BIKE ARKANSAS FEB 2024

M A G A Z I N E

A

R

K

A

N

S

A

S

F E B R UA RY 2 0 24 I S S U E N O. 2 9 B I K E A R K A N SAS M AG A Z I N E .C O M

BACK TO RACING

Season kicks off at US Pro Cup.

BENTONVILLE NATIVE DEBUTS FILM THE ARKANSAS GRAVELER: SUMMER CAMP FOR ADULTS

CRITS DESCEND ON SPRINGDALE

more than just fish.

1777 river road | lakeview, arkansas 870-431-5202 | gastons@gastons.com gastons.com | lat 36 20’ 55” n | long 92 33’ 25” w Ad paid for using a combination of state and Ozark Mountain Region funds.

2 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

follow us on

DISCOVER

ARKADELPHIA | CADDO VALLEY GLENWOOD | HOT SPRINGS MALVERN | MOUNT IDA | MURFREESBORO

WORLD - CLASS

TRAILS IN ARKANSAS’ DIAMOND LAKES REGION! NORTHWOODS TRAILS SYSTEM

Approx. 30 Miles

IRON MOUNTAIN TRAIL

Approx. 35 Miles

LAKE OUACHITA VISTA TRAIL (LOViT)

Approx. 40 Miles

OUACHITA NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL

Approx. 110 Miles

WOMBLE TRAIL

Approx. 40 Miles

bikehotsprings.org | diamondlakes.org

Scan to get your FREE Hot Springs/ Diamond Lakes Vacation Guide

This ad is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds.

BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 3

IN THIS ISSUE

PAGE 28

8

16

EVERY ISSUE

Benton Bike Park progress, Blonsky partners with SHREDLY, Trek Little Rock reopens and the Highlands Gravel Classic returns.

The Arkansas Graveler gives participants an exciting way to see the state on two wheels.

By Kai Caddy

34 EVENTS 38 SHOPS

BRAKING NEWS

PARTY ON WHEELS

10

22

Bentonville’s R.J. Daniel Hanna tells the story of the Rite of Passage cycling team in his new movie “Hard Miles.”

By Kody Ford

The story of one of the country’s richest mid-week criterium series.

By Bryce Ward

CYCLING FILM SET FOR RELEASE

SPRINGDALE SPEED

28

EARLY SEASON XC SHOWCASE

The U.S. Pro Cup offers fans the chance to see some of the nation’s top mountain bikers.

By Brannon Pack

4 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

ON THE COVER American cross country champion Savilia Blunk ekes out a victory at last year's U.S. Pro Cup. Photo by Kai Caddy

d is cove r b el l avi staA R .co m BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 5

M A G A Z I N E

Come for cycling.

Discover Arkansas history.

A

R

K

A

N

S

A

S

BIKEARKANSASMEDIA.COM FOLLOW US FOR MORE BIKE

BROOKE WALLACE Publisher

brookewallace@arktimes.com KAI CADDY Editor

kaicaddy@gmail.com BECCA BONA Managing Editor beccabona@arktimes.com MANDY KEENER Creative Director

mandy@arktimes.com MIKE SPAIN Art Director LESA THOMAS Senior Account Executive LUIS GARCIAROSSI SOMMER THROGMORTON Account Executives MADELINE CHOSICH Digital and Marketing Director Digital Circulation WELDON WILSON Production Manager/Controller ROLAND R. GLADDEN Advertising Traffic Manager SARAH HOLDERFIELD Graphic Design/Social Media ROBERT CURFMAN IT Director CHARLOTTE KEY Accounting JACKSON GLADDEN Circulation Director

6 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

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 © 2024 Bike Arkansas Magazine

Contributors

BRYCE WARD is a competitive road

cyclist based in Fayetteville and the Northwest Arkansas General Manager of local paper shredding company Rock Solid Shredding.

KODY FORD is the founder of The

Idle Class Magazine and the director of statewide programming, outreach and education at the Arkansas Cinema Society. He is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas and the University of Arkansas. He’s a big fan of cats and Diet Coke.

SQUARE 2 SQUARE SQUARE SQUARE B I K E R I2 DE 2 SQUARE SQUARE SQUARE SQUARE SQUARE 2024 DATES 2023 DATES 2 2024 DATES 2 2023 DATES 2 SQUARE SQUARE SQUARE IKE RIDE B IBK E RIDE

B I KMAY E RIDE

B I K E MAY R 2023 I D E05 DATES BIKE RIDE

04

FAYETTEVILLE 2 BENTONVILLE

FAYETTEVILLE 2 BENTONVILLE

05 2023 DATES 2023 DATES 05 07 MAY

MAY MAY

04

OCT

BENTONVILLE 2 FAYETTEVILLE

FAYETTEVILLE 2 BENTONVILLE

SEPT OCT OCT SEP

MAY

05 OCT

07 BRANNON PACK is a longtime cycling

advocate in Northwest Arkansas and professionally serves as Senior Director of Operations for the Ozark Foundation ­— a Bentonville-based philanthropic foundation focused on elevating the Ozarks region to be a better place to live, work and play.

FAYETTEVILLE 2 BENTONVILLE

07 BENTONVILLE 2 FAYETTEVILLE 2121 07 BENTONVILLE 2 FAYETTEVILLE

MAY

05

BENTONVILLE 2 FAYETTEVILLE

FAYETTEVILLE 2 BENTONVILLE FAYETTEVILLE 2 BENTONVILLE

SQUARE2SQUARE.COM SQUARE2SQUARE.COM

OCT

07

BENTONVILLE 2 FAYETTEVILLE SQUARE2SQUARE.COM

BENTONVILLE 2 FAYETTEVILLE

SQUARE2SQUARE.C

SQUARE2SQUARE.C

SQUARE2SQUARE.COM BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 7

COURTESY BENTON PARKS AND RECREATION

BRAKING NEWS

BENTON BIKE PARK AIMS FOR APRIL OPENING

There will be roughly 1.3 miles of multiuse natural surface trail and 1.2 miles of bike park trail within the design. The park will also be home to Benton Public Schools’ National Interscholastic Cycling Association team.

Other entities working with the city on the project are the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation and McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc.

COURTESY TREK LITTLE ROCK

Officials working on the construction of a mountain bike park in Benton are hoping for an April grand opening.

A spokesman with Progressive Trail Design said the company is happy with the progress of Benton Bike Park despite a few delays because of snow and rain in January.

This park is a part of Benton’s 2040 master plan, near downtown and will connect to the future Southwest Trail and other paved greenways.

TREK LITTLE ROCK REOPENS

Trek Little Rock reopened in January in a new location after last March’s tornado destroyed its original location.

Trek’s new digs are located at 12315 Chenal Parkway Suite D next to Guitar Center.

On its Facebook page the store posted a statement thanking customers for supporting the store through the transition.

“This past year hasn’t been easy, but we’re beyond excited to reopen 8 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

at a brand-new location and continue our mission of making your days a little brighter with bikes,” the statement said.

