Bike Arkansas

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NOVEMBER 2022 I S S U E N O. 24 BIKEARKANSASMEDIA.COM

THE NEW KING OF

HIGH COUNTRY

Ernie Lechuga sets fastest known time.

WOMEN OF OZ HOST SUMMIT

CLOUTIER PUSHES COMFORT ZONE

FAYETTEVILLE’S NEWEST TRAIL

the best time to get away is

whenever you can.

gastons.com | 870-431-5202 1777 river road | lakeview, ar 2 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

follow us on

Coming Soon!

Big Dam Bridge North Plaza Bikers and pedestrians are about to have a new amenity to enjoy on the river trails. The Big Dam Bridge North Plaza, located at the North Little Rock side of the Big Dam Bridge in Cook’s Landing Park, will feature a new pavilion, benches, a bicycle repair station, and a drinking fountain with a bottle filler.

BIG DAM BRIDGE NORTH PARK

The new trailhead’s design will provide enough space for all visitors from bikers to hikers to safely use the park!

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 3

IN THIS ISSUE

PAGE 34

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26

Finsterwald, Onweller claim sweet victory, Fayetteville World Cup punctuated by sprint victories.

Nearly 200 women attend the inaugural Women of OZ Sunset Summit.

By Lindsay Southwick

BRAKING NEWS

10

MY KIT

A closer look at the rigs of top Arkansas High Country Race finishers.

16

CRUSHING THE HIGH COUNTRY

Ernie Lechuga sets the route’s fastest known time on his way to conquering the Arkansas High Country Race.

By Kai Caddy 4 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

SUMMIT SUCCESS

EVERY ISSUE

40 EVENTS 46 SHOPS

30

TESTING LIMITS

Bentonville’s Tyler Cloutier’s cyclocross journey.

By Bryce Ward

34

ON THE COVER

Fayetteville’s latest mountain bike trail is a connector that includes University of Arkansas campus.

By Bob Robinson

Ernie Lechuga powers ahead only about halfway through his 1,000-mile-plus journey on the Arkansas High Country Race.

Photo by Kai Caddy

MOUNTAIN BIKE TO CLASS

246+ MILES OF WORLD-CLASS TRAILS

NORTHWOODS TRAILS

Hot Springs north and west of Park Avenue Including Cedar Glades

31 + Miles northwoodstrails.org LAKE OUACHITA VISTA TRAIL (LOViT)

Southern shore of Lake Ouachita

40 Miles

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IRON MOUNTAIN TRAILS

DeGray Lake/ Caddo Valley

32 Miles trailforks.com OUACHITA NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL

North of Hot Springs through north of Mena

108 Miles

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WOMBLE TRAIL

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BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 5

M A G A Z I N E

Come for cycling.

Discover Arkansas history.

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BIKEARKANSASMEDIA.COM FOLLOW US FOR MORE BIKE

BROOKE WALLACE Publisher

brookewallace@arktimes.com KAI CADDY Editor

kaicaddy@gmail.com MANDY KEENER Creative Director

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

ALAN LEVERITT President alan@arktimes.com Arkansas Times Limited Partnership 201 E. MARKHAM ST., SUITE 150 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985 All Contents © 2022 Bike Arkansas Magazine 6 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

Contributors

LINDSAY SOUTHWICK is

a freelance writer who loves anything that gets her outside, and is even known to occasionally summit tall peaks. She lives in Bentonville with her husband GET and four children who graciously supply her with legions of content to write about.

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CAMP AT

BOB ROBINSON enjoys

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Starting at $15/night Heated bathroom & showers Trails access from campsites Minutes from Bentonville Square BOOK ONLINE

CampAtColer.com BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 7

BRAKING NEWS

KAI CADDY

FINSTERWALD, ONWELLER CLAIM BIG SUGAR TITLES

Russell Finsterwald

A favorite and a dark horse took the men’s and women’s victories at Big Sugar Gravel on Oct. 22. The race was the finale of the six-race Life Time Grand Prix.

Russell Finsterwald won the men’s race solo, 25 seconds ahead of overall Grand Prix winner Keegan Swenson. With the win, Finsterwald climbed into third overall in the Grand Prix.

The front group in the men’s race diminished throughout the day. At the 76-mile point of the 104-mile race, the group was down to six.

Thirteen miles later, that group had dwindled to just four: Finsterwald, Swenson, Adam Roberge and Alexey Vermeulen.

“I think we all kind of knew that was going to be the group of four vying for the win,” Finsterwald said. “I was just trying to keep the pressure high because of the Life Time points, I was just trying to ride for those.

With about a kilometer to go we were doing the cat-and-mouse thing. We were literally going about 5 miles per hour out there. I was like, ‘I’m just gonna go for it right now.’ I was at the back of the group, so I kind of caught them off guard a little bit. I had no idea how far back they were. I was all-in, head down and then with 200 meters to go I looked back and didn’t see them.”

WORLD CUP LEADERS SPRINT TO WINS IN FAYETTEVILLE It was business as usual for UCI World Cup leaders Eli Iserbyt and Fem van Empel as they both captured thrilling sprint victories at the Fayetteville World Cup at Centennial Park on Oct. 16.

Iserbyt rocketed around Laurens Sweeck on the finish straight to come away with the sprint victory in the elite men’s race.

“I had to really dig really deep,” Iserbyt said. “I knew that the sprint was a headwind, so I had to be in second position. And I think that was my only chance to win. So for me, it was the perfect sprint.”

Van Empel, of the Netherlands, held off former world champion and last year’s Fayetteville World Cup winner Lucinda Brand to take the victory in the women’s race.

American Eric Brunner finished fourth in the men’s race, the best World Cup finish ever for an American. With two laps to go he made a big push to try and attach to the front group of three, but could never close the gap.

8 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

KAI CADDY

Paige Onweller let my mind go there. Anything could happen — I could flat. With 9 miles to go I was gasping because of the wind, I got goosebumps and I started tearing up. I’ve sacrificed so much to get here and I’m just thankful.”

Haley Smith’s large lead in the Grand Prix was safe, as she won the overall, despite a 13th-place finish. Sofia Gomez Villafane led a group of four over the line for seventh, securing second place overall. Sarah Sturm finished ninth in the race and third in the series.

“If not for this series, I would’ve never done half these races,” Onweller said. “And they let a total newbie come into it. This is what opportunity looks like.”

