Fall arkansas bike 2016

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ISSUE NO. 4 | 2016 ARKANSASWILD.COM #BIKEARMAG

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IMBA 2016 WORLD SUMMIT COMES TO ARKANSAS

HIA VELO’S

ROCK CITY REVOLUTION

KIT BREAKDOWNS FROM THE PROS

OLD SCHOOL TRAILDOGS RIDING THE BACK FORTY

A SNEAK PEEK OF THE BELLA VISTA TRAIL

A F i r s t -C l A s s t i m e ... e v e ry t i m e .

America’s #1 Trout Fishing Resort is Gaston’s. Our White River float trips for lunker trout are legendary from coast to coast. We do the work. All you do is fish – in style and comfort. Then there are the extras that make “resort” our last name. First-class lodging. One of the South’s finest restaurants featuring a spectacular view. A private club. Tennis and a pool. Nature trails for mountain biking and hiking. A conference lodge for your group meetings or parties. Even a private landing strip for fly-in guests.

1777 River Road, Lakeview, AR 72642 870-431-5202 • Email gastons@gastons.com Lat 36 20’ 55” N Long 92 33’ 25” W 2 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

Follow us on

www.gastons.com

IN THIS ISSUE Scenes like this one from the 2014 IMBA World Summit in Steamboat Springs, Colorado will play out this year in Bentonville.

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FEATURES

EVERY ISSUE

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TRAIL FOUNDATIONS

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Arkansas mountain biking’s roots run deep

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Braking News: • Bikes Built in the Rock City • Building on a Solid Foundation • It’s the Journey that Counts • Avoid Temptation • Salvation through Cycling

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Gear & Components

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Nothing Slows Her Down

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MY TRAIL, MY TOWN Nathan “Woody” Woodruff takes us on a journey through the Bella Vista Back Forty

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Winning Means Showing Up

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Slaughter Pen at Night

SPA CITY CYCLING Great new trails are on the horizon for Hot Springs

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Local Ride Groups

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Ride & Race Events

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Happy Trails The Kids Are All Right

IMBA WORLD SUMMIT PREVIEW The International Mountain Bicycling Association is coming to Bentonville, and we’ve got the scoop on the festivities

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Local Bike Shops

ON THE COVER Nathan “Woody” Woodruff of Progressive Trail Design rides The Ledges, a section of the brand-new Bella Vista Back Forty Trail. Photo by Novo Studio.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMBA

From the Guest Editor

THIS IS OUR HOME.

AND WE LOVE THE VIEW. At First Security, exploring the Natural State is a way of life. In fact, the only thing greater than our great outdoors would be the people who enjoy it, too. First Security is only in Arkansas, so we are fully committed to local individuals, families and businesses. Stop by soon and see what our team can do for you.

fsbank.com

Member FDIC

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A special publication of Arkansas Wild arkansaswild.com REBEKAH LAWRENCE Publisher rebekah@arktimes.com ELIZABETH HAMAN Associate Publisher elizabeth@arktimes.com MANDY KEENER Creative Director mandy@arktimes.com

play on

At RYDE, we ride when it’s wet. We make time when there’s none. We use software to make us better. We watch videos to make it fun. We pick brains of experienced cyclists. And best of all, we do it together. Join us.

Group RYDE ¬ Performance RYDE ¬ Rhythm RYDE

MICHAEL ROBERTS Editor michael@arktimes.com KEVIN WALTERMIRE Art Director kevin@arktimes.com ADVERTISING LESA THOMAS Senior Account Executive lesa@arktimes.com RHONDA CRONE Account Executive rhonda@arktimes.com KIMBERLY BENNETT Acount Executive kimberly@arktimes.com PRODUCTION WELDON WILSON Production Manager/Controller ROLAND R. GLADDEN Advertising Traffic Manager JIM HUNNICUTT Advertising Coordinator GRAPHIC DESIGNERS BRYAN MOATS MIKE SPAIN OFFICE STAFF ROBERT CURFMAN IT Director

Start your free trial today.

LINDA PHILLIPS Billing/Collections KELLY JONES Office Manager/Accounts Receivable ANITRA HICKMAN Circulation Director

4610 SAM PECK ROAD | LITTLE ROCK, AR 72223 | 501.225.3600 | WWW.LRAC.COM

6 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

201 E. MARKHAM ST., SUITE 200 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985 All Contents © 2016 Arkansas Wild

IMBA vice president Bruce Alt has ridden mountain bikes from the Rockies in Colorado to the Ozarks in Arkansas.

On behalf of the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s members, chapter leaders, supporters and professional staff, welcome to Bike Arkansas magazine, and welcome to northwest Arkansas for IMBA’s 2016 World Summit! IMBA hosts its biennial World Summit—an international gathering of the best and brightest in mountain bike advocacy—in an inspiring ride destination for several days of high-level discussion and information sharing, networking, trail riding and field studies. We are encouraged to gather in Bentonville for several reasons, including a generous commitment to mountain biking from of the Walton Family Foundation that is influencing world-class riding in the Natural State, the “cycling capital of the South.” In addition to the five IMBA Epic trails in Arkansas, the state’s four outstanding IMBA chapters are achieving great gains in land and trail access, community development and volunteer stewardship.

We are very pleased to showcase this huge cycling investment in northwest Arkansas by the Walton Family Foundation, IMBA chapters, community leaders and municipal governments. This commitment has produced a truly stunning variety of sustainable, professionally designed singletrack trails. Arkansas residents and guests are already fueling a boom in recreational and economic development that will continue to provide healthy and fun places to enjoy the wonders of the outdoors for a wide variety of mountain bike riders—including growing segments of youth, women, families and advanced riders.

Since 1988, IMBA has been bringing out the best in mountain biking by encouraging low-impact riding, volunteer trail work and stewardship, cooperation among different trail user groups, grassroots advocacy and innovative trail management solutions.

IMBA’s 200-plus chapters, clubs, members and staff work to benefit the entire mountain bike community. During this World Summit, IMBA will publicly announce its breakthrough campaign to rapidly accelerate our longstanding efforts to create, enhance and preserve mountain biking experiences! The Dig In campaign will focus on the development of new local trails in communities across the country.

I trust that this special issue of Bike Arkansas will provide you with useful and enjoyable information about mountain biking’s rapid growth as a sport. My hope is that it inspires you to contribute to your local trails as an advocate and steward by joining a community of outdoor recreationists working to enhance our natural environment. Join us and Dig In!

Bruce C. Alt Vice President, Government Relations International Mountain Bicycling Association imba.com

8 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMBA

WELCOME TO THE NATURAL STATE

A town of fast bikes, epic trails and community pride in Northwest Arkansas Contact Visit Bentonville for a travel guide.

800-410-2535 visitbentonville.com

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 9

ROGERS

318 S. 1st St. Historic Downtown 479.372.4768

Contributors

PHILIP THOMAS is the owner and operator of Novo Studio, a photography, video and graphic design company located in northwest Arkansas.

MEGAN BLANKENSHIP is a hillbilly pianist and poet hailing from Izard County. Having recently relocated to central Arkansas, she’s loving discovering local trails with Wendy, her Australian cattle dog.

HOLLY FISHER

is the World Summit Conference director for IMBA. She comes from a diverse outdoor background, growing up in the equestrian community and joining the mountain bike epidemic in 2011.

JOSHUA LAWTON plays a key role in content marketing, storytelling, social media and the membership program at IMBA. He rides bikes for lucidity and joy.

SCOTT SCHROEN

BELLA VISTA

34 Sugar Creek Center 479.657.2078

entered the world of cycling at the dawn of the millennium and has been loving it ever since. Scott currently works as director of merchandise, marketing and e-commerce for Phat Tire Bike Shop.

MIKE MITCHELL

is the vice president of the Central Arkansas Trail Alliance (CATA), one of Arkansas’ IMBA chapters. He helps build and maintain trails across central Arkansas..

NATASHA BRAND is IMBA’s South Central program representative. Originally from the United Kingdom, she now lives in Bentonville. She has been involved in youth sports and coaching for more than a decade.

KAT ROBINSON is an Arkansas travel writer and foodways enthusiast living in Little Rock. The veteran journalist spends her time exploring highways and byways wherever she may wander.

10 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

Mount Magazine State Park

Devil’s Den State Park

Delta Heritage Trail State Park

Cane Creek State Park

EVERY PARK I S

EPIC.

Arkansas State Parks offer plenty of ways to stay and play for bicyclists. Book a stay at Mount Magazine, and experience an epic climb to the state’s highest peak. Rip through the Greenbrier backwoods at Woolly Hollow State Park. Stay at DeGray Lake Resort, and ride Iron Mountain on the south shore. With 23 mountain biking trails and loads of on-road options, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time on your bike or off. Search online and browse by difficulty to find the trail that’s right for you at ArkansasStateParks.com/ things-to-do/trails. #ARStateParks

Woolly Hollow State Park

ArkansasStateParks.com My park, your park, our parks

Braking News

BIKES BUILT IN THE ROCK CITY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HIA VELO

BY MICHAEL ROBERTS

Clockwise from left: HIA Velo purchased equipment from Guru Cycles in Canada to set up manufacturing in central Arkansas. The company’s goal is to build world-class bicycles with a dedicated and experienced team. HIA Velo’s first bike line will launch in 2017.

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ast February, five containers of equipment arrived in Little Rock from Montreal, Canada. Inside lay the foundation of a new chapter in American-made bicycles: machinery and equipment purchased by HIA Velo, a new partnership made up of Orbea USA founder Tony Karklins, Douglas Zell of Intelligentsia Coffee and senior engineer Sam Pickman. In a time where the United States has seen numerous manufacturing jobs go overseas, it’s exciting to see a new company commit to making its products right here in Little Rock.

“We founded HIA Velo because we feel there is a real competitive advantage in having full control of the entire product development and manufacturing process under one roof, here in the USA,” says Tony in a press release from HIA Velo. The company’s purchase of equipment from Guru Cycles will allow them to engage in what Tony calls “best in class, high volume composite bicycle production.”

12 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

“Words are not enough to describe the excitement and energy surrounding this project,” added Douglas Zell. “I cannot wait to see this all come to life.”

The company has announced other key team members, including Chris Meertens, who worked with Sam Pickman at Specialized, Olivier Lavigueur, formerly of Guru Cycles and David Woronets, founder of Zen Fabrication. Together, the HIA Velo group will apply their experience in composite materials, steel and aluminum to design and build high-end bicycles right here in the state.

HIA Velo is scheduled to launch its first brand, Allied Cycle Works, by spring of 2017, and is in discussion with other brands and joint venture opportunities in the industry that believe in the benefits of domestic manufacturing.

For more information, visit HIAVelo.com

Trailblazers

Pedaling bikes since 1972

New bike sales and full service repair shops staffed by professional bicycle mechanics

FAYETTEVILLE 322 W. Spring Street | 479.442.9311 ROGERS 402 S Metro Parkway | 479.254.9800

BECKHAM CRONE started riding a coaster bike at age 2. By age 4, he was riding the Razorback Greenway with his family and NWA trails with his trail-building dad, Chris Crone of Progressive Trail Design. Now age 9 and a fourth grader, he spent the past summer doing volunteer work for PTD on the Back Forty trail in Bella Vista and at Fayetteville schools building skills courses for Progressive Playgrounds. He also does whatever work he can get his hands on to earn money for his next bike upgrade—his sixth.

Beckham is a regular winner of the kids’ race at the annual Fat Tire Festival in Eureka Springs, and has been fortunate to have ridden most of the trails of northwest Arkansas, the Razorback Greenway and his favorite, the Railyard dirt bike jump course in Rogers. He loves BMX riding on his backyard pump-track and moto-crossing at the track at Siloam Springs, Devil’s Den and in the woods of Winslow. When not biking he’s playing basketball, soccer, winning school spelling bees, making silly videos, Instagramming and taking piano lessons.

—Rhonda Crone

Northwest Arkansas

Naturally Fun

our 200+ miles ountain or freestyle, On-road, off-road, m e place to be rthwest Arkansas th No e ak m ils tra ke of bi

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This ad paid for with state and private regional association funds BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 13

BUILDING ON A SOLID FOUNDATION

Mountain biking first gained a foothold in Arkansas at Devil’s Den State Park near West Fork (left). New projects like the Delta Heritage Trail have expanded Arkansas State Parks’ offerings greatly over the years (right).

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rkansas mountain bikers can take pride in the long history and rich culture of the sport here at home, thanks in no small part to the ongoing efforts of Arkansas State Parks (ASP), which continues to build on the tradition started in 1988 with the first Ozark Mountain Bike Festival at Devil’s Den. “We’re not new to the game,” says Joe Jacobs, marketing and revenue manager for ASP. “A lot of states were not allowing bikes on trails at all, so we started designating trails to that, and building new ones.”

Nowadays, 12 of Arkansas’ state parks contain specifically designated mountain bike trails, and ASP is continuously building more. Current developments include expansions at Lake Fort Smith State Park, where four additional miles are being added on city-leased land, with plans for increased mileage in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service. Future trail expansions are in the works at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View and Lake Catherine in Hot Springs.

As part of the national “rail to trails” initiative, the Delta Heritage Trail conversion is incrementally converting a more than 80-mile stretch of the Union Pacific Railroad line from near Helena down to Arkansas City. Currently at 22 miles, with sections complete on the northern and southern sides, the finished trail will cross the Arkansas and White rivers and the White River Wildlife Refuge, snaking through southeast Arkansas’ remotest areas. “Trail users will be able to see things on it nobody’s seen since riding the train,” says Joe Jacobs.

