SARAH RICHARDSON Digital Ad Coordinator / Customer Service
WELDON WILSON Controller
ROLAND R. GLADDEN Advertising Traffic Manager
KATIE HASSELL Art Director / Digital Content Manager
ROBERT CURFMAN IT Director
CHARLOTTE KEY Accounting
ANITRA HICKMAN Circulation Director ALAN LEVERITT President
BRYCE WARD is a competitive road cyclist based in Fayetteville and the Northwest Arkansas General Manager of local paper shredding company, Rock Solid Shredding.
KENZ WILSON (they/them) builds community through cycling at Magnolia Cycles in Rogers and All Bodies On Bikes. You can find them rippin’ around the Ozarks on their custom Gnargo e-bike or their shiny All-City single speed.
MIKE SPAIN is a graphic designer and an art director with Arkansas Times. He’s also been an avid cyclist since 2004. “I don’t get dropped, I attack off the back.”
WEATHER IS NO EXCUSE
Ah, winter in Arkansas — it could be below freezing and snowing, or it could be 85 and sunny. One certainty: It probably won’t be consistently cold enough to keep you from heading outdoors to ride your bike for the next couple of months.
Check out a collection of winter riding essentials in our Gear Guide. We asked several cyclists across the state what their favorites are to come up with the list. And if the weather’s just too bad to venture out, we’ve got a pretty sweet indoor option from Zwift highlighted.
Kai Caddy
Also in this issue, Kenz Wilson provides some tips for riders looking to dip their toes into the world of electric bikes. A booming segment of the market, you can find everything from aggressive e-mountain bikes to e-cargo bikes (some built right here in Arkansas).
We’ve also got a comprehensive recap of the first Ride Your Damn Bike Festival, which took place in Fayetteville this fall. As grassroots as a grassroots event can get, the festival featured off-road rides for everyone from gravel-curious roadies, to beginning adventurers, to seasoned ultra-endurance racers. The weather nearly spoiled the weekend, but it turned out to be a perfect supplement to a weekend of adventure.
And that’s a perfect reminder for the months ahead. Don’t let the weather get you down. There’s too much great winter clothing and fun indoor technology these days to not get to enjoy some time on the bike this winter. Plus, since we’re in Arkansas, we can take full advantage of those random warm days. You know they’ll come.
Enjoy the ride.
NICA CROWNS STATE CHAMPIONS
Arkansas NICA held its state championship weekend Nov. 1-2 at Centennial Park in Fayetteville.
Bentonville West’s Caden Jagt took the varsity boys title by more than a minute over Thaden’s Gwilym Stevens. Hot Springs’ Osvaldo Mardones finished third. Avery Roberts of Thaden took the varsity girls win over Siloam Springs’ Juniper Allen and Bentonville’s Bailey Brown.
Thaden was the winning varsity girls team followed by Fayetteville and Bentonville. Siloam Springs was the top team on the boy’s side, edging Thaden by a point. Bentonville finished third.
Regional series winners were honored before to the state championship races. Penny Mullins of the Capital City Cranks was the Plains Region varsity girls winner while Roberts took the top spot in the Plateau Region.
Mardones was the Plains Region varsity boys winner, Siloam Springs’ Malachi Ahrenholtz won the Plateau Region.
Full results can be found at arkansasmtb.org.
PROGRESSIVE TRAIL DESIGN TO BUILD OLYMPIC COURSE
Bentonville-based trail building firm Progressive Trail Design has been hired to design and build the 2028 Summer Olympics cross country mountain bike course at the Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry, Calif., outside of Los Angeles.
“This moment has been many years in the making — and it couldn’t come at a more meaningful time,” the company said on social media. “It also coincides with our 20th anniversary as a company, representing the pinnacle of everything we’ve worked toward since our humble beginnings in Bentonville, Arkansas.”
Progressive has built trails all over the world. It’s latest project was the Rock Yard jump park, which opened in November in Tulsa.
REFRESHED TRAILS CREATE OPPORTUNITY AT QUEEN WILHELMINA STATE PARK
Newly refreshed and enhanced trails opened at Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Mena in early November.
The updated trails now accommodate mountain bikes and feature improved viewing and exploration of the panoramic Ouachita Mountain overlooks. These enhancements provide new experiences for both longtime park visitors and first-time adventurers.
Located on the crest of Rich Mountain, Arkansas’s second-highest peak, Queen Wilhelmina State Park is known for sweeping views, unique mountain ecology and year-round visitor programs. The enhancements implemented this year are part of ongoing statewide efforts to expand recreational access and preserve natural landscapes.
Caden Jagt
Avery Roberts
KAI CADDY
KAI CADDY
VILLAFANE, BEERS CLAIM BIG SUGAR TITLES
Specialized Off-Road’s Sofia Gomez Villafane and Matthew Beers claimed the elite women’s and men’s titles at a storm-shortened Big Sugar Gravel race in Bentonville in October. The race serves as the finale of the Life Time Grand Prix series. Villafane also wrapped up the overall Grand Prix title for the third straight year. Cameron Jones was the men’s overall series winner.
Beers instigated an early breakaway alongside Matthew Wilson and Riley Amos before going solo in the closing miles to secure his first win of the 2025 Life Time Grand Prix series. Wilson suffered a mechanical failure in the closing miles, taking him out of contention, while Griffin Easter joined forces with Amos to eventually edge him out on the line for second place.
Keegan Swenson, Cameron Jones, Simon Pellaud and Torbjorn Andre Roed marked each other closely all day, with the overall series being decided by their finishing order, but it was Jones who was victorious, taking the bunch sprint for fifth place.
