Bike Arkansas | Issue No. 8 | 2018

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EVENTS ACROSS THE STATE

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ISSUE NO. 8 | 2018 #EXPERIENCEARKANSAS BIKEARKANSASMEDIA.COM

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Alan Ley

Arkansas Arts Academy

Cayden & Finn Parker

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• Hot Springs Northwoods Trail • Arkansas Enduro Series • Creating the Future of Cycling • NICA News • Believer Mayor Dabbs • Bella Vista Bike Club • Red Bull Pump Track World Championship

September is Made for Century Rides

The Muncy Miles

FROM THE GUEST EDITOR

BRAKING NEWS

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THE ART OF SCHOOL CYCLING

GEARING UP FOR THE BIG ONE

NATURAL CHAMPIONS

50 MILES IN 50 STATES

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WHEELS OF CHANGE Major Taylor Cycling Club Carries on the Spirit of Oft-Forgotten Hero

EVERY ISSUE

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TECH, TRICKS & TRAINING Safer, Faster & Fit

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MY KIT

Get Up & Go! Bike Shops Happy Trails

Alan Ley

ON THE COVER Cayden Parker, a junior USA Cycling Mountain Bike Champion, races down a favorite trail near his home in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Photo by David Yerby.

4 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

PHOTO BY NOVO STUDIO

IN THIS ISSUE

Explore

THREE Epic Trails in Montgomery County: LOViT, Womble and Ouachita!

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M A G A Z I N E

SOARING PAST OTHER CAMPGROUNDS

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Arkansas Times Limited Partnership 201 E. MARKHAM ST., SUITE 200 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985 All Contents © 2018 Bike Arkansas Magazine

FROM THE GUEST EDITOR

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WITHOUT THE TIRELESS WORK OF GREAT VOLUNTEERS, CYCLING IN ARKANSAS WOULD NOT BE WHERE IT IS TODAY.

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s the Bike Arkansas team wraps up work on the eighth issue, I am reflecting on all the individuals who give their time and resources to cycling in the Natural State. Many of the contributors for this issue not only shared stories but have also given their time in so many other ways, like building trails, trail maintenance, teaching, mentoring and creating opportunities for cycling in our state. We should never forget the hundreds of volunteers we never know or hear about who work in the rain, cold, heat and humidity, with their only goal being to give back and make a difference for others. Without the tireless work of great volunteers, cycling in Arkansas would not be where it is today.

Yes, cycling can do a lot for you. It will improve your physical and mental health; it can provide a great social network; it’s an activity that allows you to be surrounded by nature, and it can even be your personal therapist. The personal benefits are without dispute; but perhaps the greatest benefit is not, as they say, what cycling can do for you, but what you can do for cycling! After all, giving back is the greatest prize of all. That’s what many of the parents, coaches, writers and unknown volunteers believe. I’m fortunate to be around and work with many of these ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things.

Thank you, for all that you all do.

Alan Ley Arkansas NICA League Co-founder International Triathlon Union Sport Development Coach

Contributors

PHILIP THOMAS is the owner and

operator of Novo Studio in Rogers.

BOB ROBINSON enjoys all things

outdoors and is the author of three bicycle guidebooks.

DWAIN HEBDA ,is a veteran writer, editor and journalist.

From paved paths through city parks to rugged mountain bike trails to sharrows on most main roads, Conway is working to be one of the most bike-friendly cities in the state.

If you don’t own a bike, you can rent a cruiser for up to a full day from one of five bike-share stations throughout town.

RICHARD LEDBETTER is a south-Arkansas

outdoorsman who has published a pair of historical novels.

BRENT DAVIS is an award winning news writer, columnist, feature writer and photographer.

And when you finish your ride, stop in to one of our local restaurants to refuel.

For more information about Conway bike trails visit CycleConway.com.

CVB@ConwayArkansas.org ConwayArk.com 866.7CONWAY

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 9

Braking News

GET READY! The Northwoods opens this November!

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hase One of Hot Springs’ world-class Northwoods system of biking trails will be dedicated the weekend of November 16 – 18 in conjunction with running and mountain biking competitions.

A ribbon cutting will be held the afternoon of Friday, November 16, at the Water Works Trail Head, according to Bill Solleder, Visit Hot Springs’ marketing director. City of Hot Springs officials and staff, Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, staff of the International Mountain Biking Association, local bike shops, the news media and Visit Hot Springs staff will all take part.

That will be followed by a “Slow Roll” bike ride on Park Avenue and Whittington Boulevard.

On Saturday, November 17, there will be a public ribbon cutting and group ride at the Cedar Glades portion of the trails system, Solleder said.

“Saturday is also the day of the Spa Running Festival in the morning, so our public ribbon cutting that afternoon will extend the day’s activities throughout the day,” he said.

Sunday, November 18, will feature more biking events at the Cedar Glades portion of the trails system for the annual Atilla the Hun Bike Race.

Visit Hot Springs began construction in November 2017 on phase one of a planned 44.6-mile system of mountain biking trails on the city-owned Northwoods/Cedar Glades properties in the northern section of Hot Springs.

It has partnered with Tom and Steuart Walton and the Walton Family Foundation to construct the first 16-mile segment of the project, which will provide Hot Springs with an important new tourism attraction aimed at mountain bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The 16-mile section of the trails will be opened to the public during the November weekend of events, according to Steve Arrison, CEO of Visit Hot Springs.

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Phase two of the trail system will complete the system of first-class biking trails in the property that incorporates pristine forested hills and three lakes. It is in the Cedar Glades area north of Whittington Avenue.

“The new trails in the Northwoods property will be an enormous economic engine for our city and a world-class recreational facility for our residents and visitors,” Arrison said.

“It’s almost impossible to express how grateful we are as a community to Tom and Steuart Walton and the Walton Family Foundation for helping provide the resources to get started on this new attraction. Without the help and encouragement of Tom and Steuart Walton and the folks at the foundation, it would have been extremely difficult for us to develop what is going to be an outdoor recreation magnet that will place Hot Springs in the forefront of this booming tourism segment.”

“The city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, is poised to become the nation’s next mountain bike destination,” said trail specialist Joey Klein of the International Mountain Biking Association’s Trail Solutions program. “Hot Springs is surrounded by ample forested hillsides and pristine waterways. Cedar Glades Park and the new Northwoods Park will be connected by trails, all of which will be designed to be completely accessible from town.

IMBA Trail Solutions plans to showcase the varied terrain, offering many trail experiences to all skill levels.”

Klein continued, “To have such high-quality trail potential not more than minutes from a historic downtown setting is almost unheard of in this day and age. Residents and visitors alike will be reaping the benefits for decades to come.”

IMBA Trail Solutions is providing the planning and construction expertise for the Northwoods/Cedar Glades project.

A $648,421 Walton Family Foundation grant for phase one was matched by Visit Hot Springs.

For more information contact Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.

ARKANSAS ENDURO SERIES Enduro mountain bike racing has arrived big-time in the Natural State with the 2018 Arkansas Enduro Series! The first race, held May 19-20 in Red Star, Arkansas on the Upper Buffalo Mountain Bike Trail, drew international recognition by qualifying athletes for the Euduro World Series.

The Arkansas Enduro Series consists of five competitions. As of this printing, are in the books, and have attracted racers from as far away as Las Vegas, Nevada.

The sport utilizes skill sets from both cross country and downhill mountain biking to create a totally unique competition. Rather than cyclists racing from a start point to a finish point, Enduro competitions consist of several downhill stages that are connected by neutral transition segments. Only the accumulated time while racing the downhill stages will factor into a competitor’s score. Racers can redline hammer a descent and then ride side-by-side talking shop en route to the next downhill stage.

Like I said, it’s a totally unique competition.

Enduro courses are fast and include features such as jumps, rock gardens and sweeping berms that test the racers’ abilities and nerves. These same features that challenge racers make it a very spectator-friendly event. With the two remaining races to be held on the newly constructed flowy downhill lines at Lake Leatherwood, August 1819, and the very technical runs at Coler Preserve, September 22, both racers and spectators will come away from these events thoroughly impressed and entertained.

Gnarly technical features should not discourage cyclists from competing; each feature has optional bypass routes. And maybe when the 2019 Arkansas Enduro Series arrives, you will be ready to ride the main flow line.

There will also be food, beverages and live music at the events.

To learn more visit arkansasenduroseries.com. —Alan Ley

THREE TIMES MORE

EPIC

The Diamond Lakes region is the only place in the state where you can access three of the state’s five IMBA EPIC trails.

