Bike Arkansas | Fall 2021 by Arkansas Times

M A G A Z I N E

AUGUST 2021 ISSUE NO. 19 BIKEARKANSASMEDIA.COM

GETTING KIDS ON BIKES ARKY 100 CELEBRATES 50 JOE MARTIN PRIMED FOR SPOTLIGHT

BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY, BEST RESORT

more than just fish.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 3

IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 38

Hot Springs’ Northwoods Trails set for rehabilitation and expansion, the inaugural River Valley Bike Fest is slated for October and more.

A guide to getting kids on bikes. By Lindsay Southwick

BRAKING NEWS

MY KIT

Annie Davis readies her new Bolcutter Peacemaker for the Arkansaw High Country Short Circuit race.

RIVER MOUNTAIN PARK TRAILS OPEN

New mountain bike trails offer something for everyone in the family. By Bob Robinson 4 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

START THEM YOUNG

A HALF CENTURY OF CENTURIES

The Arky 100, and the family behind it, celebrates its 50th year. By Stephen Koch

BACK, BETTER THAN EVER

The longest running stage race in America returns. By Kai Caddy

EVERY ISSUE

46 EVENTS 54 BIKE SHOPS ON THE COVER A young mountain bike shredder takes on a Buddy Pegs Adventure Camp at Coler MTB Preserve in Bentonville. Photo by Kai Caddy

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M A G A Z I N E

Come for cycling. Discover Arkansas history.

BIKEARKANSASMEDIA.COM FOLLOW US FOR MORE BIKE

BROOKE WALLACE Publisher

brookewallace@arktimes.com KAI CADDY Editor

kaicaddy@gmail.com MANDY KEENER Creative Director

mandy@arktimes.com MIKE SPAIN Art Director LESA THOMAS Senior Account Executive LEE MAJOR Account Executive WELDON WILSON Production Manager/Controller ROLAND R. GLADDEN Advertising Traffic Manager KATIE HASSELL Graphic Design/Social Media ROBERT CURFMAN IT Director CHARLOTTE KEY Billing/Collections JACKSON GLADDEN Circulation Director

ALAN LEVERITT President alan@arktimes.com Arkansas Times Limited Partnership 201 E. MARKHAM ST., SUITE 150 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985 All Contents © 2021 Bike Arkansas Magazine 6 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

Contributors

LINDSAY SOUTHWICK is a freelance writer who loves anything that gets her outside and is even known to occasionally summit tall peaks. Proving you can teach an old dog new tricks, she began mountain biking 18 months ago and can almost keep up with her husband. She lives in Bentonville with her husband and four children who graciously supply her with legions of content to write about.

We’ve moved to a new bigger location.

COME SEE US!

STEPHEN KOCH is an award-winning

journalist in both broadcasting and print. Author of the book “Louis Jordan: Son of Arkansas, Father of R&B,” he’s also writer/host of “Arkansongs,” heard on public radio stations all across Arkansas, in east Texas and Louisiana.

BOB ROBINSON enjoys all things

outdoors and is the author of three bicycle guidebooks, all of which can be purchased at spiritscreek.com

YELL AT US TODAY 501-753-4990 | www.angrydavesbicycles.com 3217 JFK Blvd | NORTH LITTLE ROCK BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 7

BRAKING NEWS

REHABILITATION AND EXPANSION OF NORTHWOODS TRAIL SYSTEM ANNOUNCED

CASEY CROCKER

In July, Visit Hot Springs announced an effort to rehabilitate existing of trails that will connect the Bethel and Sanderson bridges at the portions of Hot Springs’ Northwoods Trail System. This move is also the Waterworks property and the beginning of design work that will lead first step in the process of expanding the mountain biking and hiking to Phase 2 of Northwoods. trails in the northern section of the city. The project is supported by a The Northwoods Trail System, connecting to Cedar Glades Park in $175,000 grant from Steuart and Tom Garland County, gives Hot Springs Walton through the Walton Family 26.5 miles of world-class mounFoundation. tain-bike and hiking trails. Phase 2, “Northwoods has already established when completed, will provide eight itself as a major tourism attraction to 10 more miles of mountain bike for Hot Springs as well as providing trails that will be among the best an unparalleled outdoor recreation in North America. Eventually, the resource for the city’s residents,” Visit Northwoods system will contain Hot Springs Trails Coordinator Traci more than 52 miles of world-class Berry said. “This effort will give us the trails for biking and hiking. opportunity to expand and improve “We will be working with Rogue that resource for both the economic Trails for the trail rehabilitation and growth and wellness of our city.” new connector trails,” Berry said. The funds will be used to reha“IMBA Trail Solutions will work on bilitate Northwoods’ flow trails, completing the Phase 2 design. mainly reworking the black diamond “Rogue Trails will begin rehabilitation downhill trail, Lucky 13, which is and expansion work at the beginning used by experienced riders, and as of October. We should have IMBA well as rehabilitation on areas of the on the ground by December. We are Blue Jay, Screech Owl, Ragnarök and also being awarded an IMBA Trail Cats Meow trails. Accelerator Grant that will cover Cyclists fly over one of the jumps on the Northwoods Trail System. Also on tap is new construction half of the Phase 2 design cost.”

37 NORTH LAUNCHES FAYETTEVILLE ADVENTURE SERIES

37 North Expeditions has partnered with Adventure Subaru and Experience Fayetteville to create the Fayetteville Adventure Series, made up of recreational rides and educational events that delve deeper into the Ozark outdoors. “The goal is to highlight the amazing outdoor resources and activities in and around Fayetteville,” said Danny Collins, founder of 37 North. “Our focus for this series will be to provide high-quality bike programming and educational events for families, beginners and advanced riders. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, we will have programming and rides for you.” The Fayetteville Adventure Series launched in June with rides being held on the first Saturday and the second Sunday of each month. For more information on the Fayetteville Adventure Series, visit 37northexpeditions. com. 8 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

I NAUGURAL ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY BIKE FEST SET FOR OCTOBER

The cities of Russellville and Dardanelle have coordinated efforts to host the inaugural Arkansas River Valley Bike Fest on Oct. 8-10 at Mount Nebo State Park. Events are planned for the whole family. On Friday, Oct. 8, the trails will be open all day on Mount Nebo for those looking to get oriented before racing Saturday. Russellville’s downtown square will feature entertainment and food on Friday. Packet pickup will be at the Train Depot and new registrations will take place at Jackalope Cycling. Racing kicks off at Mount Nebo at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Clinics will also be held throughout the day on Mount Nebo. At 4 p.m., be sure to head to downtown Dardanelle for Fun Night on Front Street. There will be a family movie, entertainment, food and more. There will be more demos and clinics throughout the day Sunday. Strider bike races will start at 10 a.m. At noon, the Nebo Chase family race event will begin. Funds from the event will be used to maintain the Mount Nebo trails. Visit arvbikefest.com for more information and to register today.

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METROPLAN COMMITS $55 MILLION FOR MULTIUSE PATH INVESTMENT

Metroplan, the Central Arkansas infrastructure planning organization, announced a $55 million “strategic commitment” to developing a regional multiuse path network over the next 10 years. Between now and 2031, Metroplan said it will target approximately half of its Surface Transportation Program block grant toward funding a regional trail system for trails, paths and sidewalks. “This is a huge strategic step forward,” said Metroplan Executive Director Tab Townsell. “This initiative will make a region-scaled footprint and provide accessibility that is currently not there.” In announcing the plan, Townsell said an effort will be made to target funds for “optimal path infrastructure using top-quality designs.” The path network will be integrated into the next regional master plan, due for release in 2022. The regional multi-use path system will integrate existing trails, paths and sidewalks to make connections within the overall regional transportation system, including existing and future transit. Metroplan is seeking public and private partners to help implement its vision for a region linked by a network of trails, paths and sidewalks.

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BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 9

MY KIT PHOTOGRAPHY: KAI CADDY

10 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

NAME: Annie Davis FROM: Bentonville JOB: Associate Merchant at Walmart I’VE BEEN RIDING FOR A couple of years.

Before that, I was running competitively and just ran into some knee issues. It was right before I moved to Little Rock, and the guy I was dating at the time bought me a road bike. It was very entry level. I moved to Little Rock, was still running competitively, just running through injury. Finally, I said, “This is not sustainable.” There were a couple shops at the time who were doing women’s clinics: how to ride in a paceline, how to change a flat. And I just really enjoyed those ladies and learned how to ride in a group. I was really enjoying riding and was ready for more mileage. I started doing some rides with the ladies of CARVE and just started meeting more people and it opened it up to riding with more groups. I really fell in love with cycling.