Meanwhile, in the women’s race, attacks were launched left and right but were ultimately neutralized until the final kilometers, which saw Villafane and Lauren Stephens launch decisive moves to go clear of the group. Lauren De Crescenzo and Melisa Rollins also attempted to follow the two leaders but were caught by the peloton. Villafane distanced her rival and took the win solo while Stephens held off the chasing peloton for second place. Stella Hobbs brought home the remainder of the bunch, taking third on the line ahead of Alexis Skarda and Courtney Sherwell for fourth and fifth, respectively. The six-race Grand Prix series will launch its fifth season in 2026 and will once again wrap its season in Arkansas with back-to-back races in Bentonville: Little Sugar MTB and Big Sugar Gravel. The season will feature $590,000 in prize money across the series, with $350,000 dedicated to the overall Life Time Grand Prix podium, increased prize purses to $60,000 at UNBOUND Gravel and the Leadville Trail 100 MTB, and $30,000 prize purses at the remaining events. Additionally, the series will feature a new $2,500 professional finisher compensation and the return of live coverage.
BENTONVILLE’S BLONSKY PENS CHILDREN’S BOOK
Marley Blonksy is one of the nation’s leading voices for body size inclusion, cycling and environmental advocacy. And now she’s a children’s book author.
Strong Girl Publishing is releasing the Bentonville resident’s new book, “The Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club: A Story About Riding Your Own Way,” this spring.
Readers meet a group of kids who don’t all look like “typical cyclists” — and that’s exactly the point. Through a heartwarming and fun-filled story, the book explores how everyone, no matter their size, shape, background, or style, can find joy and belonging on a bike.
The story celebrates the power of community and the freedom of riding – whether it’s racing, adven-
turing, popping wheelies or just riding to visit a friend.
“This book is the story I wish I’d had as a kid,” Blonsky said. “It’s for every child who’s ever felt left out or doubted whether they belong — on a bike, in sport or anywhere else.”
The book is illustrated by Pip Claffey.
As the co-founder and executive director of All Bodies on Bikes, Blonksy leads a nationwide movement dedicated to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for people of all sizes and abilities to experience the joy of cycling.
The book is set to release April 12, 2026. Visit stronggirlpublishing. com/ragtag/ to pre-order and for information on hosting events around the book.
Sofia Gomez Villafane
Matthew Beers
KAI CADDY
KAI CADDY
BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH BIKES
JONESBORO’S SLOW ROLL CREATES MOMENTUM.
BY CHARLIE ORR
When you picture a social bike ride, what comes to mind? Maybe a hip, outdoorsy town, carbon frames with the latest tech and a crowd of cyclists who live and breathe the lifestyle. Sounds familiar, right?
Don’t get me wrong — I love great bikes, great towns and great people — but that image can make it tough to imagine building a similar scene in a place that doesn’t fit the stereotype.
So how did a slow roll get started here in Jonesboro — a mid-sized, car-centric city in the Arkansas Delta? We’re not exactly known for our cycling culture. And even though I love my hometown and believe deeply in its potential, I had my doubts. Would people actually show up?
It started simple: an Instagram account, a meetup spot and a start time. I tagged a few local businesses to help spread the word.
We’re not exactly known for our cycling culture. Would people actually show up?
A diverse group of riders takes part in the Slow Roll.
Charlie Orr has learned a lot about his city.
That’s the beauty of the slow roll — it’s about joy, not speed. It’s about community, not competition.
That was it, we were rolling. What began with 10 riders has since grown to more than 70 on our best weeks.
This project has taught me a lot about my city. Jonesboro is evolving, slowly but surely, into a place that values outdoor spaces, active living and community. The city’s greenway trail now links key parts of town for cyclists and pedestrians alike, and we’re lucky to sit right along the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail. Most importantly, the local support has been incredible.
What I love most about these rides are the smiles. People want to ride, not just serious cyclists, but everyday folks. Parents pulling out old beach cruisers, kids popping wheelies, or someone dusting off a comfort bike that hasn’t seen daylight in a decade. They all show up. And once they do, they’re reminded how good it feels to move, to
connect and to belong.
That’s the beauty of the slow roll — it’s about joy, not speed. It’s about community, not competition.
And it’s part of something much bigger happening across the Delta. From Pedal the Ridge in Paragould to The Skirmish in Jonesboro, Birdeye Gravel Festival and Delta Grind in Helena, cycling is becoming a cultural and economic catalyst for our region. The Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail ties it all together – connecting nearly 18 towns along a route that’s as rich in history and scenery as it is in hospitality.
So if you’ve ever thought about starting your own slow roll — or if you’re just looking for a ride that feels different — come experience Crowley’s Ridge. Bring your bike, bring your friends and come see how a ride can turn into a movement.
COURTESY OF CHARLIE ORR
The ride rolls through downtown.
THINKING OF OUR BIKE TRAILS?
Live closer to what you love.
Michael Humphall keeps customer’s bikes riding like new.
›SHOP TALK
A PREMIUM SHOP FOR EVERYONE
OWNER MICHAEL CRUM HAS MAGNOLIA CYCLES ROLLING IN ROGERS.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN THE BIKE INDUSTRY?
Magnolia started as a frame building shop when I lived in Memphis. And so, out of high school, I went to UBI (United Bicycle Institute),and learned how to build a frame, took their mechanics courses, their shop maintenance courses, their shop management courses and everything. When I finished, I didn’t really have an opportunity in the industry and I was 19. I ended up deciding to go to art school and wound up at Memphis College of Art and I did a lot of metalsmithing there. I had a customer at the shop I worked for that found out that I could build frames and wanted to help me get started. That was 2006, 2008, somewhere around there. I was building out of my garage at home and the big financial crisis of 2009 happened. So a lot of the people who were interested in buying a bike from me backed off. It was fine. I was still making things go and then just ended up going through some other life changes and everything, and shuttered it for a while.
HOW DID THAT LEAD TO THIS SHOP?
I moved to working for Allied for three years. I worked in the assembly room and then quality control for them. And that last year that I was there (2022), I was opening the new shop. I needed a space to tinker and I was moving in with my now wife and didn’t have a garage to move all my (frame building) stuff into. We ended up finding a space that was much bigger than we needed. And so we decided to jump full force into a bike shop.