1 LAKE OUACHITA VISTA TRAIL (LOViT) Intermediate • 45 Miles Trailheads: Shangri La • Blakely Dam Near: Mount Ida • Crystal Springs

2 WOMBLE TRAIL

Intermediate • 37 Miles Trailhead: Story Near: Mount Ida • Story

3 OUACHITA NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL Intermediate to Advanced Near: Hot Springs Village Added Bonus: Camping Shelters every 10 miles

All skill levels are welcome, but these are among the most extreme singletracks in the country. Other trails in the area like Iron Mountain, Cedar Glades and Charlton Recreation Trail are more moderate.

CLOSEST IMBA RIDE CENTER IS LOCATED IN HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, AR. Visit HotSprings.org to view the Bike Hot Springs brochure & request a free Hot Springs/Diamond Lakes Vacation Guide.

Ad paid for with a combination of state and private regional association funds.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 11

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CREATING THE FUTURE OF CYCLING

reakaway Cycling was founded as a 501(c)(3) in October 2016 to fill the growing need for junior/young road cyclists across Northwest Arkansas. The vision for the team consisted of creating a positive environment for young cyclists, no matter what level of riding skill they have achieved and no matter their exact goals. Breakaway Cycling aims to provide proper coaching, training, education and advocacy. The group focuses on forming a community around the team to generate a sustainable base for young road cyclists in the area. Breakaway is committed to eliminating barriers, for riders to ensure that as many individuals can enter the sport as possible.

Breakaway’s tier-system program is geared toward cultivating recreational riders to give back to the community and to expose riders to the competitive side of road cycling.

Breakaway also provides support to cyclists who are focused on advancing through the competitive levels of the sport.

Breakaway Cycling Team gives individuals the opportunity to take the sport to the highest levels, if that is the dream of the rider.

Breakaway Cycling Team members receive coaching, financial support, detailed training plans, bike fits, mental/ emotional support, indoor training opportunities, organized training rides, education about road cycling, safety techniques, bike handling skills, group riding etiquette, proper nutrition, mechanic training, loaner bikes (if needed) and race tactics, among many other benefits. The more dedicated the rider, the more advanced the support. Regardless of the tier a cyclist is in, Breakaway provides its members with a positive, nurturing community to ensure sustainability, growth, opportunity and safety.

The 2018 roster now consists of two separate teams: U23 (under 23 years of age) and Development. The U23 team travels across Arkansas and outside of Arkansas to compete and receives advanced support with plans to grow this team into a high-level competitive race team. The Development 12 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

team currently consists of 10 riders at various levels, who have the option to move to the more advanced team when and if they choose. Riders come from all over Northwest Arkansas. Currently the team is at capacity because of limited resources. If more financial support can be secured, programs will be extended to reach as many interested young riders as possible.

The team is run by experienced racers, riders and licensed coaches, all of whom are volunteers dedicated to creating the future of cycling in a positive way. Not only do the volunteers provide immense coaching and support for riders, they also work with race directors across the state and in surrounding states to build a sustainable foundation for junior racing that is fair and inviting and which creates a more positive environment for future racers. The team also organizes a yearly event aimed at growing community that includes both recreational and competitive riders. The volunteers work tirelessly to provide opportunity to the team, while raising awareness and advocating for junior and young riders.

Breakaway Cycling Team is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to eliminating barriers for junior/U23 road cyclists and empowering young individuals with enduring life skills. Ultimately, their aim is to facilitate excellence on and off the bike and grow Northwest Arkansas’s cycling community by supporting young cyclists. They believe riding a bike can change one’s life for the better.

Interested in helping the mission, sponsoring or possibly joining the team? Contact Tiffany Dixon at breakawaycyclingteam@gmail.com or visit the website breakawaycyclingteam.org.

Follow Breakaway Cycling on social media to see pictures of the team in action: Facebook: @BreakawayCyclingTeam Instagram: @breakawaycyclingteam

—Tiffany Dixon

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BREAKAWAY CYCLING

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NATIONAL INTERSCHOLASTIC CYCLING ASSOCIATION 2018 STUDENT MOUNTAIN BIKING NATIONAL CONFERENCE

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he 2018 National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) Annual Conference came to Bentonville this summer. It was the largest and most successful conference event in NICA’s history. This benchmark event brought 150 leaders together from 22 states, including California and New York. The NICA Annual Conference provides the leadership of the national cycling movement with a dedicated space and time to connect on a variety of topics.

Leaders of the leagues learn from one another and work together to improve national practices and effort. Bentonville was the perfect setting with its IMBA Silver-level ride center status and trails in close proximity to the town. “Having been at every NICA Conference over the past nine years, this was the best yet. Arkansas offered width and depth on all levels.

I’m bullish on the future of NICA. Great work,” said Matt Gunnell, SoCal League Director.

The conference programming included discussion and training sessions, panels, roundtable conversations, meals and organized rides. NICA attendees included the NICA board of directors, national office staff, league directors and staff, league board members and advisors, coach supporters, guild leaders and members, advisors and special guests. The Arkansas Interscholastic Cycling League was pleased to host their peers and colleagues in their hometown of Bentonville.

Kyla Templeton, league director for Arkansas, said, “This was the perfect opportunity to showcase what Arkansas has to offer in the way of mountain biking experiences. I am sure we will see more NICA coaches, teams and families coming to Arkansas to ride and enjoy the outdoors over the next few years.” Additional highlights of the programming were the launch of NICA’s new Girls Riding Together program (NICA GRiT) and the revitalization of the Teen Trail Corps program (TTC). Both programs are funded by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation.

Over the four-day conference, local Arkansas league coaches and staff led organized rides to explore the amazing trails in Bentonville, including Slaughter Pen, Coler and the Back 40.

Riders were also encouraged to explore the Crystal Bridges 14 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

museum, local restaurants, coffee shops and breweries. Phat Tire bike shop had rental bikes available to accommodate outof-town guests and Trek brought a demo fleet to loan out as well.

Most of the conference events were held at the Meteor Theater and guitar center location just off the square in Bentonville. The events always ended with a social hour and live entertainment by local bands. Craft beer was provided by Bike Rack Brewing Co. of Bentonville. An ice cream social and dinner was held at Compton Gardens. NICA Arkansas coaches, parents and student athletes socialized enjoying delicious ice cream and a food truck dinner. Activities included door prizes from OZ Trails, games and an art project.

The conference concluded Saturday evening with an enlightening panel discussion. “What do we want NICA and youth cycling to look like in 20 years? How can we—individually and collectively­—influence and lead the movement?” The panel was facilitated by Kyla Templeton. Panel members included: Austin McInerny, NICA president; Brendan Quirk, director of Runway Group Cycling Program; Gary Fisher, pioneer in the sport of Mountain Biking and founder of Gary Fisher mountain bikes; Lucas Euser, sports marketing for Clif Bar and Company; and league director representatives.

The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) believes youth development on mountain bikes will get more kids on bikes. It’s a part of a healthy lifestyle the whole family can enjoy and share. This year’s national convention will have lasting effects on NICA’s mission. Lauren Duensing, NICA VP of programs stated; “We are pleased with the objectives met, feedback received, and success of the 2018 NICA Conference!

All aspects of the conference met expectations and further propelled NICA on its mission to #getmorekidsonbikes. All aspects of Bentonville, Arkansas not only delivered, but raised the bar on the full local mountain bike conference experience.”

Generous conference sponsors included: Trek Bicycles, the Walton Foundation, Clif Bar and Visit Bentonville.

—Bob BlackOcken

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NICA NEWS Student mountain bike training began July 1 this year and the first race is September 9 at Sagar Creek Trail in Siloam Springs. Two additional races are scheduled on November 4, followed by the State Championships.

These races will be held at the Great Passion Play trails in Eureka Springs.

Everyone is welcome to watch, cheer and see the teams, coaches, parents and student-athletes race and compete.

RACE 1 September 9 - Sagar Creek Trail, Siloam Springs RACE 2 September 23 - Slaughter Pen Trail, Bentonville RACE 3 October 14 - Cedar Glades Trail, Hot Springs RACE 4 November 4 – State Championship - Great Passion Play Trails, Eureka Springs

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS BELLA VISTA | BENTONVILLE | BERRYVILLE | EUREKA SPRINGS | FAYETTEVILLE HOLIDAY ISLAND | HUNTSVILLE | ROGERS | SILOAM SPRINGS | SPRINGDALE

On-road, off-road, mountain or freestyle, experience 200+ miles of epic bike trails

Start times are the same at all the races: 9:15 am Wave 1 Start Middle School Boys 10:00 am Wave 2 Start Middle School Girls 11:00 am Wave 3 Start High School Girls 12:30 pm Wave 4 Start High School Boys For more information on the races, training or to start a team, contact Kyla at kyla@arkansasmtb.org. For race-specific questions, contact Glenn at glenn@arkansasmtb.org.

