BIKE ARKANSAS | Winter 2020

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NOVEMBER 2020 ISSUE NO. 16 BIKEARKANSASMEDIA.COM

Family Rides

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BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 3

IN THIS ISSUE

PAGE 30

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Campaign launches to promote Arkansas law that allows cyclists to treat red lights like stop signs and stop signs like yield signs; new and improved Railyard Bike Park to reopen soon.

Where to kids and adults can have fun together.

By Bob Robinson

BRAKING NEWS

10

MY KIT

For Stephen Paulson’s family, mountain biking is a family affair.

14

FAMILY RIDING TIPS

How to stay safe and sane with kids on two wheels.

By Lindsay Southwick

4 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

TOP FAMILY RIDES

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FINALLY, LITTLE ROCK GETS MTB LOVE

The Pinnacle State Park Monument Trails open with more to come.

By Lindsey Millar

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

What to get your favorite cyclist.

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BIKEARKANSASMEDIA.COM FOLLOW US FOR MORE BIKE

BROOKE WALLACE Publisher

brookewallace@arktimes.com LINDSEY MILLAR Editor

lindseymillar@arktimes.com MANDY KEENER Creative Director

mandy@arktimes.com MIKE SPAIN Art Director LESA THOMAS Senior Account Executive LEE MAJOR Account Executive WELDON WILSON Production Manager/Controller ROLAND R. GLADDEN Advertising Traffic Manager

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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 © 2020 Bike Arkansas Magazine

Contributors

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

BOB ROBINSON enjoys all things

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

Join Central Arkansas Velo (CARVE)!

• Support cycling advocacy initiatives such as public policy and infrastructure • Develop recreational and competitive cyclists through education and coaching • Build the cycling community through events large and small

COMI NG I N FE B RUARY 202 1

LINDSEY MILLAR When he’s not building kicker ramps and exploring the trails of Central Arkansas with his two sons, Lindsey Millar is the editor of Bike Arkansas and the Arkansas Times. He’s also the founder of the Arkansas Nonprofit News Network.

ROAD RACE

www.centralarvelo.org BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 7

BRAKING NEWS

CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE NEW CYCLING SAFETY LAW The Arkansas Good Roads Foundation has launched Good Roads Are Safe Roads, a yearlong campaign to raise awareness about a new state law that allows cyclists to treat a red light like a stop sign and a stop sign like a yield sign when there is no oncoming traffic. The campaign is being supported by the Walton Family Foundation, Arkansas was only the second state to pass such a law, enacted in 2019. It was recommended to legislators by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Cycling. Joe Jacobs, marketing and revenue manager for Arkansas State Parks, is the chairman of the council and helped write the legislation. He said the bill was important for the safety of cyclists.

“Having more control in an intersection, which is a dan-

gerous place for a cyclist, is really good for them. If you can move out of the intersection before cars start moving, you’re much safer.

“When you come up to the light, and there’s no cross traffic, you can go ahead and move through. Cars that may be behind you are no longer behind you. You’re able to move through the intersection, get on down the road and maybe even make the next light, and you’re not slowing down the traffic behind you that is only going to be able to go at your speed.”

The statewide campaign will use TV, radio, print, social media and digital displays to educate the community about the benefits of the law, including in terms of safety and economic development. Visit goodroadssaferoads.org for more information.

A significantly upgraded Railyard Bike Park is slated to open soon in Rogers. The park opened in 2015 with natural surface jumps, berms and rollers, but weather often led to closures. It’s now been paved with asphalt (with permeable rubber pavement landings), expanded and updated.

New to the park are lights, four progressive jumps that range in difficulty level from white to black and four downhill slope-style runs that also range from white to black. The park will be the largest paved slope-style downhill course in the U.S., according to city engineer Lance Jobe.

Old popular features have been updated. A ridethrough rail car is now on a green line with no jumps required, making it accessible to younger, less experienced riders. There’s also a concrete kids zone with a small pump track that’s outfitted with softer landers.

The park, which closed in April for construction, was excavated to lay underground drainage pipes, built back up with gravel and topped with nearly 400 tons of asphalt, said Barry Williams of Crafton Tull, which coordinated the design with the city. The asphalt work was all hand-sculpted by experienced mountain bike or BMX riders from Velosolutions who tested the park’s ride over and over again, Williams said.

The park connects via hard surface trails to nearby Lake Atalanta and 10 miles of single track. Railyard Park, an urban park that follows the railroad through downtown Rogers, is under construction just across from the bike park. Improvements to the Railyard Bike Park were funded by a grant from the city’s 2018 bond issue and a 50/50 match from the Walton Family Foundation.

8 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

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MY KIT

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NAME: Stephen Paulson FROM: Little Rock JOB: Owner of Little Rock’s Pillar to Post home inspection franchise and member of the Arkansas National Guard with 15 years of service.

I STARTED RIDING: When I was 11, but

I started mountain biking around 1997.

I went to Chainwheel and was talking to Tony Karklins, who owned the shop at the time. I had an Eddy Merckx road bike at the time that, it turned out, used to be his bike. So it had sentimental value. So he gave me a good deal on a nice mountain bike with a trade-in of the Eddy Merckx.