WHAT’S LED TO MAGNOLIA’S SUCCESS?
Our service focus is definitely a benefit to us. I like to think of it as we’re a premium bike shop for everyone. So no matter what level of cyclist, what type of cyclist you are, then you get the same premium service that anybody gets and deserves. We want to make sure that everybody’s welcome and can find a home here.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER THINGS YOU OFFER?
We do fit services — several levels of that. We’re very fit focused here. So the process of buying a bike or doing a custom frame starts with a consultation visit. There’s not a lot of bikes on the floor, and that’s the reason that we talk to you. We want to find the right bike for you, the bike that you need, that fits your needs, if we happen to have that in our used selection or whatever, that’s great, but we want to make sure we get what’s the right bike for you. So that starts with a consultation and
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAI CADDY
a fit. We take those measurements, and there’s a charge for that, but you take those measurements with you. So if we don’t find the right bike for you immediately, there’s more research we can do — or you can do, you have that information to take with you. We always want to sell you a bike. But if it doesn’t work out, you have that information. So, If you get that bike, we’re here to help you with a service on it as well. If (direct-to-consumer brand) Canyon’s running a special, and Canyon fits, we’re OK with that. We’re happy to have you ship that bike to us and we’ll assemble it, and make sure it’s all set up for you and apply your fit measurements to it. It’s all about making sure you get the right bike.
WHAT’S YOUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT LIKE?
We do our best to get repairs back within 48 hours. If we don’t have to order special-order parts for it, most repairs can get done within 48 hours. And sometimes 24. We also have our Magnolia Cycling Club membership program. It’s a service-based membership program that provides you with a certain level of complementary service that comes with it. It’s designed to keep you coming in to make sure your bike is maintained. And rather than once a year, you come in because something’s wrong and then you get this huge bill. It’s fixing those small things along the way and making sure every time you go to ride on the weekend, the bike is like a brand-new bike.
HOW ABOUT THE BIKE WASH STATION?
On the east side of our building, we have a free full bike wash station that’s fully stocked. It’s always on unless the temperature’s below freezing. We stock it with Pelli cleaning products, rags, sponges and brushes.
WHAT’S THE BIKE COMMUNITY LIKE IN ROGERS?
We learned, and I think our membership kind of speaks to that, is we want people to feel like they belong to the shop and they have a stake in it. Downtown Rogers is growing and we’ve got the Rail Yard and Lake Atalanta. A lot of great folks riding and people lead rides from here. When they get back, they still have time to step over to Ozark Beer
Crum in Magnolia’s custom frame area.
and grab a beer before it closes. We definitely are gonna work on some more community events, rides and things in the future. I’m going to be doing a monthly swap meet in the parking lot the third Saturday of every month. Anybody can come set up in the back of the parking lot and just hang out and swap and sell stuff. To have that community and get cyclists from all different types of cycling together and trading and just talking and setting up rides and all of that is great.
WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR NEW CYCLISTS?
Find a shop that you have a rapport with and that you like the vibe and the feel and can trust. Just talk to them. They’re here to help. We want to make sure that everybody feels comfortable. When somebody purchases a full-suspension bike, we go through and talk to them about the suspension, how we set it up to begin with and then how they can adjust and make adjustments and what they want to look for out on the trail to get the best out of it. When people come into the shop, we try to find their level and we meet them there and we bring them to whatever level they’re wanting to get to.
WHAT’S YOUR LATEST PROJECT IN TERMS OF CUSTOM FRAMES?
Hopefully by spring, I’ll have a fleet of demo gravel bikes available.I just finished large, and got the medium and small going. After that, I’ll try to look into an extra large, and maybe an extra small. So, I want to get those on the floor next year and I want to do the same thing with some hard tails. Eventually I want to be able to do a full-suspension model. I’m still figuring out what that’s gonna be. I’m not a suspension designer at all, so I most likely will be buying a rear triangle from someone. I did build a prototype with the Allied BC 40 rear triangle a couple years ago that I still have yet to build up and test. But, that might be an option.
If you have special fit issues, we can accommodate that with a custom build. But even if you don’t, you can just get a custom build because you want a custom build. There’s not always a reason to get a custom bike other than you want a custom bike, and that’s totally legit.
Loop Option: Includes a full loop.
Distance & Elevation: 151 miles with 13,000+ ft of elevation; mixed-surface cycling.
Witts Springs: Hosts annual Pedestal Rock/Lick Fork bike ride & strong rider support at Rider’s Village.
Marshall: Home to Buffalo River Bike Shop (repairs, recycles, donates bikes).
Snowball: Hosts Snowball Adventure Race each spring.
Bobcat Trail: Mountain bike trail accessible from Airport Road & Searcy County Airport; open to hikers/trail runners.
Ozark Grinder Trail (OGT): Gravel trail from Gilbert to Leslie to Fairfield Bay.
NEW TRAIL
The Magnolia team: Michael Humphall, Michael Crum and Alejandra Gonzales Viveros.
›TOP GEAR
Surviving the Cold
We reached out to several riders across the state to compile this issue’s list of must-haves to keep riding while battling the chilly temps that come with an Arkansas winter.
FELLOW CARTER MOVE MUG
The Carter Move Mug is perfect for the coffee lover, a unique way to keep you warm on your ride. It’s available in 16 colors, two sizes and fits in a bottle cage. It also comes with a snap-in splash guard to make sipping on the go a breeze. Best of all, it’ll keep your coffee hot for 12 hours. Available at fellowproducts.com.
VELOCIO LUXE BIB TIGHT
LUXE is Velocio’s top-ofthe-range fabric. It’s supple and compressive. These tights feature minimal seams for comfort. Velocio offers its tights in eight sizes (XXS-4XL) for both men and women with three color op tions: black, navy or coffee. The women’s tights feature FlyFree, Velocio’s tech that allows bathroom stops with out having to remove layers. Available at velocio.cc and The Meteor in Bentonville and Fayetteville.