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arkansasmtb.org Facebook: @arkansasmtb Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day October 6 - contact kyla@arkansasmtb.org to get an event at your local trail.

—Alan Ley

This ad paid for with state and private regional association funds BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 15

Braking News

BELLA VISTA BIKE CLUB Ride start times depend on the season of the year: 8:00 a.m. June, July, August 9:00 a.m. May, September, October 10:00 a.m. November through April “The Bella Vista Bike Club has some of the most consistent rides and riders I have ever seen. They not only ride but volunteer often.

The club helped put together the first 250 bikes in the Bentonville schools. They have helped races and school safety activities over the years! Thank you.”

The Bella Vista Bike Club is an informal group of bicyclists who primarily enjoy road cycling and socializing with one another. The club was founded by Ed Pugsley in 1988. Keeping with tradition, we strive to gather people wo are dedicated to safe riding and prone to “friendliness.” Though we might at times enjoy a harder ride, we don’t tend to compete with each other on rides. The membership has varied through the years from a regular ride count of 8 to as many as 18. Currently our age range is 53 to 76 but we have had riding members from 14 to 85 years of age.

Rides vary from 25 to 50 miles on backcountry black tops and some smaller highways. Club members meet for scheduled rides on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There are three ride starting points: First Baptist Church in Hiwasse, Blowing Springs RV Park near Lake Bella Vista, and Player’s Connection Quonset hut, Rains Road, in Jane, Missouri.

The annual membership fee is $10 for each individual who rides. To join the club, or for information, contact bellavistabikeclub@ gmail.com. Be sure to include your address, phone number and email so you can receive a ride calendar.

Find the club on Facebook @bellavistabikeclub or at bellavistabikeclub.com. —Steve Slagel and Roger Arnold

SHE’S A BELIEVER Mayor Jill Dabbs of Bryant isn’t known for sitting still. But when pneumonia struck not once, but twice, she was concerned that her active days were over and she might never fully recover. She remembers that time back in 2013 and recalls, “I knew if I didn’t rehabilitate my lungs completely I would never be able to enjoy spring skiing with my daughters like I had for years.” Snow skiing is one of her favorite activities.

Then, cycling entered her life.

She went to Bobby’s Bike Hike in the Little Rock River Market and, for a month, rented a bike for a few days each week. “My lungs completely healed. I was in better shape than I had been in a long time, and I had discovered a new hobby that allowed me to enjoy the beauty of Arkansas in a manner I never had before.”

And just like that, she was hooked.

For a long time, she borrowed a bicycle from her friend Brenda Qualls. “It was a giant road bike. That bike was like my first car; I couldn’t hardly part with it. Then in 2015, I bought a Specialized Ruby from The Ride, in Conway. I have a basic mountain bike that I occasionally ride in Mills Park. I plan to have a made-in-Arkansas Allied bike very soon.”

Cycling has taken her places she would have never ventured and, according to Mayor Dabbs, “The view atop a bicycle is the perfect speed to take in landscapes like never before”. But the benefits she experiences don’t stop there, she said, “Cycling is my favorite stress reliever. It unwinds me, I sleep better, think more clearly and smile more.”

By becoming active in cycling, Mayor Dabbs understands the benefit that the activity brings to modern city planning.

“Some cities benefit by creating alternate transportation routes for cyclists. This allows people to ditch the keys and go just about anywhere in their community on a bicycle. Other cities with bike infrastructure in just the right place—not all places—attract tourism dollars to the community. The River Trail has done this for Little Rock. The Southwest Trail will be transformative when it comes to economic development, tourism and increasing property values throughout Central Arkansas. The Walk Drive Bike Bryant master plan has already been adopted to ensure we will connect to the Southwest Trail as soon as it is built and funds are available.”

At the end of the day, Mayor Dabbs feels cycling has brought a new outlet for her. “Cycling is the first hobby I ever had as an adult outside of skiing five days a year. And better than skiing, it’s something I can share with friends and family right here in the Natural State on a weekly basis.” —Brent Davis 16 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

Hosted by Money Road Cycling Club and the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce

Mississippi’s LARGEST RIDE with 1,052 riders in 2018 and was selected as a

“SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY TOP 20 FESTIVAL & EVENT WINNER”

RED BULL PUMP TRACK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Mark October 13th on your calendar.

That is the date of an exciting bicycling event that will attract people from around the globe, and for Arkansans it is just a short bike ride away. The Red Bull Pump Track World Championship is coming to the Jones Center in Springdale, Arkansas.

Throughout 2018, Red Bull competitions are being held in roughly 20 countries, and come October the top qualifiers at those events will converge in Northwest Arkansas.

At the October event, after all but the 32 fastest racers have been eliminated in solo qualifier rounds, the action will crank up to extreme as this elite group of two-wheeled speed demons goes head-to-head, in a loser-goes-home competition to determine the fastest male and female in the world!

In preparation for this international event, Velosolutions will be constructing the newest and largest pump track in the United States at the Runway Skills Park. This permanent structure will fit right in with the year-round ice arena, junior-Olympic swimming pool, basketball court, fitness center, indoor running track, conference center and auditorium already located at the Jones Center.

Pump track racing is fast and furious competition. On courses jam-packed with rollers, sharp, high-banked turns and an abstract assortment of unique jumps, there is no break in the action.

Given how easily accessible the course is, the competition is very spectator-friendly, so come out and join the excitement.

And for area pump-track heroes who think they have what it takes to go up against the best in the world, bring your “A” Game to the “last chance” qualifier to be held at the Jones Center on October 12th.

For more information, visit redbullpumptrackworldchampionship. com.

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Member FDIC BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 17

All in for family fun!

Bentonville-Bella Vista Pedal & Poker Ride October 13, 2018 Bentonville, AR 9:30 AM–12:30 PM

The Bentonville-Bella Vista Pedal & Poker Ride is a family fun 11-mile bicycle ride that takes place on October 13, 2018. Participants draw playing cards along the route to create a poker hand. The best poker hands win great prizes! Food from Freshii’s will be on hand and there will also be a raffle for all participants. The event begins at the North Walton Boulevard Arvest Trailhead in Bentonville, AR, and includes five scenic stops where you draw your cards and hopefully a winning hand!

This event supports the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, whose mission is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases.

Thanks go out to this year’s Presenting Sponsor, Mach 1 Financial. According to Kyle Alexander, Mach 1 Chief Operating Officer, the Foundation is particularly important to his family as one of his twin daughters was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at a fairly young age. “After I witnessed the pain and suffering my daughter went through, the numerous hospitalizations, and now the lifelong IV treatments, we had to do something to help all the other families impacted with these diseases.”

“It seems to be a perfect fit,” says Bella Vista Mayor, Peter Christie. Bella Vista is a community engaged in recreation and the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles. We appreciate what a local business like Mach 1 Financial is trying to do to make a difference in our communities and we’re happy to support them.”

• • •

Cost: $25 adults, $15 ages 9-12, free for kids under 9. Fees increase by $5 after October 3.

Additional poker tickets can be purchased for $10.

For more information , contact Amy Carroll: 646-899-0333, or acarroll@crohnscolitisfoundation.org

Buy your tickets today: www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/2018PedalPokerRide

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor:

TECH, TRICKS & TRAINING

BIKE TIPS YOU’LL BE SAFER, FASTER AND MORE FIT!

BY ALAN LEY In cooler or warm weather, spin faster (90+ RPM) instead of pushing large gears to warm up quicker.

Riding at 15 mph, it’s easy to balance the bike. To improve your bike balance and skills, try riding at 4 mph for a few minutes.

Relax on the bike. Tension creates unnecessary energy loss. Almost always ride with your elbows bent, shoulders relaxed and fingers loose.

The most overlooked area to relax when you are riding is your toes! Relase the tension to save energy.

On descents, keep pedaling. The bike will be more stable than if you just coast.

Pedal across railroad tracks and bumpy roads/trails.

This will keep tension on your chain and keep it from falling off the chain ring.

Your rear tire usually wears out about twice as fast as the front. Replace them accordingly.

Two easy things to do to have a better/faster/easier ride: Check and keep your tires inflated every time you ride, and keep your chain and gears clean and lightly lubed.

Tilt the water bottle, not your head, when drinking.

On long rides move around on the seat, stand, change your hand position, change your speed and relieve the pressure from your bottom and hands.