Getting the word out about what Arkansas has to offer mountain bikers is one key mission of ASP. Its partnership with the International Mountain Bicycling Association 14 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

means it will have a huge presence at the IMBA world summit in Bentonville this November, not only through sponsorship and promotion, but also serving on panels. ASP has a history of working with land managers to increase access, as in the case of the Lake Fort Smith trails, a topic on which they’ll offer expertise to other communities and biking advocates.

ASP also sends two people every year to Interbike International Expo, happening this September in Las Vegas. Interbike is the largest bicycle show in the country, and Arkansas is usually one of the only states represented.

Whereas the Mid-South might not leap to mind for travelers looking for great biking destinations, “we want to give people the option of the central U.S.” Joe Jacobs says. “We have a good climate and the right terrain that people enjoy.”

That same Arkansas hospitality is evident in ASP’s improvements in the bike-friendliness of its state park lodges. Now, lodgers are allowed to keep bikes in their rooms, providing they’re clean. New racks have been installed near restaurants, and every lodge has a bike fix-it station and a bike wash station that can be used by any park visitor, whether staying the night or not. In the second printing of its mountain bicycling brochure, ASP just launched a new road cycling brochure, and Arkansas Parks is about to release its own cycling jersey for Arkansas riders. With new trails, gear, ease of access and sheer dedication, ASP is continuing to ensure Arkansas’ status as a mountain biking haven.

For more information about parks and the Arkansas jersey visit arkansas.com.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

BY MEGAN BLANKENSHIP

bock

ar. honey

®

@LOST40BEER BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 15

IT’S THE JOURNEY THAT COUNTS

BY BOBBY RICKARD

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n January 2014, I was struggling with depression due to my father’s death from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. He had lived with my family for his last three years, a situation that, along with his passing, had taken a toll.

I had been a cyclist earlier in life, and decided to get back on the bike to help elevate my mood. Over the summers of 2014 and 2015, I crisscrossed the state of Arkansas and parts of the Midwest on my bike as a means of recovery—and to raise awareness of the 54,000 Arkansans living with Alzheimer’s as well as the 175,000 people caring for them.

My summer riding journeys quickly became something of an expected tradition, with family and friends eager to know what I had planned next. At the end of last year’s ride, I set a goal for this summer to ride the entire border of Arkansas in 10 days. As with past rides, I would stop along the way to meet people wherever I found them—gas stations, restaurants or along the roadside—to share information and resources about Alzheimer’s.

In mid-June, I pedaled away from Gravette and rode east across the Ozarks through places such as Beaver, Batavia and Summit, then rode north from Mountain Home to Bakersfield, Missouri, to avoid riding on U.S. Highway 62.

Lunch at the Old Time Cafe in Bakersfield was big enough for two people and made for a nice break from the heat.

Continuing east from Bakersfield, I went through Thayer and Myrtle on my way back into Arkansas, setting a course southeast to Pocahontas and the Arkansas Delta. The relentless hills of the Ozarks were behind me, but the heat remained oppressive.

The Delta provided a nice change of scenery as I rode from Pocahontas past rows of corn through Peach Orchard and Knobel. During a quick stop at a grocery store in Knobel, I talked with a wonderful lady whose sister had died from Alzheimer’s a few months earlier. From Knobel, I rode on to Rector and met up with my friend and fellow cyclist Sterling Catterton. Sterling and I had lunch together, then I rode on 16 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

through Red Onion to Manila and Victoria before stopping in Proctor. At this point, I was a few days behind, and while I knew what to expect from the heat, I wasn’t prepared for the multitudes of flying insects which descended upon me in plague-like fashion. I was forced to stop numerous times to get all the insects out of my helmet.

As I neared the Mississippi River, my saddle sores had saddle sores and the blisters on my feet had slowed my pace considerably. The days I had planned for my ride were coming to an end, and it was clear I wasn’t going to be able to complete the entire ride. So rather than riding further south, I doubled back northeast toward Jonesboro and my wife’s family.

From Proctor I rode to Parkin, where I met a man named John walking along U.S. Highway 70. He told me he was 72 years old, had no family and had grown tired of sitting in front of the TV waiting to die. He had sold his belongings, except for those he carried on his back, and was walking to see his brother in Montana. I gave him a bottle of Gatorade and we talked for about 15 minutes. As I pedaled off he gave me a watercolor he had painted in exchange for the Gatorade. Riding on, I passed through Coldwater, Birdeye and skirted Crowley’s Ridge into Harrisburg before ending my ride in Jonesboro.

After six days of riding—four in the Ozarks and two in the Delta—my journey had come to an end. While I didn’t reach my goal of riding the state border, I made many contacts to raise Alzheimer’s awareness. In spite of the hills and the heat, I realized riding to help others in their battles with Alzheimer’s disease was more cathartic than riding away from the impact Alzheimer’s and depression had on my life.

It’s a lesson I won’t soon forget.

Bobby Rickard will be making a second attempt to ride the Arkansas border for Alzheimer’s awareness this fall. For more information on Alzheimer’s awareness, visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

PHOTOS BY BOBBY RICKARD

Adventure rider Bobby Rickard traveled from the Arkansas Ozarks (left) down to the Delta in order to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease, talking to people he met along the way (right).

Trailblazers

DALTON MARSHALL has been riding bikes his entire life, starting out with BMX bikes when he was a kid. Having lived in Jonesboro for 24 years, Dalton has a strong passion for maintaining and developing the trails in northeast Arkansas. Dalton fondly remembers being a rogue trailbuilder years ago, putting in illegal features such as berms, rock drops and log skinnies, always nervously looking over his shoulder and keeping his tools scattered and hidden throughout the woods.

Nowadays, Dalton and his fellow mountain bikers with the Northeast Arkansas Trails Organization (NEATO) maintain over 15 miles of trails at Craighead Forest Park.

Dalton’s proudest moment of trail advocacy was the day he and members at NEATO received an email from the Craighead County judge, giving them the authority to begin trail development at Lake Bono. He and NEATO members are currently developing 8 to 10 miles of new trails at Lake Bono. —Addie Teo

BENTONVILLE SPRINGDALE

FORT SMITH FAYETTEVILLE

www.PhatTireBikeShop.com BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 17

BY MICHAEL ROBERTS

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ther than keeping our bikes operational and staying upright on them, trail access is perhaps the greatest issue facing mountain bikers today. There are so many great places around just ripe for riding, and it can be easy to give in to temptation and go speeding through areas where bikes are forbidden. Known as “trail poaching,” such unauthorized riding is detrimental to the cycling community for a variety of reasons: • Safety: Trails not designated for cyclists can pose safety issues for cyclists and others. Poaching a trail meant strictly for foot traffic can result in unfortunate collisions between bikes and hikers, while remote locations not open to the public can leave injured riders stranded without help. Staying on designated bike trails alleviates these issues.

• Impact: While the effect of bicycles on trails is not as great as motorized vehicles, riding still produces an environmental impact. Good land stewardship means understanding that some trails simply cannot handle bike traffic, either because of current conditions or as a permanent aspect of the trail’s design.

• Perception: In some ways, this is the most important point—and the one that generally rankles cyclists the most. Since its rise in popularity back in the 1980s, mountain bikers have been perceived as reckless and selfcentered on the trails. Now, we in the community know that isn’t true, but old myths die hard.

Every biker caught poaching a trail feeds into negative stereotypes—even if no actual harm was done to the trail.

Bike trails, like these at Iron Mountain outside Arkadelphia, are often maintained by volunteers, meaning all riders should be aware of conditions to keep trails safe and undamaged.

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The good news for mountain biking is that advocate groups like the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) are working nonstop to increase trail access in a safe, environmentally friendly way.

Such advocacy not only helps dispel myths and increase ride options, it also ensures that the trails we love today will be available for future generations to enjoy as well.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

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Parallel to I-55 | Entry points in West Memphis, Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee 20 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

Tour duh Sunken Lands | Tyronza Since 2010. Truly a bicycle tour, all planned stops are cultural sites along the Sunken Lands Cultural Roadway. The 52-mile tour begins at the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum, stops at Whitton Farms, continues to Dyess (Johnny Cash’s boyhood home), then Rivervale Inverted Siphons, The Painted House (featured in the movie based upon John Grisham’s novel), the Marked Tree Delta Area Museum, returning to Tyronza for dinner. www.sunkenlands.com Village Creek State Park Trails | Wynne The park’s multi-use trails (photo: right) encompass some of the most scenic areas of Eastern Arkansas, offering stunning beauty with its towering forests of sugar maple, tulip and American beech. Village Creek State Park is situated entirely upon Crowley’s Ridge, a unique erosional remnant left behind by the Ice Age and found only in this region and Siberia.

Arkansas Delta Flatlander | West Memphis Since 2014. This metric-century ride (62 miles) has biking enthusiasts venture over the bicyle/pedestrian boardwalk on the Harahan Bridge, then follow the route along the Mississippi River, circling Horseshoe Lake before returning to West Memphis. 20- and 40-mile rides are also available. Food trucks and live music round out the event experience. www.arkansasdeltaflatlander.com Tour da’ Delta | Helena Since 2006. Spring and fall rides are offered in 15-, 35-, 53- and 100-mile lengths. Starting and ending in Mississippi River State Park, riders enjoy breathtaking landscapes and waterscapes in St. Francis National Forest, plus experience Civil War history when passing Ft. Curtis. Stocked and staffed rest stops are provided, along with a barbecue lunch at the end of the ride. Proceeds from registrations benefit local community organizations. www.tourdadelta.net Delta Heritage Trail | Lexa to Elaine Just south of Lake View, the northern 21 miles of the approximately 85mile Delta Heritage Trail is a “Rails-to-Trails” conversion of railroad right-of-way to multi-use trails. The compacted, crushed-rock trail passes through fields and treelines, offering smooth riding and walking through scenic Delta farmland. Raptors, songbirds and mammals can be seen along the route. Passing through some of the most remote and scenic areas remaining in the Delta, riders can view some of the finest examples of the remaining wetland forest.

Tour de Hoot | McGehee Since 2008. This ride was established to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of McGehee. The annual tour features a dinner the evening before the ride, then breakfast before riders head out on one of three routes, including a century ride. Fun rest stops are provided along the way.

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

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 21

SALVATION THROUGH CYCLING

CATA vice president Mike Mitchell hopes to pass along his love of mountain biking to his grandson.

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y journey to a passion for mountain biking was a long one. I went through a divorce in 1975, and for the first time in my life I was living alone and feeling really pitiful. I needed to get out. I flew to Aspen and attended ski school at Aspen Highlands Mountain. It was exciting, but at the same time disappointing when I realized we had no similar activities back in Arkansas.

When I got home I decided to change my life by starting a running and exercise program. I didn’t consult a professional (which everyone should do), and in retrospect I am sure it was dangerous to my health. Each day I would sprint as far as I could—maybe a quarter mile at first. I struggled to complete three pushups and eight sit-ups. Slowly, my body adapted to the point that I was completing two miles.

In the late 70s, I built a house out in the woods of west Pulaski County, and did my running along old logging roads.

It was on one of those roads where I twisted my ankle one day. Unable to run, I pulled out an old road bike from my garage and headed for pavement. I was hooked, and quickly bought a Fuji road bike from a guy named Tony Karklins.

He owned a bike shop called Chainwheel, located at that time on Kavanaugh Boulevard.

Unfortunately, I found it scary “sharing” the road with 5,000-pound vehicles driven by people who seemed to resent my presence. Rather than endorphins following a ride, I felt stress, fear and anger. So, I went back to Tony’s store and bought a Trek mountain bike. As it turns out, 22 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

those intolerant drivers unknowingly did me a favor. Wham, a passion! I had discovered mountain biking.

I began taking mountain bike vacations to places in Colorado, Utah, California, New Mexico and Oregon. At a medical-legislative meeting in Santa Rosa, California, a few years ago, I had an experience that changed mountain biking for me forever. Searching for a guide, I discovered a mountain bike meet-up called Annadel Mountain Bike Group (AMBG). I didn’t know what to expect, but it was free to join—so I signed up. Pretty quickly after my inquiry, a notice appeared on the (AMBG) ride calendar for a ride at 2 p.m. on Thursday. The ride was entitled “The Hospitality Ride for Mike from Arkansas.” I still get emotional every time I remember this experience.

Four Annadel members showed up for the occasion, including Cris Anderson, a group organizer. During the ride, Cris explained what a meet-up was, and how to form one in Little Rock, which I quickly did when I returned home, calling it the Burns Park Mountain Bike Group (BPMBG).

We now have around 450 members. Any member can schedule a ride locally or elsewhere.

The BPMBG is how I became acquainted with so many mountain biking friends, including Bruce Alt and Matt Goddard. Not long after our acquaintance, we decided to form a nonprofit 501(c)(3) named Central Arkansas Trail Alliance (CATA), a chapter of International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). Bruce was the first CATA president, now VP for governmental affairs with IMBA. Matt succeeded Bruce as our current CATA president.

CATA is dedicated to establishing and maintaining multiuse trails in central Arkansas open to mountain bikes. One of our efforts—and my dream—is to duplicate the public school mountain bike program that the Walton Family Foundation has helped establish in Bentonville. In that program, students are taught mountain biking as part of their physical education curriculum. CATA is looking for a sponsor so we can create a pilot program for a school in central Arkansas. This is an opportunity for someone with a philanthropic vision to create a legacy in our part of the state. Teaching this sport to our kids will ensure they will be able to ride with their kids.