DECIDING TO ENTER THE ARKANSAW HIGH COUNTRY SHORT CIRCUIT RACE I just fell in

love with long rides. Me, John Hoffmann and Josh Melikian were doing these super long rides in the summer of 2019. I could ride forever and I wasn’t having any of those issues I had when I was running. I thought I really wanted to challenge myself. I saw the Lechugas (Scotti and Ernie) doing the High Country and setting the FKT for a couple. Then I saw Andrew (Onermaa) and his attempt, Ted King’s effort. I thought, I kind of want in on this. So, I bought a used cyclocross bike. Super entry level. Straight cross gearing. I did a little bikepacking and just really enjoyed it. You don’t have to worry about traffic, I just loved riding gravel. They announced that they were doing the Short Circuit and I said, “That’s perfect.”

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 11

THE BIKE It’s a Boltcutter Peacemaker.

I knew I wanted something more specific for High Country. (Boltcutter owner) Ryan (Simmons) and Danielle (Larson), who used to work for Boltcutter, are really good friends of mine, and that company was kind of on my radar anyway. I talked to Ryan on and off about a new bike. And one day, Ryan said he had a frame in my size that he could ship in a week. It seemed like the stars were aligning. So, I bought the frame, bought the groupset and knew I wanted to build it up for High Country. I really encourage anyone who wants to buy a more boutiquey, really cool trendy bike to check out Boltcutter.

THE GROUPSET is a Force Mustang kit

with ratio technologies. This upgrade kit allows you to pair 11-speed mechanical SRAM road shifters with a 12-speed Eagle derailleur and cassette. This is the neatest solution on the market, giving you all the performance advantages of a wide-range 1×12 drivetrain on a gravel, road or touring bike without the expense of electronic shifting.

THE WHEELS are HED GC3 Emporias. Disc, obviously. I don’t think anyone runs rim brakes on gravel anymore. Especially not for High Country. 12 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

THE TIRES are Rene Herse Oracle Ridge. They’re 700c, 48s. I honestly feel like I could rip some singletrack on these. They’re fun. I had to go for the tan sidewalls. I’m a sucker for tan sidewalls.

THE SADDLE is a Specialized Mimic

Power. It’s women’s specific. This is a new saddle to me. I ran a Power saddle on my road bike and liked it, but wanted to try something else. I heard good reviews about it. I’ve liked it so far.

THE BOTTLE CAGES are Specialized

z-cages. I like them because they have a little multi tool on the bottom, so if I have to change something out I can just pop that out.

THE EARRINGS I was in the airport

coming home from Denver and the girl I was sitting next to just happened to be from Bentonville and she had these hoop earrings with SRAM Eagle chainlinks on them and they were so cool. She said she got them in Sedona and she gave me the vendor. I looked them up and they were sold out and the lady said she couldn’t make anymore. So, I showed them to my friend Dylan Morton and he said, “I can make those for you.” So he made them for me. He made three or four different pairs. So, if anyone needs some chainlink earrings, hit Dylan Morton up @madeofsalt! BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 13

GNARLY: Michael Irmen navigates some of the rock features at River Mountain Park.

14 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

Something For

Everyone

Little Rock’s new trails at River Mountain Park accommodate the tiniest shredders all the way to the most experienced mountain bikers. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY Bob Robinson

ooking for a mountain bike adventure the entire family can enjoy? Little Rock opened the gates to new professionally constructed trails at River Mountain Park on June 11. The trail system was designed to offer a fun experience for everyone, from striders to advanced riders. “The area the River Mountain Trails was constructed is one of the city’s most popular parks,” said John Eckart, director of Little Rock Parks and Recreation. Knowing where the park attracts hikers, runners, road

cyclists, paddlers and other outdoor activities, they believed the trails would introduce new people to mountain biking. For this reason, they wanted to build a trail system that provides a gateway for these riders while still offering something for advanced cyclists. Being its first endeavor to construct professionally built mountain bike trails in a city park, the parks department reached out to the Walton Family Foundation and the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation for advice and guidance.

EASING INTO IT: Carla Daris of Little Rock enjoys one of the kid-specific trails. BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 15

FLOWY: River Mountain offers some fun flow trail options.

Gary Vernon, Walton Personal Philanthropy Group senior program officer, invited Eckart and staff members to visit Northwest Arkansas’s vast trail system. Their visit inspired ideas on the type of trails they would construct. Returning to Little Rock, they researched terrain within their park system and determined potential locations for building the purpose-built trails they learned mountain bikers enjoy. The steep hillside at River Mountain Park immediately drew their attention. In January, they brought in one of the country’s premier mountain bike trail builders, Rock Solid Trail Contracting, to create some trail magic. 16 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

THE RIDE

Michael Irmen, president of the Little Rock area’s local IMBA chapter, Central Arkansas Trail Alliance, invited me to join their group on a ride at River Mountain Park. We rolled out of the new parking lot, situated on River Mountain Road just up from the Little Maumelle River Boat Launch, onto Main Current Trail. I was impressed with the wide, smooth pathway that gradually routed us up River Mountain’s 300-foot elevation gain. The climb included slight undulations and rock features that helped break up the climb. Being a green-rated trail, there wasn’t anything too techy.

Beginning riders may opt for continuing the almost four-mile loop Main Current takes riders on around the mountain. This is a flowy, fun ride that includes a sweet gravity experience as it drops back down the mountainside to parking. Advanced riders will enjoy riding this trail just for the sheer fun of it. A smooth progression for riders on their first visit to the park would be to roll onto Headwaters Trail. Main Current intersects this trail about halfway through the loop. This is another wide, well-groomed trail, but newer riders might find the rock features a little challenging, along with the crankedup speed.

PLENTIFUL OPTIONS: Irmen chooses the rocky line.

If you are comfortable with Headwaters and would like to pick up the momentum even more, veer left at the intersection with High Point. This will lead you to The Hub, the jumping-off place for the two more advanced trails at the park. Whirlpool is a freaky fast downhill experience, with tall earthen berms that swallow up riders, then spit them out at even faster speeds. Nothing too techy, but still challenging. This makes for a manageable progression for riders who are comfortable riding Headwaters. The other option down the mountain from The Hub is Gravity Falls. This is a fast-and-furious half-mile descent that includes a 12-foot

drop and a wide gap jump. Our group gathered at The Hub as Irmen provided intel on handling the coming features on Gravity Falls. For the drop, just roll off the ledge in a leap of faith and everything will be alright. But on the big gap jump, you need to make a decision before you get there — am I going to jump or roll? “And if you are going to jump,” advised another rider, “go into it with gangster speed.” Allen Engstrom confirmed that “medium speed” does not cut it on the big double jump. The all too familiar results: He front tired into the second mound, supermanned over the bars, face full of dirt and a long-sustained

slide. Luckily the only thing broken, on bike or body, was the pinky on his right hand. For adrenaline junkies more interested in doing repeats on the blue/black downhill trails dropping off The Hub, you don’t have to ride Main Current and Headwaters all the way around the mountain to reach them. Shortly into your climb, take a sharp right to jump onto High Point. This half-mile climb will get you there “tout de suite.” Narrows Trail adds even more diversity to the River Mountain Park trail network. This two-mile run has more of an old-school feel to it. Still flowy and fast, but the pathway is a lot skinnier. Also, watch for a couple of secret BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 17

LET’S GO: Harrison Price leads his brother Rhys Price up Main Current.

optional lines if you want to grab some truly gnarly rock features. Rock Solid Trail Contracting is renowned for its rock work. In keeping with this reputation, it incorporated huge slab rocks into rollers and kickers that resulted in a mix of flavors to make each blue trail a unique experience. If you like Narrows and want to go back even further to the “good ol’ days” when mountain bike trails were no more than hiking trails that allowed bikes, follow River Mountain Trail. This hand-cut trail takes you up a steep climb to connect with Connor Park.

AND THERE IS MORE

Although River Mountain Park only offers 10 miles, it’s easy to pad your total mileage by mixing up your routes. If that doesn’t work for 18 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

you, the 14 miles at Pinnacle Mountain State Park are only about seven miles away. You have the option of riding to the park on separated bike lanes or hauling your bike. This diverse collection of singletrack trails at the River Mountain Park area make for a fun mountain biking experience for beginner and advanced riders. But what about the true newbies? Pedal, or push your bike, across the adjoining pedestrian/bike bridge to Two Rivers Park, where Rock Solid built trails specifically with kids in mind. The loops on Pup Track provide a great environment for small children to enjoy their initial two-wheel experience on their new strider bikes, while mom and dad look on in the shade at nearby benches. Once they have mastered Pup Track, they

can transition to the adjoining Fox Tail Trail. With undulating rollers and fun turnarounds at the end, this hard-surface trail will add to the excitement. Kids on striders or small pedal bikes will cultivate balance and handling skills needed to progress to the dirt singletrack trails at River Mountain by playing on this three-quarter-mile trail. As the narrow path meanders among loblolly pines, it will provide a great first introduction to riding in the woods. All three parks were supported by $2.6 million in grants from the Walton Family Foundation to the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation. “Little Rock is a city within a park, we like to say,” Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott said. “And amenities such as these trails enhance our residents’ quality of life and give youth a greater appreciation for the outdoors.”

