Along the River Trail

We're blessed with The River Trail here in the Little Rock/North Little Rock area, which extends for about 7 miles on both sides of the Arkansas River, terminating at the Big Dam Bridge on the north end and creating a fairly flat 15 mile loop. This multi-use trail passes through several parks and incorporates access points for many side loops, climbs, commuter routes, and links to flat, Grand Prairie road rides to the East and hilly, climb-filled routes to the West and North. I ride the trail almost daily and without it, it is unlikely that I'd be much of a cyclist (insert smart-ass remarks here). It's a great place to learn to ride and gain fitness without traffic and mandatory climbs, a rarity in the Arkansas nation.

I got out today for a Saturday social ride, something I always thoroughly enjoy. It was 68 and cloudy when I left the house, but the sun soon came out and temperatures rose to a perfect 70-something. Diane rode out with me on her commute to a yoga class. I soon ran into a couple of friends and rode with them for a while. As they were finishing up, I saw my buddy Chris C. heading the opposite direction so I chased him down and joined him for a few miles. Just as he finished at the BDB, Diane called from downtown, so I met her for another loop and the ride home. I got in a nice 45 mile ride over a variety of terrain, saw a bunch of friends and never pulled a car out of the driveway or hit the city limits. This is a great riding town and getting better!

Things are not static on the Trail. My hometown of North Little Rock is committed to the bike community (more on that later) under the leadership of Mayor Pat Hays and Alderman Charlie Hight. Both are active riders and appreciate the quality-of-life value of supporting a vibrant outdoor life-style, so thank them when you see them! It is great for the participants and, as developers and property owners are realizing, access to the Trail enhances property values and urban development. Even as I write this, there are two projects underway on the NLR side of the Trail. The first is a paved link to the North Shore Business Park and the second is a loop at the bottom of the NLR side of the BDB to facilitate a more safe approach and exit for the bridge from the parking lot and Cook's Landing. I'm not always pro-development, but both of these projects are well-conceived and will both improve access to the trail and enhance safety.

Now, if the fine folks within Little Rock city government would embrace the concept with equal enthusiasm, the town would really be rolling! Right now, the riding community would consider it a big step if Little Rock would occasionally sweep the glass, gravel and tree limbs off of the bike lanes along Rebsaman Park Road. At this time, Little Rock is way behind the curve in comparison to NLR and Pulaski County.

There are exciting things ahead for trail development here in Central Arkansas and the more people who use the Trail and express their support, the sooner things can happen.

Get out and ride.