The sport of mountain biking is still in its infancy. We at CATA are doing what we can to advance the sport as a healthy aerobic exercise. But for kids to be engaged it has to be fun, and we intend to make it fun! Mountain biking can make for a great family vacation to places like Colorado, the Grand Canyon, mountains of Lake Tahoe, red rocks of Sedona, giant redwoods of California—and it is also a wonderful reason to explore the beautiful country right here at home in Arkansas. Come join CATA and BPMBG and help us develop the sport to an epic level. Ride together with us—forever.

Mike Mitchell is the vice president of the Central Arkansas Trail Alliance. For more information, visit centralartrail.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATA

BY MIKE MITCHELL

Horseback Riding

Dogwood Canyon Mill

Explore the wonder of the Ozarks at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Whether it be a horseback excursion, a trout ďŹ shing adventure or a wildlife tram expedition, this 10,000-acre natural paradise offers countless opportunities to reconnect with the great outdoors. New in 2016, Dogwood Canyon now offers a restaurant and working mill, built right on Little Indian Creek.

This rustic, yet elegant facility is the perfect place to host private functions or to dine before setting out on your canyon exploration. For educational fun, discover a one-of-a-kind Nature & Conservation Center and a Treehouse featured on the Animal Planet TV show, Treehouse Masters. Call or visit the website today to start planning your adventure in the Ozarks!

DOGWOODCANYON.ORG • 800.225.6343

Biking

Treehouse built by Treehouse Masters

Canyon Grill BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 23

WORLD CLASS TRAIL GEAR

Bike Gear

BY MICHAEL ROBERTS Part of the IMBA World Summit experience is seeing great products from the nonprofit’s corporate partners. Vendors and producers will be on-hand to showcase the latest in bike technology, accessories—and even some tasty things to eat when you’re out on a ride.

1. TRAIL TECH The Farwell from Moots is a versatile bike that sports 2.8” wide tires and a titanium frame design made to rip singletrack and fly down flow trails. $4,800-$7,900 | moots.com

1.

3. DELICIOUS SUSTENANCE Hungry on the trail? Reach for a Nut Butter Filled energy bar from Clif Bar. It’s an organic, GMO-free classic taste with a new twist. $1.79 | clifbar.com

3.

2.

5.

4.

6.

4. ULTIMATE HYDRATION Camelbak has been a hydration innovator for years, and that reputation continues with the Camelbak M.U.L.E. LR 15. This 100-ounce reservoir sits low on the body, allowing cyclists more mobility and greater comfort out on the trail. $109 | camelbak.com 5. DON’T FLIP YOUR LID World-class comfort and protection are the hallmarks of the Bontrager MIPS Rally helmet series. “MIPS” is an acronym meaning “Multidirectional Impact Protection System,” a fitting name for this helmet designed by brain surgeons and scientists. $99.99-$124.99 | trekbikes.com 6. KEEP IT CHILL High-performance Icehole Coolers are 100% Made in the U.S.A. with seamless, thick and rugged rotomolded construction and militarygrade lid latches. $399-559 | iceholecoolers.com

Look for these and other great products at the IMBA World Summit and your local bike shop.

24 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VENDORS

2. PEDAL POWER The Cambion shoe is an ergonomically optimized, highperformance shoe featuring a carbon outsole and a no-slip heel. Your feet are the engine out on the trail, so treat them right! $274.99 | trekbikes.com

Trailblazers

DAVID NEAL has owned Mojo

—Rhonda Crone

BIKE THE RAILYARD!

Our trails rival most in the United States!

P

1190’

Lake

P

novice trail beginner trail intermediate trail advanced trail expert trail concrete trail toilet facility trails map bridge parking area

1200’

Cramps

The Hook 1210’

Sk Junc ull tion

Bicycles in Bentonville for about seven years, and started riding back in the 1960s.

“People think of Mojo as the aggro or enduro shop, but we serve all kinds,” he says. “Our goal is to understand the rider’s needs and help them excel.”

Dave came to Arkansas from Utah about 14 years ago. He spent time in the corporate world, but always continued to ride. At some point along the way, he realized something.

“I hated my life, so I started sending out emails to my friends I called the ‘picture of the day.’ They were pictures of us doing crazy things on our bikes,” he says.

The number of people receiving the emails grew, and by the time he bought Mojo, he had 300 cyclists from all over the world on the email list. These days, the emails include four pictures a day, trail condition information, tech tips and group ride announcements. “It’s all about trying to create a community, or an infrastructure of people.”

Getting on Dave’s email list is as easy as emailing him at mojobicycles@gmail.com.

The Grove

Mustang Sally 1342’

Shadow Ridge

Bluffline

1265’

Billy Goat 1/ 4 mile (1320 f e e t) 400 m eters

A

P P

Frisco

1210’

Maximus

B

Scout Loop The Railyard BIKE PARK

P

1340’

The Dump

Bella Vista

1244’

Hand Picked Chert Row

Two Dog Groms Lasso

Little Flock Centerton Bentonville

1290’

LAKE ATALANTA Rogers

Controlled Burn Losing Flow

Lowell

Tontitown

A 1200’

B

relief cross-sections

Springdale

trails

1300’ trails

Johnson

trails 1360’

Backbone

P

Fayetteville 1260’

JOIN US FOR THE INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN BICYCLING ASSOCIATION WORLD SUMMIT! Friday, November 11 You’re in for an action packed afternoon at a world-class bike park, The Railyard!

The afternoon fun will include the expo being open from 12-6 pm, special guest appearances from Danny MacAskill and Hans Rey, and a night ride around Lake Atlanta.

Railyard Expo Fee (for non conference attendees) $25 for adults • $15 for youth Includes access to the expo (demo bikes and more), Danny and Han’s trails showcase, and a World Summit shirt!

Slopestyle • Session Zone • Kids Zone • Pump Track • Dog Parks Lake Atalanta multi-use trails = 10 miles | Concrete trail to lake and surrounding area 299 East Cherry Street • Rogers • 479-621-1120 or 479-621-1117 (hotline)

www.rogersar.gov

501.305.3915 • thebikelane.cc 2116 W Beebe Capps Expy, Searcy BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 25

MY KIT

PHOTO BY NOVO STUDIO

NAME: Tanner Stolt, Bella Vista OCCUPATION: Gravity downhill racer for Flat Spot Racing Team WHERE I RIDE: “I try to ride a different discipline in a different place every day. Skate parks, dirt jumps, mountain trails, cross country and downhill—it’s good to spice things up and keep it fresh!”

THE PLAYLIST: “I don’t listen to music when I ride, I like to listen to the bike and make sure it’s running clean and smooth. The sound of the wind, the leaves, the dirt under the tires and the suspension is too good to pass up for a song.”

THE BIKE:

“Canfield Brothers Jedi 27.5, although I’m riding my coach’s Intense M16 Carbon today. The Jedi was super broken from racing this summer.”

WHY I RIDE: “Mountain biking really speaks to my personality.

That’s what got me so stuck on it as a kid. I was completely hooked the first time I tried it, and since then, I’ve been unable to put it down. I genuinely love riding bicycles just for the simplicity of riding bicycles—I think that shows in the fact that I ride nearly every discipline.”

Tanner “owns” the Blowing Springs Trail.

26 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

THE KIT

HELMET: “It’s a 100% Aircraft carbon downhill race helmet, specifically designed to protect against high-speed impacts.” $400 ride100percent.com

GOGGLES: “Fly Racing Focus Goggles. I prefer clear, so these don’t have a polar lens.” $12.95 flyracing.com

NECK BRACE: “Atlas Brace Air. It’s incredibly light and ergonomic.

I use it to prevent spinal injuries in the event of a catastrophic accident.” $270 atlastbrace.com

GLOVES: “Fly Racing Media gloves.

These are super light and thin with no padding.” $23 flyracing.com

SHOES: “These are wickedly burly flat pedal shoes: Five Ten Impact Sam Hill Edition.” $160 fiveten.com

CHEST AND BACK PLATE: “Kali Protectives Kavaca for back, chest, kidney and shoulder protection.” $130 kaliprotectives.com

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 27

MY KIT

PHOTO BY NOVO STUDIO

NAME: Natasha Brand, Thetford, UK and Bentonville OCCUPATION: Program Representative, IMBA South Central Region and Friends of Arkansas Singletrack (F.A.S.T.) WHERE I RIDE: “For mountain bike, it’s Slaughter Pen in Bentonville, because the trails are close to my office and home. As a commuter, I ride all over Bentonville. I especially enjoy the Razorback Greenway.”

THE PLAYLIST: Fred V and Grafix, Franko Fraize, Morgan Page, Kiiara, Rudimental and 21 Pilots.

THE BIKE: Orbea Alma H10

28 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

WHY I RIDE: “I have owned and ridden bikes since I was four or five—so that’s 40 years of riding! It’s always been about the fun, but also about getting from point A to point B. I didn’t own a car until I was nearly 30. My friends and I discovered offroad trails in my hometown when we were teenagers, and I have loved mountain biking ever since. I love riding with my family—and most importantly, it keeps us all healthy while having fun!”

THE KIT

FIRST AID KIT: Lightweight, portable

Trailblazers

and great for bumps and scrapes, Adventure Medical Kits provides many options for cyclists. $7.99 adventuremedicalkits.com

GLOVES: “I use Pearl Izumi Gel Lite gloves, but they’ve been discontinued. A similar product would be Gel Elite Giro Rulla gloves.” $35 giro.com

HYDRATION: Osprey Raptor 14 for

JERSEY: “I’m wearing a Primal

group rides, clinics and longer rides; Camelbak Magic for shorter rides. $99-$140 ospreypacks.com camelback.com

Custom, made specifically for me.” $60 primalwear.com

HELMET: Giro Hex. A perfect helmet for

PADS: G-Form Pro-X elbow and knee pads. Flexible, lightweight, breathable—and machine-washable. $69 g-form.com

trail-riding, well-ventilated and tough. $90 giro.com

KRIS AND JOSH CARROLL

grew up riding bikes in Mulberry, riding half-pipes and ramps made from plywood. When Josh was 14 years old, he and Kris took out a loan to purchase high-end mountain bikes, which they used to start racing at various mountain bike events. As they grew older and got caught up with life and families, cycling took a backseat. Josh stayed active between motocross and speed skating, and Kris built custom gates to world-class custom vehicles.

Both Josh and Kris returned to cycling five years ago, and they have since competed in many mountain bike races throughout Arkansas.

Partnering with Phat Tire Bike Shop, Kris and Josh lead regular mountain bike group rides in Fort Smith, where they also organize local trail workdays. The Carroll brothers are also currently focusing on establishing their own company, Fast Rack Modern Cycling Solutions, which will specialize in trail tools, trail features and bike stands.

—Addie Teo BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 29

NOTHING SLOWS HER DOWN

BY MICHAEL ROBERTS Were you excited when you first found out about your bike? What was it like the first time you rode it?

“Yes—my mom, Diane Roberts, showed me a picture before we got it. It was scary at first, but then I was excited because I’d never ridden something like that before!

After being strapped in, I liked that I could finally exercise like others do!”

Are there any places you’d like to ride that you’ve never been?

“We like going to the beach in Florida.

That would be a fun place to ride!”

Alex Roberts enjoys her custom bike most when she’s out riding on the Big Dam Bridge with her dad, Dave.

W

hen Bike Arkansas first announced our Share Your Ride (#shareyourride) contest on Facebook and Instagram in early 2016, we were excited by the number of participants who sent in photos of their favorite places to ride.

One photo in particular caught our eye, that of Alex Roberts, 15, and her dad, Dave Roberts, who were all smiles on Little Rock’s Big Dam Bridge. Alex was born with cerebral palsy, a disease that causes her muscular issues which prevent her from walking and sitting up unaided—but those issues don’t keep Alex from being able to enjoy a bike ride with her dad.

Dave and his wife, Diane, got Alex a bike from Freedom Concepts, a company that designs cycles for people with special needs. These adaptive bikes come in a variety of styles suitable for people with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome or musculoskeletal injuries that make traditional bikes difficult or impossible to use. With Alex’s bike, she is able to pedal and steer herself, while a second set of controls in the rear allow for an adult to help push, steer and brake if needed.

We caught up with Alex and Dave out at the Big Dam Bridge to get the scoop on just 30 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

How often do you ride? How long does a typical ride last?

“I ride a few times a month, mostly in the spring and fall when it’s not so hot out, usually for 30-45 minutes. My Dad, Dave Roberts, can pull the chain and hook it back so my legs don’t go when the wheels move. That way I won’t get too tired if we go on a long ride. He walks behind me to help steer.”

In spite of the challenges Alex faces, her dad describes her as a “typical teenager.”

In addition to cycling, she also dances (in her wheelchair with a buddy) and plays Miracle League baseball (also with buddies). She’s also a scholastic achiever, having maintained an A-B average at school in Maumelle. Now, thanks to her Freedom Concepts bicycle she can ride the trails in central Arkansas.

For more information about Freedom Concepts bikes for riders with special needs, visit freedomconcepts.com.

Share your ride with us at facebook.com/bikearkmag

PHOTO BY BRIAN CHILSON

Where are your favorite places to ride? What do you like to look at while you are there?