The greatest rides not only tire your legs, but stir your imagination. Is the Natchez Trace a scenic route? Or a living history museum? In a way, it’s both, which makes the 444-mile national parkway the perfect place to begin a cycling adventure of historic proportions. Plan your trip at VisitMississippi.org/HistoricCycling.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 19

20 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

Getting Tykes on Bikes By Lindsay Southwick

Photography by Kai Caddy

etween the long summer days and the coronavirus pandemic, as a parent it feels like my primary role these days is screen-time management. Some estimate the amount of time kids spent on screens shot up by 50-60 percent over the course of the pandemic. Getting my own kids off their screens and outside is a daily priority, and sometimes a daily struggle. Motivating kids to get out into the fresh air can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you consider what we’re up against: a device that offers easy, endless entertainment and doesn’t even require kids to leave their house to “play” with their friends (heaven help me). If you’re anxious to get your kids outside, there’s no better way to do that in The Natural State than to get them on bikes. It’s one of the most accessible sports in our area and, as an added bonus, kids tend to gain a lot more than just how to ride a bike when they learn the skills it takes to cycle safely. “Learning to bike creates independence in kids,” says Janine Fitzgerald, founder of Buddy Pegs, an organization she created with her husband, Scott, because they recognized the struggle parents have of getting kids outside doing something active and constructive. “It teaches resilience and how

YOUNG SHREDDER: Buddy Pegs is one of several organizations in the state aiming to get kids on bikes. BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 21

COACH THEM UP: Buddy Pegs coaches work with a group of more advanced young riders.

to focus, not to mention the health benefits and the relationships you can create. It’s a way to be connected to nature in a world with so many distractions.” We all know that wanting our kids to do something and getting them to do something are two totally different things. Because we live in such a bike-driven state, you are not alone in your quest to get your kid on a bike. There are people and organizations dedicated to teaching kids, from a young age, the skills and safety lessons needed to become lifelong riders. And they are working to ensure every kid who wants to bike has the opportunity to do so. 22 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

Since 2019 BikeNWA has partnered with the All Kids Bike Program, incorporating cycling into the physical education program at schools. Over the last two years they have expanded their resources, integrating their program into 37 elementary schools and six middle schools across 15 school districts. In the 2020-21 school year, despite pandemic interruptions, nearly 3,000 students participated in their program. “Teachers and schools often think that teaching kids to ride is difficult and requires special knowledge or technical skills,” says Anya Bruhin, Education Program Manager at BikeNWA. “Not all parents or guardians have

the time, money or space nearby to facilitate learning to ride. A school environment makes for an ideal learning environment.” The founders at Buddy Pegs are passionate about getting others passionate about cycling. Their framework is meant to teach kids skills they can use both on and off the bike. “We aren’t trying to create future Olympians,” Fitzgerald says. “We are much more interested in teaching in a way that will create future leaders. We know that if you get kids while they’re young, it captures their enthusiasm and gets parents involved, too.” Organizations like Recycle Bikes for Kids also want to make sure every kid who wants a

LIL’ RIPPER: A youngster works on trail skills at a Buddy Pegs Pedal Adventure Camp at Coler MTB Preserve in Bentonville.

bike, has one. They take used bikes, regardless of condition, fix them up, and give them away to anyone who needs one. No questions asked. “It’s a simple business plan,” says Ron King, founder of Recycle Bikes for Kids. “If you need a bike, you get a bike. No financial information is required. All we need is a parent present who gives the OK.” Recycle Bikes for Kids gives away about 2,000 bikes a year, and its anticipated that by the end of this year a total of 20,000 bikes will have been distributed into the community since its inception in 2013. “My biggest concern when I started this was getting bikes, but it turns out that’s been

the smallest problem I have,” King says. “We just want kids to have a bike. Whether they can afford one shouldn’t matter. Kids still like to ride bikes. It’s so encouraging.”

rograms to encourage cycling are a great resource for parents, but they aren’t available to everyone, and mom and dad will still need to be the ones to get their kids motivated on a day-to-day basis. Here are a few tips and tricks to consider as you try to get your kids out and spinning their wheels: 1. If you have young children, BikeNWA has a three-part guide for teaching young kids to ride that can be downloaded for free

on its website. Check it out. 2. One of the best ways to motivate kids to get on their bikes is to get in the saddle yourself. We all know kids mimic their parents (for better or worse), so if you want your kiddo on a bike, you should get on one, too. 3. Make it fun! “Don’t have expectations,” Fitzgerald says. “Take your time and let them pick the route.”

“M

ake it a game or challenge,” Bruhin adds. “Riding for the sake of riding or mileage does not motivate young kids, but a challenge or destination does. Make sure you are riding for them, not BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 23

TAKING FLIGHT: Bentonville’s Coler MTB Preserve gives kids plenty of options to get started mountain biking. you. And be sure to stop before they are tired of riding.” 1. Incorporate other activities into the bike ride. Kids are different, as are their interests. I have kids with varying levels of interest in cycling, including one who, on a scale between 1-10, is a solid zero. Adding another activity, a treat or lunch into the ride may help placate the whole gang. 2. If you’ve been intimidated by mountain biking, don’t be. Mountain biking is great for kids and families because there’s no concern of traffic. You just want to make sure you’re hitting the right trails, and there are plenty of them. I asked bike shops around the state for some kid friendly suggestions:

amp Robinson in North Little Rock has 32 miles of mountain bike trails, including 13 green trails. Yucca/Dogwood and 10 Bridges are a couple ofcrowd favorites. In the Hot Springs area, Cedar Glades has family-friendly trails as well as several other activities kids would love, including playgrounds, a treehouse and a climbing wall. Mills Park in Bryant offers beginner trails and also has pavilions, a swimming pool, and playgrounds. The Great Passion Play area in Eureka Springs has five green trails perfect for beginners, including a perfect four-mile loop called Genesis. Runway Bike Park in Springdale is a nearly

three-acre bicycle training area with a bicycle playground, pump track and skills course. Downtown Bentonville has multiple green trails with several options for food or treat stops. There are a lot of reasons getting your kids involved in cycling is a good idea. It can be a mode of transportation as well as something that gets them connected to the great outdoors. It’s something you can do as a family and has the potential of being something they do for the rest of their lives. For that reason, don’t worry if they don’t seem to be taking to it now. There is a decent chance they’ll embrace it at some point, especially if they see you doing the same.

STORY SPONSORED BY

I’VE LOVED RIDING BIKES ever since I can remember. My memories of riding as a child are some of my best ever. I rejoice to see and hear of youth who love to get outside and ride, and parents who encourage them to do so. “When I see a child on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race,” H.G. Wells. — Erik Leamon, The Ride 24 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

2100 Meadowlake Road, Conway (501) 764-4500

THE WORLD COMES TO FAYETTEVILLE The world’s best cyclo-cross riders are coming to Fayetteville for the 2021 UCI World Cup race, at Centennial Park. This race will be a preview of the 2022 UCI World Championship, to be held in Fayetteville as well! Make plans now to be in Fayetteville on October 13 and see – in person – what cyclo-cross is about and why so many of the best cyclists in the world – Wout van Aert, Mathieu van Der Poel, Marianne Voss to name a few – compete in this unique, intense, slightly insane, spectator-friendly sport.

experiencefayetteville.com

BRAKE HERE Fuel up and wind down at 21c Bentonville, right off the trails in the heart of downtown.

#thisis21c 21cBentonville.com New cleanliness protocols in place to ensure the safety and wellness of our guests and teammates.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 25

BIG DAM BRIDGE 100 PRESENTED BY ARVEST BANK

E R C Y CARKANSAS' L I N G ELARGEST V E N T CYCLING TOUR A R K A N S

BRIDGE 100 BIG Saturday, September 25

The Big Dam Bridge 100 is an annual event in cen-

The BDB 100 offers several routes ranging

tral Arkansas that celebrates the "Big Dam Bridge" over the Arkansas River. The 4226-foot bridge is the longest bridge built for pedestrian and bicycle traffic in North America. It connects over 40 miles of scenic riverside trails between Little Rock and North Little Rock. It also serves as the backbone for connecting over 70,000 acres of various city, county, state & federal parks.

between 15 and 105 miles, with beautiful mountain and river scenery, as well as a few challenging hills on the longer routes. The event provides participants with wellmarked courses, fun aid stations with foods and liquids, great volunteer support, event t-shirt, a unique finisher medal, post-ride food and drinks along with a unique finish-line experience.

MILES

2021

RIDES F

Statehouse Convention Center

o pick up their own packets.

Reception. nd music will be available. This is not a meal... c, drink, fellowship and more!

m Hotel - Razorback Room. nces is 6:30 am

rides opens. r designated corral.

ow in North Little Rock

50 am • Blue Corral - 6:55 am m • Green Coral - 6:55 am s start. All corrals will be ate starts are allowed. 26 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

3:30 PM

Two Rivers Park, Aid Station #9, (mile 95) closes. All riders must depart this station by 3:30 pm or they will be provided a trolley ride back to the finish.

