I am intimidated by the 40 mile ONRT section but it's a good way for me to see if I really want to tackle all of the ONRT in March. The trail snakes down to 298 about halfway. If it is just too much I can bail there and make my way to the LOVIT where I know what's ahead of me.

Oh...and tentatively looking to start Nov 19th.

I'll talk to a couple friends and see if I can set you up with a secure place in Mt. Ida. I also have some gated property near HWY 88 on the Womble if that helps.

Wow..that's awesome. Don't inconvenience yourself over me but I sure do appreciate it.

That loop looks good and is essentially my backyard.  The ONRT is pretty slow going fully loaded but great trail esp. after frost etc. so your Nov. date will be good!  Possum Kindom is not worth it even if it still exists. LB is awesome but my back way in is kind of hard to find/follow. I use more to the west of Mt. Ida so for you your route from Vista to Mt. Ida will work. I can help you with camp/water/time etc info for ONRT just let me know. Cheers

If the US Forest service water cues on the ONRT map are accurate,  I think I'm good on water. And I know I've got food options in Mt. Ida and at the Joplin store off of LOViT. I guess what I'm most concerned about is where to park my vehicle and let it sit for a few days.

This is definitely no 400+ loop but I was hoping for some feedback on better options for connectors to each trail. All I've done is used Google bike directions to link. Or better yet, maybe you guys have already done this and have some advice. The only section I'm unfamiliar with is the ONRT. I've done the portion that's on the OC race route but nothing beyond that.

Sherpaxc,
Fit that ride in yet? Based on THENNE's advice and the arrival of the in-laws, I'm looking at mid November.

Revelate sells a longer velcro strap that allows you to secure their seat bags on the thudbuster. I use the ST with a Revelate terrapin and it works very well.

What issues did you have with first q core?  Just bought one and haven't put it to use yet.

Watch these kids. Hope to be half as good one day. But seriously, the drills are very helpful.


https://youtu.be/YL_F0YCStNg

Kbabin,

No problem. I found what I was looking for on the foot website. Awesome resource. I hope to see all of the shelters this winter.

So early October bikepacking trip for ONRT is a bad idea? I'm trying to avoid rifle and muzzle loader seasons and had sort of settled in on Oct 10 weekend.

I'm up in Arkansas and have plenty of route options from overnights to a week out.  Let me know if I can help!

I'm looking to try a big loop that includes Womble, some of the ONRT, and LOViT. I'm coming up a little short on getting from LOVIT to Womble and also how to get from the east side of ONRT above Lake Ouachita to the LOViT.

Could you somehow incorporate possum kingdom and little blakely to make that transition on the east side of the lake?

I want as much singletrack as possible and to end up where I started without doubling back.

kbabin,

how do you get all the unlisted shelter info?

Try anything yet. I'm from LA also and looking to do the same.

Anybody planning on bikepacking the ouachita national in the next few months?

Twenty-nine Hills by Marty Basch

Just what i needed.  Thanks.

So as usual, I can't get enough "Divide" entertainment during the summer.  I've read "two wheels on my wagon", "divide the great", "be brave, be strong", the Cordillera volumes, and several blogs.  Is  there anything else out there?