KAI CADDY

Vermeulen finished second overall in the series, fourth at Big Sugar. Roberge was third at Big Sugar.

On the women’s side, Paige Onweller rolled across the line solo, 6:39 ahead of second place Emily Newsom. Alexis Skarda rounded out the podium. Cycling magazine VeloNews had labeled Onweller as a dark horse to win Big Sugar. She only began cycling two years ago.

Onweller tried to create gaps on the climbs.

A tactic that proved successful.

“I was feeling pretty good, so I just decided to push a little harder,” she said. “I knew I might implode at any moment, but I just kept going.

“I kind of knew I was going to win, but I didn’t

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 9

MY KIT PHOTOGRAPHY: KAI CADDY

10 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

FOR THIS ISSUE’S MY KIT, we’re taking a look at

a selection of the rigs racers used to complete the 1,000-plus miles of the Arkansas High Country Race thanks to our friends at bikepacking.com.

For more details on these rigs and others raced, including those in the two shorter versions of this year’s race, visit bikepacking.com/bikes/2022arkansas-high-country-race-rigs.

ERNIE LECHUGA

Bentonville Finished first: 4 days, 14 hours, 13 minutes

BIKE: A Rodeo Labs Flaanimal with Pirelli

Cinturato 700x50mm Gravel M tires. They are mounted on a Session C23G carbon gravel wheelset. Powered by Shimano Di2 XT front and rear derailleurs with GRX shifters. The cassette is an 11-42T with an absoluteBlack 2x46/30T front chainring. Bontrager aero bars are a must for High Country. After getting beat up on Arkansas chunky gravel, you need a different position to rest your hands.

BAGS: Front to back bags, FBJ creation Aero

bar pack for the snacks. Apidura top tube expedition pack for quick fix-a-flat essentials.

I decided to go with a full Apidura frame bag for the breathing room. Last but not least, my favorite piece: a Tailfin carbon rack with the AP20 trunk bag that will hold my warmth.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 11

KUYA TAKAMI

Austin, Texas Finished second: 5 days, 10 hours, 12 minutes

BIKE: The newly released Boltcutter High

Country Gravel with SRAM AXS XPLR, SON dynamo hub on 650b wheels, Arundel bottle cages on the fork.

BAGS: South City Stitchworks custom frame bag, Revelate Designs top tube and handlebar bags, Apidura saddle bag, full sleeping system in a Sea to Summit compression bag.

12 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

DAN CONNELL

Goletta, California Finished third: 5 days, 21 hours, 9 minutes

BIKE: My beloved Rodeo Labs Flaanimal 5.0 on a Rodeo 2.0 wheelset

coated in Maxxis Ikon 2.0 rubber. Propelling the wheels is a SRAM AXS 1×12 drivetrain, and Paul Klamper mechanical disc brakes. Ergon grips and Profile Design aero bars on risers mitigate the inevitable racing hand numbness.

BAGS: My ride is reliably kitted with a Tailfin Carbon Aeropack, Class 4

Designs frame bag garnished with flowers and butterflies, and Revelate Designs feed bags for gummy bears and milk products. I’ll be wearing a Dispersed hip pack and an EVOC hydration vest.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 13

EZRA WARD-PACKARD

Arizona Finished fourth: 5 days, 22 hours, 55 minutes

BIKE: A Fezzari Shafer frameset with an MRP Baxter 60mm fork. The

wheelset is a Schmidt SON dynamo front and DT Swiss 350 rear laced into Velocity Blunt SS rims. Tires are Teravail Washburn 700x47mm front and rear with Cushcore XC for added insurance. The Drivetrain is a mix of Shimano Ultegra and GRX. Gearing is 48/31Tx11-40T with a 4iiii power meter. Cockpit is a Zipp Service Course handlebars and stem plus a hodgepodge TT bar set-up.

BAGS: Porcelain Rocket Mr. Fusion seat pack. Restrap half frame bag

and long top tube bag. Heavily modified Revelate Designs Sweet Roll handlebar roll.

14 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

RANDY WINDLE

Hot Springs Finished 11th: 7 days, 19 hours, 59 minutes

BIKE: The 2021 Moots Routt 45 with Enve Adventure fork, 1x12 SRAM

AXS with eThirteen 9-50T cassette, Enve G23 wheels with Berd spokes, Easton carbon cranks, SON Dynamo with Sinewave Beacon headlight, the tires are Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge up front, and Oracle Ridge in the rear, Meriweather bars with T2 Profile Designs aero bars.

BAGS: By Rogue Panda and Alpine Luddites.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 15

King Ov

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verthrown Lechuga takes High Country crown in record time. story and photos By Kai Caddy

N

evermind a severe pain in the neck and dead devices galore, Ernie Lechuga was ripping his 43-pound, fully loaded Rodeo Labs Flaanimal down the final gravel section of the Arkansas High Country Race at 23 mile per hour.

Lechuga, from Bentonville, was ready for his 1,011-mile journey to be over. He was riding the last 20 or so miles, all pavement, back into Hot Springs, looking every bit of the national champion road racer he used to be. But now he was doing it with bags strapped to his bike and fully self-supported.

He arrived back in the Spa City, showered in champagne, to conclude the Arkansas High Country route faster than anyone has ever completed it: four days, 14 hours and 13 minutes.

“That was a hell of a ride,” Lechuga said. “It was a perfect ride, everything that could go wrong went wrong. This is why we do bikepacking, so we can learn how to manage life.”

Lechuga’s time bested that of former World Tour professional Ted King, who finished the 2020 race with a time of four days, 20 hours and 51 minutes. Lechuga’s wife, Scotti, won the 2021 edition of the race with a time of five days, 10 hours and 49 minutes.

RIDING HIGH: Lechuga reaches the top of Pilot Rock in Johnson County.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 17

VARYING TERRAIN: (Above) Lechuga flying on his final day. (Below) Lechuga navigates rugged terrain early on day one of the race.

Lechuga’s final issue in the race that covers some of the most brutal gravel roads Arkansas has to offer and nearly 80,000 feet of elevation gain came within the final 9 miles of the journey when he missed a turn.

“Everything that could hit me, hit me,” he said.

“Right down to missing that last turn.”