Trek offers a full range of Trek bicycles and Bontrager parts. The shop also offers full service on all bikes.

Trek’s previous location was in the Colony West shopping center.

It opened there in 2019 after Trek bought Chainwheel, which had operated in Little Rock for 48 years.

COURTESY SHREDLY

BLONKSY PARTNERS WITH SHREDLY Bentonville-based body positivity advocate Marley Blonsky has teamed up with women’s multisport apparel maker SHREDLY to create a collection that aims to spread body inclusivity throughout the outdoor sports community.

The line will be available in sizes 00-24.

“I remember stepping into SHREDLY’s trailer a few years back at an event, and for the first time in my life not only did I find shorts available in my size to try on, but I had multiple options to choose from,” Blonsky said. “I still remember the feeling of putting the shorts on and all the emotions that came with it.

The collection will officially launch in April with special in-person events surrounding the launch.

Blonsky, co-founder of All Bodies on Bikes, is a self-described “fat adventure cyclist” and bike advocate who believes that every

person, no matter their weight, gender, race or perceived ability, belongs on a bicycle and is on a mission to foster inclusive bike communities around the country. As part of the All Bodies on Bikes mission, Blonsky is dedicated to educating and changing the industry as well as ensuring access to safe and comfortable biking equipment.

SHREDLY is dedicated to providing beautiful, high-performance, eco-conscious gear for women and youth of all shapes and sizes, and from any background.

“I am honored to partner with Marley,” SHREDLY owner Ashley Rankin said. “She embodies the spirit of SHREDLY and I will never forget that experience when she first tried on a pair of our shorts. I am continuously inspired by what Marley has done and continues to do for our community of cyclists and outdoor adventurers.”

UCI GRAVEL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER RETURNING TO FAYETTEVILLE Registration is open for the 2024 Highlands Gravel Classic, set for April 27 in Fayetteville.

The Highlands Gravel Classic is the only U.S. race in the UCI Gravel World Series and is an official qualifying event for the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships.

The top 25% of finishers in 10 men’s and 10 women’s age groups along with an Elite category will qualify for the World Championships that will take place in Belgium on Oct. 5-6.

“The 2024 Highlands Gravel Classic is moving to late April to take advantage of the milder temperatures of spring in the Ozark Mountains which will create ideal gravel racing conditions in the region,” race director Bruce Dunn said. “Our gravel courses are over 90% gravel and will feature the Boston Mountains — ­ home to the highest peaks and some of the most rewarding scenery in the Ozarks. We look forward to hosting

the only Gravel World Series qualifier in the USA and for riders to take their shot at qualifying for the World Championship race in Belgium.”

While many elite, world-class gravel racers are expected to participate, the race is open to gravel riders of all levels, with all participants racing the same two courses. Men from 19 to 59 and women from 19 to 49 will compete on a 66-mile course, while men 60and over and women 50 and over will compete on a 52-mile course.

Pre-event festivities including shakeout rides, participant registration and more to be hosted in historic Downtown Fayetteville with day of competition beginning from the welcoming community of Goshen, just east of Fayetteville.

Registration links and complete details can be found at highlandsgravelclassic.com.

BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 9

THE LONG JOURNEY OF

MOVIE MAKING: Hanna (center on phone) and crew shot “Hard Miles” in California, Colorado and Arizona.

10 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

HARD ’ MILES

‘

Northwest Arkansas native R.J. Daniel Hanna directs Matthew Modine in new cycling movie out this April.

By Kody Ford PHOTOS Courtesy Pensé Productions

When R.J. Daniel Hanna grew up in

Bentonville, he often rode his bike to school.

But the Bentonville of that time was very different. The Razorback Greenway hadn’t been built. The idea of Bentonville being “the Mountain Biking Capital of the World” was beyond a pipedream. But years later, when he returned home to premiere his latest film, “Hard Miles,” at the Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) he saw a changed town as he and the film’s producer, Christian Sander, biked various trails around town. He said, “It was a fun change of pace riding through the woods, from the 21c Museum Hotel down past my parents house and back.”

For Hanna, this was a big moment. “Hard Miles” was his second film as a director (he also is a co-writer with Sander) and he chose to premiere it at BFF with star Matthew Modine in tow.

“BFF is a big part of the town now and getting to show people like my parents and family and friends this is what I’m doing and experience it with an audience was a once-in-a-lifetime homecoming experience,” Hanna said.

BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 11

MOVIE MAGIC: Actors had to receive cycling lessons for “Hard Miles.”

Executive produced by Scott Sander and he’s also looking for healing himself. Modine the sport of cycling began to experience a Pensé Productions, “Hard Miles” is the true nails the subtleties of the character. huge tailwind during COVID, I knew the story of Greg Townsend (played by Modine) Modine said, “When we look back at the time had come to tell it.” and the Rite of Passage cycling team. Townsend teachers, mentors, relatives, coaches, those First, Sander had to get Townsend on board, is a strong-willed social worker, who during people who’ve had the biggest impact on our which proved to be no easy task. Townsend his time at RidgeView Academy — a medilives, it’s often the same people who we actually never responded to any of Sander’s emails or um-security correctional school for juvenile hated at the time, and it is them — those ‘pain calls. Finally, he reached out to Townsend’s offenders — put together a ragtag group of in our butt’ people — that end up having the wife on Instagram, begging her to go to bat teens and gave them the challenge of their life: biggest impact upon our adult lives. Because for him, and she gave Sander their mailing a seemingly impossible bike ride to the Grand they pushed us. Because they cared.” address. Sander sent a handwritten letter Canyon. Townsend, the school’s coach imploring Townsend to let him tell and welding teacher, leads his crew of the story. A few days later, he hopped Woolbright (Jahking Guillory), Smink on a flight for Denver, where he rode While Modine is the main character, (Jackson Kelly), Atencio (Damien Diaz) bikes with Townsend and his students. he’s also the heart of the film, and Rice (Zachary T. Robbins), while Sander said, “After seeing him in action, delivering a powerful performance fellow social worker Haddie (played I was blown away.” as an obsessive, compassionate,

by Cynthia Kaye McWilliams) follows He continued, “There was something patient and aggressive person. along in the “SAG Wagon” (Support so simple, yet rare, about the mutual And Gear) as they head towards one masculine respect I witnessed between of America’s most awe-inspiring natural The story of Townsend and the ROP team Greg Townsend and the young men he taught, landmarks. Other notable actors in the film had been covered in publications, and Sander and I felt like we hadn’t seen anything like it include Leslie David Baker “The Office” and felt the story could translate well to the big in movies for a long time.”