20 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

When it’s cold out, put your water bottle in the back pocket of your bike jersey. It won’t freeze, and if you put hot chocolate, tea or coffee in it, it will help keep you warm on frosty days.

If you have knee or hip pain, try raising your saddle.

The day after a hard ride or race, active recovery is best. A 10 to 30 minute easy spin can help flush out waste products and make your achy, stiff body feel better. Doing nothing is the worst thing you can do.

When riding hard, try focusing on the ‘out breath.’

You must get rid of the bad air before the good air can fall in.

Keep your chin up and shoulders relaxed when pushing the effort.

A quiet bike is a happy bike. Clean, tighten, adjust and lube your machine.

Road bars should be as wide as your shoulders.

If they are not wide enough it will inhibit your breathing.

When standing on the bike, don’t let your head or body weight get over the front wheel. Keep your weight on the pedals.

SMILE MORE. BE HAPPY. HAVE FUN. RIDE SAFE.

THEM

architecture | engineering | surveying

for more information visit craftontull.com BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 21

MY KIT

NAME: Alan Ley HOMETOWN: We moved to Bentonville from Colorado Springs, but I grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana.

OCCUPATION: I’m learning about being an editor for Bike Arkansas. I have been a part of Bike Bentonville and Arkansas NICA, and I am working with Coach and Athlete Development for International Triathlon Union (ITU) and USA Triathlon.

But it goes without saying that being the best dad I can be is my top occupation!

WHERE I RIDE: I ride on the roads, trails and gravel roads and when it’s cold or rainy I ride the indoor trainer. The last six months I have been riding on the gravel roads around Avoca, Cave Springs and Rogers. “Gravel grinding,” as it’s sometimes called, is a superb workout.

Unlike trail riding that’s similar to intervals, gravel riding provides a longer more steady-state workout. That provides strength and endurance without the short breaks. I like the benefit-to-risk ratio of gravel riding and the beautiful Arkansas backroads. A typical week this summer has been three gravel rides and two mountain or road rides lasting 75 minutes to 2 hours.

THE PLAYLIST: I don’t listen to music when I ride, but I do when I’m working on my cars or driving. If the garage door is open you may hear Credence Clearwater Revival, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Coldplay, Whitesnake, Aerosmith, Golden Earring, Led Zepplin or Buffalo Springfield.

THE BIKE: On gravel and the trails, I ride an all carbon ORBEA Alama hardtail. For the road I saddle up on an old aero BLUE bike that was the sponsor of the 2004 Olympic team or the very light Cervelo R5 that fits me perfectly. I switch bikes around like my riding. Indoors I have an old aluminum TREK permanently mounted (or rusted) to an ancient Cat-Eye Cyclometer. I have covered that trainer with buckets of sweat and it keeps on working.

WHY I RIDE: I used to ride to race. That was all that mattered—speed and fitness.

Then I rode with my son, Nathan, when he raced until I couldn’t keep up anymore.

Now I ride for fitness, fun, a little social riding and ‘cause I just like to ride.

Alan Ley stands beside his mountain bike in Rogers, Arkansas on a trail by the dog park at Lake Atalanta.

22 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

SIDI SHOES

THE RAG

GIRO HELMET

THE GLOVES

“Notice the bright yellow SIDI shoes. These shoes fit me perfectly, and, because they are constantly rotating, they are a great safety device.

I have ridden for over 35 years, and safety is always my first priority. Being cool is not as important as being seen. Even when I ride gravel or the trails, I like brightly colored clothes, shoes and helmet.

The ORBEA Alma bike is bright orange with neon green letters.”

Starting at $139.00

“The small rag attached to my handlebars is a piece of an old t-shirt. I use this to clean my sunglasses when the sweat from under my helmet drips on them. If I tie it loosely on the handlebar the wind will dry out the cotton rag out as I ride. It also works well if I fall or get cut as a temporary bandage.”

Free.

“I usually wear a white GIRO helmet because it fits me perfectly, I can wear it gravel, road or mountain biking; it’s light and easily seen.”

Starting at $45.00

“I don’t wear gloves when riding the road but I always do on gravel or the trails. I like full-fingered gloves. I cut the tip off the index finger on the right glove so I can have more sensitivity when braking/ steering and if I need to use the phone a sweaty glove is very hard to get off.”

Price varies.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 23

THE ART OF SCHOOL CYCLING ARKANSAS ARTS ACADEMY

BY EDDIE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY NOVO STUDIO

Students line up before cycling practice at the Arkansas Arts Academy in Rogers.

24 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 25

F

our years ago, the Arkansas Arts Academy hired new CEO Mary Ley, and the first thing she did was add cycling to the curriculum. “Cycling has made positive impacts on the students, staff, school culture and even the arts,” Mrs. Ley says.

“And if cycling were a student, I would give it an A+.” Here are a few of the specific areas in which cycling has played a role at the Arkansas Arts Academy.

THE IMPACT ON THE ARTS

FROM TOP: Students at the Arkansas Arts Academy log some time on indoor trainers. Mary Ley, CEO of the Arkansas Arts Academy, was a driving force behind adding cycling to the curriculum.

26 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

The high school is located five blocks from the Railyard Bike Park in Rogers, and the paved trail connects to the soft surface trails at Lake Atalanta. Eddie Smith is a PE and Health teacher and oversees the cycling program at the Arts Academy. He says, “Nothing is more satisfying to me as a teacher than riding along with students and observing a student point out how cool the big sycamore tree is as one of its large branches twists, turns and dips into the water—and then to see them draw it in their sketchbook later. It is equally satisfying to watch students learn to navigate tricky rock bridges as they ride through the terrain, then to realize it is another way to dance. Creativity begins with observation and exposure. Cycling allows students to be part of the environment, which is something a traditional classroom does not accomplish as well.”

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BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 27

IF CYCLING WERE A STUDENT, I WOULD GIVE IT AN A+.

Students don’t just improve their group and individual cycling skills, they also learn to do basic mechanic work on the bikes.

28 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

THE CURRICULUM

Bicycling provides a rich curriculum.

Safety first—always. Students learn how to properly sit on a bike, how to adjust their helmets and how to place their feet on the pedals to gain the most power.

Students learn hand signals, navigating traffic and how to ride on different surfaces. Students learn about the components of the bike: The variety of alloys the frames are made of and how they affect the performance of the bike; the difference between wheels on a road bike and a mountain bike. Students learn about heart rates, cadence and how much bicycling it takes to impact their health. Students learn about diet and how it affects your energy when riding a bike. Students learn the difference between the casual rider and the serious competitive rider—Arkansas Arts Academy is proud to have organized the first Arkansas National Inerscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) student mountain bike team.

The bike is also integrated into the classroom. In math and science, students learn about the physics of a bike, how to create aerodynamics and how shocks work to absorb the brutality of a rugged dirt and rock trail. There are many historic ways to study cycling. One favorite way is to have students read Road to Valor. It is the story of Gino Bartali, two-time Tour de France winner. He aided the Italian Resistance against the Nazis during World War II by smuggling identity documents hidden in his bike frame past Nazi checkpoints, under the guise of a national hero in training. Do not forget experiencing the treasures of Arkansas in the nature that surrounds the cyclist; students can learn the names of animal and plant species and identify them on their rides. Of course, there are also the mechanical lessons gained while students are taught the responsibility of taking care of their equipment, including what happens when you shift gears, how and why to oil your chain, and keeping the right amount of air pressure in your tires. Curriculum ideas are endless. Even Einstein realized the wisdom of cycling as evidenced by his quote, “I thought of that while riding my bicycle.”

BIKES ARE OUR THING The Railyard, Rogers EPIC TRAILS, GOOD FOOD AND NEW FRIENDS ARE JUST A FEW REASONS WE LOVE RIDING IN ARKANSAS. PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY, AND WE’LL SEE YOU OUT THERE.

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A team of cyclists setting the pace.

GEARING UP FOR THE BIG ONE SEPTEMBER IS MADE FOR CENTURY RIDES

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARVIN WINSTON OF RUNBIKESWIMPHOTOS, THE BDB 100

30 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

Fred Phillips, BDB director, prepares to send off another group of cyclists.

O

n September 29, cyclists wanting to take on the challenge of riding a bicycle 100 miles will have their chance at Arkansas’s largest cycling tour, the Big Dam Bridge 100 (BDB100). Of the 3000-plus entrants, more than 1000 of them will register for the 100-mile route. As these cyclists roll their bikes to the starting line, they bring with them a variety of goals and expectations for their ride.

