light). This works great in the mountains where the water is clear, cold, and delicious. Since it doesn't filter at all, muddy creeks, standing water and that sort of thing doesn't work out as well. Any thoughts on that?
thanks again, jason

The map I linked lists water source by mile markers going east, but I can't comment on the water quality. Also, I don't think you can ride all the way from Talihina, OK east. Part of the that area of the trail are closed to bikes.

Kevin

I ride all the sections open to bikes and 71 to 7 is really the most realistic thru ride section. There is good water at Big Brushy, Iron Fork, and 298 especially thru April. I can help with shuttle etc and may be able to ride some with you depending on schedule. I am close to the 27 TH. The trail is in great shape thanks to FoOT volunteers but grows up in May. PM if I can help with details.

Kevin, that map is perfect. That's exactly the kind of water source info I was looking for. To be clear, I plan to bypass the sections that are closed to bikes. At mile 30.5 I'll hop out onto hwy 259 to Talimena Senic Drive and ride east till mile 54 where you can rejoin the OT. Then it looks like open trail all the way to hwy 7 at mile 160.4.
I know a lot of it won't be great trail riding and I'm ok with that.
THenne, man thanks for the offer and the help. I'll let you guys know when I get a date nailed down.
Oh yeah, any "must see" side trips or side loops you would recomend?
thanks again, jason

Must see side loop is the Womble!

looking for a campground with shower/toilets that have easy access to the womble trail any advice? I found a Charlton campground run by the USFS, but it has very little trail info.

Check out these options.
http://highway27fishingvillage.homestead.com/
http://www.ouachitahaven.com/

Must see side loop is the Womble! Ditto!!!

On a side note, you mentioned using a bivy. Have you seen Hennessy Hammoock?http://www.hennessyhammock.com/ I have one and use it for this type of camping. It keeps you off the ground/rocks and dry. Only problem it not for cold weather.

Kev

Oh yea, try not to plan the trip on the Apr 5th or 6th. OC is that weekend...They use part of the OT and Womble, about 200 riders per day.

http://www.ouachitachallenge.com/