This past Saturday Marcel Slootheer and I, as well as Mark Schmidt and Lora Woolner of IMBA TCC 2, had the incredible pleasure of pre-riding the Womble. The Womble has got to be one of the best mtb trails in the country, it's got it all; rocky technical sections, numerous creek crossing, absolutely gorgeous scenery, total exposure on those long granny gear climbs as well as on the fast and flowing roller coaster descents! Also, I must include the damage that the Ouachita National Forest sustained from the winter '00 ice storm, it will definitely add to the ride experience. Mother Nature is truly awesome! Try to imagine if you will, 10,20,30 or even 40 large pines completely ripped from the ground and lying on top or beside one another; it will blow you away!

We lucked out with the weather, it couldn't have been any better, sunny with temps in the mid 60's. Lester Meredith shuttled us to the trail head and from there we embarked on a 4.5 hour, 35 mile trail ride that included approximately 5000 ft of climbing! This was my 4th or 5th time to ride the Womble, I just can't seem to get enough and neither will you!

I highly recommend taking part in the 3rd Annual Womble Retreat, you won't be disappointed! Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or expert level rider, the Womble has something for everyone. We got some great pics of our ride. Maybe they will entice you? I hope you will join us. Check out the Womble 2002 page for more details and how to register.

Pics by Marcel Slootheer and Mark Schmidt

For the OEF Womble weekend you'll get a map in better shape than this one...

Mark and Lora from the IMBA Trail Care Crew 2...

Fast and Flowing single track...

One of many creek crossings...

Lora on a new bridge...

Mark on the way Down...

Quachita River...

Marcel...

Mark...

Still some trees standing...

Charles, Lora and Mark...

ditto...

Major Ice Storm Damage in the background...

Charles crossing a creek...

See Ya @ Womble!