Sean Astin “The Lord of the Rings.” screen. He said, “When I first heard about Townsend signed on to the project and While Modine is the main character, he’s Greg Townsend’s cycling team, I immediately even became a consultant during production. also the heart of the film, delivering a powerful thought it had a lot of ingredients for a classic Making an independent movie can be a performance as an obsessive, compassionate, sports movie. It has underdog kids we want challenge regardless of the subject, and in patient and aggressive person. Townsend isn’t to root for, sweeping natural vistas and a an age of 3D superheroes on the big screen, just trying to help the boys on his team heal, challenging opportunity for growth. When selling investors on a cycling film can have 12 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

major hurdles. Sander’s father, Scott, worked hard as executive producer to put together a diverse group of backers from many industries and backgrounds, all of whom had one thing in common: a love of cycling. One major advocate for “Hard Miles” was NBC Sports analyst and Olympic cyclist Christian Vande Velde. Diaa Nour,of Ventum Bicycles provided Townsend’s bike for the movie and George Hincapie’s eponymous outerwear company manufactured the kits in the film. Robbie Ventura, of Vision Quest coaching and other passionate cyclists joined in various degrees of support. The Sanders took meetings on bikes, trying to keep up with professional cyclists to present a simple pitch: “We want to make the best bike movie since ‘Breaking Away’.”

Sander and Hanna were old friends, having worked on Sander’s debut film as an editor and director of the opening credits sequence.

Sander said, “Dan is great. … As a filmmaker, he’s so talented at every aspect of the craft; a true multi-hyphenate. His awards in writing, editing and directing reflect that. He also produces now, so he understands the realities of the marketplace and is able to balance that with his creative vision.”

Hanna was intrigued by the story of Townsend and his team.

“We thought it was an opportunity to tell the story of an incredible person who was also very human and down-to-earth, in a very cinematic way because of the incredible, scenic journey the characters embarked on,” he said. “We saw the story through Greg’s eyes but could also relate to the kids and our own experiences growing up, and saw a lot of humor there. I called on my own experiences in Boy Scouts growing up, the banter and interactions between the kids and Scoutmasters.”

Hanna and Modine had worked together on Hanna’s debut feature, “Miss Virginia” (about Arkansas native Virginia Walden).

While Modine had used a bicycle for transportation in his early acting days in New York City, he was not a competitive cyclist, nor were the other actors. Hanna and Sander assembled the cast, clad in temporary kits, at RSI Studios for cycling lessons with instructor Dorothy Wong, who took them through the fundamentals — stopping, starting, signaling, gear changes, weaving, body positioning — all within a few hours.

Cast member Kelly, who plays Smink, said, “It was a lot to take in. Everyone was falling.

It was hilarious and very humbling for all of us. Nobody looked cool. One time, Zach [Robbins] started tilting over, slowly, while still clipped in, and shouted, ‘Here we go!’ and then fully bounced off the pavement. That line made it into the film. Jahking was learning to emergency stop by squeezing the front brake and the rear brake simultaneously, and he went fully over the handlebars. Eventually we all got the hang of things and we went for a

MODINE: Stars as cycling coach Greg Townsend. ride through the studio lot ‘streets.’ It was a post-production. Director of Photography blast riding all together as a group.”

Mack Fisher shot the film anamorphically to Filming took place in California, Colocapture the emotional impact of the expansive rado and Arizona. Hanna said the younger terrain of the American West. They used a cast members chose to not see the canyon in advance so they could experience organically as “It was a lot to take in. Everyone their characters would. During was falling. It was hilarious and the production, they dealt with very humbling for all of us. sweltering temperatures, mounNobody looked cool.” tain lions and coyotes, and even a windstorm. Modine even had to hitchhike to town after borrowing a production vehicle that was low on gas. From supercharged electric golf cart called GripTrix, a filmmaking perspective, Hanna faced issues which allowed them to keep pace with stunt with shooting the cycling sequences without cyclists Phil Gaimon and Cormac McGeough relying on ADR, a form of vocal dubbing during as they hit speeds of 50 mph at times.

MAKING IT HAPPEN: Hanna and Sander co-wrote the film.

BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 13

SAG WAGON: Cynthia Kaye McWilliams plays a social worker who drives the team’s support van.

While “Hard Miles” premiered at BFF ating from the University of Arkansas and Perlman, Rosanna Arquette and Rachel in 2023, it had a major run on the festival the University of Southern California. All of Cook — that tells the story of a new father circuit, including at Arkansas Cinema Socihis years grinding away as a film editor while struggling with fatigue, emotional insecurities ety’s Filmland, Newport Beach Film Festival, writing scripts has paid off. His unproduced and a failing marriage who joins a dating Savannah Film Festival, BreckFilm, Naples feature screenplay “Shelter” won a prestigious app, only to swipe right on what may be an International Film Festival and the Chicago Nicholl Fellowship for Screenwriting from the inhuman presence. A release date is not yet International Film Festival. It won set for this film. awards such as BFF’s 2023 Spotlight As for “Hard Miles”, the film will be Feature, the Heartland Film Festival’s released by Blue Fox Entertainment “It’s an honor to tell the story of Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award, the on April 5 in theaters across AmeriGreg Townsend and the amazing Denver Film Festival’s Audience Award, ca. Hanna said, “It’s an honor to tell boys who had to overcome every and the Naples’ Audience Award. At the story of Greg Townsend and the obstacle imaginable, both in the Puerto Rico Film Festival, “Hard amazing boys who had to overcome their hearts and on the sunMiles” won Best Narrative Feature, Best every obstacle imaginable, both in baked road, to show the world Cinematography and Best Supporting their hearts and on the sun-baked and themselves that they can Actor (Cynthia McWilliams). road, to show the world and themselves accomplish something truly “Hard Miles” tells a fictionalized that they can accomplish something extraordinary.” version of Townsend’s first cycling trip truly extraordinary. I’m so proud of with youths, but Rite of Passage lives this film and our amazing cast who on — offering education, therapeutic delivered performances full of humor programs and life skills development for atAmerican Academy of Arts and Sciences. It and pathos. I hope audiences will fall in love risk youth with behavioral and emotional was based on an award-winning short film with the unsung heroes of this story as I have, difficulties in schools throughout the U.S. he made. He recently finished his latest film and feel inspired to try something new and Hanna has come a long way since gradu“Succubus” — a horror movie starring Ron challenging in their own lives.”

INTENSE: Damien Diaz as Atencio, one of the team members.

14 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 15

Rolling

S

A

VIEWS APLENTY: The Arkansas Graveler route doesn’t lack beauty.

16 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

Festival The Arkansas Graveler offers riders a unique way to enjoy all the state has to offer.

By Kai Caddy PHOTOS Courtesy Ozark Collective

BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 17

S

RURAL PARADISE: Graveler riders will get to see some of Arkansas’s hidden gems.

H

ey, you know what would be a great way to see a lot of the natural beauty Arkansas has to offer in just one week? Riding a bike from the University of Arkansas to Arkansas State University.

You know what would make it more fun?

Live music every night, meals prepared by a well-known chef, beer tents, Onyx coffee, recreational opportunities in the towns you stop in and, how about someone to transport your luggage to the next stop each day?

Well, you’re in luck, because June 23-29, you can do all that thanks to the Arkansas Graveler.

Working with the Ozark Foundation, event director Scotti Moody has put together a sixday, 340-mile gravel festival from Fayetteville to Jonesboro.