FAMILY: My wife, Angela, and I got

married a year ago. She’s big into mountain biking, too. She saw my profile on MTBProject, messaged me, we started dating and two years later we were married. We both coach for the Little Rock NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) composite team, which incorporates any student in grades 6-12 in the city.

We got my son, John, his first mountain bike for his 12th birthday. He’s now 14.

He recently got my wife’s hand-medown full suspension. As soon as he moved to full suspension, he went to a new level. Last year was his first year doing NICA races and he was finishing in the top 25. This year he’s finishing in the top 10. He loves to jump. He loves to race. He’s cost us more in repairs than I care to think about.

THE PAULSONS: (From left) John, Stephen and Angela.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 11

BIKES: Mine is a full suspension Salsa Spearfish. It’s lightweight, real responsive, just an allaround aggressive trail bike.

With this bike, I switched from riding a hardtail. The full suspension makes all the difference with handling and just being able to roll over things you’d normally have trouble with. I also switched from 27.5-inch wheels to 29 wheels, which also helps me roll over things easier. Angela has a full suspension Liv Intrigue, which is Giant’s line designed specially for women. She really likes it. John has a Specialized Camber. We’ve replaced the drivetrain and some other components. It’s more of a cross-country bike than an aggressive trail bike, but it works for him.

TAILGATE PAD: It’s from Race

Face. It’s made to hold six bikes, but I’ve squeezed seven on there before. The bikes fit over the tailgate with the front wheel hanging over and you secure them with a Velcro strap. The only downside is there’s not a lot of room left over when we go camping in the truck bed, but it’s perfect for quick jaunts to the Pinnacle Monument Trails or Northwoods or Boyle Park, where we often have NICA practice.

GLOVES: OZ Gloves. The NICA

event we did recently in Fort Smith gave out gloves to all the coaches and riders. I’m a Level 3 coach and Angela is a Level 2.

12 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

JOHN’S HELMET: It’s a SixSixOne with a custom paint job that a NICA coach with a friend who did custom helmets arranged for the entire NICA team to have.

SHOES: I just got this pair of Five

Tens Maltese Falcons. It’s kind of a combination shoe that allows me to clip in with SPD pedals.

I’ve tried riding flats, but I felt like I was constantly trying to adjust my foot.

GPS WATCH: Garmin Fenix 5X

Sapphire. I never leave home without it. I use it as a home inspector every day. When I’m biking or otherwise exercising, I use it combined with a Myzone heart rate monitor. It tells me heart rate percentages, what zone I’m in, how much effort I’ve put out. It’s incredible. It’s probably my favorite piece of gear aside from my bike.

“We got my son, John, his first mountain bike for his 12th birthday.

Last year was his first year doing NICA races and he was finishing in the top 25. This year he’s finishing in the top 10. He loves to jump. He loves to race. He’s cost us more in repairs than I care to think about.”

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 13

AF Rides

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amily Who Together...

The new group rides.

By Lindsay Southwick

I

don’t think any of us anticipated we’d be in the final months of the year still hobbling our way through this pandemic, yet here we are. In the midst of COVID, cycling in The Natural State is increasingly popular and continues to be an outlet for thousands of Arkansans and their families. Family riding is not a new concept, but more and more families have started riding together, as social gatherings, like group rides, remain a complex balancing act.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 15

“A

family who rides together …” is a sentence I could complete in a number of ways, depending on the ride. I have four kids who have various levels of interest in biking, which is to be expected. If you have more than one child then you know how different they can be, from their interests to their personalities. Throwing all of them into one activity feels ambitious, maybe unreasonable. Some family rides go smoothly, with laughter and happy kids. Others involve bloody knees, bad attitudes and sibling rivalry on full display.

The biggest test of endurance on family rides is often that of your patience.

Several factors can throw off any family

activity, and family riding is no different.

With the help of some fellow families who ride together, I’ve tackled a few of the challenges that family riding can present with some “expert” tips to not only help set you up for success, but encourage you to push through the frustrating times. I’m confident you’ll find that it’s worth it.

BEFORE YOU GO

Any successful family outing I’ve ever been

a part of includes snacks. This may be a super-obvious parenting hack, but I have made the mistake of thinking, “We’re just going for a short ride,” and paid for it dearly.

Learn from my mistakes and throw some bars in your backpack. No ride is too short for a snack. Bring plenty of water and a little first-aid kit, too, just in case.

Assign a leader and a sweep. My husband and I always assume these roles, but an experienced kid could perform this task as well. This becomes especially critical when crossing a street. Save yourself the heart attack and bookend the family. Having a responsible leader also helps set the pace for the ride. Plan your route and be clear about stopping points to allow for everyone to catch up. A family ride implies togetherness, so try to stick together as much as possible.

NEW OR INEXPERIENCED RIDERS

“A family who rides together … helps each other get back up and keep going after a fall.”

— The Paulin Family

The quickest way to discourage a new rider is to put them on a trail above their pay

grade. Conversely, the best way to set a new rider up for success is to put them on trails you know they can handle. Think smooth trails and wide turns. The goal for new riders, or riders who are more on the cautious side, is to show them a good time so they’ll want to go again. That’s it.