4:00 PM

Burns Park, Aid Station #10, (mile 100) closes. All riders must depart this station by 4:00 pm or they will be provided a trolley ride back to the finish.

4:30 PM

Finish Line Closes PHOTOS NORTH LITTLE ROCK MAYOR'S OFFICE 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Finish line festivities. Food, drink and fellowship.

ADVERTORIAL

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NORTH LITTLE ROCK MAYOR'S OFFICE.

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Thousands of riders are expected for the BDB 100.

CRUSH THE BDB 100 Local experts share tips and tricks for an enjoyable long day in the saddle.

rkansas’s largest cycling tour is back. The Big Dam Bridge 100, presented by Arvest Bank, is set for Sept. 25. Five courses of varied distances through Little Rock and North Little Rock are on offer once again. Whether you’re easing into cycling and

tackling one of the shorter distances or prepping to take on the 100-mile route, we’ve compiled some tips from local coaches and experienced riders to help you make your day out on the bike as fun and successful as possible.

NUTRITION

“If you struggle to eat and drink enough, Proper nutrition is perhaps the most immake a plan ahead of time to sip water portant component to an enjoyable long every 15 minutes or every few miles,” day out on the bike. Thorvilson said. “Don’t try anything new, “Start the event well nourished and hydratnutritionally. You should do at least a few ed,” Terry Coddington of Cycle-Logical said. training rides with whatever sort of fuel “Many athletes are chronically dehydrated you plan to carry on board on the day and are not even aware. Drink plenty of of the ride, that way you know what you fluids the week leading up to the event. I like, what works for you, and avoid any encourage my athletes on race day/event unpleasant surprises.” day to get up and eat a healthy breakfast Coddington says those training rides are about three hours before the event. If you’re a good time to practice eating and drinking eating closer to the event, pick foods that on the bike if you’re not comfortable with are higher in the glycemic index and easy doing so. to digest. Once you are in the event, stick “While riding along on a flat road, practo foods that were tried and tested on your tice reaching down and just touching your training rides. Don’t experiment with new taking yourservice eyes off the road Full Full service Full service aidaid aid Enjoy Enjoy Enjoy thethe natural the natural natural beauty beauty beauty of of of bottle without foods on event day.” or stoppingstations, pedalling,” he said. “Then work stations, stations, traffi traffi c-traffi c- cLittle Little Rock, Little Rock, Rock, North North North Little Little Rock, Little Rock, Rock, Former World Tour pro Leah Thorvilson up to pulling the bottle partially out of the controlled controlled controlled course course course Pulaski Pulaski Pulaski and and Perry and Perry Counties Perry Counties Counties suggests heading into the event with a plan cage and putting it back in. Eventually for your nutritional needs. working up to pulling your water bottle

out and taking a drink and placing it back in the cage without stopping pedalling or taking your eyes off the road ahead of you.” Elite racer John Mooney says there’s nothing wrong with bringing more nutrition than you think may be necessary. “There are plenty of great options out there for hydration mixes that include electrolytes and some easy-to-digest carbs (Skratch, Crank Sports and Gu are popular ones),” Mooney said. “Energy gels are the easiest thing to eat while riding. But, I love an easy-to-eat granola bar and have been known to occasionally pull a Pop-Tart out of my jersey. That will help fight off the dreaded ‘bonk.’ On a longer, hotter ride, I’ll put an extra bottle in myand middle jersey Enjoy Enjoy Enjoy food, food, drink food, drink drink and music and music music pocket and I always pack extra snacks. at at thethe at finish the finish line finish line inline Riverfront in Riverfront in Riverfront There’s Park, nothing wrong with having a little Park, North Park, North North Little Little Rock Little Rock Rock bit of leftovers, but it’s not very fun to run out towards the end of your ride.”

PRESENTED BY ARVEST BANK ThisThis ad is This adpaid isad paid for is paid for with with for a combination with a combination a combination of state of state of funds state fundsfunds andand regional regional and regional Heart Heart ofHeart Arkansas of Arkansas of Arkansas funds. funds. funds.

For For For more more more information, information, information, visit visit visit www.bigdambridge100.com www.bigdambridge100.com www.bigdambridge100.com BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 27

ARKANSAS’ PREMIER CYCLING EVENT

BIG DAM BRIDGE 100 PRESENTED BY ARVEST BANK

105 MILES

RIDES FROM 15

EVENT SCHEDULE 2021 Friday

09.24 Saturday

09.25

Expo & Packet Pick-up - Statehouse Convention Center

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

All riders are required to pick up their own packets.

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Gears and Beers Athlete Reception. Appetizers, beverages and music will be available. This is not a meal... Free to all athletes. Music, drink, fellowship and more!

5:00 - 6:30 AM

Packet Pick-up Wyndham Hotel - Razorback Room. Last pick up for all distances is 6:30 am

5:30 AM

Staging for all distance rides opens. Remember to go to your designated corral.

6:55 AM

Rider groups start. Riverfront Drive at Willow in North Little Rock • Tandems/Charter - 6:50 am • Blue Corral - 6:55 am • Yellow Corral - 6:55 am • Green Coral - 6:55 am This will be a continuous start. All corrals will be started at 6:55 am. No late starts are allowed.

9:00 AM

BDB 100 Finale Fest area opens - Inside the North Shore Riverwalk Park, NLR. At the south end of Willow street in North Little Rock.

This ad is paid for with a combination of state funds and regional Heart of Arkansas funds. 28 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

3:30 PM

Two Rivers Park, Aid Station #9, (mile 95) closes. All riders must depart this station by 3:30 pm or they will be provided a trolley ride back to the finish.

4:00 PM

Burns Park, Aid Station #10, (mile 100) closes. All riders must depart this station by 4:00 pm or they will be provided a trolley ride back to the finish.

4:30 PM

Finish Line Closes

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Finish line festivities. Food, drink and fellowship.

For more information, visit

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ARKANSAS’ PREMIER CYCLING EVENT

BIG DAM BRIDGE 100

F O

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RIDES FROM 15

Enjoy the natural beauty of Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pulaski and Perry Counties

D A T I O

105 MILES

Full service aid stations, trafficcontrolled course

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Enjoy food, drink and music at the finish line in Riverfront Park, North Little Rock

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COMFORT

Many riders are checking off a big goal by completing the BDB 100. Don’t let a lack of preparedness ruin your chance of completing your accomplishment. “This one is hard,” Thorvilson said. “But have a plan. Maybe it’s your own plan and maybe it’s to ride with a group, but do your very best to stick to it and don’t expend too much energy too early. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment early in a big ride and go a bit too hard, but you will almost always wish you hadn’t. Besides, this isn’t a race.” Coddington agrees. “The BDB 100 gets harder after the halfway point, so you need to save those matches,” he said. “You only have so many to burn.”

Tanner Ward, who races for First Internet Bank Cycling, says you should do all you can to keep aches and pains away. “Change hand positions on the bars throughout the day so you don’t get stiff, look left and look right a few times to keep the neck loose (without veering off the road or into someone),” he said. “Briefly stand on the pedals while climbing or cresting a hill to unweight yourself from the saddle. This should all help make the ride and post-ride food/ drink that much more enjoyable.” Also important for comfort: taking care of that chamois. “Chamois cream: Don’t forget that,” Thorvilson said. “If this is a longer ride than you are used to, maybe carry a

Enjoy Enjoy the Enjoy the natural natural the beauty natural beauty of beauty of of Little Little Rock, Little Rock, North Rock, North Little North Little Rock, Little Rock,Rock, Pulaski Pulaski and Pulaski and Perry Perry and Counties Perry Counties Counties

FullFull service service Full aid service aid aid stations, stations, stations, traffi traffi c- traffi c- ccontrolled controlled controlled course course course

trial size of backup chamois cream to reapply if needed.”