“I love Two Rivers Park in Little Rock— across the bridge and into the woods.

I like to look at the trees, animals and insects out there. One time a butterfly landed on my arm and stayed there while I rode—slowly. “

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 31

WINNING MEANS SHOWING UP

When mountain bikers show up, projects like the new bridge at Burns Park in North Little Rock get built.

“

T

he world is run by those who show up” is frequently noted in all arenas of life. “Be the change you wish to see” is another call to action from the Dalai Lama. The underlying premise is the same: Participating in the process is essential to obtaining a desired outcome. Chris Crawford, in his book The World Is Run by Those Who Show Up, places people into one of two camps: “those who are disengaged by the world around them and those who are active participants trying to shape the future.”

Access for mountain bikers to natural surface recreational trails is increasing across our nation on both public and private lands. Yet, we still hear examples like the one in Los Altos Hills, Calif., where mountain bikes were banned from trails in Byrne Preserve. In addition, an overwhelming majority of IMBA members who participated in our 2016 member survey confirmed their access to trails has increased.

To maintain access to the trails we love, it is essential for mountain bikers to be active participants in shaping the future of outdoor recreation.

Recognizing that the truism holds—the world is run by those who show up—the concept of “showing up” is how our association of local IMBA chapters influence and partner with governmentmanaged public lands. The public process is designed to gather and analyze information prior to a vote or decision. The majority wins. In other words, you have to be present to win and you have to be an active participant in the process.

Changing the direction of this metaphorical ship is not something a small special-interest group is able to do.

32 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

In the public policy world, mountain bikers are a small, isolated, special-interest group as our numbers indicate. It is estimated there are approximately 8 million mountain bikers in the U.S. and about 40,000 of these are members of IMBA, the national advocacy organization. In turn, some environmental organizations boast over 2 million members.

And that’s only a few national groups, not counting the hundreds of other state and local groups. Along with being a recreational minority, there is a problematic and pervasive negative perception of mountain bikers among some other recreationists, characterized by labels like reckless, destructive and sometimes selfish.

Mountain bikers can take positive action by 1) joining your local IMBA chapter and 2) getting organized for advocacy. If there is no local organization, form a committee of riders to organize a group. IMBA has six region directors that provide professional staff support to its 210 chapters nationwide. According to Eric Melson, IMBA’s advocacy manager and associate region director in Montana, “The only way mountain biking will ever become accepted, appreciated and embraced is if every rider makes a conscious decision to be a respectful, engaged and informed member of their community.”

Clearly, the mountain biking community is winning by creating, improving and enhancing more access nationwide than we are losing. But each loss is painful, and we can’t change that direction until we commit to being active participants shaping the future of outdoor recreation.

PHOTOS BY MIKE MITCHELL

BY BRUCE ALT

“Whenever we as citizens in our democratic society want something different, our natural tendency is to justify our desired outcome based on the merits of our arguments. Let’s review three specific actions that all mountain bikers can take to show up.”

–Bruce Alt

WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS AND LAND MANAGERS

• Bring Resources: To be wellinformed takes work and time, and quite frankly, it’s unrealistic to think elected officials can take the time to be well-informed about every issue that they face.

• Bring Unity: Having different opinions about trail types, bike types, styles of riding and more may be fairly innocent for trailhead conversation, but beyond that it only serves to handicap our potential political influence and credibility as a community.

• Bring Solutions: Be effective in the public policy realm by providing solutions.

WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

• Be Engaged: As an individual or organization, resolve to be an active participant; in the community, not disengaged.

For first-class facilities, a convenient location on Interstate 40, and a clean and safe community to enjoy away from the trails, Conway, Arkansas is the perfect location for your next ride.

With sharrows on major roadways throughout town, as well as numerous trails through the city and its surrounding areas, Conway is working to be one of the most bike friendly cities in the state.

For more information about Conway bike trails, contact the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Board at walkbikeconway.com .

• Be Gracious: Demonstrate genuine gratitude and sincere appreciation to the land managers who are welcoming to mountain bikers.

• Be Open: Understand that no single group or recreational interest has a special right to use public lands as they wish.

CVB@ConwayArkansas.org ConwayArk.com 866.7CONWAY

For more information visit imba.com

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 33

From training wheels to big wheels, we have a ride for you!

Trailblazers

CANNONDALE | RALEIGH | GT | SCHWINN | REDLINE Tune Ups • Checkovers • Tire & Tube Replacement • Brake & Gear Work • Wheel Work • Lifetime adjustment policy on new bikes Financing Available! No down payment. No interest for 12 months W.A.C.

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North Little Rock -

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on trails!

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STAY AT IRON MOUNTAIN and experience the Iron Mountain Bike Trail.

134 Iron Mountain Marina Dr., Arkadelphia, AR (870) 246-4310 • (800) 243-3396 www.iron-mountain.com info@iron-mountain.com 34 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

ERIN RUSHING has spent the last two years literally blazing a trail in the name of Arkansas mountain biking.

As executive director of the NWA Trailblazers, he has overseen the construction and opening of Bella Vista’s Back 40 trail system, a culmination of the efforts of renowned trail construction companies.

Erin enjoys spending time hiking and biking with his kids on the trails he helped create. He has designed and consulted on many projects in the region, including over 25 miles of greenway trails on the Razorback Greenway and over 50 miles of natural-surface trails. His work has helped put northwest Arkansas on the map for year-round, worldclass mountain biking.

—Cassie Lapp

sometimes the road to better health

starts with changing gears Now is the time to get started on the ride of your life, and there's no better place to start than joining us at the Big Dam Bridge 100!

Keep on riding. Keep on striving. #KeepOnAmazing

Before starting any exercise program, consult with your physician.

To find a physician visit:

Baptist-Health.com

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 35

36 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

BY SCOTT SCHROEN PHOTOS BY NOVO STUDIO

LAUGHTER PE AT NIGHT

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 37

I

t could be said that the heart and soul of mountain biking in northwest Arkansas is, and forever will be, Slaughter Pen Hollow. It’s the foundation from which our growing network of world-class trails has been built. It was the testing ground for an idea that the Ozark region could become a ride destination, not only for local enthusiasts, but for cyclists from all points of the globe.

It’s the go-to spot for guests we’ve finally convinced to visit. It’s where many now-skilled riders experienced their first mountain bike ride and became life-long lovers of the sport.

For those of us who ride this area regularly, every turn, every rock, root and detail is a known quantity—yet we still revisit the trail time after time. Slaughter Pen is like an old friend. Why does the trail have such a hold on us? Are the trails that much different when we go back?

Certainly they’ve evolved since Progressive Trail Design laid down the first few miles of singletrack—but the bones of Slaughter Pen are relatively the same. Perhaps it isn’t so 38 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

much the trails that are different on each visit, but rather our own personal evolution and perspective, and that keeps us coming back.

Each ride we get stronger and more confident. We go faster and farther. The trees move past us quicker and the rocks feel smaller. The miles go longer. Rock gardens that were once a sight of fear and frustration are now pedaled with a smile. And on a warm summer’s evening, fighting a threat of rain, we took a trip out to Slaughter Pen to experience it in a way we never had before—our bikes lined with multi-colored lights that made for rainbow streaks down the familiar nooks and crannies as the Ozark sun went down.

When we look at familiar surroundings with fresh eyes and in new ways, we discover that the old can become new again, that fresh challenges arise—and we discover that the heart and soul of mountain biking doesn’t just exist on one trail, it’s something we carry with us everywhere we go.

o t U O Y E K A T S L I A R T r Ou .

E R E H W Y R E V E d n a E R E BEER, TH

er. d the finest craft be mountain scener y an offers ul tif ail Tr au e be Al to e rs th ito ile trails takes vis in the world , wh of x ers mi nt s Ce le’ de vil m Ri tte co d ye le. fie Fa BA-certi ncefayettevil is one of only 37 IM out more at experie d Fin . ies er ew For bikers, the cit y br cro the region’s best mi a self-guided tour of BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 39

Trail Foundations Arkansas mountain biking’s roots run deep

BY MICHAEL ROBERTS

F

rom the first mountain biking trails at Devil’s Den State Park near West Fork to the International Mountain Bicycling Association Epic Trails in northwest and southwest Arkansas, mountain biking has become a vital and exciting part of Arkansas’ recreational landscape. The seeds for our current scene were planted by a few dedicated souls who planned, built and maintained trails in the state—and did so long before the sport became the juggernaut of popularity it currently is. We’ve gathered a group of “old timer” trail stewards to share their stories about the history of mountain biking in Arkansas.

After a decade of recreational riding, a few friends and I formed the Ozark Off Road Cyclists (OORC) in 1997. My primary job was with a full-time regional touring band, but I filled all my spare time with Ozark riding adventures.

Weekends became even more packed, squeezing racing and volunteer trail work between the cracks. Often I would wake up on the ground after traveling all night following a gig just so I could be where the trail action was.

I filled my hat rack in the early 2000s, first as IMBA Arkansas state representative, then by founding the Arkansas State Mountain Bike Championship Series. My professional trail building career began in 2000 working for Eastin Oudoors, an Arkansas trail building company. After a two-year stint as trails coordinator for the city of Eureka Springs (2001-2003), I started my own trail building business, Sweet Trails (2004). By 2007 I had joined forces with Progressive Trail Design and continue working with them to date.

Most recent advocacy efforts include developing a branch program to expand the OORC’s influence to other communities in northwest Arkansas and the River Valley, working with the Eureka Springs Trails Committee to develop a master trail plan and starting work to establish an Arkansas Mountain Bike Hall of Fame.

—Dave Renko 40 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

PHOTO COURTESY OF OORC

Dave Renko

PHOTO BY TODD HENNE

Todd Henne I started riding in the Ouachita Mountains years ago when our daughter, Kristi, returned from a vacation declaring she was going to be a mountain biker. We quickly realized we were living near some of the most challenging and diverse trails and terrain between the Appalachians and the Rockies. Once we realized how few locals were riding and caring for our trail network we quickly adopted a take care of what we were using attitude. We continue to play Trail Fairies on the jewels we discovered years ago and are always thankful that Kristi got us all involved years ago.

—Todd Henne

PHOTO BY ROBERT CAVANAUGH

Robert Cavanaugh I’m a retired teacher from Louisiana who moved to Arkansas in 2008 to build a home on 44 acres along the Ouachita River near Pencil Bluff. I moved to Arkansas because I love the woods, the mountains, the water and the mountain bike trails in and around them. While in Louisiana, I worked with the United States Forestry Service on maintaining trails in the national forest. I have continued and expanded this effort in Arkansas. I helped build the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail and continue to work maintaining it, the Womble Trail and the Ouachita Trail.

I mountain bike most days on one of these or other Arkansas trails. Living very close to three IMBA Epic Trails is about as good as it gets.

—Robert Cavanaugh

PHOTO COURTESY OF DLT EVENTS

Fred Phillips My background is one that consists of a mixture of project engineering, business management and event production. I’m the CEO of DLT Events, COO of Tri Dallas Events and from an educational perspective hold a Master of Science in Engineering.

This journey has taught me that it is essential to give back to the areas and activities that have meaning to you. With this as a central thought, there are several items that have become a major focus, like the building of the Iron Mountain Trail System at DeGray Lake in Arkadelphia, the stabilization of the Cross County Mountain Bike Racing Series in Arkansas, the establishment of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Marathon Series and hosting the USA Cycling Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships for 2017-18 at the Iron Mountain Trail System.

Looking forward, I hope to complete two more major tasks: Bring an international level mountain bike race here to Arkansas and develop a multiple-day mountain bike endurance stage race, which would showcase the top level trails we have to offer within Arkansas.

—Fred Phillips BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 41

Cycling has always been a driving force in my life. The first trail I ever built was in the woods behind my house in Ashdown when I was just a kid. Two days after building this trail, I crashed my BMX bike into a tree and had to have surgery on an exploded knuckle. This happened after watching an Evel Knievel jump in the 1970s.

In 1988, I bought my first mountain bike, a GT Timberline with no suspension.

I would ride on ATV trails because that was all there was to ride. In the years that followed, I started building and working on trails like the Old Post Park, Moccasin Gap and Womble with some college friends. Following that, I worked for the state, creating a trail proposal for an RTP Grant for White Oak Lake State Park. We used the money to build the Fern Hollow Trail.

After moving to Fayetteville in 2005, I got very involved with the Ozark Off Road Cyclists. We worked on trails across the region, from Devil’s Den State Park and Lake Lincoln City Park to Lake Fayetteville Park. However, the work we accomplished with Mt. Kessler and the Upper Buffalo Headwaters Trail System seems to be the pinnacle of achievement thus far. Saving Mt. Kessler from urban development and ensuring its protection for people to enjoy was amazing, and receiving a Model Trail Award from the International Mountain Bicycling Association in 2014 for the Upper Buffalo Headwater Trail System was epic!

I am continuing my passion and love for bringing new trails to the Natural State as director of trails at Crossland Trails Division. Recently, as I put my young son on his first bicycle and watched him enjoying the freedom and joy of riding, it strengthened my desire to “Get some trail!” as I was known to exclaim as Ozark Off Road Cyclists president. I live, breathe and sweat bicycle grease.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OORC

Phil Penny

—Phil Penny

I’m a 73-year-old retiree who settled on the southeastern shores of Lake Ouachita near Mount Ida. I became involved in community volunteer organizations seeking an avenue to provide support for the area’s economic and recreational pursuits.