In my parenting experience, finding the line between encouragement and pushing too hard can be tricky. This is definitely the case when it comes to kids and biking. Keep yourself in check and try to foster a fun environment. If they feel safe today, the skills will come tomorrow. Teaching them it’s OK to walk their bike is a valuable skill, too.

Keep the rides short. A ride that’s too long is another surefire way to lose a new rider and will all but guarantee reluctance the next time you want to go out as a family.

Keep it simple and keep it short.

16 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

VARIOUS AGES AND SKILL LEVELS

“A family who bikes together … learns together.”

— The Pickman Family

This is likely the biggest challenge for families with

multiple kids. If you’re dealing with kids at various levels, always level down. The more experienced riders can usually find a way to make the ride work for them, like finding features and going faster. Try and accommodate everyone’s needs and wants as much as you can but tailor the rides toward the youngest or least experienced riders. One of my daughters doesn’t love going on the dirt, so sometimes we try to find trails next to a greenway.

Having options can be a lifesaver.

Pick a skill for everyone to focus on throughout the ride. Riders of all levels have room for improvement. Picking a particular technique that everyone will work on is one way to close the gap between experienced and less-experienced riders. It could be looking ahead, level pedals, or getting off your seat. In my experience, pulling my kids who are the stronger cyclists aside beforehand and letting them know I need them to help and encourage the less-experienced kids creates a team-building mindset (and will hopefully minimize their inclination to rub their biking prowess in their siblings’ faces).

It can be a long road to get an entire family comfortably riding together. Be patient.

INCENT

“A family who rides together … smiles together.”

— The Walnofer Family

Some would call this bribery, but I call it insur-

ance. Ending with ice cream, lunch at your favorite spot, or even a favorite meal at home after a ride is making sure that even tough rides end on a high note. Having some time together off the bike may allow for reflection where we may even be able to laugh at any family ride mishaps. On one of our family rides, my boys got into a brotherly brawl on the trails. When we reflected on it later, we rolled with laughter. It’s not always going to go smoothly, but it can end smoothly.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 17

REMEMBER THE MISSION

“A family who rides together … grows together.”

— The Eisenbeiss Family

The goal for family rides is to have fun and learn a little along the way.

Remind the kids (and yourself) it’s all about progress. Ride the same trails over and over to measure improvement. Approach a family ride as something you’re all going to help each other through. Focus less on distance and speed and more on efforts made, obstacles tackled and fears conquered. We know there are life lessons that can be learned on bikes. Who better to learn with than our families?

As anxious as we are for things to get back to normal, there are a few things worth holding onto once this health crisis is over. If family riding is something that was spurred on by the pandemic, with any luck it won’t end with the pandemic. Let’s hope family rides don’t go by the wayside once group rides come back to life. Getting the entire family out on a ride isn’t always going to go smoothly, but you likely won’t regret it, either. Family memories are often hard-won, but the payoff is worth the effort.

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BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 19

THE GREG SMITH TRAIL: A multi-use trail in Fort Smith that follows the Arkansas River for 6 miles.

Family Friendly Bicycling in Ark 20 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

Where to go.

By Bob Robinson

Photos by Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and Bob Robinson

ansas

As more and more families seek fun and COVID-safe activities they can share together, bicycling has emerged as a popular choice.

Eugene Kersh, owner of Champion Cycling in Fort Smith, said that while many industries are experiencing a downturn, bicycle sales are soaring.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 21

IN ROGERS: The revamped Railyard Bike Park is a great place for riders to practice jumps and berms, and it connects with the 2-mile Lake Atalanta Loop.

P

erhaps no other state in the country is better equipped to accommodate family-friendly bicycle outings than Arkansas.

From paved bikeways to soft surfaces, there is an abundance of safe environments where families can enjoy bicycle outings together.

Many families instinctively choose the safety of paved surface trails for their initial outings. The popular Arkansas River Trail in Little Rock and the Razorback Greenway in Northwest Arkansas are sure to be at the top of everyone’s list. These

are both great bikeways offering enjoyable scenic rides. However, before loading up the family fleet of bikes and making the drive, check out the cycling paths within your neighborhood. You will be surprised by the number of readily accessible paved trails.

One such trail is the Greg Smith River

Trail in Fort Smith. Originating in the city’s historic downtown, this paved multi use trail follows the banks of the Arkansas River 6 miles downriver to link up with Fort Smith Park.

Along the route, cyclists pass the U.S. Marshals Museum, bronze sculpture, a chance to see waterfowl within the river’s scenic backwaters, and the Powers Port Boat Ramp.

There is also a bike rental station operated by students from the Future School.

Once young riders have developed their confidence

From paved bikeways to soft surfaces, there is an abundance of safe environments where families can enjoy bicycle outings together.

22 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

Another great resource for family-friendly trails is former railroad right of ways that have been converted into multiuse trails.

and skill set riding the GSRT, many enjoy completing several laps on the bike park located at the start of the trail.