ENJOY THE DAY Remember — cycling is fun. “Take time to enjoy the scenery. Cycling is a beautiful sport,” Coddington said. “I am always upset with myself if I get to the end of a long ride or event and all I did is stare at a rear wheel or the road in front of me. I am much happier when I take a moment to look around and enjoy the sights.” And, of course, there’s a pretty good reward at the finish line Finale Fest. “Have fun!” Thorvilson said. “Make plans to stay for the after-party, you earned it!” PHOTOS NORTH LITTLE ROCK MAYOR'S OFFICE

BE PREPARED

Enjoy Enjoy food, Enjoy food, drink food, drink and drink and music music and music at the at the finish atfithe nish line finish line in Riverfront in line Riverfront in Riverfront Park, Park, North Park, North Little North Little Rock Little RockRock

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BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 31

THE ARKY 100 Ride honors Bicycle Joe, a forefather of the Little Rock cycling community By Stephen Koch

yclists often hear about how the sport brings generations together, but few have proved the adage as mightily as the Weber family. Springdale’s Joseph Weber was one of nine Weber children who grew up cycling in mid-century Little Rock. Cycling was encouraged by their parents, Joe and Helen, who were also avid riders. “My parents loved it so much, their enthusiasm spilled over to my siblings and I, and our friends and the community,” he said. Decades later, many of the Weber children are still active riders, while the Weber name still resonates through the Arkansas cycling community. Because Weber’s dad was no casual cyclist. The elder Joe Weber was a founding member of the Arkansas Bicycle Club in Little Rock, probably the oldest bicycle club in the state. A half-century ago, the club launched the “Arky 100” annual ride; after Joe’s death in 1994, the Arky 100 was tagged with the Joe Weber name to honor his contributions to cycling in Arkansas. And with the Arky 100 celebrating its golden anniversary this Oct. 10th, the Weber clan is convening in Central Arkansas to ride. “I live in the Springdale area now,” Joseph Weber said, “and my older brother Philip lives in Fayetteville.” Two other brothers now living in Southern California who they ride with when they can, Patrick and James, are also returning to the state to ride in the Joe Weber Arky 100. The Weber cycling passion is multigenerational. “The Arkansas Bicycle Club has been working with my son, Thomas, to boost race attendance at the Arky 100,” Joseph said. The elder Joe Weber was born in 1911. For perspective, that was a time when derailleurs were controversial in the cycling community, and the design of the “safety bicycle” – the prototype for present-day bikes — had been perfected only a couple of decades prior.

32 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

BICYCLE JOE: Joe Weber atop Petit Jean Mountain in 1982.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 33

ALL IN THE FAMILY: Weber brothers Joseph, Philip, James and Patrick line up at the Sheridan Community Center prior to the 2017 Arky 100. Like many of his era, “Dad had a love for human-powered vehicles,” Weber said. The big difference is that the elder Joe Weber stuck with his love. During a time where registration was required for bikes in the city, the elder Weber was known as “Bicycle Joe” to Little Rock police. He commuted to work downtown daily on his bike. “He already had the love for cycling when he married my mother,” Weber said. As his parents had children, cycling dovetailed nicely into family time. Cycling became “an inexpensive way to take the family out on a nice day and have fun. To leave the world behind,” he said. “You might see things from a bicycle that you won’t see in a car going 55 miles an hour.” But even by mid-century, when the whole Weber family was riding, cycling gear had only improved marginally since early in the 20th century when Bicycle Joe was riding solo. “No speedometers, no GPS,” Weber said. “No computers; you had to use math to figure out how long you rode. There were no padded shorts; you had leather saddles.” Weber remembers the family’s leather bike 34 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

helmets with little fondness. “They fit real snug; didn’t help at all,” he said. He recalled taking a spill on a ride wearing a leather helmet — despite the helmet, his mom still had to bandage his bleeding head on the roadside. Following the incident, the

“No computers; you had to use math to figure out how long you rode. There were no padded shorts; you had leather saddles.” family eventually settled on wearing hockey helmets for safety until the cycling world caught up with them. Through all the changes over the years in cycling, there was one constant in the Little Rock cycling community as it grew over the decades — Webers would be riding. The house even had a shop for bike repair. “Dad lived it,” Weber said.

But it wasn’t just Webers who were influenced to take up cycling by Bicycle Joe. “Joseph was an early founder of our club,” said Arkansas Bicycle Club President Jim Britt. “And he encouraged generations to ride. We added Joe’s name to the Arky 100 after his death to honor his contributions to bicycling in the state.” The 100-mile Arky 100 course is in South-Central Arkansas, with a start point about a half hour south of Little Rock. “Most everybody is in by 3 p.m.,” Britt said, adding, “there’s lots of food.” The ride holds appeal for varying skill levels due to the route’s pleasant grades. Britt described the Arky 100’s terrain as “countryside and hills, not too challenging.” Unlike many, the Arky 100 isn’t billed as a charity ride, Britt noted, but some funds are later distributed to the ABC’s go-to charitable recipients: Recycle Bikes For Kids, the Boys and Girls Club, and Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas. Britt noted another unique feature of the Arky 100 ride: the boiled potato rest stop along the course. “A lot of people don’t think they’re going to want a boiled potato out there,” he said.

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“But they put a little butter on it and find out they do.” Launched not long after the formation of the Arkansas Bicycle Club, the Arky 100 was intended as the signature annual event for the new club. At the ABC’s inaugural Arky 100, the younger Weber said he “would have been 10 or 11.” And he’s had a hand in it pretty much ever since. “What makes the Arky 100 unique, besides it being 50 years old and the longest-running in the state, is it’s also one of the few rides out there that’s been held in more than one place,” Weber said. When the flat terrain of that part of the Arkansas Delta proved a bit too monotonous and unchallenging to early riders of the original course, the Arky 100 eventually adjusted its starting point to the woodsy rolling hills of Sheridan. The Arky then winds through other small Grant County hamlets, like Poyen and Tull, and into Hot Spring County.

“We are very proud of our parents — and proud that we have kept their dream alive for 50 years.”

IT ALL STARTED WITH THEM: Joe and Helen Weber on a ride in 1985.

A FAMILY AFFAIR: BICYCLE JOE WEBER’S FAMILY LEGACY Raymond Weber — Little Rock Philip Weber — Fayetteville Patrick Weber — Long Beach, California Rodney Weber — Little Rock Bernadette O’Donahue — Phoenix, Arizona Paul Weber — Mayflower Joseph Weber III — Springdale Edward Weber — Little Rock James Weber — Oakland, California

36 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

Tull, population 448, in particular has proven a hot spot along the route, really turning out for the annual ride. The town’s Ebenezer Methodist Church provides refreshments for riders — and is such a longtime fixture of the Arky 100, the church was featured on last year’s T-shirts. “They’re in their front yards with coolers at Tull,” Weber said. “It’s an event for them, too.” Another thing that sets the Arky 100 apart is its scheduling. Its mid-October date “is toward the end of the cycling season, and it’s the last big hurrah,” he said. “It’s the last organized supported race of the year.” Because of that, Arky 100 participants over the decades have endured “cold snaps, rain; there have been some miserable rides over the years,” Weber acknowledged. But no matter the weather, Webers are coming out of the woodwork to celebrate their patriarch this year. “Sisters, nephews, and nieces — it’s going to be a party,” Weber said. And, at least for Joseph, “not attending is not an option,” regardless of the year, he laughed. To Weber, reflecting on a half-century of Arky 100s, “makes me realize how far ahead of his time Dad was, and not just in cycling. He was a smart man,” he said. “We are very proud of our parents — and proud that we have kept their dream alive for 50 years.”

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THE STA

Shrugging off challenges, the venerable joe martin stage race returns to fayetteville for its 44th year stronger than ever. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY By Kai Caddy RETURN TO RACING: The pro peloton returns to Fayetteville starting Aug. 26 for the Joe Martin Stage Race. 38 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

GE IS SET

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 39

ROAD RACING IN THE UNITED STATES has seen a downward trend in recent years with sponsors leaving the sport, teams folding and the gravel racing boom, and eventually the corona virus pandemic put everything on hold. Despite the challenges, the Joe Martin Stage Race returns for its 44th year and will set off Aug. 26 in Fayetteville. “You know, even though road racing has kind of contracted the last three to five years, I really thought it was important, no matter what the conditions economically — a lack of sponsorship support, or, you know, just the more difficult it became to do — I felt like you can never establish the longest continuously held stage race in the country if we stop. And so I felt like it was very, very important to do whatever it took to keep it going,” race director Bruce Dunn said. “There was a lot of momentum to make this race happen. “The city has been amazing, as always. The one thing I tell people is that we’ve always had the support of the city, you know, top down. And so in that respect, it really hasn’t been 40 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

a big challenge. Corporate support has been good. It hasn’t been as good as I would like it to be. That’s kind of always the X-factor with this race. You know, quite frankly, we’ve really not had a rocky path to get going again. All systems are pretty darn good there.” Joe Martin is the longest continually held stage race in the country. This year’s race will mark its 19th year as a part of the USA Cycling Pro Road Tour and its seventh year on the UCI Americas Tour. The pro men, pro women and elite men race a four-day, four-stage event, while amateurs race three stages over two days. For the pros and elites, stage one on Friday is the Mount Gaylor road race. Friday’s second

stage is the Mount Sequoyah road race. On Saturday, they’ll tackle the Devil’s Den time trial, with an average gradient of 5 percent. The race culminates on Sunday in downtown Fayetteville for the Experience Fayetteville Sunday Criterium. The amateur races begin Saturday with a road race in the morning, the Devil’s Den time trial Saturday afternoon and the downtown crit on Sunday. Dunn says the number of amateur racers signed up this year is the biggest ever. And the professional teams never wavered on their commitment to the race despite its unusually late start time on the calendar. Typically the race is held in April. “I don’t know if I wanted to be in late August,” Dunn said. “But we took the approach that, hey, we’ve got to be creative this year. We’ve got to give the ability for teams to get ready to start traveling. As far as the teams, here’s what the teams told me early on: ‘Bruce, whenever you

Proud host of these 2021 State Championship Races: • State Criteriums, September 26 • State Road Race, October 2 • State Time Trial, October 3

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Live Your Adventure GRITTED TEETH: Starla Teddergreen powers up Church Ave. in downtown Fayetteville during the 2019 Joe Martin Stage race. put on this race, we’re coming.’ So that really lowered my nervousness. That lowered a big barrier pretty quickly. USA Cycling and the UCI have been very supportive from day one.” Several stage races on the Pro Road Tour were canceled this season. The Redlands Classic, Tour of Utah and Colorado Classic were all scrapped. Joe Martin will be the first stage race on the calendar for American riders. The only remaining stage race on the schedule after Joe Martin is the Tour of the Gila, which is traditionally held in May. Criteriums have been the dominant form of road racing in America so far this season and the most dominant team has been L39ION of Los Angeles. Canadian Alec Cowan, who races for L39ION, has been living in Fayetteville part time for the last two years. He finished fifth overall in the race in 2019 and is excited to return to the race with his new team. “I’m super excited for this race,” Cowan said. “It is one of my favorite races all year.