I proposed the concept of developing a multi-use hiking and mountain biking trail along the southern shores of Lake Ouachita located in the Ouachita National Forest. I organized a coalition of 11 federal, state, local and private organizations as the driving force for the development of what is now known as the LOViT Trail (Lake Ouachita Vista Trail).

Utilizing the strong support of the land managers, the U.S. Forest Service and the Army Corps of Engineers, I secured grants and donations sufficient to build the 45-mile trail over a period of 10 years.

I organized the Traildogs Volunteers, who worked with the Forest Service, the Corps of Engineers and trail contractors in the construction of what is now an IMBA EPIC trail. The Traildogs and I all agree the 10-year effort was a labor of love for the outdoors and a great opportunity to give back to the community.

—Jerry Shields

42 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAILDOGS

Jerry Shields

Cane Creek State Park, Star City

EPIC

happens here.

Womble Trail, Hot Springs

YOUR TRIP BEGINS HERE

Slaughter Pen Trail, Bentonville

#VisitArkansas

Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock

We’ve got more IMBA Epic bike trails than just about anybody. The first IMBA Regional Ride Center ever. Lots of cool, funky little breweries to explore. Amazing food from barbecue to haute cuisine. One of the finest art museums in the world. Yes, the world. Come see us. ARKANSAS.COM

Enjoy Miles of Biking Here!

When you’re done riding the trail . . .

Our lodge, cottages, hot tubs and condos will provide you with a home base. Located just minutes from the LOViT - an IMBA EPIC Model Trail – one of only 40 in the world.

Bike Hand Tool Kit Available

870-867-2191 • 800-832-2276 • MountainHarborResort.com BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 43

My Trail, My Town THE BELLA VISTA BACK FORTY JUST GOT AMAZING

BY MICHAEL ROBERTS AND NATHAN WOODRUFF PHOTOS BY NOVO STUDIO

I

f you mountain bike in Arkansas, you know about the wealth of trails around Bentonville and Fayetteville, and you probably know about the growth of the sport in cities like Rogers and Springdale. The success of trails like Bentonville’s Slaughter Pen has made the Ozarks a nationally recognized hotbed for great mountain biking. A town folks don’t so often think of when looking for a place to ride is Bella Vista—but Nathan “Woody” Woodruff of Progressive Trail Design (PTD) says that’s all about to change.

We caught up with Woody on a section of the soon-to-beopen Back Forty trail system outside the Ozark community, and the long-time trail designer was eager to show off a particularly advanced section of the trail called the Ledges.

The three-and-a-half-mile section of PTD-designed trail breaks off the main Back Forty trail, taking riders down an IMBA Black Diamond-rated section that holds true to its name—there are places where the ledges being ridden are just a foot or two wide.

“We’ve integrated the trail into the contour of the mountain,” says Woody, who assured us that there was no shame in getting off our bikes to walk. “This whole system came about through the efforts of [local IMBA chapter] F.A.S.T.” he continues, regaling us with stories of the 35-mile Bentonvile to Bella Vista Epic Rides the group has held for years. “And of course, with all the support we’ve gotten from Tom Walton and the Walton Family Foundation, those efforts have paid off with some of the world’s best trails.”

44 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 45

“THE BUDDING ADRENALINE JUNKY NEVER GOT OVER WANTING TO PUSH THE LIMITS...”

46 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

As we head down what Woody conservatively refers to as “a tight piece of singletrack,” he warns us of the notorious flat-causing rocks that seem to pop up out of nowhere. Such hazards are worth it, though, as the trail winds through lush stands of trees that seem to form a living tunnel over the trail. It’s a warm day, and the good pace required by this trail serves us well by keeping the air moving.

Woody’s love of this trail is indicative of his long-time passion for bike trails.

Crossing the streams and gullies of the Ledges, he tells how he got involved in mountain biking as a senior in high school back in the mid-1990s. “My first experience was on the Butterfield Trail at Devil’s Den,” he says. “I got involved with the Free Ride Movement, and we were all doing some extreme downhill rides.” The budding adrenaline junky never got over wanting to push the limits of his riding—something that becomes clear along our ride.

For Woody, though, the biggest excitement about the Bella Vista Back Forty is the trail system’s official debut at the 2016 IMBA World Summit. For a local boy, having people see what Arkansas has become is as big a thrill as heading down a great piece of singletrack. “It’s beyond gratifying to have people come to ride. This is our big debut,” he says. “I can’t wait to see the smiles.”

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 47

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4

2016 WORLD SUMMIT PREVIEW

BY MICHAEL ROBERTS AND BRUCE ALT BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 49

2016 IMBA WORLD SUMMIT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

ON THE WORLD STAGE

Bentonville prepares to host the 2016 IMBA World Summit

I

t wasn’t all that long ago that Bentonville was considered just another sleepy Ozark town, famous for being the place where Sam Walton founded international retail chain Walmart, but otherwise unremarkable. My, how times have changed! These days, Bentonville is one of Arkansas’ most vibrant and dynamic cities, known for excelling in the arts, with great food—and, of course, mountain biking.

Outside of Bentonville, northwest Arkansas cities like Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bella Vista have all implemented plans and projects to make their mark on the cycling world. According to a study conducted by the Walton Family Foundation, the number of cyclists per capita using northwest Arkansas trails rivals that of major bike-friendly metropolitan areas like San Francisco.

The excellence of the region’s trails and amenities led to the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) declaring the entire northwest Arkansas area a “regional ride center,” the first—and to date only—time that has ever been done. Now, as an added feather in the area’s cap, IMBA is bringing the seventh edition of the World Summit to Bentonville on November 10-12.

The theme for this year’s conference and expo is “Building Tomorrow’s Mountain Biking Today,” and the nonprofit advocacy group has scheduled leading representatives from every aspect of the mountain bike world to participate. From the vendor expo at Compton Gardens and Conference Center to break-out sessions at locations like the Arvest Conference Center and 2lc Hotel, attendees are sure to learn all about the latest in community involvement, land management, tourism, communications and trails. In addition, the immediate area is home to more than 70 miles of award-winning singletrack—a fantastic reason to visit all its own!

Organizers are particularly excited for the Railyard Expo in Rogers on Friday, November 11, which will feature special guest appearances from international sensations Danny MacAskill and Hans Rey, who will be showcasing their world-class trials skills. And as an added bonus, the weekend wraps up on November 12 with an Epic Ride from Bentonville to Bella Vista, where cyclists will get to experience 40 miles of new singletrack with a variety of ride lengths offered, from a family friendly 10-miler to an epic 40-miler.

50 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

• Thursday (11/10): The summit launches with leaders in the world of advocacy and industry presenting dynamic topics and discussion panels throughout the day. To top off the day, there will be a ride to celebrate IMBA’s model trail awards at the breathtaking Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. • Friday (11/11): The summit continues with cutting-edge industry discussions, then wraps up with an action-packed afternoon at world-class bike park: The Railyard in Rogers. This fun afternoon will include the expo being open from noon-6 p.m., special guest appearances from Danny MacAskill and Hans Rey, a night ride and family friendly movie night.

• Saturday (11/12): On Saturday, it’s all about getting out for an epic ride—followed up by barbecue and beer. You can’t beat that!

• Sunday (11/13): While not officially part of the World Summit, participants are encouraged to stick around one more day for the IMBA World Series NICA State Championships being held at Slaughter Pen trail.

It’s a great reason to book one more night in town!

For more information visit imba.com/worldsummit

PHOTOS COURTESY OF IMBA

In years past, the IMBA World Summit has been held in such biking destinations as Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Whistler, British Columbia.

• Wednesday (11/9): The festivities will kick off with a pre-opening of the expo from noon-5 p.m., along with a special opening ceremony in the evening. The expo will feature demo bikes and other gear from some of the top names in mountain biking. See our gear feature on page 24 for a sneak peek at what you might see.

Meetings between land managers, bicycling advocates, mountain bikers and community organizers are a key part of every World Summit.

AVID ADVOCATE Former director talks IMBA history

I

“

IMBA hopes its Dig In program will allow projects like this bike park in Steamboat Springs, Colorado to happen nationwide.

DIGGING IN FOR NEW TRAILS

Multi-million dollar program will help fund projects

I

MBA is extremely excited to announce the public launch of its new campaign, “Dig In With IMBA,” at its first-ever Gala in Bentonville on Saturday, November 12. For the last 28 years, IMBA has worked to create great mountain biking experiences by enabling thousands of miles of trail to be built in the United States and around the globe. These trails are the end result of hundreds of thousands of hours of volunteer work performed by members of IMBA’s 200+ local chapters, who are tireless in their advocacy for increased land access and willingness to get dirty building and maintaining trail.

IMBA wants to recognize the hard work and dedication of its members and chapters. These volunteers have identified more than 200 new trail projects in their local communities that are ready to move forward, stalled only by the need for funding to get started. Over the next five years, IMBA will “dig in” to raise those funds and fast-track work on these projects. This campaign is IMBA’s way of helping activate local mountain bike communities and their committed volunteers to improve access for a brighter future of riding experiences. –B.A.

’m only the second paid executive IMBA has ever had,” says former IMBA president Mike van Abel from Boulder, Colorado. He announced his resignation earlier this year after 12 years with the organization, and reflected on IMBA’s beginning and growth.

The International Mountain Bicycling Association was born in California back in 1988, a direct result of the growing popularity of the sport out on the West Coast. “There were tinkerers and quasi-engineers who figured out how to make bikes more durable while increasing speed,” says Mike. “It was a real grassroots, DIY culture in the late 70s and early 80s.”

Those earthy beginnings didn’t come without something of a downside, though. With mountain bikers appearing on trails in increasing numbers, local, state and federal organizations began banning cyclists from riding their bikes. “IMBA was born out of these trail access issues,” says Mike. “It was an all-volunteer organization, founded with an advocacy approach first and foremost.” After several years in California, the organization moved to Boulder in 1994, and grew from a strictly volunteer group into the nonprofit it is today.

One of IMBA’s main goals as advocates for mountain biking is to dispel the myths that still persist around how cyclists use trails. “So-called ‘extreme’ biking is not the mainstream,” Mike says. “A lot of people think mountain bikers are just running wild, but the sport has really grown up.”

Another aspect of IMBA’s mission is to coordinate with mountain bikers, community leaders and planning companies to develop world-class biking trails across the country. To that end, the nonprofit has recently completed a survey of its chapters to ascertain how many “shovel-ready” projects exist across the country. It’s all part of a new $20 million program called “Dig In.” Mike and the rest of the IMBA team hope that by helping provide “seed money” to local organizations, city and state governments will be more apt to dip into taxpayer funds to help build trails.

“There’s still so much work to be done,” says Mike van Abel. “We have too many unengaged mountain bikers. We can always use more volunteers—because our biggest enemy is apathy.” –M.R. BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 51

WHERE TO RIDE: • SLAUGHTER PEN: What sets this trail apart from others is location, diversity and multiple trail experiences. Start your ride from downtown Bentonville, frolicking through fast flow sections, challenging climbs, rocky technical sections, directional downhills, shallow creek crossings, a free ride park, numerous skills areas and views of the incredible Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, then end up back in downtown. Length: About 20 miles.

• BLOWING SPRINGS: This trail features eight bridges

and numerous natural rock features and jumps. It will challenge you, give you super fun speed sections—and is guaranteed to bring smiles all along the way. There is a Slaughter Pen to Blowing Springs connector trail which features steep cliffs, mellow waterfalls, technical climbs and switchbacks which should prove challenging even to expert riders. Length: About 9 miles.

• BELLA VISTA: Bella Vista is a bedroom community

Slaughter Pen

PHOTOS BY NOVO STUDIO

near Bentonville and has the perfect terrain for trails just a pedal stroke away from downtown Bentonville. The village is nestled in a vast area of rolling hills and has 7 small lakes, numerous creeks and bluffs that have been hidden away from view until the trail is completed. The trail system will wind through residential areas but the rider will have the experience of a 40 mile back country trek, all the while just minutes from a rest stop, beer, pizza or burger. See our “My Trail, My Town” feature on page 44 for more details. Length: About 40 miles.

• LAKE ATALANTA: Offers great single-track with

shallow creek crossings, a dozen bridges, lakeside views, bluff-lines, demanding climbs—all technical enough to challenge all skill levels. Access is from The Railyard Bike Park, 2 blocks from Downtown Rogers, or just 5 miles from Bentonville. Length: 10 miles.

• RAZORBACK GREENWAY: This massive trail connects

six northwest Arkansas cities, three hospitals, 23 schools, the University of Arkansas campus and numerous entertainment venues, historic sites and shopping areas. There’s no better way to experience everything the region has to offer!

Length: 36 miles.

Blowing Springs

• DEVIL’S DEN STATE PARK: While the park itself

lies a ways south of Bentonville, near the small town of West Fork, it’s worth the drive for two reasons: It’s the birthplace of mountain biking in the state—and the trails are fantastic. Check out the 3-, 4- or 5-mile ride lengths on the Fossil Flats trail, or check out the 15-mile Butterfield Trail. Length: Various.

• THE RAILYARD: Experience a world-class, natural

surface bike park in Rogers that offers something for every rider. From whale tales, to wall rides, to riding through an actual railyard caboose, the possibilities are sure to offer endless smiles whether you’re a professional on a dirt jumper or a youth on a strider.