RAPHA BREVET INSULATED GILET AND PRO TEAM SHADOW WINTER JACKET
These versatile items from Rapha are a great solution for Arkansas’s temperature swings. Both pieces are wind and rain resistant and have two-way zippers (a nice bonus for digging things out from your jersey pockets). The gilet features a lightweight insulation, reflective stripes and rear zipper pocket. When the temperature climbs, you can shed the vest and pack it into a jersey pocket. The winter jacket is lined with fleece, has three rear pockets and a small zip pocket. Its logos are all made from a reflective material. Available at rapha.cc and the Rapha Clubhouse in Bentonville.
PHOTOS
PEARL IZUMI TRANSFER
MERINO 150 NECK GAITER
The simple neck gaiter can be a highly versatile piece as well. Merino wool provides amazing warmth, moisture control, isn’t itchy and won’t get stinky. On cooler days, wear the gaiter just around your neck, but when the temps drop, you can pull it up to cover your face. The Pearl Izumi model is one of the cheaper Merino pieces available. Most local shops carry Pearl Izumi. Also available at pearlizumi.com.
ZWIFT RIDE SMART FRAME
If it’s just too cold or nasty to get out, take a look at the Zwift Ride Smart Frame, a smart training bike made for the virtual training app Zwift. It works with several existing indoor trainers or you can buy it with a trainer included. It’s always ready to hop on and get some training in and allows you to keep your outdoor bike ready for the outdoors. It has built-in handlebar controllers and customizable virtual shifting. It’s easily adjustable, making it perfect for everyone at home. Available at zwift.com.
CASTELLI ESPRESSO SHOE COVERS AND GLOVES
A good all-around shoe cover that’s windproof and water resistant. The covers feature a velcro strap on the bottom, making it easy to fit to either road or gravel shoes. The ease-of-use continues with a full-length zipper with reflective trim along the back. There’s a silicone elastic at the top to ensure the shoe covers don’t slip. The covers are made from a Polartec AirCore insulated fabric. The gloves feature the same Polartec fabric and a PrimaLoft insulation. They are windproof and waterproof with a long zipper that runs from the wrist to around the thumb for easy on and off. They’re also touchscreen compatible so you can still document your epic ride for Instagram. Available at castelli-cycling.com.
GOING ELECTRIC
E-BIKES CAN CHANGE LIVES.
BY KENZ WILSON
et’s talk about e-bikes. What are they? Why does everyone need one? How do you choose one? How are they different from regular bikes?
Simply put, e-bikes are bicycles with some form of electric motor. However, just like analog bicycles, there are many shapes and sizes that fall under the umbrella of “e-bike.” Some can go fast, some can carry a lot of stuff, some can carry a lot of people, some are good at getting you to work, some are good off-road, and some are just really stinkin’ fun to ride. I think everyone should buy an e-bike. Now, this may be a hot take for some people, but I fully believe that e-bikes have the potential to change your life for the better. E-bikes get a bad rap in some circles because they are viewed as “lazy” or “cheating,” but I think that is a bit unfair. E-bikes are a gateway drug to whimsy and adventure. I know so many people that would not ride a bike at all if it wasn’t for e-bikes. When you have pedal assist, you’re much more likely to get off the couch and go ride. You’re still doing the work, but you decide how hard the work is. E-bikes make cycling more accessible. People are more likely to go grocery shopping or to the cafe on their bike instead of in a car, and I’d call that a win. Because every time you choose to ride your bike somewhere, you’re exploring your community in a new way, breathing fresh air, seeing the slower side of life. I think this is expressed well by Gil, Owen Wilson’s character from “Midnight in Paris”. It is beginning to rain in Paris and Gil denies a taxi ride, telling his fiancée, “Oh, it’ll be nice walking in the rain! It’s beautiful!” That’s the type of idyllic and whimsical lens that cycling helps us see through.
E-bikes and analog bikes have something else in common: A lot of people are making them. There are pop-up brands on websites like Amazon, mass-produced e-bike companies like Aventon and
Rad Power, traditional bike brands (almost all of them at this point) have e-bikes, and there’s also fully custom/ handmade e-bikes.
With so many options, how on earth do you choose one to purchase? Well, luckily for me, bikes have given me some pretty cool friends, and some of those friends just so happen to be the fine folks over at Gnargo Bike Co. in Bentonville*. Elysia Contreras Spurner (she/her) and I sat down for coffee and yapped about e-bikes for a while. If there’s some good info from the following tips, then it probably came from her.
on what you’re doing and if you’re doing it year-round in wet and cold weather. Where the heck does all of this extra cost come from?
Your bike is not a toy. It is a vehicle and it is a tool. Reframing a bicycle like this will help you on your journey to deciding what is right for you and your needs. The first thing to always think about is budget. Not everyone can or wants to spend thousands on a bike, so if the mass-produced Aventon is all you can get, do it! And enjoy it!
But what about other costs? You have the cost of the bike itself, plus anywhere from $100 to $1,000 of extra gear depending
The most important thing to buy after you buy a bike is a flat kit (and a helmet). A flat kit includes some form of air like a mini-pump, a CO2 cartridge and a way to activate it, or an electric pump. Then you need a patch or extra tube. Next on the list, you really want tire levers in your flat kit — they will make your life so much easier. Last but not least, you need a way to carry your flat kit. Everyone has their own personal preference.
My pro tip is to put your flat kit inside of a saddlebag. It’s nice and out of the way
under your saddle, and it is all together instead of being mixed in with other items. When — not if — you get a flat, you want to reduce stress by needing to grab only one thing.
So how much does it cost? It’s tempting to go online because bike stuff, like most stuff, has gotten more expensive since 2024.
You could buy online or you could go to your local bike shop and get what you need. I went and visited one of my favorite local bike shops, Mojo Cycling in Bentonville. Their customer service is great, and within a few minutes I had everything I needed for $66.20 after tax. The list of bike accessories goes on: helmet, lights, bike rack, floor pump, rain jacket, bike bags of various shapes and sizes, cleaning supplies, new tires after a while, a new chain, etc.