“I know every mile of this route, I created 18 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

it from scratch with the help of a lot of people who have ridden the roads of Arkansas, and it’s epic,” Moody said. “I’m kind of liking the phrase gravel festival because it really is not a race. It’s something built so that you can sink into the reason that you ride a bike to begin with. It’s fun, it’s beautiful. It’s something you do with your friends, it’s made to be an experience to remember. It’s kind of like an adult summer camp.”

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has partnered with the gravel festival to offer outdoor recreation opportunities along the

A

“It’s fun, it’s beautiful.

It’s kind of like an adult summer camp.”

way — bass fishing, a catfish derby, skeet shooting, archery, to name a few. There will be a craft day when the group stops in Mountain View at the Ozark Folk Center.

And every night, participants will be entertained by live music at sunset.

Breakfast, dinner and rest stop meals will be provided by chef Biju Thomas, a celebrity chef and author in the cycling and endurance sports world. Thomas has fed some of the world’s best athletes — WorldTour cycling pros and Olympians.

If you want to be a part of all this and not ride your bike — that’s available as well. Just sign up as a non-rider participant.

“A lot of times, there’s a whole village that supports a cyclist,” Moody said. “We have this non-rider participant category, to where if somebody is doing the ride, but they want to bring their spouse or significant other or

BOOK YOUR STAY

TODAY! OUR FIVE-MILE SHUTTLE SERVICE COVERS • The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art • Scott Family Amazeum • Shopping at Pinnacle Hills Promenade.

We have an indoor pool, free parking, room service, and breakfast and dinner at our restaurant.

Enjoy a warm chocolate chip cookie on arrival and WiFi on us.

BENTONVILLE

301 SE Walton Blvd, Bentonville (479) 845-7770 bentonvillerogerssuites.doubletree.com

RIDE FOR LITERACY Saturday, May 4th | 11 AM

Cheryl Tidwell, FIC 501-590-4528

Register at BikeReg.com/tour-de-toad | Learn More at facebook.com/TourDeToad BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 19

THERE WILL BE DOGS: Rural routes mean plenty of four-legged friends.

best friend and that person doesn’t ride, we want to have a spot for that person to still be able to come enjoy all the the venues, the music, the food and the outdoor recreational activities that the Game and Fish Commission are putting on. And so it’s basically an all-inclusive ticket for a person that just doesn’t want to peddle to come do it.”

Moody said her crew is assembling key highlights for each host community so that a non-riding participant can scope out things to do in the host cities as they wait for the riders to make it to camp each day.

There’s also an option for riders who just want in on the first day of fun. The Mini Graveler will allow riders to experience the first day of the festival and the 59-mile ride from Fayetteville to Oark and Byrd’s Adventure Center along the Mulberry River.

Day two will take riders 55 miles from Oark to Jasper and Horeshoe Canyon Ranch. Day three is expected to be the most 20 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

challenging day of the ride, a 61-mile day from Jasper to Marshall with nearly 7,000 feet of climbing. Camp that night will be at the Kenda Drive-In Theater. Next up, a 45-mile ride to the Ozark Folk Center park in Mountain View. On day five, riders will bid the Ozarks farewell as they roll into Cave City after a 48-mile ride. Finally, riders will enjoy the least amount of elevation and the most miles on the 76-mile ride to Jonesboro and finish line festivities.

A

“All the businesses and everybody are super excited about it. We’re excited to show all the riders some southern hospitality.”

“Knowing that we were going to bookend the ride with universities, there were lots of ways to go across the state,” Moody said. “But definitely no easy ways, I’ll put it that way.

No matter which way I looked — climbing is inevitable. And so what dictated the routes for the first year were a couple of things, definitely the terrain itself, but also the hospitality of the host cities and the amenities that some of these hosts have for accommodating a group of our size. I wanted everyone to feel really welcomed, and the host communities that we’ve selected are going to provide that.

They are so excited that we’re coming.”

Bobby Finster, a Cave City-based cyclist who runs the Rural Innovation Group, says Cave City is excited to show off its hospitality.

“All the businesses and everybody are super excited about it,” Finster said. “We’re excited to show all the riders some Southern hospitality. That’s what we’re about. With us being right in the foothills and the gateway

MAKING CAMP: Riders’ gear will be shuttled from stop to stop each day.

to the Delta, it’s going to be a refreshing exit of the Ozarks on into the Arkansas Delta.

And we look forward to having everyone.”

Moody’s goal with the daily rides was to balance climbing and mileage to give riders about the same amount of time on their bikes per day.

“I’ve tried to break it up into days where hopefully everyone is getting a bite-size piece of riding that they can handle,” she said.

The Graveler teamed with Northwest Arkansas nonprofit City Sessions to book the music talent.

The lineup includes Smokey & the Mirror on June 23, Will Gunselman on June 24, The Juice on June 25, Sons of Otis Malone on June 26, Keith Johnson on June 27, and Carver Commodore will wrap things up at Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro on June 28.

Moody says the event will change routes from year to year to showcase more of Ar-

kansas’s rural communities.

Registration for the Graveler opened Jan. 1.

The full Graveler is limited to 300 riders, the mini-graveler has 100 slots and the non-rider participant category is limited to 75. There are waitlists for each category as well. More information about registration and the ride can be found at arkansasgraveler.com.

There’s also a 20-week training plan written

by Moody available as an add-on to registration to help prep for the effort. Moody

A

“I’ve tried to break it up into days where hopefully everyone is getting a bite-size piece of riding that they can handle.”

says building consistency is key.

“There’s a big difference between when you log a long, one-day-a-week 60-mile ride, or you break it up and you do four days a week, shorter rides, there’s just something that the body assimilates, and this is a six-day challenge,” she said. “So it’s very important that your body learns, ‘I get on my bike day-after-day for successive days.’ And this training plan is really meant for somebody that’s an intermediate cyclist who’s maybe never taken on a multiday endurance challenge before and wants to know how to train for that while still juggling full-time work or kids and your real life.

“These are challenging routes. I’m not going to sugarcoat the fact that Arkansas is a very hilly place. We don’t have mountains but we have successive choppy hills that will break your rhythm for miles. So that’s what we’re up against. And that’s the beauty of it.

It’s like riding ribbons the whole way.”

BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 21

THREE NIGHTS IN

SPRINGDALE The Natural State Criterium Series is just what Arkansas needs.

By Bryce Ward PHOTOgraphy By Kai Caddy

T

hree nights a year, cyclists converge from across Arkansas, and even from bordering states like Missouri and Oklahoma, to compete in the Natural State Criterium Series in Springdale. In 2023, the third annual edition of the series attracted more than 120 racers across four categories in each of its three races, with field sizes ranging as large as 54 riders. For a criterium that takes place on a Wednesday night in Arkansas, and for cyclists who have become accustomed to competing in sparsely attended races in parking lots and deserted business parks, this is a race of significant size.

TAKING THE CORNER: Racers fly through downtown Springdale.

