Safety

Expect average highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and overnight lows in the low to mid 50s, so pack for both ends of the day. This is open farm country with very little to ride under, and sun exposure matters more than the temperature reading.

There is nothing out here to break the wind up, so ride with people and check the forecast the night before. Fresh gravel moves under your wheel. And you are riding through the busiest month of the year for the people who work these roads: we yield to working equipment, ride single file on pavement, and run a rear light.

UAMS provides medical support through the week, on course and at camp. For anything serious on course, call 911 first.

UAMS can assist immediately, and connect you to any local hospital or emergency services as necessary. Most of what medical actually handles is smaller than that and worth going to them for anyway: road rash, a saddle sore going wrong, a hand that stopped working properly on day three. Go early. Things that are nothing on Tuesday are a problem by Friday.