Another great family-friendly paved bike path is the Lake Atalanta Loop. This two-mile loop trail is located in Rogers within Lake Atalanta Park. Circling the banks of the lake for the duration of the ride, it offers beautiful views of the reflections of trees on the calm water surface.

For the more experienced cyclist, the

path connects with the Railyard Bike Park.

Featuring an environment filled with jumps, downhill berms and other challenges, Railyard is designed to hone bicycle skills for both young and adult cyclists.

Another great resource for family-friendly trails is former railroad right of ways that

have been converted into multiuse trails. The RailsTo-Trails Conservancy lists 22 such trails in Arkansas.

These trails range from paved surfaces to smooth crushed limestone. With their wide footprint and minimal elevation change, these trails provide excellent environments for family bicycle excursions.

The Delta Heritage Trail State Park is a popular Arkansas rail trail. The trail consists of two 20-plus-mile segments located at each end of the planned 84-mile trail. Following BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 23

FAMILY IN-TOW: The Delta Heritage Trail is great for families pulling kids in trailers.

its completion in 2025, the trail will run from Lexa to Arkansas City. There are also plans for the trail to be incorporated into the Big River Trail, a riverside trail system extending from the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Delta trail routes cyclists past working farmland, scenic wetlands, shady tree tunnels and across numerous waterways. The trail also offers camping opportunities and restrooms.

Visit TrailLink.com

to locate rail and other bicycle trails in your area. While there, if you discover a trail in another region of the state that piques your interests, plan a family weekend adventure exploring a new section of The Natural State on a bicycle.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

With hundreds of quality mountain bike trails across the state, many new cyclists are opting for soft-surface family-friendly bicycling adventures.

Although most trails across the state are designed with the more advanced mountain bikers in mind, there are many trails that include sections for beginning riders.

Also, with Arkansas State Parks working together with the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation to

With hundreds of quality mountain bike trails across the state, many new cyclists are opting for soft-surface family-friendly bicycling adventures.

24 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 25

ON MOUNT NEBO: The Three-C Trail, part of the Mount Nebo State Park Monument Trails, is a great place to introduce young riders to mountain biking. construct professionally built Monument Trails in our state parks, there are more singletrack opportunities for beginning mountain bikers.

As Suzanne Grobmyer, executive director of the Parks and Recreation Foundation, explained, “I want each Monument Trail to include something for the entire family to

enjoy — trails that my young daughter can learn to ride on, plus ones she can enjoy riding throughout her life.”

The Monument Trail at Mount Nebo State Park is a great example of the sorts of trails the foundation and parks department are constructing to cater to the entire family.

Although the majority of the trails are designed to challenge even the most advanced mountain bikers, the gentle dirt rollers and banked berms on the strider-bike-friendly Three-C Trail provides a fun-filled ride the entire family will enjoy.

Two miles long, the trail stretches across the entire length of the mountaintop, from sunrise to sunset points. Along the way, a family may enjoy stops to inspect rustic rock cabins, pavilions and campground structures crafted by the 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps, for which the trail is named.

The Monument Trail at Mount Nebo State Park is a great example of the sorts of trails the foundation and parks department are constructing to cater to the entire family.

26 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

FAMILY OUTDOOR VACTIONS

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The ranch is about five minutes south of Middle Buffalo access areas, Ozark Highland Trail for hiking, and the Ozark Grinder Trail for cycling, but guests of our cabins will also find plenty 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 48 guests.

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Bear Creek is open year-around, 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.

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6403 N HWY 65 | ST. JOE, AR | 870.448.5926 | BUFFALORIVERLOGCABINS.NET BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 27

PINNACLE STATE PARK MONUMENT TRAILS: Coachwhip is a big green loop that’s ideal for families who mountain bike together.

Once a family has conquered Three-C, they can drop down to the more technical but still fun Miller’s Goat Trail.

The recently completed Monument Trail at Pinnacle State Park also includes a section tailored for a family-friendly experience. Coachwhip Trail was designed to meet the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) specifications for a safe environment for beginning mountain bikers.

NICA is a great organization for new youthful

mountain bikers. Promoting safe mountain biking practices for high school-aged riders, and with opportunities for parents to become involved as coaches, NICA is family-friendly.

Contact Kyla Templeton, Arkansas league director, at kyla@arkansasmtb.org to join the NICA team.

To discover more about mountain bike trails in your area, visit mtbproject.com or trailforks.com.

PREPARATION FOR THEIR FIRST RIDE

With many riders climbing onto striders or a pedal bike with training wheels for the first time, it is important parents take measures to ensure these initial rides result in a positive experience.

Anya Bruhin, education program manager of BikeNWA, cautions, “It can be exceedingly

The recently completed Monument Trail at Pinnacle State Park also includes a section tailored for a family-friendly experience.

28 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

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Enjoy the open-air ride in Ridgeland!

For more information about visiting Mississippi safely, explore visitmississippi.org, #VisitMSResponsibly

difficult for a child to overcome an early bad experience on a bicycle.”