The hits came early. Lechuga was side-swiped by a truck about 200 miles in in the Poteau Mountain Wilderness area near Waldron. He was descending a super chunky section of road when he was confronted with a pickup truck

“Everything that could hit me, hit me. Right down to missing that last turn.” that wouldn’t move over. Lechuga maintained his composure and just braced himself against the truck as he continued down the mountain.

The run-in with the truck resulted in Lechuga losing his battery pack, an important piece of kit for bikepackers. To save weight, Lechuga opted not to run a dynamo front hub, which would’ve been able to power lights and charge devices. So, the lost battery pack would’ve been the best way 18 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

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BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 19

ALL THE OBSTACLES: Lechuga battles steep rolling hills near Kingston (top, left), rain in Thornburg (top, right) and a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Greenbrier (below). to keep his lights, GPS, emergency tracker and phone charged on the go.

Over the course of the race, Lechuga purchased four more battery packs. He only slept about six hours on the journey, leaving him little time to fully charge any of the battery packs.

In Bentonville, Lechuga purchased a larger, heavier headlight. The weight of the new light combined with the rough roads of the route caused the light to point more downward than straight ahead. This caused him to look down more than expected, causing the severe neck pain that plagued him on the final day of the race.

Between Bentonville and Eureka Springs, he broke a spoke. He had to waste precious time in a Eureka Springs bike shop while the owner finished his lunch before having his spoke tended to.

Somewhere near Mountain View, a sprocket on his cassette became loose.

In a Greenbrier gas station the morning of his last day of the race, he was feverishly trying to charge devices.

20 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

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BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 21

FINAL PUSH: (Above) Supporters welcomed Lechuga at the Big Dam Bridge. (Below) Lechuga reorganizes his gear during his final morning of the race.

“We rode the Big Dam Bridge 100 in 4 hours and 5 minutes,” he said. “I’m not sure I can do this last 120 miles in 20 hours.”

He made one last long stop in Maumelle for a pre-charged battery pack and a foam neck brace like the ones victims of fender benders wear in court to gain sympathy.

Over the Big Dam Bridge in Little Rock, a group of friends followed him over the bridge, encouraging him as he closed in on the finish.

“We rode the Big Dam Bridge 100 in 4 hours and 5 minutes. I’m not sure I can do this last 120 miles in 20 hours.”

After climbing Wye Mountain, the last bit of gravel awaited — about 45 miles of it. Through Thornburg and back into the Ouachita National. The final big climb at Flatside Pinnacle comes around 975 miles in. Just before that climb, the rain came. A short, steady downpour hit Lechuga just after he had to stop to tighten his rear derailleur after he noticed his shifting becoming poor.

22 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 23

The rain would come and go for the remainder of his time in the forest. Lechuga looked pained on the final climb. Once the road pointed down and the gravel ran out, though, his demeanor changed and he was laser-focused on the finish line.

A large group of racers who had completed the 500-mile short circuit race, local cycling fans and Hot Springs Mayor Pat McCabe awaited Lechuga’s arrival in Hill Wheatley Plaza.

Lechuga came across the line with a dead headlight, phone, a tracker that hadn’t worked until just after he crossed the Big Dam Bridge and just enough life left on his GPS to find his way to the finish. McCabe presented him with a Mexican Coke.

The new champion received his prize for winning, a custom belt buckle, while seated in a cast iron bathtub. As the celebration wound down he held court for around an hour chatting with fans about the experience.

His attempt at the race in 2021 ended in dramatic fashion when he found himself in an ER battling severe dehydration after a hard effort on an unseasonably warm start to the race. That experience served as a wake-up call to Lechuga, who realized he had not

“This year was a perfect storm for Ernie’s attempt.

It’s fitting that an Arkansas rider has the new fastest known time.” taken proper care of his body in recent years. He stopped drinking and focused on nutrition like he hadn’t done since retiring as a pro in the lead-up to this year’s race.

“To have what is quickly becoming one of the toughest races in the country start and finish in Hot Springs has been so inspiring and exciting to watch,” Visit Hot Springs Trails Coordinator Traci Berry said.

“Ernie came back with a mission this year and he completed it. How awesome that an Arkansan now holds the fastest known time.”

Lechuga was a national time trial champion as a junior in Mexico. He rode for several professional teams before retiring. He and Scotti founded Leborne Coaching in 2010, where they help develop athletes.

This past season he started the OZ Development junior mountain bike team, a longtime dream of his.

“This year was a perfect storm for Ernie’s attempt,” race director Andrew Onermaa said. “I couldn’t think of a better person and a better time in his life for all of this to come together. It’s fitting that an Arkansas rider has the new fastest known time, and I dare anyone out there to try to take it. From the bottom of my heart, kudos to Ernie for being an inspiration to us all.”

24 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

VICTORY: Lechuga gets a champagne shower as he crosses the finish line in Hot Springs and then finally has a chance to sit and reflect on his effort.

ARKANSAS TIMES News and Politics • Culture • Food • History • Cannabiz • Travel

WWW.ARKTIMES.COM

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 25

CALLING ALL

SHARING: Skills workshops were just one part of the Sunset Summit.

26 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

WOMEN

Women of Oz host first mountain bike conference.

By Lindsay Southwick photos Courtesy 4media Group

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ooking out at the sea of women donning bike shorts and helmets on a beautiful September morning, warming up with dancing and shaking their “biker butts,” you’d be surprised to learn that the organization responsible for this all-female gathering didn’t even exist four years ago.

The Sunset Summit was a two-day mountain bike conference hosted by the Women of OZ (WOZ).

Nearly 200 women with all riding capabilities came from near and far — 25 states and Canada — to learn from and be inspired by nationally recognized coaches and influencers. The idea for the summit came almost immediately after the inception of WOZ in 2019, so to see it come to fruition in such a solid fashion is impressive by any standard. But for those who have long been a part of the mountain biking world, it was exciting for many reasons.

“I’m just floored by the amount of women riding bikes now,” said longtime cyclist and founder of Ladies AllRide Lindsey Richter, who was a coach at the summit. “I think the biggest takeaway for me personally is, holy shit! There are a lot of women stoked on bikes compared to the way it was when I started mountain biking in the late 1900s.”

The same principles that have helped WOZ to grow at such a rapid pace were the common themes woven throughout the summit. The ideas of inclusion, community and lifting others up were just as much the focus at the event as enhancing individual bike skills. It was a showcase on how WOZ has used bikes as a tool to promote the concept of women supporting women.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 27

GETTING GOING: (Above) Riders listen to the opening reception panel discussion. (Right) WOZ Executive Director Allyson de la Houssaye welcomes the riders.