22 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 23

SPRINT FOR THE FANS: The start/finish stretch is rowdy as fans hang out in front of several restaurants and bars.

Not only are the fields much larger than a typical weeknight criterium in Arkansas, but they are also more competitive. This past year, the A race — the fastest of the four categories — had in attendance professional racers from teams like the Miami Blazers and Austin Aviators, and many racers from amateur level teams as well. The lower categories were also as competitive as any weeknight criterium in the south-central region, with field sizes ranging from the 30s to 40s. I have competed in each edition of the Natural State Criterium over the past three years, and I can personally attest that it is a much harder race than it used to be.

Aside from the steadily expanding field sizes and increasingly competitive races, the event as a whole has become more and more of a spectacle, so much so that it has begun to reel in people from outside Northwest Arkansas’s tight-knit cycling community. The course, a roughly 1-mile-long winding loop through the heart of downtown Springdale, is well-suited for spectators.

The start/finish stretch is lined with local breweries and restaurants. A DJ sets up equipment on the sidewalk and blares upbeat music. The announcers’ voices bellow through loudspeakers as they narrate the race. And crowds of people, cyclists and noncyclists alike, gather around the barriers to watch the race pass by, lap after lap, hour after hour, until finally the sun sets and everything is packed away, leaving no trace of the carnival-like experience that transpires three nights a year in the downtown streets of Springdale.

After this past year, the grandest edition

of the NSC yet, I wondered why and how this bike race has been able to defy the fate of so many weeknight criteriums and grow to become something of not only local, but regional significance. After sitting down with the promoter of the race, Bruce Dunn of All Sports Productions, and talking with him for over an hour at a local coffee shop, the reasons for the NSC’s success became apparent.

Its unprecedented primes (which are cash or merchandise prizes awarded to the winner[s] of a particular but not final lap) has surely helped.

The aptly named “gambler prime” awarded to the winner of the third-to-last lap reached as high as $1,000 — the most prestigious criteriums in the nation rarely have primes of this size, even at the professional level. And that is only one of the many sizable primes yelled out through the PA system over the course of a night.

The recent influx of cyclists into Northwest Arkansas has also helped.

Cyclists of all levels, from avid recreationalists to gravel pros, have been

Cyclists of all levels, from avid recreationalists to gravel pros, have been trickling into the region over the past few years.

24 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

trickling into the region over the past few years. Some visit for a while to experience the widely publicized trails and scenic, steep and winding rural roads. Others move here altogether. The NSC, positioned in the heart of it all, has benefited from this growth.

All Sports Productions has also done a great job with the race. The course is well-designed and engaging for both racers and fans. It has eight turns that riders can carry speed through, a junction near the finish that allows spectators to watch multiple parts of the race, and a fast, slightly downhill stretch with technical turns on the backside. It’s much more entertaining, and much better for cyclists trying to become better racers, than the standard four-corner criterium.

An UNFORGETTABLE getaway experience in a one-of-a-kind nature immersion resort in the trees.

Adjacent to Northwoods and Cedar Glades mountain bike trails. Spend a day on the trails, then come back and enjoy an in-room massage or soak in the hot tub. E-bike rentals available.

121 Blowout Mountain Rd. Hot Springs, AR 71913 • 501-430-4199 • inthetrees.com

“We’re in charge of the racing.

Springdale is in charge of the show.”

Each of these factors has contributed in varying degrees to the success of the NSC, but Dunn will be the first to tell you they are not the most important. Most road cycling races — whether short downtown criteriums or long rural road races — inextricably depend on the cities that host them. In other words, the success of a race (if hosted on public roads) is contingent on a city’s willingness and desire to not only accommodate, but support it. The city leaders in Springdale — namely Jill Dabbs, executive director of the Downtown Springdale Alliance, and Mike Gilbert, local businessman and the madman behind the primes — deserve a lot of credit for the NSC’s growth.

Since the inception of this weeknight criterium series, Springdale has provided a level of support rarely seen from cities, particularly in the United States. They enabled All Sports Productions to create a safe and entertaining course in the heart of downtown.

They provide the labor necessary to set up and take down the barriers before and after each race. They are the ones to thank for the live music, and the even livelier primes. And perhaps most importantly, they have taken it upon themselves to communicate with the local businesses affected by the race and make a concerted effort to help educate the Springdale community at large about the value of an event like the NSC. “We’re in charge of the racing,” Dunn said, “Springdale is in charge of the show.”

BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 25

PROS COME TO PLAY: Top riders are no strangers at the Natural State Crits. Austin Aviators Connor White of Bermuda won a race last May.

The significance of Springdale’s support cannot be stressed enough, for the NSC has become more than a bike race. On one hand, the series has filled a long-vacant gap in the Arkansas road racing calendar. It provides local cyclists with multiple opportunities throughout the year to experience a high-level criterium without the high level of risk associated with the much larger and restless fields of national-caliber races (looking at you, Tulsa Tough). It’s just hard enough that it pushes you to become a better racer and bike handler, but not so hard (and dangerous) that it deters you from racing altogether. Whether you’re thinking of trying out a criterium for the first time, or striving to climb up the categories, or if you simply want to have fun racing your bike without having to drive for hours on end, it doesn’t get much better than the NSC. It’s everything a weeknight criterium should be.

On the other hand, the NSC — more so than any local race I’ve been a part of — is introducing bike racing to people who may have otherwise never been exposed to the sport. During our conversation in the coffee shop, Dunn fondly recounted a story that encapsulates this point: He encountered a

others — even if they do not fully understand it (yet) — actively seek it out. At the very least, the NSC is giving people something to look forward to on a Wednesday night, but in my opinion, the series is much more meaningful than that.

Northwest Arkansas has received a lot of publicity in recent years as a blossoming destination for cyclists.

We have an overwhelming amount of mountain bike trails, an extensive pavedtrail system for commuting and recreation, a world-class cyclo-cross venue, top-tier gravel events, a global cycling apparel company, a bike manufacturing company — heck, we even have a bikeable building.

While these investments have no doubt had a positive effect on the region’s cycling scene, it’s important for us not to lose sight of the grassroot events that bring people together. We need races like the Natural State Criterium Series, but more importantly, we need city leaders like those in Springdale who understand the value that cycling can bring to their communities.

If you have not been to one of the NSC races yet, I highly encourage you to go check one out.

The best way to understand the value of an event like this is to experience it for yourself.

Northwest Arkansas has received a lot of publicity in recent years as a blossoming destination for cyclists.

26 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

man who was excitedly trying to articulate an event he and some friends were going to later that night in which “there’s these bikes going ‘round and round!’”

I have seen it myself too. A few times, while waiting around for my race to start, I have been approached by individuals with perplexed faces who are eager to learn about those bikes going ‘round and round.’ Some — not realizing that the event is going on — merely stumble into the strange world of criterium racing, while

2024 Natural State Criterium Series Dates April 17 May 15 June 12 Location: 106 W. Emma Ave., Springdale

KNOW THE PERFECT PLACE THAT COULD USE A SIDEWALK, OR MAYBE A TRAIL THAT NEEDS SOME TLC? Your ideas may qualify for funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) or the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Visit our website to learn more about these grant programs administered by the Arkansas Department of Transportation.