Let’s talk about the impact of small business. While I was visiting the shop, I ran into my friend Ben the Mechanic. He was actually working on an entry-level e-bike. The rider has some health issues that prevent them from using their right hand at 100%. Ben and the team at Mojo situated all of the controls to the left side of the handlebars so that this rider could keep riding safely. This is why supporting your local bike shops is so crucial.
E-BIKE TIPS FOR NEW RIDERS
➣ E-bikes are heavier than regular bikes: start with the pedal assist on low, and get used to the weight of the bike in corners before going faster.
➣ Check local laws about the legality and safety of riding on sidewalks.
➣ Wear your helmet.
➣ Only use the charger made for your bike.
➣ Have fun!
One more note on bike accessories: You do NOT have to buy new. In Northwest Arkansas, we are blessed to have small businesses like Sturdy Used Gear (@ sturdyusedgear on Instagram or sturdyusedgear.com). Sturdy is a consignment shop that takes outdoor gear in good condition and sells it at various pop-up events across the region. Also, check out organizations like Pedal it Forward, and local bike shops can connect you with rides, which connect you with other riders, and those riders always have stuff for sale or trade.
So, what are you going to buy? I don’t use the cargo rack on my Gnargo every ride, but it sure is nice to have when I need it. Maybe you don’t need a cargo bike, maybe a step-thru bike that is easier to mount instead?
Do you know how long your commute is? Does your dream bike have a battery big enough to get you that far? Is this bike going to be shared between two people of similar size? Most importantly, what color do you want?
There’s a lot of small decisions to make. Whatever you choose, I hope you love it and ride it every day. Happy riding!
RIDE YOUR DAMN BIKE
FESTIVAL BRINGS GRASSROOTS CYCLING EVENTS BACK TO FAYETTEVILLE.
BY BRYCE WARD
In 2021, the world governing body for cycling, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), awarded Fayetteville with the rare distinction of being a “Bike City” — a label that, to this day, has been given to no other city in the United States. According to the UCI, the Bike City label supports and rewards cities that host major UCI cycling events and which demonstrate a commitment to developing cycling at all levels, from elite competition to the use of bikes for leisure and as a means of transportation.
On paper, Fayetteville has earned the rare title of being a Bike City, placing the Ozark-nestled college town alongside the likes of Copenhagen, Paris, Montreal and Tokyo. But for the cyclists living and riding in Fayetteville on a daily basis, this level of distinction may feel unwarranted.
While Centennial Park has hosted numerous high-level events, it hosts surprisingly few grassroot events for locals to participate in.
The Joe Martin Stage Race was a staple of Fayetteville for many years and a unique opportunity for local cyclists to compete on familiar roads, but following its unfortunate conclusion in 2023 because of a lack of funding, there has been a void in Fayetteville’s road racing scene that remains unfilled.
And though Fayetteville has a well-connected and continually growing network of paved and unpaved
trails, cyclists don’t have to venture far from them to be reminded that a significant portion of locals do not consider Fayetteville “a bike city.”
Ultimately, the city itself can only do so much to live up to this distinction; it’s up to the cycling community within Fayetteville to leverage the city’s support and cultivate the type of bike-oriented culture one would come to expect here. However, achieving such a culture at a meaningful scale is impossible without a strong foundation of grass-roots events that bring cyclists together, a foundation that in recent years Fayetteville has lacked.
The freshly felt absence of cycling events in Fayetteville was one of the driving factors behind the inaugural edition of the Ride Your Damn Bike Festival, an off-roadfocused series of events that took place in September. In the words of Alex Laitamaki, one of the organizers behind the festival, “There’s so much amazing off-road riding right outside our doorstep, yet there weren’t any dedicated events hosted out of Fayetteville.”
The RYDB Fest, orchestrated by local group Ozark Gravel Cyclists (OGC), described itself as a multiday celebration of cycling, community and craft based in downtown Fayetteville. It consisted of group rides, an expo, workshops and three distinct yet complementary gravel events. Multiple groups and individuals were responsible
Ira and Mariah White riding in the Fayetteville Ultra Circuit.
for the festival’s various components, each with their own sets of motivations and goals, but all were united in name by the same bold ethos.
The first component of the RYDB Fest was a five-year celebration of OGC’s aptly named weeknight gravel ride, “Thirsty Thursday,” a fixture in the Fayetteville group ride scene. Two separate rides departed from the docks of Puritan Coffee & Beer on Dickson Street to commemorate the ride and set the stage for the festivities to come. The first ride emphasized the social side of cycling and took the group on a tour of downtown Fayetteville. The second ride embraced the faster side of cycling, with heart-rate raising miles through west Fayetteville and a sampling of the dirt criterium to be hosted at the University of Arkansas’s Agriculture Park two days later.
The second component of the RYDB Fest was an expo and series of workshops hosted at the Upper Ramble, a newly developed outdoor gathering space (and once-upon-a-time parking lot) in the heart of a bustling downtown Fayetteville. A variety of local businesses — from bike shops and apparel and gear companies to Fayetteville frame-builder Slow Southern Steel — set up shop at the unique outdoor venue, attracting a steady stream of curious pedestrians over the course of a pleasant, autumn-invoking afternoon.
Following the conclusion of the expo and workshops, the third and final component of the RYDB Fest hid behind the horizon. The next day, a series of three gravel-based events were poised to take off: at 8 a.m., the Fayetteville Ultra Circuit (F.U.C.) a grueling and fully self-supported bikepacking race with 100-, 200- and 400-mile categories; at 9 a.m., the Community Overnighter, a beginner-friendly, community-focused bikepacking ride with 73- and 83-mile route options; and at 2 p.m., the AgriCrit, a rowdy 1.6-mile criterium around the enclosed dirt roads of Fayetteville’s Agri Park, with four fields to choose from. After months of preparation for these events, everything was set in place, but a legion of dark thunderous clouds with eyes fixed on Fayetteville threatened to jeopardize it all.