“This has been a longtime goal of the WOZ board to bring all these women together in one place and connect not just female riders, but the leadership in the community internationally,” said Allyson de la Houssaye, who serves as executive director for WOZ. WOZ has made quite a name for itself within the mountain biking community in its short lifespan. In the last three and a half years, WOZ has held 38 monthly flagship rides where the average participation is 150 women. It has conducted dozens of skills clinics and ride leader courses. WOZ swag can be seen on trails all over. It’s a club, to be sure. But not an exclusive club like the ones that typically come to mind where membership is dependent on status. It’s a club where making all women feel welcome is top of mind at every turn. Helping women 28 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

build confidence and succeed is something those at WOZ feel called to do. As they like to say: “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

While the conference shined a light on the strength of the NWA biking community, through its Apprentice Club, it also served as a proof of concept. With the help of their sponsors, WOZ was able to grant 11 apprentice scholarships and bring in women from across the country to teach them how they can create a club where they live. In addition to the apprentice scholarships (and with the help of their sponsors), 29 scholarships were given to women who faced any kind of barrier in attending the conference. Proving that when they say “Let’s Ride Together” (their slogan), they mean it.

The Sunset Summit kicked off Friday night,

Sept. 16, with a meet-and-mingle reception where participants networked with leaders and fellow riders, had dinner, drinks and listened to an all-star panel discussion on using the bike as a tool. Saturday morning the riders were treated to breakfast before breaking into their groups for a morning skills session and ride. The groups were created based on their self-assessment taken before the event and were led by 32 coaches. The coaching staff included some heavy hitters like Anita Naidu (aka A Brown Panther), three-time world champion; Anneka Beerten, pro downhiller; Caroline Washam; and women from Ladies AllRide.

Taking a break for lunch while listening to the inspiring words from keynote speaker Brooke Goudy, a community health nurse by

NETWORKING: Riders learned new skills and made new friends.

“This has been a longtime goal of the WOZ board to bring all these women together in one place and connect not just female riders, but the leadership in the community internationally.” day and full-time advocate for more representation in biking. Among many positions in the cycling community, Goudy is a co-leader of Black Girls Do Bike in Denver, Colorado.

Goudy’s message touched on the science behind the need for community and that the most effective communities are ones that resemble a salad bowl more than a melting pot — allowing individuals to remain their unique selves inside the group instead of molding into whatever the group requires.

Putting on her nurse hat, Goudy explains how in the health world they know that one of the biggest indicators for an individual’s health is community. Considering the power community has on our health, it’s not a stretch to think it can have a huge influence in other parts of society.

“Whatever we are doing in a community, we have the ability to make impacts around us,” Goudy said to the group. “Our words, our actions, what we do matters for people inside the room and for people outside the room.

The investments you make in your community doesn’t stay there. It radiates.”

People get on their bikes for a number of reasons. To forget about the stressors of life.

To challenge themselves. To be alone. To be with others. But, Goudy wondered aloud, it may not be about two wheels at all.

“Maybe it’s about all the beautiful things that come when we’re on the bike. And don’t you want to give that to as many people as you possibly can? This isn’t just about mountain biking. It’s about much more than that.”

The day was rounded out with an afternoon

skills session followed by food, drinks, a concert by indie pop-artist Japanese Breakfast and a sunset toast to end the conference.

Participants, coaches, sweeps, volunteers and staff — all were essential components in making the wheels turn for this event. And when you consider all that WOZ does and strives to do as female leaders in their community, it perfectly embodied what happens when women come together.

“Our hearts are beyond full,” de la Houssaye said after the event. “Our goal was for women to leave feeling inspired. Inspired to share their skills with their home community. Inspired to be a leader at home, work and in the community. Inspired to prop up other women in any capacity. Hearing the feedback we feel like we have accomplished that and more.”

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 29

The Comfort Zone

Tyler Cloutier and the delayed gratification of cyclocross.

By Bryce Ward PHOTOGRAPHY By Kai Caddy

30 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 31

COMFORTABLY UNCOMFORTABLE: Cloutier flies over the barriers, one of the unique features of cyclocross.

TYLER CLOUTIER — one foot locked into a pedal, floating high in tense anticipation, the other planted heavily onto the earth — hovers above his bicycle and awaits his fate: 60 ceaseless minutes of intense physical discomfort.

It is day one at OZ CX, a weekend-long cyclocross festival, and the UCI Elite Men C1 field is about to embark on an arduous journey across the intimidating and treacherous terrain of Millsap Mountain in Fayetteville. At some near but unknown moment, 42 individuals will collectively propel themselves forward, lock themselves into their bikes and accelerate as quickly as their bodies allow them to down a long and narrow lane.

When they approach the first of many sharp turns, they will converge along an apex and settle into a relentlessly difficult pace for the remainder of the race, without a single second of meaningful rest until they ride across the 32 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

finish line for the final time.

During this uncomfortable hour, they will encounter many adversities: dusty, tractionless stretches of land; inconveniently placed barriers that must be leapt over either by foot or by bike; a seemingly endless staircase that ascends into the heavens; and repeated attempts by competitors to overtake them in the long serpentine paceline characteristic of this strange and enchanting sport called cyclocross.

And they will all do so willingly. Not just now, but many times later. Race after race.

Town after town. As they have been doing for years.

Cyclocross is a hard sport. There’s no way around it. Even the eccentrically costumed riders who participate in a ’cross event for enjoyment rather than performance must still subject themselves to some level of discomfort — the grass clinging to their tires, the barriers standing in their way, the stairs peering down at them from above. It all requires some measure of perseverance.

The question is, how much discomfort are you willing to endure? If you’re Tyler Cloutier, your threshold is quite high. For the past five years, Cloutier has traveled across the world racing cyclocross at some of the highest levels, often in places where the sport of cycling is sacred. Long before that, he was a competitive soccer player and runner. It wasn’t until one of his friends introduced him to cycling that his trajectory shifted.

LEADING THE CHARGE: Cloutier finished third on Oct. 15 at OZ CX in Fayetteville.

First, it was mountain biking, which opened his eyes to the fun that a bicycle can facilitate.

