Mountain Biking

Mountain Bikers Rejoice!

This has definitely NOT been the year for riding trails here in 417-Land. I do believe most of my trail miles have been out of state, for that matter. In any event (and oh boy what an event it is) relief is in sight. Albeit, it IS an out of state event, but not by much. The Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival is back! You want to ride some amazing trails? You'll have three, count 'em 3, days to ride. You can even ride twice a day if you'd like. All the information is here www.fattirefestival.com Friday is the day for pre-registration for all events, the Phat Tire Short Track, and xc pre-rides (oh yeah, and an after party at Sparky's). Saturday's schedule includes the Downhill, Super Fat Observed Trials, and more xc pre-rides. Also new this year will be a guided ride on the Trimble Ranch in Berryville, just a few miles east of Eureka Springs on Saturday. These new area trails are sweet and only open by invitation. And of course, Saturday's after-party is at the Pied-Piper. Sunday is a cross country racer's "holy grail," the XC "Race to the Lake." The race begins in front of Basin Hotel and rides UP (Like, really up. Alot of up.) through Eureka Springs, where the streets are lined with hundreds of spectators cheering you on (like a parade). This must be experienced. Lots of fun, lots of food, lots of prizes and swag. I won a floor pump and a bike rack last year! Lodging options are listed on the website. I also have a friend that has a really nice motel within 8-10 minutes of Lake Leatherwood and downtown. Extremely reasonable rates. I repeat, extremely reasonable. Call me if you want in on a great lodging deal. Dates: Fri-Sun, July 18-20, 2008. And, as always, all the really cool people will be there! ~Mia

Rules of the Trail

The way we ride today shapes mountain bike trail access tomorrow. Do your part to preserve and enhance our sport's access and image by observing the following rules of the trail, formulated by IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association. These rules are recognized around the world as the standard code of conduct for mountain bikers. IMBA's mission is to promote mountain bicycling that is environmentally sound and socially responsible.

Download the International Mountain Biking Association Rules of the Trail document (with permission from the IMBA.)

Ouachita Challenge Tour and Race

Lots of locals made the 5 hour drive to participate in the Ouachita Challenge Tour and Race this past weekend. Congrats to John Bradley for finishing 2nd overall on the Tour and also to his wife Cynthia Petty for placing 1st overall Tour female (if I'm wrong, I'll send out a correction when the results are posted - but we all know how they ride, so I'm feeling pretty confident making this statement). Not to be outdone, Cliff Jacobs actually completed a gnarly portion of the course twice - ON PURPOSE! So kuddos to Clifford! We all had a great time on a course that will really test your limits physically and mentally! Also, reliable sources tell me that because of recent flooding issues the AMBCS Pigeon Roast race scheduled for April 20 on the Syllamo trails has been cancelled. Double check the website for more details if you were planning on doing this race. AAAANNNNDDDD...since that's the case, I'd like to take a little trip to either Hobbs State Park or Devil's Den in AR on the 20th for some mountain biking. If anyone is interested, please contact me. If you're registered for Syllamo's Revenge on May 3, this would be a great training ride! Mia