Doom: The Ultimate Ouachita Bikepacking Challenge

"DOOM" is a beautifully evil, self-supported bikepacking event in Arkansas, designed for the purist seeking the biggest, baddest, and most remote terrain in the South. Now located in the Ouachitas, the event challenges riders with soul-sucking climbs, rowdy descents, and long, isolated stretches with minimal services. This is not a race for the faint of heart; it is a test of navigation, mental fortitude, and equipment, with a high-stakes, "all metal, no fluff" atmosphere.

Course Description

The event includes challenging routes launching from Hot Springs:

Ouachita Doom (328+ Miles / 32,000+ ft gain): A full-scale epic featuring 100+ miles of singletrack, including the Northwoods Trails, IMBA Epic Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT), IMBA Epic Womble, and long sections of the Ouachita Trail. This course grinds to the old Tall Peak lookout tower and carves through the rugged Flatside Wilderness.
The High Watch (205+ Miles / 16,000+ ft gain): A figure-eight, intermediate-distance route combining Northwoods, LOViT, and remote, chunky backcountry roads with a mix of tarmac.
LOViT or Leave iT (116+ Miles / 9,000+ ft gain): A "short" but brutal figure-eight featuring 45+ miles of singletrack, tailored for those wanting a punchy, high-intensity challenge.

Surface Mix: Roughly 80% gravel/dirt/singletrack, 20% pavement.

Event Highlights

Friday Start: The race kicks off on Friday, set to create an appropriately ominous and memorable start.
No Aid Stations: This is a strictly self-supported, "no-fluff" event. You are responsible for your own safety, navigation, and repairs.
Maximum Remoteness: Large, isolated stretches mean limited cell service and extreme resupply gaps, creating a raw backcountry experience.
Gremlin Bells: A unique tradition where riders are given bells to attach to their bikes, adding to the lore of the event.
Finisher Party: A welcoming, high-energy, and much-needed party awaits you at the end.

Key Details for Participants

Recommended Bike: A hardtail mountain bike with 2.2-inch tires or bigger is strongly recommended due to the technical nature of the trails.
Tracking: Required for safety and tracking, provided by a third-party service.
Drop Bags: Available for the 328-mile route to support your long journey.
Registration: Registration opens November 16th.
Important Dates: Price increases on Dec 1st and Jan 1st; refunds available through Feb 1

Doom: The Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect from the trail conditions on Doom?

Doom stitches together some of the most iconic singletrack in the Ouachitas - from the flowy Northwoods Trails to the technical IMBA Epic Womble and the legendary Ouachita Trail - plus tarmac, gravel, doubletrack, and rugged forest roads. You'll encounter everything from smooth descents to technical climbs, isolated stretches, and challenging terrain through the Flatside Wilderness. Check the event website closer to race day for current trail condition reports.

Is Doom a race or a self-supported bikepacking event?

Doom is a self-supported bikepacking challenge, not a traditional race. You'll navigate 100+ miles of singletrack and mixed terrain at your own pace, testing your navigation skills, mental fortitude, and self-sufficiency rather than competing for a finish time. This is an adventure meant for the purist seeking remote terrain and the biggest terrain the South has to offer.

What skill level do I need to attempt Doom?

Doom is designed for experienced riders who can handle technical singletrack, soul-sucking climbs, rowdy descents, and extended self-supported riding. You'll need strong bike handling skills, mountain biking experience on varied terrain, and the mental toughness to push through long, isolated stretches with minimal services. This is not beginner-friendly - it's for riders seeking the biggest challenge the Ouachitas can deliver.

What's the elevation profile like on this route?

Expect significant elevation gain throughout Doom - the route climbs to Tall Peak's old lookout tower and winds through varied terrain in the Ouachitas and Flatside Wilderness before looping around Lake Ouachita. The combination of technical singletrack climbs and long forest road ascents will test your fitness and bike control. Check the event website for detailed elevation maps and summit specifics.

How should I prepare my bike for 100+ miles of mixed terrain?

You'll be rolling over singletrack, gravel, tarmac, doubletrack, and rugged forest roads, so a versatile mountain bike setup is essential. Make sure your bike is dialed in for technical singletrack performance, has reliable brakes for long descents, and can handle rough, root-choked terrain. Consider your tire choice carefully - the Ouachitas demand grip and durability. Check the event website for specific bike recommendations from the organizers.

Are there resupply options along the route?

Doom is self-supported, meaning you'll face long, isolated stretches with minimal services. Plan your resupply strategy carefully, especially through the Flatside Wilderness and remote singletrack sections. You'll need to carry or cache supplies to fuel yourself through this demanding push. Check the event website for detailed route maps showing any towns or services near the course.

Is Doom a multi-day event, and how should I plan my time?

Doom is designed as a demanding multi-day bikepacking push with bonus miles and hidden gems woven throughout the route. Your actual time in the saddle will depend on your fitness, navigation speed, and how you manage the technical terrain and elevation. Check the event website for recommended time windows and tips from past riders who've tackled this beautiful, evil adventure.

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