What type of bicycles are suitable for the tour?

Gravel or XC mountain bikes are appropriate for most of our routes. Ozark gravel can be pretty chunky so we recommend a minimum tire width of 38mm but 45-50mm is most appropriate.

When was the last time you did maintenance?

A recently tuned bike is a great way to sus out avoidable disappointment on the trip.

• Do your brake pads have plenty of material left? If hydraulic, have they been blead recently?

• Has your chain been replaced in the last 1k miles or so?

• Sealant can never be too fresh, has it been changed or topped off recently?

• Are your tires in good shape?

• Sram AXS users, have you put fresh batteries in your shifters recently?

• Cable drivetrain users, has your bike had fresh cables installed in the last year?

What should I bring on the tour?

This one is lengthy! It depends! Some people are happy if they pack like they have to carry it all on their bike (No worries, we’re carrying your camp gear in the support truck!) and other people want to bring some creature comforts. It is easy to overpack, but it is also easy to do more with less.

Let’s break it into categories.

On the bike:

Your tour guide(s) is an experienced bicycle mechanic and will be happy to get you rolling again in case of a mechanical.

• We do ask that you bring along the following spares for your particular bike;

  • Tube for your size tire

  • Quick link for your specific chain

  • Derailleur hanger for your particular frame

  • A small (2oz) bottle of your preferred sealant

Additional bike items to make your day that much better.

• snacks

• hydration

• clothing layers

• pack lunch (We provide breakfast and dinner!)

For camp:

• Weather appropriate clothing!

• Trash bags

• Camping tent and pad

• Weather appropriate sleeping bag

  • The Ozarks are a ‘wet’ style cold

  • We encourage having a bag liner handy!

  • Summer - 45-60 degree bag

  • Fall - 25 degree bag

  • Winter - 0 degree bag

  • Spring - 25 degree bag

• Camp chairs
  

Are Meals Provided?

We provide a breakfast and dinner at camp. Sometimes we throw in a dessert instead of an appetizer. We always pack 10 gallons of fresh water to share as needed.

Breakfast will be a la carte, We encourage bringing a jetboil or similar for your own morning drink, we have a community jetboil but sometimes the wait is long. Example breakfast items are;

• Cinnamon Rolls

• Hard boiled eggs

• Oatmeal

• Bacon

• Yogurt

• Other Requests!

Dinner will be designed around dietary needs. Side salads and one side provided with the main entrée. Example dinners are;

• Lasagna

• Shepherds Pie

• Enchiladas

• Pulled Pork

• Beef Pot Pie (Most Requested!)

• Chicken Alfredo

• Special Requests!

Is prior bikepacking experience required

In short, no. You should have experience with riding medium length group rides on gravel and/or trails. A typical day for us will see average 40 miles with multiple points of interest stops along the way.

What happens if my bicycle breaks down during the tour?

Short answer - we will do our best to get you rolling again continue on the tour. If that is not possible, we will give you a ride in the support vehicle and assist you in finding the necessary part or repairs.

Is there cell phone reception during the tour?

This is completely location dependent! We have some campsites that have 5GUW and some that even Starlink has trouble with. We will do our best to inform you ahead of time so you can touch base with loved ones when the time is right. Often times we have back office work to do, so its never frowned upon. Also, some of us have young kiddos or grandkiddos at home, so a quick facetime is ALWAYS appreciated.

What happens with inclement weather

There’s no bad weather, just bad gear. Check out the three levels of fun. Inclement weather runs somewhere between two and three. If it is safe to do so, we will venture forth, maybe do some reroutes if the water level is rising, and pick some campsites that do not risk widow makers or floods. If the weather is significantly impacting the safety of the trip - as we are on bikes - we will rain check your trip to a future adventure of your choice.

Do we offer custom/private tours

Definitely! We love custom jobs. Contact us for any requests you may have!

Why do you have minimum and maximum limits

These limits change between trips. We have limits on the number of persons on trail set by our permit as well as a client/staff vehicle ratio to maintain. We believe in small group travel to create 1)less environmental damage and 2) a more authentic experience.

What is the client:staff ratio

We maintain a maximum 8:1 ratio on recreational events and 5:1 on commercial and DoD/EMS events. On some of the more involved trainings and tours we bring more staff in to reduce the ratio to 4:1 and 2:1 respectively.

Are there safety briefings or training sessions before a tour

Yes! We have a morning pow-wow over tread lightly, leave no trace and general driver safety. You can also take one of our courses to get a full session of training!

Discounts

Discounts for teachers, active duty/retired Military, EMS, Fire Fighters and LEO are available. Reach out to us for more information.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made more than 30 days before the scheduled tour or training date will be eligible for an 80% refund of the total tour fee.

Cancellations made within 30 days but more than 7 days before the scheduled tour or training date will be eligible for a 50% refund of the total tour fee.

Cancellations made within 7 days of the scheduled tour or training date will not be eligible for any refund.

If a trip is cancelled by Ozark4x4 for any reason, clients will be offered a refund and/or credit towards a future trip.

Please note:

• All cancellations and requests for refunds must be communicated via email or phone and confirmed by our team.

• Reschedules are subject to availability and must be redeemed within one year from the original tour date.

• Any non-refundable costs incurred by us for reservations, permits, or other expenses related to the tour will be deducted from the refund amount or may not be applicable to reschedule redemption.

• If the original guide/trainer for the trip is unable to fulfill their duties for the entirety of the trip and no suitable replacement can be found, Ozark4x4 will prorate a refund based on the number of field days completed.