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HUNGRY FOR MORE: Alec Cowan, who now races for L39ION of Los Angeles, won stage four in 2019 and finished fifth overall.

“I'm excited to show how amazing Fayetteville is as a riding destination, and how much it can support these events.” — Alec Cowan

For me, it’s a race that suits me. I’ve won multiple stages at the race and finished fifth overall in 2019. It’s for sure our number one road race of the year. I’m so excited not just for getting my buddies here and my race team here.” Fayetteville has become a destination for major professional cycling races. The UCI World Championship Cyclocross race will take place in the city in January, and hosted two rounds of the Oz Trails US Pro Mountain Bike Cup presented by Experience Fayetteville in the spring, some of the first professional racing in the country after COVID-19 restrictions were eased. Fayetteville also recently received the prestigious Bike City label from the UCI, the sports international governing body. “Fayetteville became the first city in the United States to receive the designation, 42 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

joining other international destinations like Paris, Copenhagen and Vancouver,” Experience Fayetteville bicycle coordinator Brannon Pack said. “The legacy, longevity and continued community support of the Joe Martin Stage Race played a key role in Fayetteville qualifying for the designation.” Dunn realizes the eyes of the cycling world are on Arkansas. “It’s not just mountain biking. It really helps, you know, a rising tide helps all ships,” he said. “It seems like we’re having a bit of a renaissance with the Joe Martin Stage Race. We’ve been telling the story that we’ve been bringing the world to Northwest Arkansas for, I’d say the last decade. We have definitely been

bringing the world to Arkansas and Fayetteville. We’re contributing to making Arkansas literally, I say, the two-wheel, bike capital of the world.” Cowan is excited about his teammates getting to see his part-time hometown. “I’m excited to show how amazing Fayetteville is as a riding destination, and how much it can support these events,” Cowan said. “As we saw with the mountain bike US Cups, just the amount of people that are willing to come out and support, and the community that is there and is ready to host these events. It’s super exciting.” Little Rock’s Tanner Ward, who races for First Internet Bank Cycling, admits that the timing of the race will take some getting used to. But he says he’s thankful for those who made the race happen this year. “It’s awesome to have such a big race right here in Arkansas,” Ward said. “I started cycling

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SCREAMING DOWN DICKSON: The women’s peloton strings out down Dickson Street. Organizers expect a big crowd for the race’s final stage this year.

“It‚s massive for me and other elite racers in Arkansas whether you‚re in the Cat 1/2 or the Pro event because it draws national-level talent to the area.” — Johnny Purvis

while attending the U of A and I’ll never forget going out to watch the pros race. A race so close to home comes with a little added weight with family and friends watching. The last couple of years I have had some unfortunate mechanicals, so hopefully I can get a clean run at it this year.” Johnny Purvis, Ward’s teammate and a Fayetteville native, likes the advantage of racing on home roads. “I’m super excited to get back to stage racing. It’s been a long time since I’ve done a proper stage race,” Purvis said. “It’s massive for me and other elite racers in Arkansas whether you’re in the Cat 1/2 or the Pro event because it draws national- level talent to the area.” Pack says the race’s route has boosted cycling tourism in Fayetteville. “The same high-quality, diverse mountain topography and low traffic density that creates a canvas for a multi day international road cycling stage race also creates a tourism-friendly 44 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

experience,” he said. The race’s final stage winds through downtown Fayetteville from the square, to Dickson Street and finishes up an unforgiving climb (especially after an hour of racing) up Church Ave. The spectator-friendly crit stage is expected to be even more of a highlight this year. “We anticipate the largest crowd on Sunday we’ve ever had,” Dunn said. “The (UA) students are back on campus and they don’t have finals staring them right in the face like they do in April. And it’s still a week before Labor Day, so they aren’t checked out. The students are a big focus for us this year.” Numerous restaurants, bars and food trucks will line the course. “One thing that some race fans will find enjoyable in 2021 (a new addition from the last race in 2019) is Fayetteville’s adoption of

an Outdoor Refreshment Area, or the ORA,” Pack said. “Within the ORA boundaries, guests 21 years of age and older can carry and consume alcoholic beverages in designated cups while wearing an official wristband on public sidewalks and participating property within the boundary of the district. “Coincidentally, the ORA boundaries align with the Experience Fayetteville Criterium course, meaning eligible adults can purchase an alcoholic drink from over 60 participating restaurants and bars and then explore the race action with drink in hand.” Cowan’s home is near downtown and he’s looking forward to showing off the city to his teammates, before and after the race. “I’m not just excited for the actual race itself,” he said. “But for the post-race festivities, or the pre-race festivities of just being able to have all my teammates and stuff there and show them where I’m living. Great coffee shops, great culture and just a great time — a great place to host an event.”

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Interested in running in the Diamond Lakes section? Contact Lesa Thomas at 501-258-8745 or Lesa@arktimes.com Visit diamondlakes.org to request a free Hot Springs/Diamond Lakes Vacation Guide. ARKADELPHIA ♦ CADDO VALLEY ♦ GLENWOOD ♦ HOT SPRINGS ♦ MALVERN ♦ MOUNT IDA ♦ MURFREESBORO This ad is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 45

EVENTS ARKANSAS GRIT ALL GIRLS MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE PARTY AUG. 21 Springhill Park, Barling A fun intro to racing for girls only for 30 minutes over a one-mile course. This race will be a great way to practice starts for the upcoming NICA race season. Bring a change of clothes and prepare to get wet. There will be fun water games and other bike-, and non-bike-, related fun games to play. For more information visit www. arkansasmtb.org/2021-girls-mountainbike-race. SPRINGHILL CLASSIC AUG. 22 Springhill Park, Barling Part of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship series. The race is hosted by

BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK ONLINE BEFORE MAKING PLANS. Have an event you’d like to include in a future Bike Arkansas? Email editor Kai Caddy at kaicaddy@gmail.com. Frontier Ozark Off-Road Cyclists. Races for juniors, Cat 1-3 and an eBike open class. Register at bikereg.com/springhillclassic. ARKANSAS NICA PRELUDE TIME TRIAL AUG. 29 Sugar Creek Trails, John Brown University, Siloam Springs A time trial kicking off the 2021 NICA race season. Learn more at arkansasmtb.org/ race-series. TRIFEST FOR MS SEPT. 3-5 Bentonville Triathlon for all ages and all fitness levels. Three distances including a Trifesta Challenge, a 5K, and a day dedicated to a kids’ triathlon. The event benefits

the UAMS MS research team. For more information, visit researchms.org/trifest. USA PUMP TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS SEPT. 4 $20 Runway Bike Park, Springdale Races in six age categories. Winner of the 17+ category receives a paid trip to the Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships in Lisbon, Portugal. Register at bikereg.com/usa-pump-trackchampionship-finals. HIGHWAY 71 PASTRY TOUR SEPT. 5 $25-$50 Runway Bike Park, Springdale 20, 32- and 71-mile road routes along

JOE MARTIN STAGE RACE AUG. 26-29

KAI CADDY

Fayetteville A four-day, four-stage professional men’s and women’s race that’s part of both the USA Cycling Pro Racing Tour and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) America Tour. Cyclists from all around the world are expected. The event also includes a two-day, three-stage amateur race. Learn more at joemartinstagerace.com.

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BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 47

Highway 71 offering some of the most beautiful scenery NWA has to offer road cyclists and locally made fresh pastries. New for this year are 24- and 52-mile gravel route options created by Ozark Gravel Cyclists. Along with a familyfriendly paved trail option featuring the beautiful Fayetteville Greenway. Visit breakawaycyclingteam.org/hwy-71-pastrytour for more info. ARKANSAS NICA RACE NO. 1 SEPT. 11-12 Springhill Park, Barling First race in Arkansas’s four-race NICA series. Visit arkansasmtb.org/race-series for more information. TOUR DE TACOS SEPT. 11 $20-$35 A ride with 7-, 30- and 62-mile options along the Razorback Regional Greenway and benefiting Compassion House. With regular “taco/pit stops” along the way. For more information visit compassionhouse. us/events. DEGRAY LAKE TRIATHLON SEPT. 12 $30-$90 DeGray Lake A variety of distance levels and options to run, race and swim in and around DeGray Lake, including a duathlon for those who don’t want to swim. Register at runsignup.com/Race/AR/Arkadelphia/ DegrayLakeTriathlon.