ELIGIBLE EXAMPLES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: • Sidewalk improvements • Recreational trails • Shared-use paths • Motorized trail development & rehabilitation

APPLICATION CYCLE IS OPEN FROM MARCH 1 TO MAY 31

TAP

ardot.gov/tap

RTP

ardot.gov/rtp

Local Programs Division (479) 360-7161

hot springs greenway trail BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 27

28 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

OFF TO THE

RACES US Pro Cup offers an early-season look at Olympians.

By Brannon Pack PHOTOgraphy By Kai Caddy

T

his spring Olympians, world champions, national champions and amateur athletes will return to Arkansas for five days of spirited mountain bike competition at the U.S. Pro Cup presented by the Ozark Foundation on April 3-7 — just months ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Established in 2009, the U.S. Pro Cup has been bringing spectator-friendly cross-country mountain bike racing to the United States for 15 years — expanding the series to Fayetteville in 2021. Since then, the Arkansas round has grown into the premier early-season race in North America, drawing professional and amateur competitors from a dozen different countries and more than 40 states to Fayetteville’s 228-acre Centennial Park.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Juniors, pros and amateurs will all get a chance for glory at the U.S. Pro Cup. BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 29

BEST OF THE BEST: Former short track world champion Christopher Blevins has seen lots of success in Fayetteville.

Winding through the forested mountainside at the Summer Games in Atlanta in 1996, it has a critical calendar stop for future Olympians of Centennial, the park’s world-class mounproven to be a popular addition to Olympic and a last chance for fans to catch top athletes tain bike trails are a canvas for international programming. And while Paris will mark the competing ahead of Paris. competition. Centennial’s purpose-built eighth consecutive appearance for both men’s For juniors ages 17 to 18, the U.S. Pro Cup racecourse complements the region’s diverse and women’s Olympic Mountain Bike in the marks one of only four stops in the country Ozark terrain with a series of serpentining cycling program, athletes must first qualify on the UCI’s XCO Junior Series calendar. singletrack climbs that lead to rock-filled for the competition by acquiring points at With three junior races over four days and descents down the mountain — creating select events during a two-year qualification a substantial amount of ranking points on what many have called the best cross-country period — like the U.S. Pro Cup. the line, youth development teams from course in America. around the country are expected to be Designed with spectators in mind, in attendance. the accessible venue allows family For the second time in two years, the U.S. and fans to root on their favorites at SHORT TRACKS & SIZABLE Pro Cup remains the only cross-country various points along the course before COMPETITION mountain bike event in the states awarded congregating with a cheering crowd at Professional racing gets underway at the HC status by the UCI, the international the finish line — and what are often U.S. Pro Cup beginning Wednesday, April thrilling sprint finishes for the win.

3, with UCI Elite, U23, and Junior Men’s governing body of the sport of cycling.

In between races, spectators can stroll and Women’s Olympic-style cross-country through an industry-packed expo showmountain bike competitions. In often casing popular companies, organizations grueling displays of athleticism, profesand individuals from the outdoor recreation For the second time in two years, the U.S. sional races at Centennial Park are contested industry, or grab breakfast, lunch or brunch Pro Cup remains the only cross-country on the challenging “World Cup” race-course. from a variety of local food trucks. mountain bike event in the states awarded HC Featuring five unique sections, the course status by the UCI, the international governcapitalizes on the mountain’s steep northeast GOING FOR GOLD ing body of the sport of cycling. HC is short slope, consistently changing elevation and deWith a world-class race venue and international for the French phrase hors catégorie, which manding black diamond singletrack. It creates status, the U.S. Pro Cup provides Olympic translates to “beyond categorization.” With an early-season springboard for professional hopefuls with quality competition that supthis status, the U.S. Pro Cup in Fayetteville athletes to fine-tune their fitness before the UCI ports their goals for gold. Since cross-country will offer more international points and prize Mountain Bike World Cup calendar, World mountain bike racing made its Olympic debut money than most races this year — becoming Championships and the Olympics.

30 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

FUN FEATURES: Hannah Otto soars over a jump on the course.

UP CLOSE: Fans get the chance to experience world-class racing from the likes of former world champion Kate Courtney.

BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 31

EXCITING FINISHES: Bike throws aren’t uncommon at the U.S. Pro Cup. Savilia Blunk nipped Gwendolyn Gibson at the line for a win last year.

Complementing the professional contest is a full day of fan-friendly short track racing likely bunch sprint down Centennial Park’s a supportive platform for youth development on Friday, April 5 — with professional and storied finishing stretch. and a variety of welcoming race categories for amateur categories available. Featuring waves The international contest continues into all ages and abilities. The unique opportunity of fast-paced racing on a shortened course, Saturday, culminating with the Elite Olymfor amateur athletes to compete over the same it’s 20 minutes of tight-quarter competition pic-style cross-country mountain bike races weekend as current Olympians and former as riders constantly jockey for position from and what will have been a memorable three world champions like Christopher Blevins start to finish. With little time for athletes to days of competition. For amateurs and juniors or Kate Courtney sets the U.S. Pro Cup apart establish a winning breakaway, fans are almost under 17, the show moves to Sunday, April from other events. Throughout the week, always assured captivating racing ahead of a 7, for a dedicated day of category racing for juniors and amateur athletes have an all skill levels. Rolling up to the same almost equal opportunity to take to the start line shared by elite athletes the trails at Centennial Park, with a balanced day before, amateurs can race loops In addition to Olympic-style and amateur schedule that includes both short track and through Centennial Park — often in cross country, the U.S. Pro Cup offers a full traditional cross-country competitions. sight of family and friends. day of fan-friendly short track racing on In addition to Olympic-style and amateur When a weekend of racing isn’t enough, Friday, April 5. cross country, the U.S. Pro Cup offers Northwest Arkansas offers over 560 32 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

Nicely done, beef.

For dinner, you butcher the competition.

miles of world-class singletrack accessible from several city centers across the region.

Collectively known as the OZ Trails network, downtown Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and Bella Vista boast access to diverse trail experiences plus all the trailside shops, patios, and pubs you’d expect to find in an award-winning, bicycle-friendly community.

From chasing Olympic gold to racing for personal glory, professional and amateur athletes are invited to toe the line at the U.S. Pro Cup presented by the Ozark Foundation this spring. For additional information or to register to race visit www.uscupmtb.com. The best part though, fans at Centennial Park get in free.

Brought to you by the Arkansas Beef Council and funded by Beef Farmers and Ranchers

www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com

BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 33

EVENTS ARKANSAS BICYCLE CLUB BICYCLE RIDE AROUND ARKANSAS MARCH 17-22 Tillar A six-day tour around Southeast Arkansas hosted by the Arkansas Bicycle Club.

