March Madness also comes to the Mulberry River
by March 11, 2011 8:32 am 92 views
story by Connie Las Schneider
Looking for outdoor fun?
Mulberry River activities are at their white-water peak this spring, with activities planned along the river most weekends in March. Originating in Johnson County, the Mulberry flows westward through Franklin County for approximately 62 miles to the Arkansas River. (See map below.)
If you like ATV’s, check out the March 11-13, Spring ATV Rally at Byrd’s Adventure Center on Franklin County Road 83 north of Ozark. It is estimated that 300 to 500 ATV’s and their owners from across the nation are expected to ride the 40 miles of trails within Byrd’s along with the adjacent National Forest trails on Friday and Saturday. The ride is followed by games Saturday afternoon until dark, including a blindfold course where the blindfolded driver is directed by a passenger on-board.
Surprisingly, the sport is particularly popular with senior citizens and older couples, who often bring children and grandchildren to the event, said Byrd’s Adventure Center owner Pam Boulden.
With four to five generations of riders in some families, the annual spring Rally has become a family tradition, she added.
“Our oldest rider last year was 89 years old,” Boulden said.
Event sponsors Honda Power Sports in Fort Smith and Bill Eddy’s Motor Sports in Fayetteville, give out a prize for the oldest rider as well as other races, obstacle courses and games for children.
Price per person is $30 with camping and supper on Saturday included in the fee. Children under 10 are free. Link here for more info.
Looking for thrills and spills?
On Sunday (Mar. 13), Turner Bend is hosting the 30th Annual Jungle Boater Canoe Race, which starts at Byrd’s and ends at Turner Bend.
With more than 90 canoes entered in the competitive race and another 30 or more canoes in the “slacker” category, more than 400 people are expected to attend the event. There is a $20 per person entry fee. Link here for more event info.
If your taste runs to extreme sports, on March 25-27 the 12th Annual Ozark Challenge Sprint Adventure Race will be at Byrd’s.
As a U.S. Adventure Racing Association (USARA) Nationals Qualifier, 12 co-ed teams of two and four adults (18 or over) and 10 solo entries will compete head-to-head as they hike, climb, canoe, and mountain bike across the most rugged and scenic terrain in the Ozarks.
The 36-hour course includes 40 miles of mountain biking, 40 miles of orienteering and hiking and 20 miles of white water rafting. The expected winning time? 22 hours.
A 12-hour course will also be run. Link here for more info.