To assist parents, Bruhin and Candice Kozark, of Oz Trails, created the “Let’s Play Bikes NWA” booklet. The material provides tips for making a child’s early cycling adventures a memorable experience, one they will want to repeat. The booklet is free, available at bikenwa.org. The guide provides fun practice exercises to develop skill sets needed for beginners to balance themselves on two wheels, all the way through safety measures to follow for that first family outing. You can also visit bikenwa.org for more information on safe bicycling practices.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 29

30 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

Little Rock becomes a mountain biking destination Pinnacle Mountain State Park Monument Trails are open.

By Lindsey Millar

A

fter years of watching Northwest Arkansas develop into a regional mountain biking mecca and seeing Hot Springs get in on the act in 2018 with the opening of Northwoods Trails, Little Rock trail riders finally have something to brag about in their own backyard.

The first phase of the Pinnacle Mountain State Park Monument Trails opened in early October.

“There’s nothing like them in Little Rock,” said Joe Jacobs, the marketing and revenue manager for Arkansas State Parks and one of Central Arkansas’s (and the state’s) top advocates for mountain biking. He’s the chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Cycling, a board member of the Central Arkansas Trail Alliance and was a driving force behind the creation of the trails in Little Rock’s Boyle Park and Woolly Hollow State Park in Faulkner County. He was also heavily involved in the design of the Pinnacle Monument Trails. The Monument Trails go from green to black (like ski runs, mountain bike routes are designated green for beginner, blue for intermediate riders and black for advanced), with plenty of options for riders of all skill levels. The idea, Jacobs said, is that inexperienced riders can

A NEW SIDE OF PINNACLE: The Monument Trails take cyclists to parts of the state park most visitors have never seen.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 31

MORE CHALLENGING: There are five, bikes-only downhill trails open with two more to come.

build their skills on the greens and gradually advance to more difficult routes.

Like most all development of mountain bike infrastructure in Arkansas, the new Pinnacle trails come thanks, indirectly in this case, to the Walton Family Foundation. In 2017, the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation

The new Pinnacle thanks, indirectly the Walton Family 32 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

launched with a $310,000 grant from the Walton Foundation and a mission to take on ambitious outdoor projects throughout the state. Its major projects thus far have been the development of three Monument Trails, at Hobbs State Park near Rogers, Mount Nebo State Park near Dardanelle and now at Pinnacle. The Monument formula has been consistent so trails come far: The Parks and Recreation Foundation, with support from in this case, to the Walton Foundation, hires Foundation. experienced trail builders to

construct multiuse trails in state parks that are specially designed for mountain biking (some of the downhill trails are exclusively for mountain biking).

So far there are 13 miles of trail open at Pinnacle, all situated between Pinnacle Valley Road and the Little Maumelle River, near the park’s visitor center on what’s known as Fulk Mountain. Another 5 miles are under construction. The cost for the project is around $2 million. A bike lane on Pinnacle Valley Road (officially part of the Arkansas River Trail) connects Two Rivers Park to the

Pinnacle trails. Rogue Trails of Rogers, which built all of the Hobbs State Park Monument Trails, constructed most of the trails on Fulk Mountain on the east side of Pinnacle Mountain State Park Road. Jagged Axe Trail Designs of Eureka Springs, known for The Great Passion Play trail network, built, with the help of a subcontractor, the green circle Coachwhip on Middle Mountain on the west side of the road and all of the system’s downhill routes.

Trail maps and descriptions are available at the trails link on arkansasstateparks.com or Trailforks or MTBProject websites or apps.

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BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 33

PURPOSEFUL DESIGN: The trail system includes several trails for young riders to build up their skills before advancing to slightly more difficult ones on the mountain.

My elementary-age sons both got mountain bikes for their birthdays this year, and I inherited a Specialized cross-country bike that was probably nice a decade ago. We’ve been learning together. We started at Pfeiffer

Loop in North Little Rock just off the Big Dam Bridge and progressed to trails at Burns and Boyle parks. Once the Monument Trails at Pinnacle opened, we took off early a couple of weekdays from virtual school to give them a go.

There is some temporary So far there are 13 miles of trail signage with more to come, open at Pinnacle, all situated Jacobs said. Trail maps are available in the visitor center. between Pinnacle Valley Road On our first visit, I’d stupidly prepared to wing it, but my and the Little Maumelle River, 34 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

MTBProject app wasn’t working. We parked at the lower end of the visitor center parking lot and stumbled onto Jackfork. The state park’s website rates it a green circle, but MTBProject and Trailforks call it a blue. It runs down the back of Fulk Mountain and along the Little Maumelle River with rock gardens, alternate jump lines and large dirt berms. My 6-year-old has a 7-speed with 20-inch tires. He’s athletic and very game, but he had to walk on a number of the uphills and on berms, or as he kept calling them, “giant sperms.” My 10-year-old

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has an extra-small adult mountain bike with fat tires with lots of grip and disc brakes. He could handle most everything aside from the downhill berms. In addition to not planning well, I didn’t bring enough water, so we bailed on Jackfork about halfway through and took the green Upheaval back up the mountain to the parking area. The full trail runs 4.59 miles and is the longest on the mountain.