Stops include Tillar, Cane Creek State Park, Pendelton, Arkansas Post State Park, Arkansas City and the Chicot County RV Park. Register at arkansasbicycleclub.org.

OUACHITA CHALLENGE MARCH 23-24 $70-$140 Oden A 62-mile gravel race through the Ouachitas on Saturday followed by a 60-mile mountain bike race that includes sections of the Ouachita and Womble trails on Sunday. The race starts and ends on the Oden Schools campus, tent camping is available on the school grounds and you can even sleep in the school gym.

Visit ouachitachallenge.com for more information.

DOOM MARCH 29 $66.60-$120 Ponca A 400-mile bikepacking race deep in the heart of the Ozarks that mostly traverses Forest Service and county roads. This year’s incarnation of the race adds in some singletrack sections and a 189-mile option called Despair. More information at ozarkgravelcyclists.com/doom.

U.S. PRO CUP APRIL 3-7 $30-$99 Fayetteville Cross-country and short-track mountain bike racing for all ages and abilities, from juniors to UCI professionals. The nation’s only UCI HC-categorized cross-country race this year, with Olympic qualifying points on the line. Amateur cross country racing takes place all day Sunday. Visit uscupmtb.com for more information and to register.

34 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE TO INCLUDE IN A FUTURE BIKE ARKANSAS? EMAIL EDITOR KAI CADDY AT KAICADDY@GMAIL.COM. BOSTON MOUNTAIN ECLIPSE CHALLENGE APRIL 6-8 $400 Witts Springs A gravel cycling event incorporating some fun challenges along a 50-mile route. Teams of four will stop at five locations along the route and complete challenges before moving to the next stop. The event includes entertainment, free tent camping, showers, bathrooms, meals, support stops, activities and prime eclipse viewing with viewing glasses. Visit ​​ wittssprings.org/2024-eclipse-event for more information.

HAZEL VALLEY RALLY APRIL 13 $50 Fayetteville A gravel race starting and finishing at the Hazel Valley Ranch with 100% gravel routes of 45 and 64 miles in the Ozark National Forest. Camping is available this year for the first time. Register at bikereg. com/hazel-valley-rally.

NWA SPRING CLASSIC ROAD RACE APRIL 14 $30-$60 Prairie Grove Road race that takes place on a 24-mile course with rolling hills and one half-mile climb. Number of laps are determined by your race category. Visit nwaspringclassic. com for more.

OLD POST CHALLENGE APRIL 14 $25-$50 Russellville The first race of this year’s Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series. Visit ambcs.com for more information.

NATURAL STATE CRITERIUM SERIES APRIL 17, MAY 15, JUNE 12 $45-$75 Springdale Weeknight criterium racing in downtown

Springdale. These races are known for large fields, competitive racing and large prize purses. Register at bikereg.com/naturalstate-criterium-series-springdale.

IRON MOUNTAIN XC APRIL 21 $20-$40 Caddo Valley Secon race of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship series at the Iron Mountain trails near DeGray Lake. Visit bikereg.com/ iron-mountain-xc to register.

HIGHLANDS GRAVEL CLASSIC APRIL 27 $70-$80 Goshen The only qualifier for the Trek UCI Gravel World Series in the U.S. Courses are 52 and 66 miles depending on age group.

Visit highlandsgravelclassic.com for more information.

TOUR DE TOAD MAY 4 $35-$60 Conway This family-friendly bicycle event is held in conjunction with Toad Suck Daze.

Route options of 10, 20 or 40 miles, and a family ride. Participants can earn an IronToad medal by participating in both the Toad Suck 5K/10K Run and Tour de Toad. Proceeds benefit Literacy Action of Central Arkansas. Visit facebook.com/ TourDeToad/ for more information.

THE UGLY GNOME XC RACE MAY 5 $15-$40 Conway Part of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship series, this race moves to a new course this year at the Conway Meadows Tech Park. The lap will be 3.2 miles with fast and flowy sections, some rocks, a few roots and some new features including jumps. Registration is available at bikereg.com/the-ugly-gnome.

RUSTIC LOG CABINS

FAMILY OUTDOOR VACATIONS

For a rustic retreat near the Buffalo National River, look no further.

The ranch is about five minutes south of Middle Buffalo access areas, Ozark Highlands Trail for hiking, and the Ozark Grinder Trail for biking, but guests of our cabins will also find miles and miles of trails right on the Bear Creek property for hiking, cycling or ATV use.

The spacious cabins feature native rock fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, charcoal grills, full kitchens, linens, flat-screen TVs with satellite reception (including SEC and ESPN channels), Wi-Fi and heat/air that will accommodate up to 52 guests.

Bear Creek is open year-round, offers hunting in season, and is pet-friendly. Special winter discount rates are available in January and February. Bear Creek Log Cabins will quickly become your go-to getaway destination.

New RV and campsite area now open!

5 Minutes South of the Buffalo National River | Swimming & Fishing Private ATV, Hiking & Cycling Trails Natural Dark Sky Accommodation | Wildlife Watching (Arkansas Natural Sky Association)

6403 N HWY 65 | ST. JOE, AR | 870.448.5926 | BUFFALORIVERLOGCABINS.NET Ad paid for using a combination of state and Ozark Mountain Region funds.

BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 35

FEMMES GRAVEL 100 MAY 11 $35-$50 Bentonville A 100-mile gravel ride that is the culmination of a 10-week training program. Visit bikereg.com/femmesgravel-100 to register.

RULE OF THREE MAY 17-18 $85-$255 Bentonville Gravel race that incorporates gravel, tarmac and singletrack. There are 50- and 110mile route options. New for this year is a completely self-supported 200+-mile option that will leave a day earlier than the other races and have a 30-hour cutoff time. Visit ruleofthree.bike for more information.

WALMART JOE MARTIN STAGE RACE MAY 24-27 Fayetteville The longest continuously run stage race in North America. Four stages in four days starting and finishing in Fayetteville each day. Visit joemartinstagerace.com for more information.

BIKE CITY FONDO MAY 25-26 Fayetteville A fondo with five route options held in conjunction with the Joe Martin Stage Race. Routes include road and gravel riding options. Visit bikecityfondo.com for more.

Championship series. Visit ambcs.com for more information.

NWA MTB CHAMPIONSHIPS SEPT. 14 Fayetteville Part of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship series at Devil’s Den. Visit ambcs.com for more information.

RIVER VALLEY RUMBLE JUNE 23 Fort Smith Part of the Arkansas Mountain Bike 36 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

ARKANSAS HIGH COUNTRY RACE OCT. 5 Russellville A well-known ultra-endurance bikepacking race moves its start/finish to Russellville for 2024. The 1,000-mile route takes racers on a tour around the northwestern quadrant of the state on some of the most beautiful and challenging gravel roads the state has to offer. Other race options for 2024 will include the central loop of the High Country route at 430 miles and the Ozark Odyssey route at 253.5 miles. VIsit arkansashighcountry. com for more information.

