May 3, 4: Another Big Cycling Weekend in Central Arkansas

Only a few short years ago, it seemed cycling events available for riders in the Little Rock area were relatively few and far between. Now, in the peak seasons of spring and fall, riders can often choose between several organized rides, races or tours. There seems to be something for everybody, whether you want to race against stiff competition from across the country as in last weekend's Joe Martin Stage Race in NW Arkansas or try your first metric century at the Cardiac Classic held here in central Arkansas. The upcoming weekend also features a full dose of activity.

CARVE presents Rock City Racing and the 1st Annual Rock City 5K and Kids Fun Run

SimplexQ, Central Arkansas Velo,  and a number of local sponsors are offering up 2 days of criterium racing in downtown Little Rock. It is a USACycling  event.

The Saturday course will start and finish at 5th and Ferry Streets and will feature the growing 3rd and Rock area. 

Sunday racing takes place in the South Main area of downtown Little Rock. SoMa is rapidly developing its own funky vibe as businesses like Boulevard Bread, The Root Cafe, and the Green Corner Store anchor a thriving little local business sector. The recent repaving of Main added bike lanes and serves to slow traffic while making the area much more friendly for pedestrians and cyclists. The surrounding residential districts are seeing revitalization and an influx of residents.

The Run: Rock City 5K and Kids Fun Run

Register here for this Sunday morning event. If you're not a rider, come run the 8:00AM 5k and then stick around for the 9:00AM start of the crits. If you're simply a badass, run the 5K for a little warm up and then ride the crits.

Details for both events cane be found on Facebook.

To add to the weekend fun, the Southwest Tandem Rally will bring 100 tandem teams to town for a weekend packed with activities. The Rally, which is headquartered at the Capital Hotel, has been long sold out, but it will be very cool to have 100 tandems rolling around town.