On our second visit, I planned slightly better and parked at the small lower trailhead lot near Pinnacle Valley Road. We did Coachwhip,

DO YOU HAVE BIKE NEWS? WANT TO ADVERTISE? INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES? CONTACT BROOKE WALLACE AT BROOKE@ARKTIMES.COM @BIKEARMAG BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 35

PLENTY OF JUMP LINES: On the new trails. which is also known as the NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) trail and is billed as the place to start on the mountain.

Unfortunately, my planning again fell short and we entered Coachwhip at the lower parking area, which meant a lot of climbing up Middle Mountain. The better way, I learned from actually looking closely at the map and from Jacobs, is to cross the road at the lower

parking lot and take Lower Stick uphill and enter Coachwhip midway up the mountain, so most of the 2.2-mile route is downhill.

(You could also park in the visitor lot and take Upper Stick down to Coachwhip).

We planned our visits midday during the week expecting that there would be traffic jams on the weekend. We only saw a couple of cyclists each visit. Jacobs said the weekends have been crowded, but with so much terrain Plans are already in the works to to cover, cyclists have dramatically expand the trail system. largely been spread out.

36 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

JUST THE START

Meanwhile, plans are already in the works to dramatically expand the trail system. Just weeks after the Monument Trails opened, a group of public and private leaders announced a broader trail network that will connect Little Rock parks with the Pinnacle trails.

The entire $2.6 million system will eventually cover 28 miles.

The public-private partnership behind the trail expansion includes Arkansas State Parks, the city of Little Rock, the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation and the

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BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 37

Walton Family Foundation. The new trails will be built in Little Rock’s River Mountain and Two Rivers parks. The project is a roughly $636,000 design-build job that will be helmed by Rock Solid Trail Contracting, a Michigan-based company that’s done a lot of work in Arkansas, including at the Mount Nebo State Park Monument Trails.

Suzanne Grobmyer, executive director of the Parks and Recreation Foundation, said she expects about 2 miles to be built in Two Rivers Park and around 8 miles in River Mountain Park, a roughly 150-acre park that now features only a natural 2.9-mile hiking trail accessed

from the road into Two Rivers. River Mountain will include some cross-country routes along with several downhill “gravity” trails. The downhills will take advantage of 300 feet of elevation change in the park. At Two Rivers, the plans call for creating a short skills trail for kids who are learning to ride along with a “gateway” section through the park’s pine trees.

At the Pinnacle Monument Trails, it’s yet to be determined what shape all of the next 5 miles of trail will take. Glade Runner, a black diamond downhill, recently opened.

That means there are five downhill-only routes open with two more still to come. The

ROCK GARDENS: Riders craving technical terrain won’t be disappointed.

38 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

parks department is planning to upgrade the lower and middle mountain parking lots and the Partners of Pinnacle group has donated $7,000 to the Parks and Recreation Foundation toward bike fix-it stands and bike racks.

CATA (Central Arkansas Transit Authority) has signed on to maintain the trails.

STILL MORE TO COME?

The Walton Family Foundation has spent more than $74 million building hundreds of miles of bicycle trails in Northwest Arkansas. The grant to the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, along with significant funding

toward Northwoods in Hot Springs and a $20 million grant to complete the Delta Heritage Trail, suggests that the Walton Foundation, led by mountain biking devotees Tom and Steuart Walton, is turning its sights on the whole state. Might other partnerships between the Parks and Recreation Foundation (largely a Walton-funded nonprofit) and the city of Little Rock be in the offing?

“I think it’s something we’re looking at,” Grobmyer, a Little Rock resident, said. The foundation and city spent months working with the Walton Heights neighborhood to get buy-in for the River Mountain Park trails.

She said it would be important to make sure other neighborhoods were involved and the fit was good before the foundation moved forward on other projects.

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said at a

press conference announcing the expanded project that visitors to Little Rock’s parks reflect the city “at its best, all of its diversity; you see all races, genders ... you see any and everyone on the socioeconomic scale.” He said the trails will spur economic development that will help the city emerge from the pandemic.

Ward 4 City Director Capi Peck said she believed that the trails would bring “two-

wheel” tourists to Little Rock. “We love these temporary taxpayers,” she said. “… That means heads in beds and butts in seats. They eat here, they shop here, they sleep here — they support the local economy and then they go home. We love that.”

Gary Vernon, Walton Family Foundation program officer, said, “It’s been proven around the state that if you build trails, people will come. But what’s even more exciting is “It’s been proven around the that if you build it, then local citizens become active. I’m excited to see Little state that if you build trails, Rock become this location that’s going become a destination.” people will come. But what’s to Stacy Hurst, secretary of the state Department of Parks, Heritage and even more exciting is that Tourism, said the tourism division would if you build it, then local be promoting the trails to out-of-town visitors. citizens become active.”

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 39

Bike Arkansas’s

Holiday Gift Guide The holiday season is upon us, and amid the coronavirus pandemic, when we’re all itching to get out of the house and roll around, here are some surefire gift suggestions for your favorite cyclist. Also, to-me-from-me presents are encouraged in these troubled times.