RIDING YOUR FIRST CENTURY Having been an avid runner for over 30 years, Loyd Hanning, of Fort Smith’s River Valley Cycling Club, believed he was already in shape to bicycle 100 miles. He soon learned there was more to cycling than general physical fitness alone.

When first starting to ride with other cyclists, he discovered his legs tired long before those of the more experienced cyclists. He then headed to the gym to begin sets of squats, lunges and core workouts, targeting those muscles employed by his new sport. Although this helped strengthen his legs, he quickly learned that increasing mileage on the bike was the best method to condition his legs for cycling.

As with other first-time century riders, this was a learning experience for Hanning. Along with increasing his mileage, he began experimenting with diet, adding more protein, vegetables, fruits and cereals to his existing carbohydraterich meals. He also found that by maintaining a cadence of 90 to 100 rpm his legs tired less and his breathing was more controlled.

He believes this experimentation has allowed him to achieve a level of intensity he can maintain to help him reach his goal of completing the entire 100-mile ride.

WHEN 100 MILES BECOMES THE NORM After watching the Tour de France in 2007, Dean LaGrone of Fayetteville’s Ozark Roadies, bought a bike to take up cycling.

Two months later he completed his first century at the BDB100.

On the road to complete 11 additional centuries, LaGrone has established a consistent schedule to cycle a 100-mile ride that meets his goal, finishing around the time of his other centuries.

For his training, he keeps a year-round weekly mileage minimum of 100 miles. As the cycling season progresses he gradually gets in weekly long rides of over 50 miles. Then, in the weeks prior to a century, he tries to work in a ride or two of around 70 miles. The week of the ride he backs off on the mileage, allowing his legs to fully recover.

As for other training tips he has picked up over the years, he eats familiar food the night before the event, usually pasta.

He does not make changes to the bike or clothing the day of the century. LaGrone also points out the importance of pacing yourself for at least the first 50 miles. Save your strength for the second half. And, above all, celebrate the finish!

Like LaGrone, for James Britt and John Linck of Arkansas Bicycle Club, bicycling 100-miles has become pretty much the norm. They also stress the need to stay consistent in training, diet and equipment leading up to the ride.

Linck says to finish a century is a gigantic reward, whether it takes 5 hours or 8; however, to abandon a century because you tried to finish too fast offers no reward.

Britt adds that the majority of cyclists who attempt a century see it is as a challenge of endurance, rather than a race for time.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 31

Left to right: Tim McKenzie cranking out the miles on his way to complete the BDB 100. With raised fists, Matthew Morton celebrates completing the Big Dam Bridge 100.

AND, ABOVE ALL,

CELEBRATE THE FINISH!

A NEED FOR SPEED Each cyclist approaches the start line with their own goals. Scott Penrod, former President of Central Arkansas Velo (CARVE), described the club’s goal as, “to get as many people to finish together as fast as possible.” With the “A Group” planning for a sub four to five hour century, I realized for them the challenge was time, rather than endurance.

Although most cyclists imagine completing a century in four to five hours would entail a lot of suffering, for the CARVE group, riding a century at that pace is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. The enjoyment comes from the comradery of working together to attain a common goal, and the reward is when they have successfully pushed themselves to complete the ride within their targeted time.

These riders already possess the endurance to complete 100 miles. Penrod explained their focus is training their bodies to ride at the speed required to finish within their target time, then maintaining it for ever-increasing distances. Their club rides are designed to simulate the actual event itself, riding in tight proximity, drafting one another at high speeds, working together as a team.

In preparation for the century, these CARVE cyclists will already be properly fueled, and their body will have enough calories to complete the four to five hour ride. They will keep nutrition during the ride as simple as possible, with non-complex sugars and nothing too high in calories.

Penrod concluded with a word of warning; “Don’t get caught up in the emotion of the start and go out too fast. Once a cyclist has ridden in the red zone for extended periods, they will never make it up during the remaining ride.”

Cyclists of all levels can go to the BDB100 website at thebigdambridge100.com to learn more.

32 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

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BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 33

Wheels of Change MAJOR TAYLOR CYCLING CLUB CARRIES ON THE SPIRIT OF AN OFT-FORGOTTEN HERO

BY DWAIN HEBDA

34 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

S

heila McDonald is one of those rare individuals for whom no athletic activity presents too steep a challenge. A self-described gym rat and all-around fitness enthusiast, the Pine Bluff native wears well the nickname she picked up some time ago, “Wonder Woman.”

But while McDonald has never found a sport or trail that could defeat her, the cycling community she found in Little Rock when she was just getting into the sport was enough to make her give up on it altogether—temporarily.

“I originally started (cycling) in the summer of 1984 when I was working in Chicago,” she said. “An uncle of mine introduced me to road cycling and I did some riding with him that summer.

But when I came back to Arkansas, I didn’t see anybody who looked like me cycling around here. I pretty much put my bike up and didn’t really do anything with it until 2011.”

That was the year that McDonald, Ron Sheffield and a handful of other individuals met to form a new cycling club dedicated to providing camaraderie and a shared love of riding, a group that has grown in more ways than one.

“All that we were talking about at that time was just a club to ride our bikes together and have fellowship and everything,” McDonald remembers. “We were trying to come up with a name for it and people were throwing out different things and Ron proposed that we name it after Major Taylor. That was the first time I had ever heard of [him].”

Forming the Major Taylor Cycling Club of Little Rock as a locally organized chapter of the Major Taylor National Association, Inc. – to say nothing of tagging the club after one of the sport’s earliest and oft-forgotten superstars – was more identity than mere name. Carrying on the legacy of Major Taylor inspired early club leadership with a clear beacon and example for what the group would stand for.

“The fact that [Major Taylor] had been a pioneer in a sport that had no pioneers, he had nobody to gauge himself off of,” Sheffield said. “He was a very spiritual man, he was very health conscious, he was a family man. And I said, ‘Why would we not want our cycling group named after him?’”

The all-inclusive membership of the group, also known as Rock City Riders, lives this purpose, on the bike and off. The club promotes cycling as a means of fitness and works to provide bikes to underserved youth by volunteering with North Little Rock’s Recycle Bikes for Kids.

“We’ve got members who are 72 years old to some who are in their late 20s,” Sheffield said. “We’re constantly looking for teenagers and younger people that we can teach how to cycle and how good cycling is, health-wise.”

McDonald and other club members also sit on various boards and commissions dedicated to helping improve and expand trails and cycling facilities in Central Arkansas. As a result of this work, McDonald said local cycling amenities have come a long way and, with them, local cycling’s reputation.

“The pedestrian bridges are, of course, the major accomplishment because that’s what allowed the event rides and the popularity of the event rides,” she said. “Once the Big Dam Bridge was built, there was nothing else like it. And with that ride, it brings people from all over the country and even overseas, and they love it.”

“The trails have been developed so much better and continue to be. And with clubs like ours and some of the others, when you go out and people see you with your gear on, riding in formation, people are inspired. They tell us we may have ridden by them one day, and it made them want to get a bike.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: JULIAN WHITE FOR ROCK CITY RIDERS/MAJOR TAYLOR CYCLING CLUB OF LITTLE ROCK

Sheila McDonald rides lead on a recent outing with the Major Taylor Cycling Club of Little Rock.

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Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor was born November 26, 1878, in Indianapolis, one of eight children. His father, a Civil War veteran, worked as a coachman for a wealthy Indianapolis family and it was this clan, the Southards, who gave the 12-year-old Taylor his first bicycle, and tutuored him during his primary years.

As a young teen, he was known for his trick riding and was employed by a string of bike shop owners and manufacturers in various capacities. One of these employers, Louis D. “Birdie” Munger of the Munger Cycle Manufacturing Company, in Indianapolis, and later the Worcester Cycle Manufacturing Company factory in Worcester, Massachusetts, saw to it he received a high school education while training him as a racer.

As a competitor, Taylor was without peer, particularly in the sprints, winning his first event at age 18. He also established lasting fame as one of the finishers in the 1896 Six-Day Bicycle Race, covering more than 1,700 miles on a 0.1 track in Madison Square Garden. As the name implies, the brutal events forced riders to compete for six days straight, and as many spectators were there to witness casualties as to salute the survivors.

Taylor’s appeal to the cycling world was similarly multi-faceted. Newspapers capitalized on his being one of the only black athletes in the sport, with such tags as the “Black Cyclone” and “Ebony Flyer,” and President Teddy Roosevelt was said to have been an ardent supporter. But racial prejudice outstripped appreciation for his athletic ability, resulting in some racers refusing to compete with him and some race promoters banning him altogether. Death threats and hostile crowds followed in training and competition throughout his career.

