Maggie Livelsberger Sets Women’s FKT at Arkansas High Country Race

Words by Maggie Livelsberger, photos by Kai Caddy

The Arkansas High Country Race… so much wrapped up into 1,000 miles. The course really does have it all, from rollers to hike-a-bike mountain climbs to some of the most stunning views you’ll ever catch, making it something special and painful all rolled into one. I ran 36x20T gearing on 29 x 2.1″ tires on my Otso Fenrir, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

The temperatures on day one were the coldest of the ride, so I made the decision to keep on moving. By sunrise, we were cresting the first mountain climb. I had a bone to pick with Mount Magazine this year. After walking up its near entirety last year, I knew I wanted revenge. Tanner Frady (another single-speeder taking on the south loop) and I made the push up and watched the sun set over Arkansas. I carried that excitement and climbing energy with me through the rest of the adventure. My goal was to climb as much as I possibly could, sometimes chest to bars to push up the steep stuff if needed, and I was incredibly proud about how I climbed all week.

The terrains between the south and north sections are incredibly diverse and challenging in their own ways. The south has super steep and long climbs, and while there are some in the north, they tend to be slightly shorter. Long roller sections connect the two together. Extended gaps between resupply opportunities, especially if stores aren’t timed right, can make for heavily loaded sections.

Pilot Rock, day three, was my roughest day, and 91-degree heat made for slow hike-a-bike and put me off my original mileage goal for the day, making for a really cold bivvy at White Rock. However, the sunrise that morning brought tears to my eyes—hard earned and utterly beautiful. It was a reminder of just how lucky I am to be able to do a ride like this.

I found that my low points hit during the mid-day stretch when energy was low and the day was just starting to drag. Music and phone calls were a welcome distraction, and I often danced my way back to smiling and taking in the beauty around me.

The sunsets were stunning, and the starry night sky was magical to ride under. Descending isn’t my strong suit, and some of the steep and loose drops came slower than the climbs, particularly at night. Those were a mental struggle for me, but I just reminded myself to keep moving even if it was slow. Every mile was met with new views, new challenges and a step closer to that belt buckle. I looked forward to the armadillos along the way since that’s something we don’t have in Pennsylvania, and it was a fun distraction to count them throughout.

This race was something I first learned about in 2019, and I have wanted to do since that time. There was never a moment when I thought I wouldn’t finish, and as the finish drew near, I belted out the tunes with tears of excitement in my eyes. I rolled down the final hill to a champagne shower from Corey Kronser, the men’s SS FKT holder, and hugs from my friends, both old and new. This bikepacking community is so amazing and special, and I just love every bit of it. Arkansas High Country is a beast, but it’s a magical one, and I couldn’t be more pleased to have taken on such an adventure.

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