Stay safe in style Pick up the race-inspired Specialized Propero III with integrated ANGi crash sensor and don’t lose your edge in the cold weather months. The Tacx Flow Smart Trainer connects to most popular training apps and its wheel-on design allows for easy set-up and storage.

ARKANSAS CYCLING & FITNESS 3010 E. Kiehl Ave., Sherwood, 501-834-5787 315 N. Bowman Road, Little Rock, 501-221-2453 arkansascycling.com

GIFT CARD

rkansas d | lakeview, a 1777 river roa stons@gastons.com a 870-431-5202 | g

Fun on the fly Someone in your life want to learn how to fly-fish?

Send them to Gaston’s on the White River where expert instruction and experienced guide ensure a successful outing, every time. It’s the trip of a lifetime right here in Arkansas!

GASTON’S WHITE RIVER RESORT 1777 River Road, Lakeview 870-431-5202 gastons@gastons.com 40 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

Light the way …

Outbound Lighting Trail Edition’s light offers a wide, even illumination that is unlike anything you’ve experienced, and it helps create the most comfortable and safe night riding experience you’ve ever had.

HOLY ROLLER UNITED INC. 108 N East St, Benton 501-672-4110

Pet doggos and pop wheelies SockGuy was able to capture our beloved shop pups on a 6-inch cuff sock, so everyone can have the puppers out on a ride with them!

ANGRY DAVE’S BICYCLES 3515 JFK Blvd., NLR 501-753-4990 angrydavesbicycles.com

Don’t forget your knees You’ll feel safe and secure with these Race Face knee pads with certified impact absorbing D30™ foam pieces covered in an abrasion resistant fabric.

Get balanced Tri-Salts Powder by Bio-Tech Pharmacal contains a blend of alkaline minerals that may work to maintain an optimal acid/alkaline balance. Great before bike rides!

BIOTECH PHARMACAL INC. Fayetteville biotechpharmacal.com 479-443-9148

Stay chill Keep your beverage at the right temp with the double-wall vacuum insulated Chute® Mag bottle. Perfect for the long rides.

PARKSIDE CYCLE 719 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs 501-623-6188 ParksideCycle.com

Speciality shop Trail Labs is a different kind of bike shop, specializing in expert mountain bike suspension service. Get your bike enthusiast a gift card to keep their bike in tip-top shape!

TRAIL LABS 422 W. Commercial St. Springfield, MO. Traillabs.com 417-324-7901

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Gear up Come shop our awesome gear like these craft biking shorts for men and women by Patagonia.

GEARHEAD OUTFITTERS 230 S. Main St., Jonesboro 870-910-5569 Gearheadoutfitters.com @gearheadoutfitters.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 41

EVENTS VIRTUAL BIG DAM BRIDGE 100 THROUGH NOV. 29 Take part in the solo or driveway challenge for the virtual version of Arkansas’s largest race. More info at thebigdambridge100. com.

5TH ANNUAL PETIT JEAN OVERNIGHTER DEC. 3 Conway Airport.

Ride from the Conway Airport to Petit

BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK ONLINE BEFORE MAKING PLANS. Jean Mountain State Park, spend the night and ride back. Join the Arkansas Bicycle Club to ride. Riders must reserve their own rooms. More info at arkansasbicycleclub. org.

NEW YEAR DAY RIDE JAN. 1 North Little Rock A 30-mile loop ride around Pulaski County for Arkansas Bicycle Club members. More info at arkansasbicycleclub.org.

EL DORADO SQUARE OVERNIGHT RIDE JAN. 16 Camden A 30-mile ride for Arkansas Bicycle Club members from Camden to El Dorado with an optional stop at the Natural Resources Museum in Smackover. Riders will stay at Union Square Lodging in El Dorado. More info at arkansasbicycleclub.org.

GUDRUN: NORTHWOODS MTB FESTIVAL NOV. 13-15

Hot Springs The annual festival includes a mountain bike expo, group ride through downtown Hot Springs and Attila the Hun Mountain Bike Race through Northwoods Trails. For more info, visit hotsprings.org.

42 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

DROP IN

AND CHECK OUT THE NEW

STUMPJUMPER!

Largest Selection of Bikes in Central Arkansas Full Service Repair Department Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

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BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 43

A few tips to keep us all safe while enjoying the Arkansas River Trail!

When preparing to pass others, speak an audible warning in advance.

Always pass on the left side, while leaving two feet of clearance.

Cyclists and skaters should travel at safe and appropriate speeds.

Keep an eye on your children at all times.

Keep pets on a short leash and under control at all times.

Always clean up after your pets.

Pay attention to all trail markings, signs and other alerts or warnings.

Do not smoke while on the trails.

Motorized vehicles are not allowed, with the exception of motorized wheelchairs and emergency vehicles.

Keep to the right side of the pathways, except when passing others.

R.A.P.T.O.R. GRAVEL GRINDER DEC. 4

Fayetteville A gravel ride with routes that range 30-40 miles, 50-60 miles and 70-80 miles.

More info at bikereg.com/raptor-gravel-grinder

ARK-LA-TEX CHALLENGE APRIL 2 2901 Leopard Drive, Texarkana $20-$40 Ride through three states with 35-mile or 70-mile routes. Other routes travel only through Arkansas and Texas.