AES BENTONVILLE ENDURO SEPT. 17-19 $15-$125 Bentonville Fifth race in the Arkansas Enduro Series. Prepare for up to six stages a day with 15-20 miles on Saturday and less than 15 miles on Sunday. Post-race meal included with entry from Delta Biscuit Co. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information and to register, visit bikereg. com/bentonvilleenduro. YOUNG LIFE RIVER CLASSIC SEPT. 18 $40 The Rail Yard, Little Rock A fully supported ride benefiting Young Life’s Little Rock Southside ministry with 20-, 40- and 100-mile routes. Find more information at theriverclassic.com. THE CONWAY FALL CLASSIC SEPT. 18 $40-$45 Antioch Baptist Church, Conway A fully supported ride with 20-, 42- and 65-mile routes and lunch afterward. Find more info at cycleconway.com/conway-fallclassic/ride-info. NWA MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS SEPT. 18 Devil’s Den State Park, Winslow Fifth race of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series. For more information visit ambcs.com.

BIG DAM BRIDGE 100 SEPT. 25 Arkansas’s largest cycling tour will resume as a mass-start, in-person event this year. Register and find more info at thebigdambridge100.com. ARKANSAS NICA RACE NO. 2 SEPT. 25-26 Clysta Willett Park, Mountain Home Second race in Arkansas’s four-race NICA series. Visit arkansasmtb.org/race-series for more information. CROSSWINDS CLASSIC OCT. 2 $15-$45 North Little Rock The state road race championship hosted by Central Arkansas Velo. Register at bikereg.com/crosswinds-classic-road-race. SQUARE 2 SQUARE BICYCLE RIDE OCT. 2 $15-$45 Bentonville Square A ride from Bentonville to Fayetteville on the Razorback Regional Greenway. Find more information at fayetteville-ar. gov/1931/Square-to-Square-Bicycle-Ride. ARKANSAS STATE TIME TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS OCT. 2 $25 Little Rock The state time trial championship hosted

SHAM CROSS AUG. 28-29

KAI CADDY

$25 Cedar Glades, Hot Springs Two days of cyclocross racing to open the season at Cedar Glades in Hot Springs. Register at bikereg.com/shamcross.

48 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

by Central Arkansas Velo. Register at bikereg.com/arkansas-state-timetrials-2021. ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY BIKE FEST OCT. 8-10 Mt. Nebo State Park This inaugural event benefits the nonprofit Friends of Nebo. There’ll be pro, advanced, intermediate and beginner racing, along with a family relay and strider rides for 2- to 7-year-olds. Plus, live music and food trucks. Find more info at arvbikefest.com.

COURTESY LITTLE ROCK GRAN FONDO

ARKANSAS NICA RACE NO. 3 OCT. 9-10 Camp War Eagle, Rogers Third race in Arkansas’s four-race NICA series. Visit arkansasmtb.org/race-series for more information.

LITTLE ROCK GRAN FONDO OCT. 16

$25-$125 Little Rock Two route options, the Medio (40 miles) and Gran Fondo (70-75), starting and finishing at the Clinton Presidential Center in downtown Little Rock with a food festival at the finish. Visit littlerockgranfondo.com for more info.

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Located on the White River (between Gaston’s and Bull Shoals) Whitestarriverretreat.com/ 479-871-0682 (VRBO # 563445) BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 49

WHEEL A’ MENA OCT. 9 $40 Mena A ride with 30-, 50- and 70-mile routes. Find more information at wheelamena.org. TOUR DA DELTA OCT. 9 $20-$65 409 Porter St., Helena-West Helena A range of rides for road, gravel and family cyclists. Registration includes a one-day ticket to the King Biscuit Blues Festival and a barbecue lunch. Find more info and register at bikereg.com/tourdadelta.

PEDESTAL ROCK ROAD RIDE AND LICK FORK GRAVEL GRIND OCT. 16 $45 Witt Springs Road ride options of 20, 40, 50 and 62 miles and gravel routes of 15, 30, 50 and 62 miles benefiting work being done by Community Voices, a 501(c)3 organization, to showcase the beauty of the Authentic Ozarks and strengthen the lives of rural Arkansawyers living in the Boston Mountains of southwest Searcy County. Visit wittssprings.org/prlf-welcome-page for more information.

KAI CADDY

CYCLENATION OCT. 9 Bentonville A stationary cycling event raising funds for the American Heart Association. Visit www2.heart.org/site/ SPageServer/?pagename=cn_home for more information.

50TH JOE WEBER ARKY 100 OCT. 10 $25-$70 Sheridan A ride with 50-, 62- and 100-mile routes. Find more info and register at bikereg. com/50160.

FAYETTECROSS OCT. 13

Centennial Park at Millsap Mountain, Fayetteville The third-annual event has been designated a World Cup event by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The same site will host the World Championships Jan. 29-30, 2022. More info at FayetteCross.com.

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TOUR DE SALT SHAKER OCT. 16 $25-$50 Benton Ride with three cycling route options throughout Saline County. Options consist of the Fondo (50 miles), Medio (25 miles), and Townie (10 miles). The ride begins and ends in downtown Benton where a Backyard BBQ Cook-off will be held along with festivities for the whole family, including craft booths, face painting, a tot race, live entertainment, food trucks and more. Visit tourdesaltshaker.com for more info.

REPLENISH RECOVER REFUEL

FALL BICYCLE TOUR OCT. 18-22 DeGray Lake A three-day tour of the region near DeGray Lake. Riders must be Arkansas Bicycle Club members.

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A D VEN S E P O

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CHINKAPIN HOLLOW GRAVEL GRINDER OCT. 24 $40-$60 Lake Wedington Recreation Area, Fayetteville A gravel race that travels into Oklahoma. Register at runsignup. com/Race/AR/Fayetteville/ ChinkapinHollowGravelGrinder.

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Interested in advertising in Bike Arkansas? Contact Brooke Wallace at 501-375-2985 or brooke@arktimes.com BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 51

A few tips to keep us all safe while enjoying the Arkansas River Trail! When preparing to pass others, speak an audible warning in advance. Always pass on the left side, while leaving two feet of clearance. Cyclists and skaters should travel at safe and appropriate speeds. Keep an eye on your children at all times. Keep pets on a short leash and under control at all times. Always clean up after your pets.

Pay attention to all trail markings, ew tips signs to and other alerts or warnings. Do not smoke while on the trails. us all safe Motorized vehicles are not allowed e enjoying (with the exception of motorized wheelchairs, certain classes of e-bikes, Arkansas and emergency vehicles). to the right side of the pathways, ver Trail!Keep except when passing others.

TRI PEAKS FALL CLASSIC OCT. 29 $50 Morillton A 120-mile ride that will climb Mount Nebo, Mount Magazine and Petit Jean Mountain. Prize money will be awarded for the top three over each climb. There will also be intermediate sprints at Danville and Centerville with cash payouts to the top three finishers. Lunch will be provided at Mount Magazine. Sag vehicles will be present, but the goal is for the riders to all finish together. Pace is 20+ mph on the flats and there will be regroups at the top of climbs. Register at bikereg.com/tri-peaks-fallclassic.

bikereg.com/arkansas-cyclocrosschampionships-2021.

ARKANSAS NICA RACE NO. 4 OCT. 30-31 Centennial Park, Fayetteville Fourth race in Arkansas’s four-race NICA series. Visit arkansasmtb.org/race-series for more information.

RAPTOR GRAVEL GRINDER DEC. 11 Fayetteville Gravel grinder that starts at the Fayetteville square and heads east of town. Only the mileage and elevations are released early. There will be roaming support on the course, but all riders should come prepared to be self-sufficient. The postrace party takes place on top of Mount Sequoyah. Visit runsignup.com/Race/ RAPTORAdventureSeries/Page/gravel for more information.

ARKANSAS CYCLOCROSS STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS NOV. 6 War Memorial Park, Little Rock SHAM Events hosts the state cyclocross championship races. Register at

JOE MARTIN GRAN FONDO NOV. 6 $35-$55 Fayetteville Five road route options (13, 25, 55, 65 and 85 miles), two gravel route options (44 and 70 miles) and three Greenway options. Visit joemartingranfondo.com for more info. PETIT JEAN OVERNIGHTER DEC. 1-3 Petit Jean Mountain An Arkansas Bicycle Club ride from the Conway airport to Petit Jean Mountain. Must be an ABC member to participate.

paring to pass others, Pedestrians always have the right of dible warning in advance. way. Groups should travel single-file to ss on the left side,insure whilethat cyclists are able to pass. two feet of clearance.When stopping, move off of the

e on your children at all times. n a short leash and under trol at all times. ean up after your pets.