Then it was road cycling, which introduced him to the phenomenon of bonking (and the importance of nutrition — a realization that came to him while he sat collapsed on his kitchen floor, shamelessly devouring a raw bagel). Eventually, he stumbled into cyclocross, that strange and often-overlooked cycling discipline that sprouts in the cold winter months.

Of all his experiences on a bicycle, those which originated on a cyclocross bike have left the biggest imprint on Cloutier: an athletic form of cycling that requires full-body exertion, both physically and mentally, on and off the bike; a competition not only against others but against yourself and the course before you.

But perhaps most importantly, ’cross gave

and continues to give Cloutier something that we all need: a means of expanding our boundaries, testing our limits, willingly stepping into the darkness that lies just outside of the comfort zone we live in.

“Cyclocross,” as Cloutier explained, “is very much a sport of delayed gratification.”

This attribute, of course, is not unique to ’cross. The importance of delayed gratification manifests in many other places, too. In fact, it is a defining characteristic of every welllived life: resolutely pushing your immediate desires into the blurry future and committing your present time toward something you deem meaningful and worthwhile, in spite of that persistent whisper that urges you to cave in, give up, betray your future self for your current self.

The only way to move forward in life is

to delay gratification. This is a hard truth that cyclocross racers know well. Only after they subject themselves to an intense bout of suffering can they finally rest and reach their gratification: a feeling that cannot be bought, discovered or received but only earned — a wave of euphoria that lingers long after it crests until we drift back to shore and must earn it again.

That is why — despite the 60 minutes of discomfort waiting in front of him, regardless of the demanding terrain, independent of the racers around him — Tyler Cloutier stands tall beneath the start line at OZ CX, gripping his handlebars and staring down the long and uncertain path before him, eagerly awaiting the moment when he will leap into the unknown, beyond the boundaries of his comfort zone.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 33

THE

34 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

STRING

OF

PEARLS

Fayetteville Traverse connects city via mountain biking. story and photos

By Bob Robinson

T

TRAVERSING CAMPUS: The new Fayetteville Traverse trail winds through the UA campus.

he Fayetteville Traverse Trail is another opportunity for city residents and visitors to leave their gas-powered motor vehicles parked and opt for climbing on a bicycle as a viable means of transportation.

The 18-mile natural-surface loop connects the University of Arkansas campus, the Markham Hill Nature Trails, Centennial Park on Millsap Mountain, Kessler Mountain Regional Park, the Arkansas Research Technology Park, TsaLa-Gi Bike Park and various neighborhoods and businesses along the route. A plethora of interest groups have already begun to incorporate the trail into their normal routine.

UA may be the only major university with a one-of-a-kind earthen bike path weaving its way across campus. On breaks between classes, students and faculty staff have the opportunity to push their bikes out the door and immediately crank out fun miles.

The university’s Department of University Recreation (UREC) supports student cyclists with an on-campus, full-service, bike shop.

They also have mountain bikes for rent to UREC members.

The bike shop employs student mechanics who will repair bikes and allow students to watch and learn bike maintenance best practices. Bike stands and tools are available to members for performing their own repairs.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 35

CONNECTOR: The Fayetteville Traverse trail connects to other mountain bike infrastructure around the city.

“The visibility of the trail right on campus encourages people to get involved with bicycling.”

36 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

UREC hosts regular rides for students to grow their cycling skills and familiarize themselves with area trails.

Caitlin Arnett, coordinator for UREC Outdoors, said that in the four months as the full-time bicycle coordinator, she has witnessed increased participation in cycling activities. In response to this growing interest, UREC has increased their bike activities from six last semester to 31 in the fall semester.

“The visibility of the trail right on campus encourages people to get involved with bicycling,” Arnett said.

Arnett added that the organized rides attract a lot of attention for the Traverse.

LOOPS ARE GOOD

Local mountain bikers are sure to take advantage of the Traverse. Gone are the days Fayetteville riders had

to load up their bikes and drive to a trailhead parking lot. And, if they wanted additional miles, reload the bike and drive to another trailhead.

Now, hop on your bike, roll onto the Traverse or one of many other trails feeding into it, and use good old pollution-free pedal-power to reach Kesler, Centennial, Tsa-La-Gi or any other bike parks along the loop.

The Traverse is a bonus for out-of-towners visiting Fayetteville’s mountain bike trails. Park your car at a parking lot along the route and don’t touch it again until you are ready to head home.

They are no longer limited to one park for the duration of a ride. Cherry-pick your favorite trails at Kesler, hop on the Traverse, ride to Centennial, enjoy your fav runs there, jump back on the Tra-

PARK AND RIDE: The Traverse allows you to park at one park and visit several in one trip.

verse to reach Markham Hill for some old-school singletrack, then return on the Traverse once again and pedal around Razorback Stadium to Tsa-La-Gi to log big air time.

If you crave some carbs during your ride, follow the Traverse into town for a wide choice of eats and beverages.

The master plan also includes camping at Centennial Park. Eventually, visitors will be able to park their motor vehicles for an extended weekend, shredding the same quality trails that host world championship competitions.

NOT JUST FOR CYCLISTS

The inspiration for the Fayetteville Traverse came when Steuart and Tom Walton visited Duluth, Minnesota.

They were impressed by the connectivity Duluth’s trails provided and believed this was something the Fayetteville community would utilize.

The Walton brothers agreed to fund the creation of the Traverse and the first year of maintenance expenses. They designated NWA Trailblazers as project developer, whose roles included design, easement, property acquisition and management of the trail contractors.

The Trailblazers recruited the master trail crews of Progressive Trail Design, Rogue Trails and Rock Solid to carve out the network of trails.

With the Traverse weaving its way through the Fayetteville area, you would think negotiating easements to be a monstrous undertaking. However, the Trailblazers designed a route that passed through

The city of Fayetteville has been a great supporter of the Traverse throughout the entire process.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 37

USERS OF ALL KINDS: Project funders, Tom and Steuart Walton, thought the community in Fayetteville would get a lot of use out of the Traverse.

“This will be a very marketable asset for the city of Fayetteville.”

38 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

mostly across university- and city-owned property.

For those easements involving private property, Erin Rushing, director of NWA Trailblazers, said the owners were very cooperative.

With the League of American Bicyclists recognizing UA as a gold-level Bicycle Friendly University and the city of Fayetteville designated a Bronze-Level IMBA Ride Center, this cooperation is the norm for this bike-friendly community.