See arklatexchallenge.com for more information.

CRYSTAL BRIDGES ENDURANCE GRINDURO AUG. 7 Siloam Springs A gravel race with timed stages and 25and 50-mile routes. More info at bikereg. com/crystal-bridges-endurance-gravelgrinder.

Pedestrians always have the right of way. Groups should travel single-file to insure that cyclists are able to pass.

When stopping, move off of the pavement so as not to impede passersby on the Arkansas trails.

s Cy cli st s a lwa yet wea r th e ir h e lm s!

SANTA’S PUMP TRACK CLASSIC DEC. 5 Look for more etiquette and safety tips at arkansasrivertrail.org 44 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

Runway Bike Park Springdale Time trial races for kids ages 3-12. Register and find more info at thejonescenter.net.

DO YOU HAVE BIKE NEWS? WANT TO ADVERTISE? INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES? CONTACT BROOKE WALLACE AT: BROOKE@ARKTIMES.COM @BIKEARMAG

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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

Giant Bicycles

11525 Cantrell Road, Suite 607 501-508-5566 giantlittlerock.com

Rock Town River Outfitters (Rental) Little Rock River Market 400 President Clinton Ave. 501-831-0548 rocktownriveroutfitters.com

Trek Bicycle of Little Rock

10300 Rodney Parham Road 501-224-7651 trekbikes.com

HOT SPRINGS Hot Springs Bicycle Touring Company

436 Broadway St. 501-276-2175 Facebook.com/hotspringsbicycletouringcompany

Parkside Cycle

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

Spa City Cycling

873 Park Ave. 501-463-9364 spacitycycling.com

SEARCY The Bike Lane

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

HEBER SPRINGS Sulphur Creek Outfitters

NORTH LITTLE ROCK Angry Dave’s Bicycles

3515 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

501-753-4990 angrydavesbicycles.com

Recycle Bikes for Kids 717 E. 10th St. 501-563-8264 recyclebikesforkids.org

BENTON Holy Roller United 108 N. East St. 501-672-4110

SHERWOOD Arkansas Cycling & Fitness 3010 E. Kiehl Ave. 501-834-5787 arkansascycling.com

J&P Bike Shop

7910 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

(State Hwy. 107) 501-835-4814 jandpbikeshop.com 46 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

625 S. Seventh St. 501-691-0138 screekoutfitters.com

MOUNTAIN HOME Mountain Home Bicycle Co. 1310 E. Side Centre Court 870-425-2453 mountainhomebicyclecompany.com

BATESVILLE Lyon College Bike Shop 301 23rd St. 870-307-7529 lyon.edu/bikes

JONESBORO Gearhead Cycle House

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

RUSSELLVILLE Carr’s Chain Reaction 506 N. Arkansas Ave. 479-968-5305 carrsrussellville.com

FORT SMITH Champion Cycling & Fitness 5500 Massard Road 479-484-7500

Phat Tire Bike Shop

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

SILOAM SPRINGS Dogwood Junction

200 Progress Ave., Suite 5 479-524-6605 dogwoodjunction.biz

Phat Tire Bike Shop

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

EUREKA SPRINGS Adventure Mountain Outfitters

152 West 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

UREC Outdoors

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

SPRINGDALE Lewis & Clark Outfitters

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

Phat Tire Bike Shop

101 W. Johnson Ave. 479-373-1458 phattirebikeshop.com

ROGERS Beaver Lake Outdoor Center (Rentals) 14434 E. State Hwy. 12 479-877-4984 beaverlakeoutdoorcenter.com

GPP Cycling

318 S. First St. 479-372-4768 gppcycling.com

Lewis & Clark Outfitters

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

Phat Tire Bike Shop

321 S. Arkansas St. 479-877-1313 phattirebikeshop.com

The Highroller Cyclery 402 S. Metro Parkway 479-254-9800 highrollercyclery.com

BENTONVILLE Dogwood Junction Trike Shop 907 N. Walton Blvd.

479-268-3021 dogwoodjunction.biz

The Meteor

401 SE D St. 479-268-1500 meteorbikes.com

Mojo Cycling

2104 S. Walton Blvd.

479-271-7201 mojocycling.com

Phat Tire Bike Shop

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

BICYCLE REPAIR & SERVICE ONLY Ozark Bicycle Service

W. Deane St., Fayetteville 479-715-1496 ozarkbicycleservice.com

62 479-967-17 .org russellville r e v o c is .d www

the newly Don’t miss

op e ne d

t Monumen Nebo Trail at Mt. State Park

state funds combination of Paid for with a ional association funds. reg and private BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 16 | 47

T O G ET HER FOR Better.

Arkansans appreciate community. We work and raise families. Care for our neighbors. And come together in good times and bad. At First Security, that local strength is what we love best about our home state. There is commitment here.

And heart. And hope. Thank you to everyone who is standing together, learning from one another, and making Arkansas a place we all love to call home.

Member FDIC 48 | BIKE ARKANSAS novEMBER 2020

We’re proud to be your community bank.