Despite this, Taylor would establish seven world records in 1898 and 1899 alone, was national champion in 1898 and world champion in 1899, the first black cyclist and only the second black athlete in any sport to win a world title. He’d tour and race worldwide, at one time being the highest paid athlete in sports, only to die penniless in Chicago in 1932.

It would be 15 years after his death before Schwinn Bicycle Company founder and others paid for a proper burial and a monument to Taylor and 60 years before he received his due accolades from American cycling governing bodies and halls of fame.

Taylor was brought into the public consciousness in the 2000s with a limited-edition Nike shoe and the occasional book on his life. This year, a short-form documentary and Hennessey cognac ad also revived his tale, the latter tagged, “What is it that you’re fighting for?”

Those interested in riding with the Rock City Riders chapter of the Major Taylor Cycling Club should visit the organization’s website at mtcc-lr.com.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 37

NATURAL CHAMPIONS The Family That Rides Together, Stays Together As told to Bike Arkansas PHOTOGRAPHY: David Yerby

C

ayden Parker just competed and placed first in the USA Cycling 2018 Mountain Bike National Championships in the 13-14 Cross Country Category and the 11-14 Short Track Cross Country events.

Finn Parker, Cayden’s younger brother, competed in 1112 Cross Country Category and placed ninth out of 34 competitors. Last year they competed in the same events where Cayden placed 17th out of 48 and Finn placed 15th out of 29.

Arkansas is continuing to grow as a mountain bike destination in which to train and race. Now, Arkansas has produced junior mountain bike National Champions.

Jona and Matt Parker of Hot Springs, Arkansas are Cayden and Finn’s parents. They had much to say about the young men and their training.

38 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 39

HOW DO THE BOYS APPROACH TRAINING? “The boys are fully in control of their training. We talk about goals and what it will take to fulfill them, but we never force a ride or specific type of training.

If we are doing something that the kids have given a fair chance, but just don’t enjoy, we look at other ways. Matt and I do everything we can to help facilitate Cayden and Finn reaching the goals they have set forth. Like all parents, we know our kids’ personalities and what motivates them. Cayden is extremely intrinsically motivated to succeed at whatever he is doing. Finn loves to have fun and is the more social of the two.”

WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP TRAINING FUN? “We try out a lot of different trails to keep them from getting bored. We also do different types of rides to keep things interesting: singletrack, gravel, road, hills, adventure, long, short, fast and group rides. We ride a lot, at least five to six times a week, but if either one of them appears to be stressed about results or seems to feel the pressure that elite competition can put on, we take a step back, we reevaluate and we remind them to do the same.”

ARE THERE ANY RECENT CHANGES TO YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON TRAINING? “Races are celebrations! A time to celebrate all you have done, how hard you have worked, and how much you love what you do. A celebration should not be stressful; it should be exciting!”

WHAT ARE SOME FUN RIDES YOUR FAMILY HAS PARTICIPATED IN? “A few months ago we went to Colorado and rode the Monarch Crest Trail, which is an IMBA epic trail that climbs up to 12,000 feet. It is our favorite ride we’ve ever done. We also rode part of the Colorado Trail, another IMBA epic.

“We frequently go on long adventure group gravel rides or mountainbike rides on the Womble or Lovit trails. Those are great for the boys because they are taken at an easy pace with friends, we stop and snack or swim, and we just enjoy the day.

We lead a group ride every Thursday night in the newly developing Northwest 40 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

area, to which we ride from our house.

The boys look forward to this, because it gives us a chance to meet new riders and share the passion we have with others.”

DO YOU FIND THAT RIDING HELPS WITH SCHOOL? “Yes, riding helps. The fundamentals of mountain biking are pretty much the fundamentals of successful living.

Keep looking ahead, scan for obstacles, create a plan for maneuvering around or over those obstacles, keep moving, keep giving your best effort, failure will happen, success will happen, and enjoy the process.”

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL RELATIONSHIPS YOU OR YOUR CHILDREN HAVE CULTIVATED THROUGH RIDING? “Too many to list. We have made so many connections through riding and racing, it’s amazing. Mountain biking is a subculture that attracts pretty rad people!”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FAMILY RELATIONSHIP? “I think what is special about our relationship with our boys is that we allow them the freedom to be who they are. We introduced mountain biking to them, but they are the ones who must apply it to their lives. We allow them to do that, and we just help guide them in aligning their actions with their goals.”

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM PARTICIPATING IN CYCLING? “We try to keep the attitude and outlook of a beginner. As a beginner, there is always room for growth. What we want as a family is continued growth, and mountain biking has given us something to be passionate about, something that encourages confidence, courage and hard work. We have learned how important it is to have a support system and connections within the community. So many people have had a part in this celebration and we are grateful.”

“A great friend of mine told me this: ‘Do what you can, where you are, with what you have. Do that every day. Great things will happen.’”

LEFT TO RIGHT: Finn takes a curve like a pro. Cayden takes the trail less ridden.

“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have. Do that every day. Great things will happen.”

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 41

PHOTO COURTESY ARKANSAS STATE PARKS

If you saddle up in downtown Little Rock, you can be in MTB heaven or roadbike nirvana in a matter of minutes. And after your sesh, pedal over to one of our 11 local craft breweries to take on some carbs and hops. Grab a tasty burger or take in a show at some of our live music venues. This…this is why you ride. So you can enjoy all these things guilt-free.

42 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

Jackfork Trail at Pinnacle Mountain State Park

LittleRock.com

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 43

Peggy Muncy stands on a corner in Winslow, Arizona on a cross country ride in 2008.

Fifty Miles in Fifty States

BY RICHARD LEDBETTER

P

eggy and Lee Muncy first met in the early 1990s when attending a master’s swim class at the Little Rock Racquet Club. Lee was in training for a Canadian Ironman triathlon, and Peggy simply liked to swim and wanted to get in shape. Romance bloomed, and they wed in October 1992. Of the twelve swimmers in the group, four paired off and got married.

According to Peggy, “There must have been something in the water!” Twenty-five years later they’re still challenging each other to reach new heights. Last year, the couple completed their second Cycle Greater Yellowstone tour through eastern Idaho in the Tetons that was scheduled to take advantage of the total solar eclipse in that region of the country. “It was spectacular. I’ve never experienced anything like it,” she said.

In June 2017, Peggy completed a nine-year endeavor to cycle fifty miles in all fifty states.

She told Bike Arkansas, “In 1991, I began road biking, and within nine months my husband talked me into riding Pedal the Peaks, an annual organized bike tour of about 1,200 riders held in the Colorado Rockies. Looking back, I don’t know how I ever did it! For my first organized ride, we rode 500 miles in one week and climbed about 25,000 feet in elevation. The worst part was I gained 5 pounds and my husband lost 5 pounds! I was not happy about that.” Peggy and Lee rode four more of those rides, accumulating miles in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico. The cycling bug had bitten them both, and almost from the beginning of their marriage, bicycle travel became their favorite hobby. Over the years they’ve ridden four times in Italy, twice in France, the Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, Finland, 44 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

Denmark, New Zealand, Australia, Costa Rica, England, Ireland, Scotland and Tahiti. If they were going on a trip, you could be certain that cycling was going to be involved.

Describing the evolution of her “fifty in fifty” goal, Peggy said, “In 1996, Lee and a friend from Chicago decided to ride Adventure Cycling’s southern tier route from San Diego, California to St. Augustin, Florida. They accomplished this in 37 days. Over the next two years, Lee rode the entire West coast from the Washington state/Canadian border to San Diego. A couple of years after that, he rode the entire East coast from Portland, Maine to Orlando, Florida.

“His trips inspired me, so after the kids left for college, I decided to start training and try to ride across the US myself. I signed up with a group called Cross Roads Cycling Adventures and chose them because they stayed in motels instead of camping! On May 11, 2008, which also happened to be Mother’s Day, I joined forty complete strangers and began a 43-day trek across the US from Los Angeles to Boston. We averaged 85 miles a day and had a rest day every seven or eight days. On days four and five we rode two back-to-back centuries, the second one being 115 miles. One of the hardest days was when the group was stricken with food poisoning in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Sixteen riders had to be transported by ambulance to an area hospital for IV’s. All forty of us completed the 3,415 mile trip by dipping our front wheels in the Atlantic Ocean. It was a very emotional moment for all of us.”

It was after that ride that Peggy started tallying up all the states in which she’d ridden and the miles she’d completed in each one.

When she realized she’d already completed about 35 states, she

Clockwise from above: Peggy and her husband, Lee, pose in front of Minnihaha Falls in Minneapolis.

