Cottonmouths, Cut-Through from Cantrell, Pinnacle Valley Bike Lanes

Snakes alive! They slither among us.
While it is common to see venomous snakes along portions of the River Trail, the cottonmouths were out in numbers on my Tuesday midday ride. The first one I saw was making good progress across the trail so I just observed until he was on his way back to the swamp. ( The real swamp--not the one festering in Washington.)

 This stubborn little fellow took a break in mid trail, stopping traffic. Someone tossed a few rocks to try to encourage him but he was unimpressed. I moved beside him to take this photo and he finally moved on. 

This impressive specimen seemed to like this spot and was hanging out as I took this picture. I was also watching an oblivious runner approaching in a direct path to the snake. I started yelling at the runner but he was head down, apparently with ear buds on high volume. I was virtually screaming at him when he finally looked up. 

Heavy rains upstream mean that the river is back to some high flows and the backwaters are flush.

I don't know whether the snakes are out in such numbers because the recent welcome cooler weather makes the warm trail more attractive or if they have been displaced by recent heavy rains, but they are more active than usual. If you encounter snakes on the trail, the best advice is generally to leave them alone. I often stop to caution approaching users until the snake moves on. They are driven mostly to eat and mate, so have little interest in us unless threatened. 

 Be alert, and I  suggest keeping kids and dogs out of the brush adjacent to the trail, especially in the marshy areas of Two Rivers Park. The snakes live there and we are just passing through. 

Pinnacle Valley Bike Lanes and Bypass To Cantrell/Highway 10

OK, OK, I am admittedly a year or so behind on reporting this, but the addition of bike lanes along Pinnacle Valley Road north of Cantrell is a great addition to the Arkansas River Trail system. This had been discussed for years within the Little Rock Bike Friendly Community Committee ( I swore years ago to quit typing the whole name, so from now on it is back to LRBFCC) and championed by former chair Ed Levy.
In addition to the bike lanes, there is now a bypass from the traffic signal at the intersection of Taylor Loop to Pinnacle Valley Road, thanks t the cooperation of a friendly developer.

 I ran into my friend and not-quite-cousin Becky Barton Dalton while I was out for a spin on Sunday. She dragged me around as she hit her 5000 year-to-date mile mark. (Kudos-that is some riding!)
This stretch of Pinnacle Valley previously challenged riders with  limited sight distance, no shoulder, and a lot of traffic. As you can see, it is a much more comfortable and safe situation today. 

 This new subdivision ends in a cul-de-sac but the developer cooperated with the community by allowing a bike path that extends to Cantrell. 

The developer apparently has expressed a little frustration that riders are not using the bike/pedestrian lane he added to this bridge. Riders tend to stick to the road but the bridge will certainly add value to his neighborhood and be appreciated by residents. Thanks go to him for the consideration. 

I seldom ride that way these days, but before two Rivers Bridge opened I regularly took life in hands to ride out Cantrell from River Mountain Road or made the unpleasant climbs of Pleasant Forest to get to Taylor Loop. It was always frightening to cross 5 lanes of traffic from Taylor Loop to get the few hundred yards to Pinnacle Valley.

 Riders coming from West Little Rock can now just cross Cantrell at the light on Taylor Loop rather than making a mad dash back to Pinnacle Valley Road.

The bike path ultimately leading to Pinnacle Valley connects behind Buffalo Wild Wings. 

The bike path leading from the subdivision to the back of the shopping center where Buffalo Wild Wings is located.

Improvements like this do not just happen. Work on this seemingly small infrastructure improvement has been going on for many years within the LRBFCC and the participating LR city departments, along with lobbying of developers and other stake holders. There are typically months or years of boring meetings to identify a need and develop a plan. Then, those plans often don't see implementation until a street is resurfaced or some outside funding becomes available. The wheels of government move slowly and, when it comes to cycling improvements, those wheels are being pushed and lubricated by your fellow riders who invest their time for the common good. 

The weather has gotten a little nicer. Go ride your bike.

River Trail, BDB Status Report

Thursday represented my latest "first road ride of the year" ever. The mountain bike has been a welcome diversion and a means of shedding some holiday gravy, but I'm a roadie at heart.

The BDB north access remains closed
The Arkansas River Trail from Burns Park to the Big Dam Bridge remains closed, and the gates on the north end of the bridge are locked. I'm told that it will be Wednesday or later before this section is cleared.

 Always a sad scene.

There are actually signs that some major trail clearing has been taking place at the approach to the BDB. The huge logs look to have been moved and there is at least a track through the sand.

There is obviously still a lot of work to be done ion the north side, and officials have asked that folks stay clear for their own safety as so as not to interfere with work crews. That said, I've received reports from explorers that say Pfeifer Loop is a total wreck, mostly due to the massive accumulation of sand. I'm sure that once a plan is in place, volunteers will once again come out to aid with the recovery.

The trail is open from Burns Park east to the sub, and all roads east of town are clear, including Faulkner Lake Road which was submerged for a few days.

Two Rivers Park is open and the trail is dry and clear. 

The trail through Two Rivers Park is dry and mostly clear.