On the morning of Sept. 20, ominous skies and a grim weather radar presented event organizers with a tough decision: stick with the initial timeline in spite of the storm, or push back the departure in hopes that the dark clouds would soon subside.
Race founder and director Alex Kowalski, in the spirit of the F,U,C,’s formidable layout, chose to stay the course, and at 8 a.m., 44 hard-nosed souls, with bikes loaded down and rain jackets fully zipped, departed from the Upper Ramble and ventured into a thunderous unknown.
Community Overnighter organizers Noelle Battle and Patrick Farnsworth, hoping to provide participants with a more enjoyable experience, chose to delay their departure and let the morning storms pass. Eventually, the sun emerged from the clouds, and at 11 a.m. the group headed southbound for Devil’s Den State Park along a route conceptualized one year prior as part of the Fayetteville Bikepacking Route Network.
Meanwhile, Bike Club NWA, a predominately and ironically road-focused cycling club and race team based in Fayetteville, began setup preparation for the AgriCrit, the first race the group had ever hosted,
Stephen Outten on the Agri Crit course.
Riders take on the F.U.C.
with desperate hopes that the afternoon’s weather forecast was not as damning as it appeared to be.
Back at the Community Overnighter, after only 6 miles of riding, the group found itself taking shelter inside a McDonald’s while they waited out another sudden bout of heavy rain. Despite the unfortunate weather, spirits remained high, and after a couple of hours, the rain subsided to a drizzle and the group set off once again with many miles still ahead of them.
The first category of the AgriCrit, dedicated to mountain bikes exclusively, was scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m., but the booming sounds of thunder and torrential rain early in the afternoon made it apparent that a schedule change would be in order. Bike Club made a last-minute decision to push back the mountain bike category and combine it with the beginner category scheduled for 3:45 p.m., hoping this would give the storm enough time to pass.
Around the time the first race was underway at the Agri Park, the persistent September storm finally wandered away, leaving behind a mire of sludgy, washed-out roads and ushering in comically blissful and sunny weather
Around 4:20 p.m., the first finisher of the F.U.C. 100, John Matthews, returned to the harbors of the Upper Ramble after 8 hours and 19 minutes of sock-soaked riding. The first finisher of the F.U.C. 200, Michelle Roth, returned around 6:30 a.m. Sunday morning, clocking in at 22 hours and 26 minutes of ride time. And after four days of valiant effort, the last remaining participant of the F.U.C. 400, Tony Gary, withdrew from the race after a series of misfortunate events that culminated in his body’s inability to put down any more food.
Contrary to the trend of most ultra bikepacking races, every rider in the F.U.C. was greeted upon their return. “I know how important it is for people to have that support after putting in such a massive effort,” Kowalski said, “We made sure to see every rider finish their ride, and I’m really proud of that. I think the shared struggle out there created a strong sense of camaraderie between the racers.”
Back at Devil’s Den, just as the sun slipped behind the horizon, the final few Community Overnighter riders reached camp Saturday night to the applause of the group.
“I want to acknowledge and thank every single person who was on that ride,” Farnsworth said, “Despite the unexpected
A quick post-race shower at the Agri Crit.
spirits, bolstered by the amazing weather we had for the rest of the trip. As I always say, adventure starts when things go wrong.” Battle, who served as a sweeper and source of support on the Community Overnighter, reflected on some inspiring stories from participants.
“One woman, whose longest prior ride was only 20 miles, completed 43 miles on day one like a champ,” Battle said. “Another rider pulled his son in a Burley trailer the whole ride, never stopping to walk up all of the steep hills. In places like the Ozarks, where hills are a given, I feel that most rides can be made beginner friendly by allowing enough time to finish at any pace.”
Meanwhile at the Agri Park, racers hosed down their mudcaked bikes and bodies, congregated around a podium backlit by the setting sun, and smiled at the absurdity of the day’s events. Despite all the preceding uncertainties, Bike Club’s first race was a success. In total, 29 riders lined up for the first bike event ever held at the park, with numerous friends and family members in attendance. Afterwards the group migrated to nearby brewery Fossil Cove to commemorate the memorable evening.
In retrospect, tempestuous weather could not have been a more fitting backdrop for the inaugural edition of the RYDB Fest, as it gave participants an opportunity to live out the founding ethos of the festival and challenged them to ride their damn bikes in spite of many logical reasons not to. Those who pushed
aside their reservations and persevered through mud and rain learned firsthand the value of the festival’s straightforward principle. Cycling can provide deeply gratifying and rewarding experiences, fond memories and stories worthy of campfire conversations, meaning and moments of discovery both in wilderness and within, but only if we choose to ride.
The events and experiences that the RYDB Fest provided this September are exactly the kind that Fayetteville needs, not merely to justify its distinction as the nation’s only Bike City, but to cultivate a culture authentic to its roots as a well-positioned destination and departure point for bike-fueled adventures.
Although the RYDB Fest catered to the gravel and mountain bike sides of cycling, it cast an intentionally wide net to reach as many cyclists as it could, and it created a route — metaphorically speaking — for other aspiring event organizers to emulate. It was the result of efforts from everyday working people and cycling enthusiasts with a vision in mind, a willingness to see it through, and the support of its city and community. Its roots were planted firmly into the grass, and its seeds were sown into ordinary conversations and daydreams. Every city deserves more cycling events, and you, dear magazine reader, could plant the next one.
Mariah White won the women’s division of the F.U.C. Fast and Dirty race.
Back
Back To Cross
CYCLOCROSS RETURNS TO FAYETTEVILLE’S CENTENNIAL
PARK WITH THE 2025 USA CYCLING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Fayetteville’s Centennial Park, constructed in large part to host the 2022 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, hasn’t hosted a cyclocross race since October 2022. That will all change in December when USA Cycling brings its Cyclocross National Championships to the park.