Peggy stands in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on a trip for her 60th birthday. Peggy stands on Ravenel Bridge in Charleston, South Carolina, a cable-stayed bridge spanning 2.7 miles.

said, “That’s when I set my goal of cycling 50 miles in all 50 states.”

At that point, Peggy sought out organized rides in the remaining states, participating in ones like RAGBRAI, which crosses the entire state of Iowa in a week, Tour de Nebraska, Bike Florida, Bon Ton Roulet in the New York Finger lakes, Cycle Oregon, Shoreline Michigan and Cycle Zydeco in Louisiana, to name a few. For her 60th birthday, Peggy asked Lee to join her in riding the big island of Hawaii. When she got down to the last 10 states, she and Lee did two big road trips two summers in a row. They drove to Montana to ride in Cycle Greater Yellowstone that took place in the southwest corner of Montana, and prior to that they drove over to Idaho to ride around Coeur d’Alene and the Hiawatha Trail--known as America’s most beautiful “rails to trails” ride. On the way home, she racked up miles in South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. “While riding the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park in the Black Hills, we got detoured by a herd of buffalo and another day by a big moose on the trail.”

Needing just four more states to complete her list (and a handful of others in which she needed odd mileage to make 50), she and Lee took to the road again and drove a total of 4,470 miles round trip to ride in West Virginia, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island. In Pennsylvania, she was only nine miles shy of 50, having done only 41 miles on the cross-country trip. She looped an industrial park off the interstate near their hotel to get those nine miles. Lacking 32 miles to complete North Carolina, she biked up and down the main road in the Outer Banks to check

“It was a very emotional moment for all of us.”

—PEGGY MU NCY

off her final state. “Lee met me with a bottle of champagne when I finished that one,” she recalled. Remarkably, she accomplished the entire feat with two total knee replacements.

During her vast travels about America and the world, her greatest difficulty occurred right at home. “I was riding in the Big Dam Bridge 100, in 2014, next to my friend Barry Hyde, who was running for Pulaski County judge at the time. Between the Big Dam Bridge and the I-430 Bridge, a startled deer jumped out onto the trail and blindsided me. I was knocked unconscious and fractured my pelvis in two places. I have no memory of it whatsoever. People around me said that as the paramedics were loading me into the ambulance, I was asking everyone to vote for Barry Hyde for judge!” Peggy was back on the bike again after only two months.

This bucket list wasn’t just for personal gratification, she told us, “Before I left on my cross-country trip, I decided to make it count for something, and I wanted to raise money for a charity.

You know, get pledges for miles ridden, that sort of thing. I sent letters to everyone I knew asking them to pledge money to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas. One of my happiest moments was being able to present Cindy Doramus, director of the club, and Marty Rhodes, president of the board, with a check for $25,000. That made all of it worthwhile.”

When asked what’s next on her bucket list, she laughed and said, “Nothing. I’m not going to make any more lists. And no one is happier about that than my husband!”

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 45

GET UP & GO!

NWA CYCLOCROSS SERIES

The NWA CX Series is a six-race series perfect for elite riders and newcomers alike! Held in six unique venues over the course of three months, come experience the best-loved, most spectator-friendly form of bike racing.

Cyclocross is the fastest-growing discipline in bike racing. Why? The races marry the intensity of a criterium with the bike-handling test of a cross-country mountain bike race. As the cliché goes, it’s the hardest race you’ll ever love.

Each race is in a different town — Lowell, Springdale, Johnson, Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Avoca. It culminates in the Arkansas State Championship in early December. If you’ve ever been curious to try cyclocross, this is the perfect opportunity. Juniors race for free, and beginners race for a discounted entry fee.

MUDCROSS September 29-30 Lowell, AR GREAT BIG CROSS October 13 Bentonville, AR

JOHNSON CROSS CUP October 21 Johnson, AR OZ CROSS November 10-11 Fayetteville, AR

PUMP CROSS CRUSADE November 18 Springdale, AR ARKANSAS CX STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS December 1 Avoca, AR

OZCROSS.CX/NWA-CX-SERIES FB: NWA CYCLOCROSS SERIES

PEDAL AND POKER This 13-mile bicycle poker ride on the Razorback Greenway benefits the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Cyclists will ride 6.5 miles to the Mercy parking lot in Bella Vista, then head back to Bentonville. Riders will draw cards along the route to complete your poker hand. Stops will be marked with balloons and vendor tables. The best five-card poker hands will win great prizes! Be sure and turn in your card to the event director table by 12:00 pm. Riders under 10 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Cost is $25 per person ages 13+, $15 ages 9-12. Last registration after October 5, 2018, $30 ages 13+, $20 ages 9-12. Additional poker tickets can be purchased for $10/each.

Bentonville October 13 at 9:30 a.m.

46 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

CROHNSCOLITISFOUNDATION.ORG/2018PEDALPOKERRIDE

ARKANSAS’S LARGEST CYCLING TOUR LITTLE ROCK SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 The Big Dam Bridge 100 (BDB100) is Arkansas’s largest cycling tour, and it 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, and connects over 15 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 and federal parks. The BDB 100 attracted nearly 3,000 cyclists from around the nation and multiple countries around the world in 2016.

GOT QUESTIONS? CHECK OUT THEBIGDAMBRIDGE100.COM.

12TH ANNUAL TOUR DA DELTA IN MEMORY OF TOM KINNEBREW

GET THE OFFICAL JERSEY!

Ride and enjoy the diversity of this unique ride.

Ride around a beautiful cypress-filled lake, enjoy the rolling hills that wind through the St. Francis National Forest, and experience the history of the Civil War when passing Fort Curtis and other landmarks.

Registration is $60 and includes a free pass into the Blues Festival after the ride, $20 in Blues Bucks to eat lunch with any of the vendors downtown, and one pair of Tour da Delta socks to the first 100 riders that register.

Helena, Arkansas Saturday, October 6th, 2018 Start Time: 9:00 am- 65 MILE RIDE Start Time: 9:00 am- 35 MILE RIDE Start Time: 9:00 am- 35 Mile Gravel Grind Start Time: 10:00 am- Fun Ride

GOT A QUESTION? CONTACT CHRIS SCHAFFHAUSER AT 501-240-4211

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 47

GET UP & GO!

LOViT! OUTERBIKE Fri, Oct 26, 2018, 9:00 AM – Sun, Oct 28, 2018, 4:00 PM Buckyball area by Crystal Bridges Bentonville

What is Outerbike ?

Outerbike is where you can be a bike demo maniac, testing as many of the latest and greatest bikes as possible.

Or bring your bike you already own and love, and still do all the trails and shuttle rides.

Or just show up, not even throw a leg over a bike, yet still enjoy hanging out and drinking beer with your friends!

How does Outerbike work?

SAVE THE DATE:

THE LOVIT MARATHON & ENDURO FEBRUARY 16-17, 2019

GO TO LOVITRACE.COM OR BIKEREG.COM

Close to the LAKE OUACHITA VISTA TRAIL and 15 minutes from Hot Springs, Echo Canyon Resort and Marina has everything for all-around family fun: cabins, RV sites, marina and restaurant.

2645 BLAKELY DAM ROAD | ROYAL, AR 71968 501-767-2997 ECHOCANYONAR.COM | INFO@ECHOCANYONAR.COM

48 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

Pick your pass. Choose between the Full Demo, BYOB (Bring Your Own Bike), or get the Social Card to just hang out and still be part of the fun.

Decide what the best bike is. With the Full Demo pass, you get a card to check out the demo bikes. Repeat as needed. Whether it’s a demo bike or your own beloved bike, put it to the test on the world-class trails. Take it for a spin on the trails close to the venue, or hop on a shuttle to a classic Moab trail.

Bring your friends & family, hang out at the event, and have fun! Browse the latest bike innovations and stick around for free beer (included in all passes)! Lunches are included with your pass, which are fresh, healthy and delicious! Any parties or movies hosted by Outerbike will be included as well.

FOR EVERY RIDER

LAKE FORT SMITH STATE PARK

A TRAIL

With 11 Arkansas State Parks offering more than 150 miles of epic mountain biking, there’s a trail for riders of all ages and skill levels.

Plan your adventure at #ARStateParks

ArkansasStateParks.com

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 49

GUESS WHAT?

GET UP & GO!

Recycle Bikes for Kids has our very own cycling jersey!

Purchase one at JEKSPORTS.COM/RECYCLEBIKES and not only look really cool but help support an awesome program at the very same time!

Recycle Bikes for Kids is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide one free bike to any kid and to offer adults the opportunity to earn a bike by volunteering.

