ODR Cycling & Hiking Challenge
The 2026 Army Outdoor Recreation Cycling & Hiking Challenge-now until Sep 30.
May 16 2026
Get Outside. Get Moving. Earn Your Achievement.
May 16 2026
The 2026 Army Outdoor Recreation (ODR) Hiking & Biking Challenge is your chance to explore the outdoors, build fitness, and earn exclusive awards - all while representing your garrison in an Army MWR wide event. Whether you ride, hike, or do both, this five‑month challenge is designed for every skill level and every member of the MWR community.
What the Challenge Is:
Push your limits, explore the great outdoors, and earn exclusive, collectible rewards. Join your fellow MWR patrons for a five-month fitness journey designed for all skill levels.
We also were given 3-room nights for the eligible participants with the highest mileage - 1 for hiking and 1 for biking - to stay at Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul or Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Germany! We will be updating the contest rules shortly. Find out more here.
Choose Your Challenge:
Join a US Army-wide event that promotes physical fitness, community, and adventure. From May 1 to September 30, 2026, you can participate as an individual or with your family to achieve your goals and get rewarded for it.
Option 1: The Cycling Challenge 🚵♂️
Log your miles on the road, trail, or city path. Traditional bikes and E-bikes are welcome!
- Goals: 250km, 500km, and 1000km.
- Exclusive Gear: Receive a commemorative cycling jersey just for registering. Note: Jersey will be provided at the end of the challenge.
- Unique Award: Earn three interlocking medals that combine to form one large, impressive challenge coin.
Option 2: The Hiking Challenge 🥾
Explore local trails and enjoy the outdoors, one step at a time.
- Goals: 25km, 50km, and 100km.
- Exclusive Gear: Receive a commemorative T-shirt just for registering. Note: T-shirt will be provided at the end of the challenge.
- Unique Award: Collect three unique patches that fit together to create a large, cohesive outdoor scene.
Your 4-Step Journey to Achievement
- Register: Visit your Outdoor Recreation (ODR) office to sign up.
- Track Your Miles: From May 1 to Sep. 30, use your favorite fitness app (e.g., Strava, Map My Ride, AllTrails) to log your cycling or hiking distances.
- Report Your Progress: Submit your accumulated mileage to ODR. It is recommended to report your totals at least once per month. All final distances must be submitted by Oct. 8, 2026.
- Earn Your Awards: Once your distance goals are verified, you will be notified to pick up your hard-earned medals or patches!
- What if I don't complete the distances? You still get to keep the commemorative jersey or T-shirt you receive upon registration.
Equipment & Safety
Participants are responsible for their own gear. Traditional road, mountain, commuter, and e‑bikes are allowed. Only outdoor hikes count toward hiking distances. ODR encourages use of their checkout center, maintenance services, and guided programs.
Sportsmanship is mandatory—unsafe or disrespectful behavior may result in disqualification.
Why Participate?
- Earn exclusive medals or patches
- Receive a custom jersey or T‑shirt Note: Jersey or T-shirt will be provided at the end of the challenge.
- Build fitness and explore your local trails
- Join group rides/hikes and community events
- Help your garrison compete for the 2026 ODR Challenge Trophy
Cost
$50 registration fee includes your jersey or T-shirt (available at the end of the challenge) and makes you eligible for all awards.
Registration Information
Register at Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation located at bldg. 2905 on Pulaski Barracks.
- The challenge is open to all eligible MWR patrons and their families.
- Families can register as a unit and combine their total mileage to earn one award set. Additional jerseys, T-shirts, medals, and patches are available for purchase.