Nationals will bring five days of jampacked racing Dec. 10-14. Fans, who will have free admission, will be treated to several races a day, concluding with the Elite Men’s and Women’s races on Sunday, Dec. 14.
“It’s a true honor for Fayetteville to once again welcome the nation’s best riders,” said Ryan Hauck, executive director for Experience Fayetteville.
“We take great pride in creating a world-class experience, not just for the athletes, but for the fans, families and volunteers who make this event possible. Fayetteville’s cycling story is one built on years of investment, collaboration and community spirit.”
The park’s history with cyclocross goes back to 2019, before it was even a park. The nation’s elite cyclocross racers got their first taste of Fayetteville that Oct, 5-6 at Fayettecross. The event was held in what was then just an open field — no
infrastructure, no paved parking lots, just a big patch of grass. A driving rain on Oct. 6 turned the course into a sloppy mess — ideal cyclocross conditions, honestly. It was a touch less ideal for several drivers whose cars were mired in deep mud by the end of the day.
That race was slated to be the first of a steady annual run-up to the World Championships in 2022, but the Covid-19 pandemic led to a hiatus on racing at Centennial.
In that time, though, the park was completed, and in October 2021, the first UCI World Cup was held at the park on a Wednesday. Rain once again left the course a mud-fest (but, the surrounding infrastructure fared much better). The race served as the world’s first look at what would be the course for the World Championships in January 2022.
With the shadow of Covid still looming, a handful of the world’s favorites opted not to travel to Fayetteville for those 2022 World Championships. In the end, nearly 200 of the world’s best athletes and more than 10,000 fans descended on the park. They were treated to unseasonably warm and dry weather. The conditions led to blazing fast races, not the typical slog that cyclocross fans love.
Kerry Werner trudges through the 2021 UCI World Cup CX course in Fayetteville.
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAI CADDY
One more UCI World Cup was held at Centennial in October 2022. Since then, the rise of gravel racing, especially in the U.S. and Northwest Arkansas has largely pushed aside any momentum cyclocross gained after Worlds.
Cyclocross is a fan-friendly discipline raced on a relatively short course for multiple laps. Road cyclists developed the sport as a way to cross-train in the winter. It combines aspects of road and mountain biking with obstacles thrown in. Centennial Park famously features a section with 38 stairs, where riders have to dismount and run up.
Racers at Nationals will compete for the coveted stars and stripes jerseys. Champions earn the right to wear the championship jersey for the full year until the next national champion is crowned.
Highlights of the racing schedule include the collegiate races on the afternoon of Dec. 11, team relays and singlespeed races on Dec. 12, the under-23 races to close the day Dec. 13 and the elite races to close the event Dec. 14.
This will be the first USA Cycling National Championship event in Arkansas since the 2024 Collegiate Mountain Bike Championships were held in Bentonville after being postponed and eventually moved because of the effects of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
It will be the first time Cyclocross Nationals have taken place in Arkansas.
Andrew Strohmeyer, last year’s elite men’s champion, will be a favorite to repeat as he’s having another strong season. Eric Brunner will be in contention as well after finishing second last season.
Last year’s women’s winner, Vida Lopez de San Roman, just wrapped her first full season on the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup circuit where she won three races and finished second in the overall standings. It will be interesting to see how that success transfers into a shorter cyclocross season. Katie Clouse, who won silver in 2024, has retired. Bronze medalist and cyclocross veteran Raylyn Nuss should be in contention again for a podium spot. Youngsters Lauren Zoerner and Mia Aseltine will also push for the elite title and are also favorites for the under-23 title.
Fans can also expect a full expo area with food trucks, vendors and coffee. There will also be a mini-course setup for kids to try their hands at some cross action.
USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals Schedule
Tom Pidcock won the 2022 UCI World Championship in Fayetteville.
Part Of The Pack ›STARTING LINE
All across The Natural State, there are clubs, classes and cycling groups more than willing to have new members join and learn. From road warriors to kings and queens of the mountain, opportunities abound to explore the exciting world of cycling, but we’ve listed a few here to make it a little easier.
Polo Players NWA BIKE POLO
A group launched this summer playing bike polo every Wednesday from 6-10 p.m. at the Wildwood Park tennis courts in Bentonville. Interested players need only bring a helmet and gloves; the group has loaner bikes and mallets available. instagram.com/nwabikepolo
Budding MTB Riders
NICA DISCOVERY: NEW FRIENDS — CABOT
This group in Cabot is aimed at children 7-11 who are new to cycling but have some experience riding. The sessions consist of riding and playing in a park-like setting and are not trail dependent. Students will ride within that open space rather than out on trails, staying close to restroom facilities and support. The group will meet Dec. 6, 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. bikereg.com/nica-discovery-cabotar-2025
Polk County Trail Lovers MENA OPEN TRAIL ALLIANCE
This is an alliance between hikers, walkers, runners and mountain bikers to maintain, build and promote trails in the Polk County area. The group’s normal monthly meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month. The group also hosts community rides. Mena is poised to be the next hotbed for mountain biking in Arkansas. facebook.com/groups/motavated
Little Rock Roadies REVROCK
CYCLING CLUB
A nonprofit cycling club in Central Arkansas whose mission is to support recreational cycling activities and encourage cycling as part of a healthy lifestyle and method of transportation.
The minimum requirements to ride with RevRock are a helmet, taillight, sign a club waiver, have the ability to maintain an average speed of 17 mph on flat roads, some experience riding in a paceline formation, and a willingness to focus on safety at all times. The group rides most Saturdays and also hosts rides during the week in the spring and summer. facebook.com/groups/teamrevrock
›UPCOMING EVENTS
Mark Your Calendar
Mark your calendar and gather your gear because there’s always another ride or race to participate in The Natural State. We’ve listed and organized all of the cycling events throughout Arkansas and no matter your level of experience, you’re sure to find a ride that fits your skills and preferences.