For more information, including IMBA’s registration page, visit imba.com. You can also follow IMBA on Facebook at facebook.com/IMBAonFB, on Instagram at instagram.com/ imba_us or @IMBA_US on Twitter.

Bella Vista 52 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

PHOTO COURTESY OF TEEN TRAIL CORPS AND NICA

Trailblazers

GARY ERICKSON, owner and

Arkansas teens have a new opportunity to learn about mountain biking as part of National Interscholastic Cycling Association.

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY Teens learn to love mountain biking with NICA

O

ne of the most exciting recent developments in our mountain biking scene was the 2015 announcement that Arkansas had been welcomed into the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). According to Arkansas league director Alan Ley, being part of NICA will provide “junior high and high school students with fun and enjoyable ways to develop physically and mentally.” Ley added that the group’s intent was to bring “mountain biking to every school, city and town in Arkansas.”

The addition of Arkansas to the NICA ranks is part of the organization’s mission to take interscholastic mountain biking “coast-to-coast” by the year 2020. The nonprofit was founded in 2009, and with the addition of Arkansas, there are now 19 leagues across the country with more than 3,000 coaches and 7,500 student-athletes.

According to Aimee Ross with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), participation in NICA means more than just a chance to help kids develop a love of cycling. Ross is part of an IMBA program known as Teen Trail Corps, a partnership between the two organizations which seeks to incorporate youth into trail stewardship.

Born from the ideas of students who attended the 2014 IMBA World Summit, Teen Trail Corps emphasizes respect, empathy and compassion, both for other trail users and for the trails themselves.

The Arkansas State Championships will be held in Bentonville November 13, the day after the 2016 IMBA World Summit ends. Show your support for the mountain bikers and advocates of tomorrow by attending. In addition, Arkansas’ NICA league is set to announce skills clinics this spring, so there’s never been a better time to get the kids involved in mountain biking. –M.R.

For more information on Arkansas’ NICA chapter, visit arkansasmtb.org. For more information on IMBA’s Teen Trail Corps, visit teentrailcorps.org.

co-creative visionary officer of Clif Bar & Co. is an avid cyclist, mountain biker, rock climber, skier and backpacker as well as baker and foodie—he designed bicycle saddles before founding Clif Bar. He was on a 175-mile bike ride with a friend back in 1990 when he experienced an epiphany after eating one-too-many energy bars.

The moment led to his inspiration for the Clif Bar, named after his Dad Clifford, who introduced him to outdoor adventure and following one’s passion.

In 1992, Clif Bar began as Kali’s Sweets and Savories, launched

by Gary and wife Kit Crawford.

Now internationally sold, Clif Bar began in bike shops and outdoor stores and grew from there. Gary has kept the company privately owned, despite major pressures to sell. To the present day, Gary and his company operate using a business model based on “sustainability, brands, people, community and the planet.” Gary continues his passion for cycling , backpacking and adventure—and his desire for sharing it with his family and employees alike.

Clif Bar is a proud sponsor of the IMBA World Summit —Rhonda Crone BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 53

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES WITH A

SOUTHERN ACCENT.

SM

Like our ride along the Arkansas River Trail, our memories of Little Rock are filled with wonderful discoveries. The breathtaking views from the top of Pinnacle Mountain. Touring the city’s downtown by Segway, and its neighborhoods, barbecue joints and breweries by bike. Enjoying the charm and convenience of riding the trolley from our hotel to explore the great shops, restaurants and clubs in the River Market, and being mesmerized by the city’s beautiful illuminated bridges. These are the memories of a new Southern style. You can experience it all here. You can experience it all in Little Rock.

Big Dam Bridge > To see more visit LittleRock.com

54 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

Trailblazers

2104 S. Walton Blvd Bentonville, AR 479-271-7201

A WELCOME SIGHT AFTER A HERMAN OWENS was born in New York City, but learned how to ride a bike in the mountains of Wyoming. He now lives in Fayetteville. After a time away from cycling, he experienced a reconnection about seven years ago when a friend invited him to mountain bike the Sac River trail north of Springfield, Mo. Since then, Herman’s passion for cycling grew, along with his desire to help grow the sport of mountain biking. He sought out opportunities to build and maintain trails, first working with Progressive Trail Design as an intern, then working full time as a trail crew specialist with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).

Herman and a small IMBA crew maintain Arkansas’ five IMBA epic mountain bike trails, and Herman is also in charge of volunteer engagement. One of Herman’s proudest moments is witnessing how much riders from all over the country enjoy riding the trails that he helped build.

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—Addie Teo BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 55

SPA CITY

CYCLING

Great things on the horizon for Hot Springs mountain biking

BY KAT ROBINSON

T

he city of Hot Springs is one of Arkansas’ best destinations for mountain biking. The city has received a Bronze-level Ride Center™ designation from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), and the area boasts two IMBA epic-rated trails, the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) and the Womble. The Spa City isn’t content to rest on its laurels, though. The southwest Arkansas town, which already sports an in-city greenway for two-wheeled exploration, will soon offer miles of mountain biking trails as well. City of Hot Springs City Parks Director Jean Wallace says new development is on the horizon.

“We’re calling it the Northwoods Urban Forest Park,” Wallace explains. “We are working together with IMBA to develop plans to connect downtown Hot Springs to cityowned property two miles north of downtown. The 1,200-acre park includes three lakes that were originally part of the Hot Springs drinking water system.”

56 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

The plan includes several miles of mountain bike trails, which will crisscross that secluded property and offer a variety of difficulty levels for mountain bikers.

Wallace says these efforts are at the forefront of a larger project to connect more bicycle destinations.

“We’ll develop it into a trail system that will benefit our visitors and residents in Hot Springs,” Wallace continues. “Northwest of that area, we’ll connect to Cedar Glades Park, then to Lake Ricks [a Hot Springs reservoir], north to Lake Ouachita and eventually to the LOViT Trail.” This connection will add to the LOViT, which was completed in 2014 by a volunteer group known as the Traildogs, and covers more than 40 miles of trails along and above Lake Ouachita’s southern shoreline.

Wallace shares several other bicycling opportunities around Hot Springs: “The Hot Springs Greenway Trail is a 12-foot-wide trail for nonmotorized bikes. It’s two-and-a-half miles long right now. We hope

Planning a visit? If you need a bike, Parkside Cycle (parksidecycle.com) offers rentals Tuesday through Saturday. Located a few blocks west of Central Avenue at 719 Whittington Avenue, this cycle shop can match you up with an appropriate bicycle for the type of riding you want to enjoy, and offers maps and information about each of the trails mentioned in this article, as well as guides to riding the Womble Trail and Iron Mountain Trail, two other mountain bike trail systems nearby.

The Park Hotel downtown also offers cycles for free to guests (with a onetime $5 handling fee) and $20 a day for non-guests.

For more information, visit hotsprings.org

PHOTOS BY AMY LONG /COURTESY OF ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

in the next few years to have all four miles from downtown to Lake Hamilton completed.

It runs along Hot Springs Creek, which is the creek into which the hot water from the springs flows. The Greenway Trail runs along Hot Springs Creek and parallels Central Avenue.”

T h e G r e e n w a y Tr a i l s t a r t s a t t h e transportation depot near Bathhouse Row and other attractions. It passes by the farmers market and the Veterans’ Memorial, and through the sculpture garden. Wallace says additional sculpture will be placed along the trails’ length.

There are other bicycling options already available for riders in the area, including the aforementioned Cedar Glades Park, which has several mountain bike trails available for riders. Entergy Park along Lake Hamilton’s lakefront offers a smooth path with great views for leisurely cycling.

The city of Hot Springs plans new trails to connect the Spa City to the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT).

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 57

Trailblazers

LOViT! PATRICK BARRON has been with

At Echo Canyon Resort and Marina, you’re that close to the LAKE OUACHITA VISTA TRAIL. You’re even closer to our full-service marina, restaurant and all-around family fun. And Hot Springs is just a 15-minute drive.

Come discover the best-kept secret on Lake Ouachita.

2645 BLAKELY DAM ROAD | ROYAL, AR 71968 501-767-2997 ECHOCANYONAR.COM | INFO@ECHOCANYONAR.COM 58 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

Chainwheel in Little Rock for 25 years. His earliest memories of riding bikes include a green 20inch single speed bike with a white banana seat and sissy bars. That bike was the first to grant him the sense of freedom he still feels every time he rides these days.

In 1998, Patrick rode a single speed mountain bike, an experience that led to his manufacturing Sofa King single speed frames with Scott Warren and Javelin. These custom frames numbered about 200 when the last was made in 2009, and the experience left Patrick with a deep understanding of frame fit and function. This has served him well as part of Chainwheel’s successful and innovative bike fit services.

“Fitting our clients to a bike is often my favorite role here at the shop,” says Patrick. “It really rounds out my day to provide a better experience for all levels of cyclists. Having fitted thousands of people has allowed me to continue to learn and improve my craft as our area becomes even more cycle-centric.”

—Addie Teo

Hot Springs That’s the kind of history made in Hot Springs every day.

HotSprings.org • 1-888-SPA-CITY

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 59

BIG DAM BRIDGE 100 | 11TH YEAR SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

WHO

The Big Dam Bridge 100 began with a group of enthusiastic cyclists from central Arkansas who formed the Big Dam Bridge Foundation (BDBF). The BDBF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our mission is to promote the use, support and preservation of the Big Dam Bridge for the advancement of health, fitness, cultural and recreational activities in Arkansas. The Big Dam Bridge connects approximately 20 miles of scenic riverside trails in the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock and assists in the connection of 70,000 acres of city, county, state and federal park land. More importantly, the Big Dam Bridge connects people by fostering a sense of community and provides a venue for community members to engage in community events. The Foundation has raised money for several projects through the Big Dam Bridge 100, including the Pitstop Pavilion, under construction now on the Little Rock side of the bridge.

WHAT

Arkansas' premier cycling event started in 2006 with the opening of the Big Dam Bridge. For the first two years, The Big Dam Bridge 100 used Burns Park as the finish line area, but then moved to historic Argenta in North Little Rock to showcase more of central Arkansas. Slowly it has built into an international event, featuring timed rides, onsite photography, the 5 hour pace group, Diva Riders, 10-Mile Family ride, Team in Training and other projects—all supported by local, regional and national sponsors.

WHERE

The Big Dam Bridge 100 starts and ends on Riverfront Drive in North Little Rock. The rides all head west toward the Big Dam Bridge, Two Rivers Park and eventually into the hills of Pulaski and Perry counties before heading back across into North Little Rock and returning to The Finale Fest. The end-ofride festival, which was held for several years on Main Street in Argenta, has moved to the west end of Riverfront Park in North Little Rock, with the entrance at the intersection of Riverfront Drive and Willow Street. The start corrals are on the side streets off Riverfront.

WHY

The Big Dam Bridge 100 is a place-builder. This ride promotes one of Arkansas most popular tourist attractions, has influenced the development of trails and other bridges and helps give central Arkansas a reputation as a cycling-friendly community. In addition, thousands of people visit the Little Rock area and enjoy our special brand of southern hospitality while experiencing 100 miles of beautiful scenery and friendly people.

SPONSORED CONTENT

EVENT SCHEDULE 2016

BDB 100 Registration is limited to online registration open until 5 p.m.

September 21, 2016 www.thebigdambridge100.com

SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

NEW FOR 2016!

In 2016 50, 68 and 100 mile riders receive finishers medals featuring bamboo and recycled bicycle chain.

4:00-7:00 p.m.

Big Dam Bridge 100 Expo - On-site Registration and Packet Pick-up at the Statehouse Convention Center, Hall IV in Little Rock.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 Noon-8:00 p.m.

Big Dam Bridge 100 Expo - On-site Registration and Packet Pick-up at the Statehouse Convention Center, Hall IV in Little Rock.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

5:00 a.m.-6:30 a.m.

LATE Packet Pick-up.

(Orbea, 600 West Broadway, North Little Rock) Last pick up for all distances is 6:30 a.m.

6:00 a.m.

Staging for all distance rides opens.

Remember to go to your designated corral.

6:35 a.m.

Start of the 5 Hour Pace Group.

7:00 - 7:00 a.m.

Rider groups start.

7:00 a.m. Tandems/Charter 7:00 a.m. Blue Corral 7:10 a.m. Yellow Corral 7:20 a.m. Green Corral 3:30 p.m.

Two Rivers Park, Aid Station #9, (mile 90) closes.

All riders must depart this station by 3:30pm or they will be provided a trolley ride back to the finish.

4:00 p.m.

Burns Park, Aid Station#10, (mile 95) closes.

All riders must depart this station by 4:00pm or they will be provided a trolley ride back to the finish.

4:30 p.m.

Finish Line Closes.

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m .

Finish line festivities. Food, drink and fellowship.

IT’S JUST THE BIG DAM BRIDGE

GET OVER IT! Featuring: Diva Riders Women’s Cycling Program “Get Over It in 5 Hours” Pace Group New Finale Fest in Riverfront Park, North Little Rock

space is is limited!

Space limited!

register today at thebigdambridge100.com register today at bigdambridge.com

ONline registration open until sept. 21, 5pm

PHOTO BY BRIAN CHILSON

BIKE SHOPS

Chainwheel / Little Rock Central Arkansas

CONWAY

THE RIDE

2100 Meadowlake Rd., Ste. 2 501-764-4500 therideonline.net Bike Brands: Specialized, QR, Raleigh, Niner In-house Specialties: Repair.