The city of Fayetteville has been a great supporter of the Traverse throughout the entire process.

“This will be a very marketable asset for the city of Fayetteville, for residents and tourists as well,” said Fayetteville Parks Director Alison Jumper said.

The Trailblazers included many choice, wooded sections to route the trail through, such as a 10-acre

oak woodland savanna grove that is one of the few remaining upland prairies and savannas of the western Ozark Mountains.

Bird watchers, hikers, runners and other outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate that their interests were included when designing the Fayetteville Traverse.

Ammen Jordan, the Active Transportation Coordinator for UA, might have described the Traverse best, referring to it as “a string of pearls. Connecting the natural jewels of the Fayetteville outdoors.”

Note: Small sections of the Traverse have yet to be completed and additional signage is scheduled. Use scenic bike trails like Cato Springs Trail to connect the gaps until completed. Follow progress and announcements for this and other area trails at sustainability. uark.edu/transportation/bikes/bike-trails.php.

Live Your Adventure

BIKES • KAYAKS • CANOES PADDLEBOARDS • DISC GOLF FISHING & OUTDOOR GEAR ALSO RENTALS, REPAIRS AND CUSTOMIZATIONS 1520 HWY 25B LOCATED NEXT TO WALMART HEBER SPRINGS, AR 72543 501-691-0138 SCREEKOUTFITTERS.COM

FREE TUNE-UPS FOR ONE YEAR WITH ANY NEW BIKE PURCHASE!

RESERVE RENTALS ONLINE AT SCREEKOUTFITTERS.COM

Bikes-SkatesSkateboards Opening Hoverboards oon!

Sales-Service- S Customization Rentals-Accessories

FREE TUNE-UPS FOR ONE YEAR WITH ANY NEW BIKE PURCHASE!

RESERVE RENTALS ONLINE AT SCREEKOUTFITTERS.COM

625 S. 7TH ST, HEBER SPRINGS, 72543 WWW.TRAILHEADWHEELS.COM 501.691.0138

OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE, ON THE BEATEN PATH Right off the trails in the heart of downtown Bentonville, 21c Museum Hotel merges art and nature for a cycling getaway that is anything but ordinary. Enjoy complimentary bike valet and storage.

21cBentonville.com | TheHiveBentonville.com Follow us @21cBentonville and @TheHiveBentonville

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 39

EVENTS TOUR DE QUEEN NOV. 5 $40 De Queen With six routes of different lengths, including a new 38-mile gravel and paved combination, riders of all levels will enjoy a scenic trek through the countryside or up by the lake. Routes include a 15-mile, 25-mile, 36-mile, 38-mile, 47-mile ride and a new 100-mile option. Register at bikereg.com/tourdequeen.

SUNSET AT CENTENNIAL NOV. 5 $25 Fayetteville A kids-only mountain bike race at Centennial Park in Fayetteville. The 9- to 11-year-olds will race on the same course as the NICA race the next day, the Learner’s Permit trail and a marked course

BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK ONLINE BEFORE MAKING PLANS. Have an event you’d like to include in a future Bike Arkansas?

Email editor Kai Caddy at kaicaddy@gmail.com. in the field on top of the mountain using parts of Junk Drawer and Chasing Gold.

The 6- to 8-year-olds will race on the same marked course in the field on top of the mountain. Register at bikereg.com/ sunset-at-centennial.

GÜDRUN NORTHWOODS MTB FESTIVAL NOV. 11-13 $35-$70 Hot Springs Annual mountain bike festival featuring a slow roll, full and mini enduros, a time trial, a jump jam, dual slalom races and the finale of the Arkansas Championship Mountain Bike series, the Attila the Hun XC race. Visit northwoodstrails.org/events/ gudrun/ for more information.

HIGH IN THE OZARKS NOV. 19 $20 deposit Byrd’s Adventure Center, Ozark An extreme gravel event that covers 76 miles and 8,000 feet of vertical gain over remote, demanding and unforgettable terrain in the Ozark Mountains. Visit highintheozarks. com for more information.

WANGO TANGO NOV. 19 $20-$25 City Lake, Siloam Springs A rowdy 4-hour endurance mountain bike race featuring solo and team relay racing on beginner and intermediate trails. To add to the challenge, a 4 p.m. start means the sun will set 2 hours into the race and competitors will be tangoing in the dark to finish. Visit bikereg.com/the-wango-tango for more information.

ALL CROSS

COURTSEY ALL CROSS

NOV. 19

40 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

$10-$20 Railyard Bike Park, Rogers Cyclocross racing for all levels, from kids to masters racers.

Proceeds benefit the Rogers Public Education Foundation, Latinas en Bici and Pedal IT Forward. Visit bikereg.com/allcross for more information.

E D I R E H T F A LIFETIME

PINNACLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

O

K DEV IL’S DEN STATE PAR

Monument Trails are a collection of world-class mountain biking destinations in Arkansas State Parks. These multi-use trails are open at Devil’s Den State Park, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Mount Nebo State Park and Pinnacle Mountain State Park, offering enduring outdoor experiences to trail riders of all skill levels.

Visit MonumentTrails.com for more information.

REPLENISH RECOVER REFUEL U S E CO D E @ C H EC KO U T

BIKE25 25% OFF T R I - SA LTS

BioTechPharmacal.com BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 41

ALL CROSS DEC. 3 $10-$20 Runway Bike Park at the Jones Center, Springdale Cyclocross racing for all levels, from kids to masters racers. Proceeds benefit the Rogers Public Education Foundation, Latinas en Bici and Pedal IT Forward.

Visit bikereg.com/allcross for more information.

ALL CROSS DEC. 17 $10-$20 Railyard Bike Park, Rogers Cyclocross racing for all levels, from kids to masters racers. Proceeds benefit the Rogers Public Education Foundation, Latinas en Bici and Pedal IT Forward. Visit bikereg. com/allcross for more information.

KAI CADDY

THE PIE RIDE DEC. 3 $15 Keo The Little Rock Gran Fondo presents a 35-mile mini fondo. Registration includes a free slice of pecan pie and cup of coffee from Charlotte’s Eats and Sweets. Only 75 slots available. Register at bikereg.com/ the-pie-ride-pb-littlerockgranfondo.