BENTONVILLE ENDURO
Nov. 21-23
$30-$125
Fayetteville (MTB n n n)
Arkansas Enduro Series finale, with two days of racing through Bentonville’s trail systems. There will be up to 14 stages over the two days. arkansasenduroseries.com
GO NUTS OR GO HOME
Dec. 6-7
$50-$110
Bentonville (MTB n n n)
A mountain bike racing weekend at the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve with cross country racing Saturday and enduro racing Sunday. gonutsbiking.com
USA CYCLING CYCLOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Dec. 10-14
$75-$100
Fayetteville (Cyclocross n n)
The best American cyclocross racers will
take to Centennial Park for the national championships. The week will feature races from juniors to collegiate to masters and elites at the spectator-friendly park. cxnats.usacycling.org
BUFFALO HEADWATERS CHALLENGE
Jan. 30-Feb. 1
$60-$110
Pettigrew (MTB/Gravel n n)
A three-day, all-inclusive, “off the grid” mountain bike and trail running festival. It includes five meals, libations, primitive tent and RV camping, live music and amazing trails, highlighted by the annual “Challenge” ride that consists of a 35ishmile semi-supported back country mountain bike experience and 30k and 15k challenge runs with a few marked bailouts along the way. On Sunday you will have the choice of joining the gravel challenge group ride to the Buffalo Outdoor Center or using your wristband at the Buffalo Outdoor Center that will get you free shuttles for downhill runs all day. oorc.org
SCAN HERE TO SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS.
RULE OF 3.99
Feb. 28
$42.10
Bentonville (Gravel, singletrack n n n)
A Rule of 3 style ride with ride options of 30 and 55 miles. Registration will include an opportunity for early registration for the Rule of Three on May 12-17. Courses will be unmarked and encompass tarmac. ruleofthree.bike
HAZEL VALLEY RALLY
April 11
Fayetteville (Gravel n n n)
Annual grassroots gravel ride starting and finishing at the Hazel Valley Ranch outside of Fayetteville. Routes take on some classic Washington County gravel roads. Registration opens Jan. 14. ruleofthree.bike
COWABUNGA GRAVEL
May 2
$75
Viola (Gravel n n n)
Gravel ride around some beautiful North-Cen-
SEND IT SOUTH BIKE & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Feb 27-28, 2026
Price: $75
The Momentary in Bentonville, AR (MTB/Gravel n n n)
This end-of-winter fest brings together world-class winter trail rides, music, culinary experiences and cozy gatherings at the Momentary. Get tickets at theMomentary.org/SenditSouth.
KAI CADDY
DOOM
March 13
Ouachita National Forest (Gravel n n)
The venerable ultra-endurance bikepacking race heads south for 2026 and into the Ouachita Mountains for the first time. The Doom route will be 354 miles with 34,000 feet of climbing and 100 miles of singletrack. Two shorter routes are on offer as well: The High Watch is 198 miles, 16,000 feet of climbing and 35 miles of singletrack; and the LOViT or Leave iT is 109 miles, 9,000 feet of climbing and 35 miles of singletrack. Registration opens Nov. 16. ozarkgravelcyclists.com/doombikepacking
tral Arkansas farmland. Terrain is surprisingly varied and engaging with route options of 17, 30 or 50 miles. Registration includes a custom T-shirt, custom finishers award and post race meal. syllamoevents.com/cowabunga.
RULE OF 3
May 12-17
TBA Bentonville (Gravel n n n)
Annual event that has grown to be one of Arkansas’s largest. Routes of 50 and 100 miles encompass tarmac, singletrack and gravel roads in Benton County. Registration opens Feb. 2. ruleofthree.bike
OZ STAGE RACE
May 21-24
$300-$850
Bentonville (MTB n n)
A new mountain bike stage race from the Ozark Foundation on the OZ Trails network.Riders will push their limits on punchy climbs and technical descents while soaking in the energy of a community that lives and breathes mountain biking. Visit ozstagerace.com for more information.
A
few tips to keep us all safe while enjoying
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.
A few tips to keep us all safe while enjoying the Arkansas River Trail!
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, certain classes of e-bikes, and emergency vehicles).
Keep to the right side of the pathways, except when passing others.
When preparing to pass others, speak an audible warning in advance. Always pass on the left side, while leaving two feet of clearance.
Pedestrians always have the right of Groups should travel single-file to insure that cyclists are able to pass.
Cyclists and skaters should travel at safe and appropriate speeds.
When stopping, move off of the pavement so as not to impede passersby on the Arkansas trails.
Keep an eye on your children at all times.
Cyclists always wear their helmets!
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, certain classes of e-bikes, and emergency vehicles).
Look for more etiquette and safety tips at arkansasrivertrail.org
Keep to the right side of the pathways, except when passing others.
Pedestrians always have the right of
›BELL LAP
Autumn Action
We asked riders to submit their favorite fall foliage scenes while out riding this fall.
Annie Davis drops into a trail at the Coler MTB Preserver in Bentonville.
Jacob Foster submitted the photo of his bike in front of this beautiful scene at Burns Park in North Little Rock.
Christy LoDolce-Neumann stopped to snap her submission at the top of Schoren Train at Slaughter Pen in Bentonville.
Time to hit the trails! Need a hand finding the right place to stay? We can help at exploreRidgeland.com.
USE OF BICYCLES OR ANIMALS
Every person riding a bicycle or an animal, or driving any animal drawing a vehicle upon a highway, shall have all the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except those provisions of this act which by their nature can have no applicability.
OVERTAKING A BICYCLE
The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a roadway shall exercise due care and pass to the left at a safe distance of not less than three feet (3’) and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle.
Beginning in 2019 with the “Idaho Stop” law, cyclists may treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs.
CYCLISTS, PLEASE REMEMBER...
Your bike is a vehicle on the road just like any other vehicle and you must also obey traffic laws as applicable — use turning and slowing hand signals, ride on right and yield to traffic as if driving. Be sure to establish eye contact with drivers. Remain visible and predictable at all times.