Some trail areas still have a coating of dirt that may turn a little ugly when wet, but this well-equipped cyclist ain't scairt. With a rear fender, nice big mirror, and "praying mantis" aero bars, he is prepared for whatever he may encounter. 

We'll have to deal with some minor inconveniences when choosing routes for the next few days, but it is time to get riding.

Be Safe.

Along The Trail-Driving, Parking, and Bike Demo

Driving and parking
Considering the number trail users and the diversity of their purposes, there is very little real conflict along the Arkansas River Trail.  Most of the conflict that does occur is more likely the result of  inattention than of any sort of malice ( see: The Blissfully Oblivious) . People largely learn and observe  the written and unwritten "rules of the road". As a result, riders, runners, walkers, skaters, and even extendo-leash dog walkers, get along just fine. I am aware of a couple of recent conflicts that involved people driving and/ or parking on the trail, and I was a party to one of them.
From conflict to conversation
I was riding near the fishing pier at Burns Park when I noticed that a young man had pulled his pickup down the trail and parked near the pier. I mentioned to him that his actions were illegal and that I was likely to notify authorities. Admittedly, I was in a foul mood, and my tone was likely less than convivial. He responded by suggesting that I do something anatomically impossible and made mention of my mother. I responded with an appropriate rebuke, and was only a little surprised when he jumped in his truck and met me a little further up the trail. I will note that he took the road rather than continuing down the trail. He was a self-describe law-abiding citizen and a nice guy. I explained that driving and parking on the trail was a hot button issue for me, and he explained that he was taking his disabled uncle fishing and had no idea that he had done anything wrong. We shook hands and went on our respective ways. The next day, I rode back up to where he had entered to trail in order to see things from his point of view.
Until this summer, there had been wheel stops where the parking lot meets the River Trail at this location. I have observed several people parking at the pier over the summer, so I got in touch with a NLR Parks employee at that time. I was told that park officials decided that it was too much trouble to deal with the stops when trail maintenance was required so they would not be replaced.

At Burns Park, this signage could read to be directing drivers on to the trail to access handicapped parking and the fishing pier, as had been the case with my new acquaintance. In the absence of a physical barrier here, some clear signage is called for.

Entitled Yachtsmen?? Is It Possible?

I've long expressed my concerns about the potential for conflict in the area of the Rockwater Marina, that happened during a recent event there. Several cars were parked on the River Trail at the intersection with Rockwater Blvd, and cyclists reportedly were forced to dismount and walk their bikes around the parked cars. This is a situation that I only expect to get worse as residents move into the homes being built and as the marina fills more slips. There are many more slips than there are parking places, and folks are going to naturally want to park right at the top of the ramp, which happens to be on the River Trail. This needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Rockwater Marina has 64 slips, 32 for long-term rental and 34 for transient boaters. I doubt that their small parking lot will accommodate their needs on a busy weekend or for events, but parking is allowed on the "designated shoulder", aka "the bike lanes", on Rockwater Blvd.  These were purposely not designated as bike lanes so that parking could be allowed; however, people will go to great lengths to avoid walking 50 yards to their car. Observe any Walmart parking lot.

This is a frequent parking spot for people accessing the Rockwater Marina, but it is usually one vehicle on the concrete sidewalk. A couple of Saturdays ago, vehicles were parked across the width of the trail.  There is nothing but good judgement to tell them that the practice is prohibited.

Give peace a chance.

While I tend to be very protective of the ART and the safety of trail users, I feel compelled to give a pass to the offenders described above. In both areas, that of the Fishing Pier and at Rockwater Marina, there is nothing telling visitors not to park on the trail and, near the pier, there is signage that could be read to be directing people to use the trail to access illegal parking. Off to the left side of the area in the photo top photo is a small sign prohibiting motorized vehicles, but it is not in the line-of-sight of folks approaching the trail from the lot.

The NLR Bike Friendly Community Committee, of which I am a member, has been a good conduit for getting things like this corrected, but we have not met in months. And, as a few of you have noticed, my rabble rousing in this space has slowed. That said, I'll see if we can spur some action before spring rolls back around.

Looking good
I will compliment the good taste of seemingly all of the new homes being built at Rockwater. I've enjoyed watching them take shape and hope that the resulting community is as cool and funky as the architecture.

Santa Cruz Bike Demo

Angry Dave's is now carrying the Santa Cruz line and hosted a bike demo on a recent Saturday. Diane wanted to try out a couple bikes in their women's-specific Juliana line, and I checked out a new 5010. Diane rides a 26" Cannondale and was trying to decide on whether she wanted to replace it with a 27.5 or a 29er. I liked the 5010 29er, but I couldn't push it hard enough to appreciate its longer travel over that of my Niner Jet 9, but appreciated the opportunity to rode something different. If nothing else, it sold me on dropper seat posts. Diane liked something about both of the bikes she rode, so couldn't decide on either.

Dave and the Santa Cruz rep stayed busy all day with a steady stream of riders eager to try out bikes.

Chad Cradle was having a load of fun riding some new Santa Cruz mountain  bikes.