OUACHITA GRAVEL GRIND

JAN. 7 (Price TBA) Jessieville Out-and-back gravel race through the Ouachita National Forest with two distance options. Visit facebook.com/ shameventsllc for more information.

ALL CROSS JAN. 7 $10-$20 Iron Head, Bentonville Cyclocross racing for all levels, from kids to masters racers. Proceeds benefit the Rogers Public Education Foundation, Latinas en Bici and Pedal IT Forward. Visit bikereg. com/allcross for more information.

mountain bike festival. It includes five meals, libations, tent and RV camping, live music and amazing riding, highlighted by the annual “Challenge” ride on Saturday. The “Challenge” ride consists of a 40ish-mile semi-supported backcountry mountain bike experience with a few marked bailouts along the way. Register at bikereg.com/buffaloheadwaterschallenge.

BUFFALO HEADWATERS CHALLENGE FEB. 3-5 $20-$90 Pettigrew A three-day, all-inclusive, “off the grid”

BENTONVILLE GRAVEL CAMP MAY 4-7 $675-$850 Bentonville Join Crystal Anthony and Craig Wohlschlaeger for a long weekend gravel camp with Anthony’s whole food cooking. Mornings will entail 3- to 4-hour supported rides on the expansive network of beautiful gravel roads in and around Bentonville. Afternoons will focus on educational workshops covering topics such as fueling long rides and events, making equipment choices, navigating gravel event logistics, and more. Visit crystaljanthony. com/bentonvillecamps for more information.

FLINT CREEK ENDURANCE GRINDURO AUG. 4 $35-$50 Siloam Springs Experience some of the best gravel roads in Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma.

The ride features route options of 25 or 50 miles of hard-packed, fast-rolling gravel backroads. Visit flintcreekendurance.com for more information.

TOUR DE SALVATION SEPT. 3 $15-$60 Hot Springs A family-friendly, multibike ride. Riders have the option to ride road bike only, mountain bike only or both. Several route options, including ones that include both road and mountain. Shuttle for bikes are provided at the exchange location. Visit bikereg.com/ tour-de-salvation for more information.

42 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

ADVERSTISEMENT

A TRAIL PAVED WITH HOPS & BARLEY. For more than a decade The Fayetteville Ale Trail has been Arkansas’ Original Craft-Beer Tour. A self-guided showcase of creative fermentation and flavor, the Fayetteville Ale Trail currently features 20 stops. And these stops, located in Fayetteville and nearby Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, Lowell, Eureka Springs and Siloam Springs are as diverse as the outstanding brews they offer.

DOGS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AT CRISIS BREWING COMPANY, SO BRING YOUR PUP WHILE ENJOYING A PINT.

Whether you’re looking for a double IPA hop bomb, a creamy rich oatmeal stout, or even a light refreshing cider, you’ll find a pint that hits the spot. Start your adventure by dropping by the Fayetteville Visitors Center to purchase your Ale Trail merch and pickup your passport. Then, collect your passport stamps with any purchase at each brewery location.

And don’t forget, a passport is more than just a fun way to keep up with your progress on the Ale Trail, it’s a way to show your love and support of the amazing craft these breweries are fostering in Northwest Arkansas!

Ever growing, the Ale Trail is currently comprised of these

amazing breweries: Apple Blossom Brewing Co., Bentonville Brewing Co., Bike Rack Brewing Co., Black Apple Cidery, Boston Mountain Brewing, Columbus House Brewery, Core Brewing and Distilling Co., Crisis Brewing Company, Eureka Springs Brewery, Fossil Cove Brewing Co., Goat Lab Brewery, Hawk Moth Brewery, Ivory Bill Brewing, Natural State Beer Co., New Providence Brewing Co., Ozark Beer Company, Puritan Coffee & Beer, Rendezvous Junction Brewing Co., Saddlebock Brewery and West Mountain Brewing Co. For the most up-to-date brewery listing and other information go to: FayettevilleAleTrail.com or ExperienceFayetteville.com BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 43

Bike Arkansas’s

Holiday Gift Guide The holiday season is here.

We’ve compiled a list of gifts sure to make the cyclist on your list (or maybe yourself) beam with joy this year.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

44 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

1. Coler MTB Swag

6.

After spending a day in Northwest Arkansas’s mountain biker’s paradise, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, swing over to the Peel Museum Store for some Coler swag.

PEEL MANSION MUSEUM STORE 400 S. Walton Blvd., Bentonville 479-273-3636 peelcompton.org

2. 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 rides!

BIO-TECH PHARMACAL INC. Fayetteville 479-443-9148 Biotechpharmacal.com

7.

3. Conquer the Trail

The legendary Stumpjumper family of bikes are the ultimate singletrack flow finders. They climb and accelerate like they have motors, descend with authority, and flat out tears through every conceivable trail condition. Never has there been an all-around trail bike this light, this efficient, and this capable…until now!

ARKANSAS CYCLING & FITNESS 315 North Bowman, Little Rock 501-221-BIKE(2453) 3010 E. Kiehl Ave, Sherwood 501-834-5787 arkansascycling.com

4. Hit Your Stride

8.

The Strider 2-in-1 Rocking Bike is two toys in one. When your little one has mastered rocking and is ready to roll out, simply detach the bike. The 12 Sport is the perfect bike to take your child from baby steps to big strides, all without busting out a toolkit (no-tool adjustable seat and handlebar AND never-flat tires).

STRIDER BIKES 109 N. Main Street 479-367-2335 facebook.com/StriderStoreBentonville

5. Fun on the fly

Is your cyclist looking for a fun offseason activity? How about fly fishing?

Send them to Gaston’s on the White River where expert instruction and experienced guides 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.com

6. Upgrade Your Safety And Tracking

Garmin’s Edge range of cycling computers has something for everyone from beginner to elite and pairing a new bike computer with the compatible Varia Radar system is an important safety upgrade. Sulphur Creek Outfitters, an authorized Garmin dealer, has the full range in stock while supplies last. Select Edge and Varia models are $50 from Nov. 12-29!

Trailhead Wheels at Sulpher Creek 625 S 7th Street Heber Springs 501-691-0138 1520 Hwy. 25B, Heber Springs 501-691-0138 Screekoutfitters.com

7. Go to Town!

The Townie Go! 7D is the e-bike for everyone. It combines comfort and control with the power and fun of an e-bike. Now featuring a fully integrated battery with 3 levels of support, 26" tires and Electra's patented Flat Foot Technology®. Go faster, farther, and funner for less than you thought possible.