Group Rides: Yes

LITTLE ROCK

ARKANSAS CYCLING & FITNESS

315 N. Bowman, Stes. 6-9 501-221-BIKE (2453) arkansascycling.com Bike Brands: Specialized, Giant/ Liv, Haro In-House Specialties: Service/repair, demo bikes and wheel sets on select models, financing with the Specialized S-Card, Specialized Body Geometry bike fittings.

Group Rides: Two-hour Saturday morning shop road ride open to all.

Route is approximately 35 miles and begins at 7 a.m.

62 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

BOBBY’S BIKE HIKE TOURS & RENTALS Little Rock River Market 400 President Clinton Ave. 501-613-7001 bobbysbikehike.com/littlerock Bike Brands: Raleigh, KHS, Fuji, Schwinn In-House Specialties: Repairs, rentals, tours.

Group Rides: Yes

CHAINWHEEL

10300 Rodney Parham Rd. 501-224-7651 chainwheel.com Bike Brands: Trek, Kestral, Pinnarello, Salsa, Catrike In-House Specialties: Servicing all major bike brands with a goal of 48-hour turnaround; perform professional fit services; financing available.

Group Rides: Saturday “Coffee Ride,” Tuesday road ride and Thursday night mountain bike ride (all rides seasonal).

GIANT BICYCLES (COMING SOON) Pleasant Ridge Town Center

11525 Cantrell Rd. spokesshop.com Giant Bicycles of Little Rock will be owned and operated by Spokes Enterprises and feature the Giant, Liv and Momentum brands along with a service department.

SPOKES

1001 Kavanaugh Blvd. (Hillcrest) 501-664-7765 spokeslittlerock.com Bike Brands: Cervelo, Cannondale, Orbea, Felt, Niner, Electra In-House Specialties: Repair, service, financing.

Group Rides: Yes, differs with the season.

THE COMMUNITY BICYCLIST

7509 Cantrell Rd., Ste. 118 501-663-7300 thecommunitybicyclist.com/index.html Bike Brands: Fuji, Surly, All City In-House Specialties: Service for all bike shop brands.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK

ANGRY DAVE’S BICYCLES

3515 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

501-753-4990 angrydavesbicycles.com Bike Brands: Santa Cruz, Scott, Intense, Marin, Ridley, Electra and BMX brands (Redline, SE Racing, FIT, WETHEPEOPLE) In-House Specialties: Service and repair, custom wheel building, custom bike builds, professional fit service; financing through Synchrony Bank, layaway.

COME SEE US FOR ALL YOUR BIKING NEEDS! Located 100 yards from the north end of the Clinton Park Bridge - Right off the Riverfront Trail!

10am to 6pm Closed on Wed. • Open Sun. 2pm to 6pm • (501) 372-2727 nlr-bicycles.com • 800 E. Washington Ave, Suite B, North Little Rock, Arkansas

NORTH LITTLE ROCK BICYCLE

800 E. Washington Ave. 501-372-2727 nlr-bicycles.com Bike Brands: KHS, Sun, Summit, Manhattan, Reid In-House Specialties: Sales and service.

RUSSELLVILLE

CARR’S CHAIN REACTION

506 N. Arkansas Ave. 479-890-4950 carrschainreaction.com Bike Brands: Trek, KHS, Cannondale, Moots, Sun, Surly, Mirraco, Manhattan In-House Specialties: Full service repair shop; Trek financing .

SHERWOOD

ARKANSAS CYCLING & FITNESS

3010 E. Kiehl Ave. 501-834-5787 arkansascycling.com Bike Brands: Specialized, Giant/ Liv, Haro In-House Specialties: service/ repair, demo bikes and wheel sets on select models, financing with the Specialized S-Card, Specialized Body Geometry bike fittings.

Group Rides: Two hour Saturday morning shop road ride open to all.

Route is approximately 35 miles and begins at 7 a.m.

J & P BIKE SHOP

7910 John F. Kennedy Blvd. (Hwy 107) 501-835-4814 jandpbikeshop.com Bike Brands: Cannondale, Raleigh, GT, Schwinn, Redline In-House Specialties: Full service BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 63

repair, tune-ups, check overs, tire and tube replacement, brake and gear work, wheels; financing with no down payment, no interest for 12 months W.A.C.

Transition, Canfield Brothers, Haro Bikes Group Rides: Shop rides on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings

PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP

department with Shimano Certified techs. Works on all levels of bikes, specializing in tubeless tire setup, electronic shifting and professional bike fits. Offers a massive rental bike fleet ranging from high-end carbon to hybrid and kids’ trailers. Everything is backed with a 100-percent, no questions guarantee. Open seven days.

231 S. Main St. 870-910-5569 gearheadcyclehouse.com Bike Brands: Specialized, Trek In-House Specialties: Full-service bike shop, Shimano Certified Service Center Group Rides: Weekly, Saturday morning rides at 7:30 a.m. from the store.

125 W. Central Ave. 479-715-6170 phattirebikeshop.com Bike Brands: Trek, Santa Cruz, Electra, Foundry, Stromer, Salsa In-House Specialties: Full service department with Shimano Certified techs. Works on all levels of bikes, specializing in tubeless tire setup, electronic shifting and professional bike fits. Offers a massive rental bike fleet ranging from high-end carbon to hybrid and kids’ trailers. Everything is backed with a 100-percent, no questions guarantee. Open seven days.

SEARCY

EUREKA SPRINGS

3660 N. Front St., Suite 2 479-966-4050 facebook.com/thebikeroute Bike Brands: Cannondale, Cervelo, Pinarello, Moots, Niner, Electra In-House Specialties: Full service mechanics/repair, rental of bikes and race wheels Group Rides: Thursday evening beginner ride from Owl Creek Elementary at 6 p.m.

THE BIKE LANE

ADVENTURE MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS

THE HANDLEBAR

Northeast Arkansas

JONESBORO

GEARHEAD CYCLE HOUSE

2116 W. Beebe Capps Expressway 501-305-3915 thebikelane.cc Bike Brands: BH, Cannondale, Devinci, KHS, Pivot, Rocky Mountain, Wilier In-House Specialties: Repairs/service Group Rides: Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings, Sunday afternoons and some holidays.

Northwest Arkansas

BELLA VISTA

151 Spring St. 479-253-0900 adventuremountainoutfitters.com Bike Brands: Specialized In-House Specialties: Full-service bike shop, certified suspension technician, custom builds, professional fitments, rentals, guide and shuttle service to Eureka Springs and greater Ozark Mountain area trails.

115 Block Ave. 479-316-8030 thehandlebar.org Bike Brands: Lynskey, Linus, Redline, Raleigh, Scott, Gunnar, Waterford, Retrospec, Felt In-House Specialties: Repair, bike fit, coaching, service, rental, financing, beer and coffee.

Group Rides: Weekly rides

FAYETTEVILLE

THE HIGHROLLER CYCLERY

GOOD BIKES

34 Sugar Creek Center 479-657-2078 gppcycling.com Bike Brands: Felt, Scott, Argon 18, Haro Bikes In-House Specialties: Coaching services, bike fitting, full-service repairs, fitness center.

Group Rides: Group rides for all levels of riders and different types of bike rides including road and mountain.

3300 W. Martin Luther King Blvd.

479-935-3345 argoodbikes.com Bike Brands: BMC, Bianchi, Colnago, Focus, Fuji, GT, Independent Fabrication, Kestrel, Breezer, SE, Redline Chase, Staats, Police Specialties.

In-House Specialties: Consultations, professional fit service, full-service repair shop (with Arkansas’ only licensed professional mechanic), financing, official Mavic support center.

Group Rides: Yes

BENTONVILLE

PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP

GPP CYCLING

MOJO CYCLING

2104 S. Walton Blvd., Ste. 1 479-271-7201 mojocycling.com Bike Brands: Orbea, GT, KHS, Jamis, 64 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

THE BIKE ROUTE

3775 N. Mall Ave. 479-966-4308 phattirebikeshop.com Bike Brands: Trek, Santa Cruz, Electra, Foundry, Stromer, Salsa In-House Specialties: Full service

322 W. Spring St. 479-442-9311 highrollercyclery.com Bike Brands: Specialized, Yeti, Pure Fix, Pure City Cycle, Reid Cycles In-House Specialties: Repairs all types, suspension overhaul services, bike fittings (using the Body Geometry fit system with motion capture software, bike path use rentals, bike financing available through Synchrony Bank.

Group Rides: Yes. Road ride Thursday evenings leaving Baum Stadium at 6:15 p.m. late spring/summer; intermediate level ride average 16-18 mph, no drop.

FORT SMITH

CHAMPION CYCLING & FITNESS

8201 Rogers Ave. 479-484-7500 championcycling.com Bike Brands: Specialized In-House Specialties: Full service and

repair to all brands, 0% financing for 24 months.

Group Rides: Group and family rides offered.

Live Your Adventure

PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP

1700 Rogers Ave. 479-222-6796 phattirebikeshop.com Bike Brands: Trek, Santa Cruz, Electra, Foundry, Stromer, Salsa In-House Specialties: Full service department with Shimano Certified techs. Works on all levels of bikes, specializing in tubeless tire setup, electronic shifting and professional bike fits. Offers a massive rental bike fleet ranging from high-end carbon to hybrid and kids’ trailers. Everything is backed with a 100-percent, no questions guarantee. Open seven days.

HARD ROAD, NO ROAD AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, KONA HAS YOUR BIKE!

Authorized Distributor.

Bicycle Sales • Service • Rentals and Accessories

HIKING AND CAMPING GEAR SALES AND RENTAL • ROCK CLIMBING GEAR & TRAINING

OUTDOOR GEAR & CLOTHING • BIKES • KAYAKS • CANOES PADDLEBOARDS • FISHING GEAR & MORE • RENTALS & REPAIRS

501-691-0138 625 S. 7TH STREET HEBER SPRINGS, AR 72543 SCREEKOUTFITTERS.COM

HEBER SPRINGS

SULPHUR CREEK OUTFITTERS

625 S. 7th St. 501-591-0138 screekoutfitters.com Bike Brands: Kona, Salsa, Surley, All City In-House Specialties: Full service, sales and rentals.

Group Rides: Yes, every Saturday at 8 a.m.

MOUNTAIN HOME

MOUNTAIN HOME BICYCLE COMPANY

1310 E. Side Centre Ct. 870-425-2453 mountainhomebicyclecompany.com Bike Brands: Trek, Electra In-House Specialties: Full service repair, Shimano certified techs.

ROGERS

GPP CYCLING

318 S. 1st St. 479-372-4768 gppcycling.com Bike Brands: Felt, Scott, Argon 18, Haro Bikes, BMC, Ellsworth In-House Specialties: Coaching services, bike fitting, full-service repairs, fitness center and rentals.

Group Rides: Group rides for all levels of riders and different types of bike rides including road and mountain.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

I-430 @ RODNEY PARHAM 224-7651 / chainwheel.com New Rentals Available!

ROAD • MOUNTAIN • HYBRID

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 65

“Your FULL SERVICE bicycle shop”

PHONE 501.764.4500 FAX 501.764.4502 www.therideonline.net 2100 MEADOWLAKE RD, SUITE 2 CONWAY, AR 72032

LEWIS & CLARK OUTFITTERS

2530 Pinnacle Hills Parkway 479-845-1344 lewisandclarkoutfitters.com Bike Brands: Giant, Liv, Momentum, Kona, All City In-House Specialties: Full-service bicycle repair, rack install, 6- and 12-month financing.

Group Rides: Mountain, road, paved trail social ride and women’s only.

OZARK BIKE SHOP

Now Open.

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

THE HIGHROLLER CYCLERY

402 S. Metro Parkway 479-254-9800 highrollercyclery.com Bike Brands: Specialized, Yeti, Pure Fix, Pure City Cycle, Reid Cycles In-House Bike Specialties: Repairs for all types, suspension overhaul services, bike fittings (using the Body Geometry fit system with motion capture software), bike path use rentals, bike financing available through Synchrony Bank.

SILOAM SPRINGS

CROSS COUNTRY CYCLERY

The new All-City Space Horse Disc...

The Ultimate Gravel Grinder

The Community Bicyclist.

Tanglewood Shopping Center • Little Rock 501.663.7300 66 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

516 E. Main St. 479-228-7359 facebook.com/CrossCountryCyclery Bike Brands: Boardman, Masi, Haro Bikes, Foundry, Surly, Del Sol, All City In-House Specialties: Professional repair, custom shock and fork rebuild and tuning, custom bike builds, custom wheel builds.

Group Rides: Tuesday night road ride, Thursday night MTB ride, monthly Saturday ride.

DOGWOOD JUNCTION TRIKES & BIKES 200 Progress Ave., Ste. 5 (Signature Plaza) 479-524-6605 dogwoodjunction.biz Bike Brands: Terra Trike, Catrike, KHS, ICE Trikes, Bacchetta recumbent In-House Specialties: Repair, service, sales, limited rentals, financing, layaway, test rides, winter storage and recycled bikes.

Group Rides: laidbacktrikes.com to sign up.

SPRINGDALE

LEWIS & CLARK OUTFITTERS

4915 S. Thompson St. 479-756-1344 lewisandclarkoutfitters.com Bike Brands: Giant, Liv, Momentum, Kona In-House Specialties: Full-service bicycle repair, rack install, 6- and 12-month financing.

Group Rides: Mountain, road, paved trail social ride and women’s only.

PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP

101 W. Johnson Ave. phattirebikeshop.com Bike Brands: Trek, Santa Cruz, Electra, Foundry, Stromer, Salsa In-House Specialties: Full service department with Shimano Certified techs. Works on all levels of bikes, specializing in tubeless tire setup, electronic shifting and professional bike fits. Offers a massive rental bike fleet ranging from high-end carbon to hybrid and kids’ trailers. Everything is backed with a 100-percent, no questions guarantee. Open seven days.

Southwest Arkansas

HOT SPRINGS

PARKSIDE CYCLE

719 Whittington Ave. 501-623-6188 parksidecycle.com Bike Brands: Trek, Felt, Salsa In-House Specialties: Full service repair and fitting.

Group Rides: Yes, call shop for details.

TEXARKANA (TX)

BERRIDGE BIKES

321 Texas Blvd.

903-794-2453 berridgebikes.com Bike Brands: Felt, Giant, Intense, Electra, Sun, Torker, Redline, Phat Cycles, Trek In-House Specialties: Service and repairs, custom builds.

BICYCLE REPAIR & SERVICE ONLY

BICYCLE OUTFITTER

112 N. Walnut St. Harrison 870-741-6833 thebicycleoutfitteronline.com Bike Brands: Trek, Diamondback In-House Specialties: Parts, accessories and service on all makes and models of bikes.

MOTIVE BIKE SERVICE

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

OZARK BICYCLE SERVICE

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

THEM

architecture | engineering | surveying

for more information visit craftontull.com BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 67

RIDES

JONESBORO

SUNDAY SUNDAY “STROLL”

SATURDAY GEARHEAD CYCLE HOUSE SMR

BENTONVILLE

FAYETTEVILLE

LITTLE ROCK

TUESDAY/THURSDAY GIRLS BIKE BENTONVILLE LUNCH ROAD/MTB RIDE

THURSDAY HIGHROLLER CYCLERY ROAD RIDE

MONDAY CARVE LADIES ONLY MONDAY HILLS & THRILLS

WEDNESDAY F.A.S.T. MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE

FRIDAY HANDLE BAR COMMUNITY RIDE

TUESDAY CARVE GUNSLINGERS

SATURDAY OCA ROAD RIDE

SUNDAY ONYX COFFEE LAB ROAD RIDE

WEDNESDAY CARVE LADIES ONLY WEDNESDAY NIGHT RIDE

CONWAY

FORT SMITH

THURSDAY THURSDAY SUPER FLY RIDE

TUESDAY BEN GEREN MTB GROUP RIDE

THURSDAY CARVE GARRISON LOOP

Bentonville Square, 11:15 a.m.

Various, 6 p.m.

Onyx Bentonville, 8:30 a.m.

Rush-Hal Properties, 5:30-6 p.m.

Rush-Hal Properties, 1:30 p.m.

Baum Stadium, 6:15 p.m.

The Handle Bar, 6 p.m.

Onyx Coffee Lab, 12:30 p.m.

McClure Amphitheater, 6 p.m.

Gearhead Cycle House, 7:30 a.m.

Big Dam Bridge, 5:45 p.m.

Chenal Kroger, 6:10 p.m.

Various, 5:45 p.m.

Big Dam Bridge, 5:45 p.m.

SATURDAY CARVE SATURDAY MORNING RIDE OUT WEST Two Rivers Bridge, 7:30 a.m.

THREE TIMES

MORE EPIC The Diamond Lakes region is the only place in the state where \RX FDQ FRQTXHU WKUHH RI WKH VWDWHťV ƥYH ,0%$ (SLF 5LGHV LQ D GD\

1 LAKE OUACHITA VISTA TRAIL (LOViT) Intermediate 45 Miles • Mount Ida

2 WOMBLE TRAIL

Intermediate 33 Miles • Mount Ida

3 OUACHITA NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL

Intermediate to Advanced 108 Miles • Mena

All skill levels are welcome, but these are among the most extreme singletracks in the country.

Other trails in the area like Iron Mountain and Cedar Glades are more moderate.

Visit HotSprings.org to view the Bike Hot Springs brochure & request a free Hot Springs/Diamond Lakes Vacation Guide.

68 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

ROGERS

MONDAY LEWIS & CLARK MTB RIDE

Lake Atalanta South Pavilion, 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY/THURSDAY LEWIS & CLARK GREENWAY RIDE Lewis & Clark, 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY LEWIS & CLARK ROAD RIDE Lewis & Clark, 8 a.m.

SPRINGDALE

MONDAY MTB MONDAYS Lewis & Clark, 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY LEWIS & CLARK WOMEN’S GREENWAY RIDE

SALES SERVICE ALL BRANDS

Lewis & Clark, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY LEWIS & CLARK SOCIAL GREENWAY RIDE Lewis & Clark, 6:30 p.m.

SALES

SALES SERVICE ALL BRANDS SERVICE ALL BRANDS

SALES SERVICE ALL BRANDS TRAIL MAPS AVAILABLE

HOT SPRINGS IS AN IMBA RIDE CENTER

TRAIL MAPS AVAILABLE

719 WHITTINGTON AVE., HOT SPRINGS, AR

TUESDAY-FRIDAY 11 AM-6 PM PARKSIDE CYCLE SATURDAY AM-4 PM TRAIL MAPS10 AVAILABLE 719 WHITTINGTON AVE. HOT SPRINGS, AR 501.623.6188 TUESDAY-FRIDAY WWW.PARKSIDECYCLE.COM PARKSIDE CYCLE 11 AM-6 PM 719 WHITTINGTON AVE. PARKSIDE_CYCLE@HOTMAIL.COM HOT SPRINGS, AR TRAIL MAPS AVAILABLE

TUESDAY-FRIDAY 11 AM-6 PM SATURDAY 10 AM-4 PM

SATURDAY 10 AM-4 PM

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 69 501.623.6188 WWW.PARKSIDECYCLE.COM

EVENTS

Tour Duh Sunken Lands

SEPT 24 SEPT 30 OCT 2 OCT 8

BIG DAM BRIDGE 100

thebigdambridge100.com

SLAUGHTER PEN JAM/AMBCS slaughterpenjam.com

ARKANSAS DELTA FLATLANDER

arkansasdeltaflatlander.com

NOV 2

ATTILA THE HUN

NOV 5

TOUR DUH SUNKEN LANDS

NOV 10-12

IMBA WORLD SUMMIT

bikehotsprings.org/attila-thehun-mtn-bike-race

facebook.com/tourduhsunkenlands

imba.com

Red Mango proudly supports cycling in Arkansas.

5621 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72207 | (501) 663-2500 70 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

AVID BIKER?

PULASKI COUNTY HAS YOU COVERED!

BIG DAM BRIDGE AT 4226 FEET THE BIG DAM BRIDGE IS THE LONGEST PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE BRIDGE IN THE WORLD! TWO RIVERS PARK ALLOWS VISITORS TO EXPLORE AND RELAX WHILE ENJOYING NATURE'S BEAUTY. THE 1000-ACRE PARK, LOCATED JUST SIX MILES OUTSIDE OF DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK, HAS MANY AMENITIES TO INCLUDE BIKE TRAILS, WALKING TRAILS, GARDENS, AND ABUNDANCE OF WILDLIFE. JUNCTION BRIDGE PROJECT WILL ADAPT THE JUNCTION RAILROAD BRIDGE FOR PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE USE, LINKING BOTH SIDES OF THE ARKANSAS RIVER. IT WILL BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE SIX BRIDGES PLAN AND RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT IN BOTH CITIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.PULASKICOUNTY.NET

3RD ANNUAL

SATURDAY

OCT. 8

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 71

SAVE THE DATE

50 MILE RACE AND NEW 30 MILE RACE MARCH 11, 2017

OCT 29 ZOMBIE LUMBERJACK RIDE Stay tuned to facebook.com/lost40 for full schedule #lumberzombie at Lost Forty Brewing in Little Rock.

SEPT 9-11 PIG TRAIL GRAVEL GRINDER pigtrailgrinder.com

GO TO SYLLAMOSREVENGE.COM FOR DETAILS

DIAMOND BEAR BREWING CO. 600 N. BROADWAY | N. LITTLE ROCK, AR 72114 L I T TLE ROC

K

O

N

D

IN

• DIAM

G C O. •

R

NO

TH

,A

R

EAT•DRINK•TOUR

BEAR BRE

W

501.708.2739 (BREW) WWW.DIAMONDBEAR.COM DIAMOND BEAR HAS BEEN CRAFTING ITS BEER AT HOME IN ARKANSAS SINCE 2000, AND NOW WE’RE DOING IT ALL RIGHT HERE IN DOWNTOWN NORTH LITTLE ROCK. COME TAKE A TOUR OF THE BREWERY OR STOP IN THE ALE HOUSE AFTER YOUR RIDE FOR GREAT FOOD AND AWARD-WINNING BEER. CHEERS!

SEPT 11 ARKANSAS NICA STUDENT MTB RACE 1 arkansasmtb.org

SEPT 17 CONWAY FALL CLASSIC cycleconway.com

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS/AMBCS arkansasstateparks.com/ devilsden/events

WHEEL A’ MENA, TOUR TO THE TOP wheelamena.org

OCT 1 BANDED SUFFERING bandedsuffering.com

OCT 8 EZ BIKE POKER RIDE equestrianzone.org

THIS AD PARTIALLY PAID FOR WITH NORTH LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU FUNDS. 72 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

OCT 9 JOE WEBER ARKY 100 arkansasbicycleclub.org

OCT 9 ARKANSAS NICA STUDENT MTB RACE 2 arkansasmtb.org

OCT 16 JONES CENTER CYCLOCROSS RACE

Since 1992

NORTH

3010 E. Kiehl Ave. Sherwood • 501-834-5787

WEST

315 North Bowman Suite 6-9 Little Rock • 501-221-BIKE (2453) Mon-Sat 9:30-6 • Sunday - Out Riding | www.ArkansasCycling.com

dicksonstreetcyclingclub. wordpress.com

OCT 22 TOUR DA DELTA FALL RIDE tourdadelta.net

OCT 22 PEDESTAL ROCK 40 & LICK FORK GRAVEL GRIND pedestalrock40ride.com

OCT 23 ARKANSAS NICA STUDENT MTB RACE 3 arkansasmtb.org

OCT 30 3 LEGGED DAWG XC/AMBCS DLTevents.com

NOV 13 ARKANSAS NICA STUDENT MTB RACE 4 arkansasmtb.org

JAN 1, 2017 NEW YEAR’S DAY RIDE arkansasbicycleclub.org

JAN 14-15, 2017 MOUNTAIN VIEW B&B RIDE arkansasbicycleclub.org

MARCH 11, 2017 SYLLAMO’S REVENGE syllamosreveng.com

TERRA TRIKE DEALER OF THE YEAR 2013 WHY TRIKE?

IT’S FUN When riding a TerraTrike, however, people get back in touch with their youthful selves – from the folks who thought they’d never be able to ride again due to injury or illness, to athletes wanting to tour the country and discover the open road.

IT’S COMFORTABLE No more will you agonize over the pain from riding an upright bicycle. When you ride a TerraTrike, you sit in an ergonomic reclined position that is not only efficient but as comfortable as a beach chair.

IT’S GREAT EXERCISE Exercise is important. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. We feel that our products offer the public a way to do both of these things and actually have fun! You’ll ride longer, farther and get a better workout because you’re so comfortable.

IT’S HEALTHY The way we see it, life is much too short to spend it in front of a screen. The more active you are, no matter what your age, the better your heart, mind, and body are going to feel. With a TerraTrike, you’ll find you’re no longer making excuses not to ride - you’re making them just to get back on again!

IT’S GREEN What else can you do that is good for the planet that saves you gas money and is this much fun to ride?

New and improved Website! www.dogwoodjunction.biz Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook!

200 PROGRESS AVE #5 SIGNATURE PLAZA • SILOAM SPRINGS 479-524-6605 BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 73

Happy Trails

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT

BY MICHAEL ROBERTS The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) wants young people to develop a love of mountain biking—after all, the continued growth and success of the sport depends on future generations continuing the work being done now. To that end, here are two exciting opportunities for kids and young people to get involved with mountain biking.

TAKE A KID MOUNTAIN BIKING DAY

TEEN ESSAY CONTEST

In Arkansas, an official TKMBD event called Will2Wheels will be held from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. at Craighead Forest Park in Jonesboro.

The event will offer bike repair tutorials, skills practice and a guided trail ride.

Call 870-818-1893 for more details.

Entries will be accepted through October 14, and must include the student’s name, grade and home phone number. Essay length must be between 500-1,000 words, and will be judged on creativity, the effectiveness and accuracy of the message, ethics and quality of talent.

For more information, email info@arkansas.com.

From events made up of just a few families to hundreds gathered in local parks or on trails, IMBA’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day (TKMBD) is a wonderful opportunity for adults to pass their love of mountain biking down to the next generation of trail stewards and advocates. This year’s TKMBD is on October 1, and the theme is based on IMBA’s four tenants: Speak, Build, Respect and Ride.

74 | BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4

High school juniors and seniors have a chance to win a $1,000 bike package and a free trip to the IMBA World Summit in Bentonville by writing an essay for the “What I Love About Mountain Biking in Arkansas” contest sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and the Arkansas Department of Education.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF IMBA

Last year’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day was a rousing success for kids and parents alike.

BIKE ARKANSAS issue no. 4 | 75