Hailey Moore just completed the 378-mile Ozark Gravel Doom route in Arkansas in under 2 days and 15 hours, setting a new overall fastest known time and becoming the first woman to complete the route. Find some details on her ride here, including a short recap from event organizer Andrew Onermaa…

Though she’s a relative newcomer to the world of ultra-endurance bikepacking, Hailey Moore is no stranger to big efforts. She has completed the Unbound 200 twice, many other single-day gravel events, but normally prefers the slower style of touring. More recently, she set her eyes on the North to South Colorado Bikepacking Race, a 535-mile route traversing the state’s front range. She would complete the route in 3 days, 11 hours, and 50 minutes to finish third overall.

A few days ago, Hailey set off from the Ozark General Store in Arkansas on an individual time trial (ITT) of the Ozark Gravel Doom route. The 378-mile route has yet to see many riders, and for good reason. It averages 110 feet of elevation gain/loss per mile, is 85% gravel, resupply is limited, and cell service is almost non-existent. It was just this January when Brett Stepanik became the first person to complete the route completely self-supported, so it was only a matter of time before someone faster came along. Hailey smashed the previous time by nearly a full day, finishing the route in under 2 days and 15 hours.

  • Hailey Moore
  • Hailey Moore
  • Hailey Moore

Words by event organizer Andrew Onermaa

“I’ve heard there are a few (several?) water crossings but I’m mostly worried about MUD.” —Hailey

Amid a week of rainstorms and gloom in the Ozarks, Hailey reached out scheming a trip to Arkansas to attempt the Doom loop. I gave some delayed responses/beta during a chaotic few days of work and before I knew it, I read the message:

“You know what—I’ve just decided and I’m going to make it happen. Leaving Boulder today!”

Even though Hailey mentioned the new route was on her radar for a while, it was definitely an impressive spur-of-the-moment trip for such a short weather window.

Hailey Moore

While the skies may have held back for most of Hailey’s attempt, the course definitely gave its own additional challenges with high water levels and ample pockets of mud. The crux she pointed out afterward was trying to time the small-town resupplies when it’s so tough to anticipate how long sections will take. “This is the most food I’ve taken with me on a bikepacking trip” was one of the last things I remember her saying before rolling out of Oark the first morning. I was stoked to meet her for a brief moment and hand off a gremlin bell for her to attach to the bike before she took on the loop.

Hailey Moore
Photos by Aaron LaVanchy (@aaronlavanchy) from The Red Feather Ramble route, contributed by Hailey

Unique challenges and subpar conditions aside, Hailey made incredibly quick work of the terrain finished in a scorching new overall Fastest Known Time of 2 Days, 14 Hours, and 30 Minutes. Hailey is only the fourth person to complete the loop (following Brett Stepanik, Madison Davis, Chris Farney) and the first female.

It was a pleasure to have Hailey come check out the route and truly inspirational to watch her to do it in such strong fashion! For those racing in the grand depart next week, the ante just got upped considerably. Bravo!

There are currently over 20 riders registered for the grand depart on May 13th. You can follow along live here.

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