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vehicles are not allowed exception of motorized for more etiquette certain classesLook of e-bikes, and mergency vehicles). safety tips at arkansasrivertrail.org ight side of the pathways, when passing52others. | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

s always have the right of

KAI CADDY

d skaters shouldpavement travel at so as not to impede passersappropriate speeds. by on the Arkansas trails.

GÜDRUN — NORTHWOODS MTB FESTIVAL NOV. 12-14

Northwoods Trails, Hot Springs Third annual three-day Mountain Bike Festival will incorporate activities such as Gudrun Slow Roll, Mini-Enduro, Enduro, Jump Jam and the Attila the Hun XC Mountain Bike Race. Learn more at northwoodstrails.org/events/gudrun/

UCI’S CYCLO-CROSS WORLD CUP COMES TO ARKANSAS The 2021-22 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup schedule includes events in Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Italy, the Czech Republic…and Fayetteville, Arkansas.

In fact, the first three events of the World Cup are all in the US – Waterloo, WI; Fayetteville and Iowa City, IA before heading to Europe. While US fans have not traditionally followed cyclo-cross, pro cyclocross racers have taken the cycling world by storm in recent years, sparking renewed interest: • Mountain biking Olympic Gold medalists Jolanda Neff and Tom Pidcock have finished 5th and 2nd , respectively, in cyclocross world championships • Road racing Olympic Silver medalist and three time Tour de France stage winner Wout van Aert, is a three-time UCI cyclocross world champion • Mathieu van der Poel, also a three-time and defending UCI cyclo-cross world champion, held the leader’s Yellow Jersey in the 2021 Tour de France for six days.

CYCLO-CROSS 101 Cyclo-cross is best described as mountain biking with a modified road bike on a spectator-friendly course. The courses are twisty, hilly, wet, muddy and full of obstacles requiring riders to dismount and carry their bikes up sharp inclines.

For spectators, these are the best races because courses are short and the riders complete multiple laps just arms lengths away.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW The UCI World Cup cyclo-cross event is a preview to the World Championship that will also take place in Fayetteville in January 2022. For only the second time in 72 years, this event will be held outside of Europe and the World Cup event will allow riders and teams to preview the world-class course at Centennial Park. Cyclists and cycling fans across Arkansas are incredibly fortunate to be able to witness the best cyclists in the world compete for World Cup and World Championship titles right here in our backyard, so make plans now to attend both events. More information is available at: www.experiencefayetteville.com

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 19 | 53

Bike Shops

LITTLE ROCK ARKANSAS CYCLING & FITNESS 315 N. Bowman, Suites 6-9 501-221-BIKE (2453) arkansascycling.com THE COMMUNITY BICYCLIST 7509 Cantrell Road, Suite 118 501-663-7300 thecommunitybicyclist.com PEDEGO ELECTRIC BIKES 2017 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-747-1633 pedegoelectricbikes.com ROCK TOWN RIVER OUTFITTERS (RENTAL) Little Maumelle River Boat Launch 501-831-0548 rocktownriveroutfitters.com SHIFT MODERN CYCLERY 1101 W. Markham St. 501-683-8400 shiftmoderncyclery.com SOUTHWEST BIKE SHOP 7121 Baseline Road 501-562-1866 SPOKES GIANT LITTLE ROCK 11525 Cantrell Road, Suite 607 501-508-5566 spokesgiant.com TREK BICYCLE OF LITTLE ROCK 10300 Rodney Parham Road 501-224-7651 trekbikes.com

NORTH LITTLE ROCK ANGRY DAVE’S BICYCLES 3217 John F. Kennedy Blvd. 501-753-4990 angrydavesbicycles.com RECYCLE BIKES FOR KIDS 717 E. 10th St. 501-563-8264 recyclebikesforkids.org

BENTON HOLY ROLLER UNITED 108 N. East St. 501-672-4110

SHERWOOD ARKANSAS CYCLING & FITNESS 3010 E. Kiehl Ave. 501-834-5787 arkansascycling.com J&P BIKE SHOP 7910 Hwy. 107 501-835-4814 jandpbikeshop.com

CONWAY THE RIDE 2100 Meadowlake Road, No. 2 501-764-4500 therideonline.net 54 | BIKE ARKANSAS august 2021

HOT SPRINGS HOT SPRINGS BICYCLE TOURING COMPANY 436 Broadway St. 501-276-2175 facebook.com/hotspringsbicycletouringcompany PARKSIDE CYCLE 719 Whittington Ave. 501-623-6188 parksidecycle.com SPA CITY CYCLING 873 Park Ave. 501-463-9364 spacitycycling.com

SEARCY THE BIKE LANE 2116 W. Beebe-Capps Expressway 501-305-3915 thebikelane.cc

HEBER SPRINGS SULPHUR CREEK OUTFITTERS 1520 Highway 25B 501-691-0138 screekoutfitters.com

BATESVILLE LYON COLLEGE BIKE SHOP 301 23rd St. 870-307-7529 lyon.edu/bikes

JONESBORO GEARHEAD CYCLE HOUSE 231 S. Main St. 870-336-2453 facebook.com/gearheadcycling

RUSSELLVILLE JACKALOPE CYCLING 103 N. Commerce Ave. 479-890-4950 facebook.com/jackalopecycling

FORT SMITH CHAMPION CYCLING & FITNESS 5500 Massard Road 479-484-7500 championcycling.com PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 1700 Rogers Ave. 479-222-6796 phattirebikeshop.com ROLL ON BMX AND SKATE 1907 Cavanaugh Road 479-974-1235 rollonbmx.business.site

SILOAM SPRINGS DOGWOOD JUNCTION 4650 Hwy 412 E. 479-524-6605 dogwoodjunction.biz PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 101 S. Broadway St. 479-373-1458 phattirebikeshop.com

EUREKA SPRINGS ADVENTURE MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS 152 W. Van Buren St. 479-253-0900

FAYETTEVILLE PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 3775 N. Mall Ave. 479-966-4308 phattirebikeshop.com THE BIKE ROUTE 3660 N. Front St., Suite 2 479-966-4050 facebook.com/thebikeroute THE HIGHROLLER CYCLERY 322 W. Spring St. 479-442-9311 highrollercyclery.com

SPRINGDALE LEWIS & CLARK OUTFITTERS 4915 S. Thompson St. 479-756-1344 gooutandplay.com PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 101 W. Johnson Ave., Suite B. 479-717-2073 Phattirebikeshop.com

ROGERS BEAVER LAKE OUTDOOR CENTER (RENTALS) 14434 E. State Hwy. 12 479-877-4984 beaverlakeoutdoorcenter.com LEWIS & CLARK OUTFITTERS 2530 Pinnacle Hills Parkway 479-845-1344 lewisandclarkoutfitters.com PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 321 S. Arkansas St. 479-899-6188 phattirebikeshop.com THE HIGHROLLER CYCLERY 402 S. Metro Parkway 479-254-9800 highrollercyclery.com

BENTONVILLE BENTONVILLE BICYCLE CO. 813 W. Central Ave. 479-268-3870 bentonvillebicyclecompany.com BIKE SHOP JOE’S 1206 SE Moberly Lane, Suite 6 479-709-2242 bikeshopjoes.com BUDDY PEGS FAMILY BICYCLE HQ 3605 NW Wishing Springs Road 479-268-4030 buggypegs.com CUSTOM CRUZERS PREMIUM E-BIKES 10636 Hwy. 72 W., Suite 102 479-367-4694 facebook.com/customcruzersnwa

THE HUB BIKE LOUNGE 410 SW A St., Suite 2 479-364-0394 thehubbikelounge.com THE METEOR 401 SE D St. 479-268-4747 meteorbikes.com MOJO CYCLING 1100 N. Walton Blvd. 479-271-7201 mojocycling.com PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 125 W. Central Ave. 479-715-6170 phattirebikeshop.com PLUG POWER BICYCLES 3905 NW Wishing Spring Road 479-273-9229 facebook.com/plugpowerbikes STRIDER BIKES 109 N. Main St. 479-367-2335 facebook.com/StriderStoreBentonville

BELLA VISTA JOHAN’S BICYCLE REPAIR & BIKE RENTALS 3 Allendale Drive 479-308-1497 facebook.com/bellavistabikeshop PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 3803 NW Wishing Springs Drive 479-268-3800 phattirebikeshop.com

BICYCLE REPAIR & SERVICE ONLY OZARK BICYCLE SERVICE W. Deane St., Fayetteville 479-715-1496 ozarkbicycleservice.com REVOLUTION MOBILE BIKE REPAIR 512-968-7600 revrepair.com

GUIDES/SHUTTLE SERVICES OZ CYCLING TOURS 978-729-5438 OZARK BIKE GUIDES LLC 479-644-8893 ozarkbikeguides.com

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