UMPTEEN RIDES ACROSS ARKANSAS

December 21, 2018 through January 1, 2019 Umpteen Rides was originally created to get the founders off the couch and on their bikes through the holidays. When they lived in Washington state, the winter rain would really wear them down, so getting motivated to ride was tough.

They spent several holiday seasons in Tucson, Arizona where they met some new mountain biking friends.

The Tucson folks hosted an annual informal event called the eight-ish rides of Christmas. There was a different ride hosted daily at various trails all over the Tucson area. They rode, they had trail beers, and they had a fantastic time.

Fast forward to December 2016: The couple found themselves back home in Arkansas but still lacking that everelusive motivation. As they sat with their computers in their laps sinking deeper into couch-potato mode and wondering what they could do to get outside, they agreed the only way they would go was to call a ride publicly. If you’re committed to meeting other folks at the trail, you must go!

In 2018, there will be more than 35 rides. There will be mountain bike rides, gravel rides, light rides, ugly sweater rides and they are even expanding to include some family friendly rides to get everyone outside.

Got a question? Contact umpteenrides@gmail.com, or find them on Instagram using #umpteenrides or Facebook @ Umpteen Rides.

50 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

DON’T MISS THESE GREAT EVENTS! SEPTEMBER 14 30TH ANNUAL MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE AT DEVIL’S DEN Arkansasstatteparks.com

SEPTEMBER 15 CONWAY FALL CLASSIC BIKE TOUR Cycleconway.com

SEPTEMBER 22 WHEEL A’ MENA Wheelamena.org

OCTOBER 20 PEDESTAL ROCK ROAD RIDE & LICK FORK GRAVEL GRIND

The bike trails in and around Eureka Springs, Arkansas have been a biking enthusiast’s dream for over 130 years. Today, some of the most challenging mountain bike trails in the region can be found just minutes from downtown, at Lake Leatherwood City Park. These new downhill gravity trails have been cut by the experts and are considered some of the best runs this side of the Rockies. So, the next time you and your friends are looking for some serious “hang time,” veer off the beaten path and shred the new mountain bike trails in Eureka Springs!

pedestalrock40ride.com

OCTOBER 20 GARDENS ON TAP peelcompton.org/ GOTpayment.htm

OCTOBER 27 GREENWOOD RUN, WALK AND ROLL Localraces.com

NOVEMBER 17 NORTHWOODS MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL GRAND OPENING Hotsprings.org

NOVEMBER 18 ATILLA THE HUN MTB RACE Ambcs.com

NOVEMBER 18 TOUR DUH SUNKEN LANDS FB: @tourduhsunkenlands

DECEMBER 8 CYCLOFROST LAKE FAYETTEVILLE fayetteville-ar.gov/cx BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 51

BIKE SHOPS

Northeast Arkansas

Central Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK

ARKANSAS CYCLING & FITNESS 315 N. Bowman, Stes. 6-9 501-221-BIKE (2453) arkansascycling.com

CHAINWHEEL

10300 Rodney Parham Rd. 501-224-7651 chainwheel.com

GIANT BICYCLES

11525 Cantrell Rd., Ste. 607 501-508-5566 giantlittlerock.com

ROCK TOWN RIVER OUTFITTERS Little Rock River Market 400 President Clinton Ave. 501-690-2277 rocktownriveroutfitters.com

THE METEOR

1001 Kavanaugh Blvd. (Hillcrest) 501-664-7765 themeteorcafe.com

THE COMMUNITY BICYCLIST

7509 Cantrell Rd., Ste. 118 501-663-7300 thecommunitybicyclist.com 52 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

BATESVILLE NORTH LITTLE ROCK

ANGRY DAVE’S BICYCLES

3515 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

501-753-4990 angrydavesbicycles.com

RUSSELLVILLE

CARR’S CHAIN REACTION 506 N. Arkansas Ave. 479-890-4950 carrschainreaction.com

SHERWOOD

ARKANSAS CYCLING & FITNESS 3010 E. Kiehl Ave. 501-834-5787 arkansascycling.com

J & P BIKE SHOP

7910 John F. Kennedy Blvd. (Hwy 107) 501-835-4814 jandpbikeshop.com

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

JONESBORO

GEARHEAD CYCLE HOUSE

231 S. Main St. 870-910-5569 gearheadcyclehouse.com

SEARCY

THE BIKE LANE

2116 W. Beebe Capps Expressway 501-305-3915 thebikelane.cc

Northwest Arkansas

BELLA VISTA

PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP

1700 Rogers Ave. 479-222-6796 phattirebikeshop.com

BENTONVILLE

MOJO CYCLING

2104 S. Walton Blvd., Ste. 1 479-271-7201 mojocycling.com

PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP

125 W. Central Ave. 479-715-6170 phattirebikeshop.com

EUREKA SPRINGS

ADVENTURE MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS 151 Spring St. 479-253-0900 adventuremountainoutfitters.com

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

UREC OUTDOORS

1 University of Arkansas, HPER 102 479-575-CAMP urec.uark.edu

PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP

1700 Rogers Ave. 479-222-6796 phattirebikeshop.com

HEBER SPRINGS

SULPHUR CREEK OUTFITTERS 625 S. 7th St. 501-691-0138 screekoutfitters.com

LEWIS & CLARK OUTFITTERS

4915 S. Thompson St. 479-756-1344 lewisandclarkoutfitters.com

PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP

101 W. Johnson Ave. phattirebikeshop.com

Southwest Arkansas

MOUNTAIN HOME

HOT SPRINGS

MOUNTAIN HOME BICYCLE COMPANY

PARKSIDE CYCLE

1310 E. Side Centre Ct. 870-425-2453 mountainhomebicyclecompany.com

ROGERS

719 Whittington Ave. 501-623-6188 parksidecycle.com

SPA CITY CYCLING

GPP CYCLING

879 Park Avenue Ste. B (501) 463-9364 spacitycycling.com

LEWIS & CLARK OUTFITTERS

BICYCLE REPAIR & SERVICE ONLY

318 S. 1st St. 479-372-4768 gppcycling.com

2530 Pinnacle Hills Parkway 479-845-1344 lewisandclarkoutfitters.com

OZARK BIKE SHOP

Cash Village Shopping Center 400 S. 8th St., Ste. K 479-636-0394

THE HIGHROLLER CYCLERY 402 S. Metro Parkway 479-254-9800 highrollercyclery.com

SILOAM SPRINGS

BICYCLE OUTFITTER

110 N. Walnut St. Harrison 870-741-6833

MOTIVE BIKE SERVICE

Mobile repair service to the Little Rock Metro Area and beyond 479-366-7926 motivebikeservice.com

OZARK BICYCLE SERVICE

W. New Hope Road Northwest Arkansas Area 479-715-1496 ozarkbicycleservice.com

DOGWOOD JUNCTION TRIKES & BIKES

FORT SMITH

200 Progress Ave., Ste. 5 (Signature Plaza) 479-524-6605 dogwoodjunction.biz

CHAMPION CYCLING & FITNESS

PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP

8201 Rogers Ave. 479-484-7500 championcycling.com

SPRINGDALE

101 S Broadway St 479-373-1458. phattirebikeshop.com

BICYCLE MANUFACTURERS

ALLIED CYCLE WORKS

2201 Brookwood Dr. #108, Little Rock 844-442-8356 alliedcycleworks.com

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no.8 53

Happy Trails

ROLL ON

“Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.”

54 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8

—H.G Wells

PHOTO BY NOVO STUDIO

Tim Scott, assistant superintendent of Devil’s Den State Park, gets his wheels wet on the Fossil Flats Trail.

THE CYCLIST’S ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND

With miles of bicycle-friendly roads and trails, Hot Springs Village is a cyclist’s paradise. Come out for heart-pumping action, beautiful scenery and a workout you’ll remember.

Book a Discovery Package to Experience Life in the Village | 501.922.5510 Contact Village Homes & Land | 501.922.5560 | ExploreTheVillage.com (c) 2018 Hot Springs Village. Some restrictions apply, including amenity usage fees and assessments, see community representative for details. All information believed to be accurate but is not warranted and is subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawals without notice. This material shall not constitute an offer or solicitation in any state where prior registration is required.

arkansas' premier cycling event

9.29.2018

register now!

rides from 15-100 miles www.bigdambridge100.com 2018 Big Dam Bridge 100 medal, sponsored by first security the medal is awarded to all finishers of rides 26 miles and above.

• 2018 jersey • available • before the ride, • at the official • merchandise • booth in the Expo• • packet pick-up • and after the ride • at the Finale Fest.

•

9.28.2019

BDB100 2019 registration opens 3.1.2019 56 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 8