What is Clearfork and how do I get there?

Clearfork is a mountain bike festival that the Dallas Off Road Bicycle club does every year during the Memorial Day weekend. The camp (Clearfork) is located about 18 miles west of Hot Springs across from a National Forest Campground called Charlton on Highway 270. It doesn't show up on most Arkansas maps because it's a large facility that is rented as a whole. Charlton Campground does show up on maps and in online map sites however and Clearfork is just across the road. MapQuest doesn't have Charlton so use Crystal Springs and keep going for about 5 or 6 miles. Clearfork is on the south side of the road and there's a big sign. The trickiest part of getting to Clearfork is being in the correct lane to get onto 270. The log jam there that's caused by the shopping center usually gets you stuck in the wrong lane---just drive down the road and turn around. Texans have bad enough reputations without us causing more.

What do I bring?

Well let's see---The cabins have a bed with a mattress so bring a sleeping bag or twin sheets and a pillow. They aren't air-conditioned so a fan with extention cord would probably be nice. Also you should bring rain gear as we usually get a quick shower sometime during the weekend.

Consider bringing the following:

shower gear---soap, towels and etc---the bathrooms are a group thing
bathing suit---there is a large pond on the site and people do swim---it is not a swimming pool so don't expect anything but what Mother Nature provides.
lawn chairs---to enjoy the scenery and fun games
bug spray---the forest is full of critters--especially ticks--so lather up
sun screen---you'll be in the sun quite a bit so don't burn
Band-aids and antiseptic---we'll bring some but it's nice to have your own
extra bike parts---the closest bike shop is in Hot Springs and they don't stay open long on Saturday--consider extra tires, tubes, brake and shift cables. Have your bike checked out a week or two before the festival and then ride it at least on a couple of rides before coming---if you have a bad spill before Clearfork make sure a bike shop has checked out the bike---you might not see a potential problem that they will.
food and drink--we don't provide lunch so you're on your own--you can use the grills behind the dining room but you must provide the charcoal and starter--or you can sample some local cuisine--also if you're into adult beverages remember that you're in a dry area so import your own--there is alcohol available down the road but that's a real interruption to a perfect weekend--we have an ice machine and refrigeration on site so it can be kept cold. Snacks are probably a good idea. You get real hungry after all this riding and meals seem a long way off.
poison ivy stuff---boy is there alot of poison ivy in Arkansas so beware--bring stuff to combat your sensitivity.
Don't forget your bike helmet and shoes and gloves---someone always does! Make a list and check it after you pack the car---little things are easy to replace, we usually have to run into town for more food anyway so we can pick it up but the big things can ruin a weekend. Also remember Arkansas is the home of Walmart---you can bet there are at least two in Hot Springs.

Why should I register early?

First, your t-shirt is included in your registration fee. Second, if you want a cabin, space is limited. There are only 70 beds. The regular cabins hold ten people--4 on either side and 2 in the middle. Staff cabins usually have my helpers and their buddies in them. Tent campers are safe to come at the last minute but let me know if you plan to eat. You tent in a large tree ringed field--no tent pads here.