KESSLER MOUNTAIN JAM SEPT. 22 Fayetteville Part of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship series. Visit ambcs.com for more information.

BIG DAM BRIDGE 100 SEPT. 28 $55-$140 Little Rock Arkansas’s largest cycling tour with five route options from 15 to 105 miles.

Visit bigdambridge100.com for more information.

CONWAY FALL CLASSIC OCT. 12 $35-$45 Conway Three route options (23, 40 and 62 miles) benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner County and Conway Advocates for Bicycling’s Conway Cycling Project, serving citizens of Conway with basic bike repairs and refurbished bikes. Visit cycleconway.com for more information.

PEDALS FOR COMPASSION GRAVEL GRINDER OCT. 5 $55 Magnolia This long-running event that benefits Magnolia’s domestic violence shelter Compassion’s Foundation shifts from a

THE BATTLE OF TOWNSEND’S RIDGE JUNE 9 Fort Smith Part of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship series. Visit ambcs.com for more information.

LITTLE SUGAR OCT. 13 Bentonville The Little Sugar MTB race kicks off the week long Big Sugar Classic in Bentonville.

The race is a marathon-style mountain bike race and offers three distances and is a qualifier for the Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race. Visit bigsugarclassic. com/mtb for more information.

OCT. 19

CHINKAPIN HOLLOW GRAVEL GRINDER OCT. 26 $35-$60 Fayetteville A gravel grinder with four route options that leaves from Fayetteville, rolls into Oklahoma and back. More information is available at chinkapinhollowgravelgrinder. com.

Bentonville Once again the finale of the Life Time Grand Prix. A blazing fast gravel racecourse that starts and finishes in Bentonville and heads into southern Missouri.

Registration opens March 1.

Visit bigsugarclassic.com/gravel for more.

GÜDRUN MTB FESTIVAL NOV. 8-10 Hot Springs A three-day mountain bike festival in Hot Springs that features mini and full enduros, a slow roll, jump jam, time trial, the Atilla the Hun cross-country race and more. Visit northwoodstrails.org for more information.

KAI CADDY

ARKANSAS GRAVELER JUNE 23-29 $245-$950 Fayetteville A six-day gravel ride traversing some of Arkansas’s most rural roads from Fayetteville to Jonesboro. Nightly live music, outdoor recreation, camping and chef-made meals are included in this fully supported event across the northern portion of the state. Visit arkansasgravler. com for more.

road event to a gravel ride featuring three route options from 45 to 100 miles. Visit bikereg.com/p4c-gravelgrinder to register.

BIG SUGAR

Time to go outside! Need a hand finding the right place to play? We can help at exploreRidgeland.com.

BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 37

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 12315 Chenal Parkway, Suite D 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

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

HOT SPRINGS HOT SPRINGS BICYCLE TOURING COMPANY 436 Broadway St. 501-276-2175 facebook.com/hotspringsbicycletouringcompany 38 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024

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 109 E. Center Ave. 501-305-3915 thebikelane.cc

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

BATESVILLE

SPRINGDALE

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

PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 101 W. Johnson Ave., Suite B. 479-717-2073 phattirebikeshop.com

JONESBORO

ROGERS

GEARHEAD CYCLE HOUSE 231 S. Main St. 870-336-2453 gearheadoutfitters.com

BEAVER LAKE OUTDOOR CENTER (RENTALS) 14434 E. State Hwy. 12 479-877-4984 beaverlakeoutdoorcenter.com MAGNOLIA CYCLES 216 E. Chestnut St. 479-278-2249 Magnoliacycles.com OZ FIT & TECH 6028 W. Stoney Brook Road, Suite 3 479-619-6775 ozbike.fit PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 318 S. First St. 479-877-1313 phattirebikeshop.com THE HIGHROLLER CYCLERY 402 S. Metro Parkway 479-254-9800 highrollercyclery.com

RUSSELLVILLE JACKALOPE CYCLING 112 N. Commerce Ave. 479-890-4950 jackalopecycling.com

FORT SMITH CHAMPION CYCLING & FITNESS 5500 Massard Road 479-484-7500 championcycling.com PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 7402 Ellis St., Suite 2 479-222-6796 phattirebikeshop.com ROLL ON BMX AND SKATE 1400 Towson Ave. 479-974-1235 rollonbmx.business.site THE WOODSMAN COMPANY 5609 Rogers Ave, Suite D 479-452-3559 thewoodsmancompany.com

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

GEARHEAD OUTFITTERS EXPERIENCE CENTER 501 SW A St. 479-657-2135 THE HUB BIKE LOUNGE 410 SW A St., Suite 2 479-364-0394 thehubbikelounge.com THE METEOR 401 SE D St. 479-268-4747 espressochampagnechainlube. com MOOSEJAW 111 S. Main St. 479-265-9245 moosejaw.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 RAPHA CLUBHOUSE 117 W. Central Ave. 479-339-2366 content.rapha.cc/us/en/clubhouse/ bentonville SPECIALIZED BENTONVILLE EXPERIENCE CENTER 240 S. Main St., Suite 170 479-410-0450 specializedbentonville.com STRIDER BIKES 109 N. Main St. 479-367-2335 facebook.com/StriderStoreBentonville

BELLA VISTA PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 10 Riordan Road 479-268-3800 phattirebikeshop.com

BICYCLE REPAIR & SERVICE ONLY OZARK BICYCLE SERVICE 1801 W. Deane St., Fayetteville 479-715-1496 ozarkbicycleservice.business.site REVOLUTION MOBILE BIKE REPAIR 512-968-7600 revrepair.com

GUIDES/SHUTTLE SERVICES OZARK BIKE GUIDES, LLC 479-323-1931 ozarkbikeguides.com

CUSTOM JERSEYS FLO BIKEWEAR 901-896-5979

READERS

CHOICE

A ARDS FINALIST 2024

BEST BUTCHER

BEST WINE SELECTION

BEST GROCERY STORE

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1959!

There are many brands of beef, but only one Angus brand exceeds expectations. The Certified Angus Beef brand is a cut above USDA Prime, Choice and Select. Ten quality standards set the brand apart. It's abundantly flavorful, incredibly tender, naturally juicy.

LITTLE ROCK: 10320 STAGECOACH RD 501-455-3475 • 7507 CANTRELL RD 501-614-3477 7525 BASELINE RD 501-562-6629 • 20383 ARCH ST 501-888-8274 BRINKLEY: 1413 PINECREST ST 870-589-2369 • BRYANT: 2203 N REYNOLDS RD 501-847-9777 HARRISBURG: 605 N ILLINOIS ST 870-578-2434 • MARIANNA: 460 S ALABAMA ST 870-295-9311

www.edwardsfoodgiant.com SAVE TIME. ORDER ONLINE. DELIVERED TO YOUR CAR. BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024 | 39

NORTHWOODS TRAILS IN HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS! VOTED THE #1 TRAILS SYSTEM IN ARKANSAS. NORTHWOODSTRAILS.ORG

40 | BIKE ARKANSAS february 2024