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

8. Drink Up

Specially designed with adventurous beer-drinkers in mind, you can take this growler anywhere you go without having to worry about glass breaking or beer getting hot. Fill it up with one of our Superior beers anytime-- they make great gifts!

SUPERIOR BATHHOUSE BREWERY 329 Central Ave. Hot Springs National Park superiorbathhouse.com

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 45

Bike Shops

LITTLE ROCK ARKANSAS CYCLING & FITNESS 315 N. Bowman, Suites 6-9 501-221-BIKE (2453) arkansascycling.com THE COMMUNITY BICYCLIST 7509 Cantrell Road, Suite 118 501-663-7300 thecommunitybicyclist.com PEDEGO ELECTRIC BIKES 2017 Kavanaugh Blvd.

501-747-1633 pedegoelectricbikes.com ROCK TOWN RIVER OUTFITTERS (RENTAL) Little Maumelle River Boat Launch 501-831-0548 rocktownriveroutfitters.com SHIFT MODERN CYCLERY 1101 W. Markham St. 501-683-8400 shiftmoderncyclery.com SOUTHWEST BIKE SHOP 7121 Baseline Road 501-562-1866 SPOKES GIANT LITTLE ROCK 11525 Cantrell Road, Suite 607 501-508-5566 spokesgiant.com TREK BICYCLE OF LITTLE ROCK 10300 Rodney Parham Road 501-224-7651 trekbikes.com

NORTH LITTLE ROCK ANGRY DAVE’S BICYCLES 3217 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

501-753-4990 angrydavesbicycles.com RECYCLE BIKES FOR KIDS 717 E. 10th St. 501-563-8264 recyclebikesforkids.org

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

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

CONWAY THE RIDE 2100 Meadowlake Road, No. 2 501-764-4500 therideonline.net 46 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022

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

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

HEBER SPRINGS SULPHUR CREEK OUTFITTERS 1520 Highway 25B 501-691-0138 screekoutfitters.com TRAILHEAD WHEELS AT SULPHUR CREEK 625 S. 7th St. 501-691-0138 Trailheadwheels.com

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

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

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

FORT SMITH CHAMPION CYCLING & FITNESS 5500 Massard Road 479-484-7500 championcycling.com PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 1700 Rogers Ave. 479-222-6796 phattirebikeshop.com ROLL ON BMX AND SKATE 1907 Cavanaugh Road 479-974-1235 Rollonbmx.business.site THE WOODSMAN COMPANY 5609 Rogers Ave., Suite D 479-452-3559 thewoodsmancompany.com

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

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

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

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

ROGERS BEAVER LAKE OUTDOOR CENTER (RENTALS) 14434 E. State Hwy. 12 479-877-4984 beaverlakeoutdoorcenter.com LEWIS & CLARK OUTFITTERS 2530 Pinnacle Hills Parkway 479-845-1344 lewisandclarkoutfitters.com MAGNOLIA CYCLES 216 E. Chestnut St. 479-278-2249 magnoliacycles.com PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 321 S. Arkansas St. 479-899-6188 phattirebikeshop.com THE HIGHROLLER CYCLERY 402 S. Metro Parkway 479-254-9800 highrollercyclery.com

BENTONVILLE BENTONVILLE BICYCLE CO. 813 W. Central Ave. 479-268-3870 bentonvillebicyclecompany.com

BIKE SHOP JOE’S 1206 SE Moberly Lane, Suite 6 479-709-2242 bikeshopjoes.com BUDDY PEGS FAMILY BICYCLE HQ 3605 NW Wishing Springs Road 479-268-4030 buggypegs.com CUSTOM CRUZERS PREMIUM E-BIKES 10636 Hwy. 72 W, Suite 102 479-367-4694 facebook.com/customcruzersnwa THE HUB BIKE LOUNGE 410 SW A St., Suite 2 479-364-0394 thehubbikelounge.com THE METEOR 401 SE D St. 479-268-4747 meteorbikes.com MOOSEJAW 111 S. Main St. 479-265-9245 moosejaw.com MOJO CYCLING 1100 N. Walton Blvd.

479-271-7201 mojocycling.com PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 125 W. Central Ave. 479-715-6170 phattirebikeshop.com PLUG POWER BICYCLES 3905 NW Wishing Spring Road 479-273-9229 facebook.com/plugpowerbikes STRIDER BIKES 109 N. Main Street 479-367-2335 facebook.com/StriderStoreBentonville

BELLA VISTA PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP 3803 NW Wishing Springs Drive 479-268-3800 phattirebikeshop.com

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

GUIDES/SHUTTLE SERVICES OZARK BIKE GUIDES, LLC 479-644-8893 ozarkbikeguides.com

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

www.edwardsfoodgiant.com SAVE TIME. ORDER ONLINE. DELIVERED TO YOUR CAR. BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 24 | 47

THREE HOT SPOTS FOR CYCLING IN NORTH LITTLE ROCK We’re up to something totally rad in North Little Rock, Arkansas!

1. For thrill-seekers: Big Rock Quarry Bike Park is the newest addition to North Little Rock’s cycling scene, with its first phase opening in 2021 with a pump track. The bike park will eventually include downhill mountain bike trails, cross-country mountain bike skills trails, asphalt flow trails and a bicycle playground. The bike park has a convenient free parking lot and is within a short distance of the Arkansas River Trail.

2. For long distance cyclists: The scenic 15-mile Arkansas River Trail flows between the cities of North Little Rock and Little Rock, crossing pedestrian bridges like the iconic Big Dam Bridge and the Clinton Presidential Bridge. The trail is mostly paved and relatively flat with several access points. Free parking is available at the Big Dam Bridge and North Little Rock’s Riverfront Park.

3. For the mountain bikers: Burns Park has several unpaved trails as well as Emerald Park, where you can get breathtaking views from the bluffs. Camp Robinson, home to the Army National Guard, is known as the crown jewel of the region for containing some of the best and most varied rides in central Arkansas.

Because it is a military base, photo ID and purchase of a visitors pass are necessary but well worth it for access to 30 miles of beginner to advanced trails.

Plan Your Visit > NorthLittleRock.org @exploreNLR

48 | BIKE ARKANSAS NOVember 2022