Unlike me, Chad could really appreciate the merits of the Santa Cruz 5010. The fact is that he's a real mountain biker and I'm a roadie who sometimes hides in the woods in the winter months. My single track skills go from beginner to novice each fall. I think that, so far, I've had one year of mountain bike experience eight times.

Bike demos are held along the trail fairly often, and some are better publicized than others. They are always a great opportunity to get a hands-on feel for current technology or to try out a bike that you may have been lusting for. Remember these simple truths:

1) You always need another bike.

2) Your next bike will likely be more expensive than your last one.

Arkansas River Trail-Good News On "Closing The Gap"

April 1, 2015

Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola made a major announcement today regarding the Arkansas River Trail "Cantrell gap". After years of pressure from BACA, along with other cycling and pedestrian interests, Stodola said, "I'm tired of hearing about it. We have a fantastic plan from Jacobs Engineers, we have widespread support from the community, and now we have a commitment from the Walton Family Foundation for matching funds that will allow us to complete the River Bluffs Trail Section."
He pointed to the Walton Family Foundation's pledge of $15-million which supplemented federal TIGER grants and local funding to complete the 36 mile, $38-million Razorback Greenway in Northwest Arkansas.
 From the Greenway website:
Trails for bike riding and walking ranked second out of 18 different amenities that new homebuyers look for in a community, according to a 2002 survey of new homebuyers sponsored by the National Association of Home Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders.

 A Foundation spokesman said that central Arkansas had been important to the growth of Walmart in its nascent years and that the Walton family was glad to be able to give back to the community. It's also good for business: "Trail systems are proven to spur economic development and bring more people to communities That's good for Walmart."
Dillard's representatives did not wish to comment.

The official name for this spectacular addition to the Arkansas River Trail System has yet to be decided.

It is thought likely that the trail, cantilevered dramatically over the Arkansas River behind the Dillard's corporate headquarters, will be named for the Walton Family. 

Local cyclist and former state representative Sam Ledbetter, who helped allocate $1,000,000.00 in state funds for the trail completion several years ago, was heard to say, "It's about time. The City of Little Rock has been sitting on the funding almost long enough to term-limit Jason Rapert." 

It is hoped that construction will be completed in time to coincide with the dedication of the new Broadway Bridge and the re-opening of the River Trail sections affected by that project.

Stodola said that he was going to act on his oft-voiced strategy of using eminent domain to force the acquisition of the needed property and easements." We have projects underway for the east and west termini, and now we're going to close the gap. It's not just about bikes and walkers. It's about building a better city." 

When asked what prompted him to act now after years of foot-dragging, Stodola cited available funding, his many unfulfilled promises to the cycling community, enhanced tourism and economic development opportunities, strong support from city directors Erma Hendrix and Lance Hines, and the fact that "I won't have Judy Lansky riding my ass", as determining factors in the decision. Hendrix reportedly said that she had recently read the story of Major Taylor and had come away inspired to create more safe cycling opportunities for the people of district 1, "especially for the children".

Fairy tales can come true.

Along The Trail- Slow Times, But Just Around The Corner.....

Though the calendar is telling us that it is spring, the lingering cold, drizzle, snow and ice seem to disagree. As I type this, our weather forecast is calling for thunderstorms, then 3-5 inches of snow followed by single-digit temperatures. The Razorback baseball team  and staff spent 4 hours Monday shoveling snow and ice from Baum Stadium in order to get in a double-header. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks...and hot chocolate and a parka.
 Events like the Crosswinds Classic and the Little Rock Marathon took place last weekend in dismal conditions, so hats off to those who raced or supported those in challenging conditions.


NLR Trail Detour

As previously announced, the ART through North Little Rock's Riverfront Park has been detoured on to Riverfront Road. The detour is fairly well marked, thought the promised signage alerting motorists to the fact that they are sharing the road is minimal.

Last week, a few scofflaws disregarded the signs and rode through the construction zone. I think that we can safely say "Trail Closed" now. 

Barge mounted cranes will be the norm along the downtown waterfront for the next year or two. 

We all knew that the replacement of the Broadway Bridge was going to disrupt road and River Trail traffic, and that disruption is upon us. The crappy weather has kept trail traffic to a minimum, but as daylight savings time kicks in and spring inevitably comes, the riding community will have to make adjustments. Many groups ride from the submarine and they will immediately be forced out on to Riverfront Drive. I think that will be manageable until the Broadway Bridge  is closed to automobile traffic. I think that we will have an opportunity to give the City some feedback in the interim. If you ride this stretch and see room for improvement, make suggestions through your alderman if you are a North Little Rock resident. 

Some big event rides are already adjusting, with the BDB100 shifting the start to Riverfront Drive and Olive St. in North Little Rock (near The Enclave)  and the CARTI Tour de Rock moving its start from Burns Park to the US Bank at Broadway and Main.

Where are those pesky weekend crowds?

Weekend crowds have not been a problem on the BDB

Below the BDB, things are a little more active as gulls and pelicans compete for stunned shad coming through the dam.

I've managed to get in a few rides over the last couple of weeks, but there was little of the usual pleasure in the experience. We can usually count on some warm sunny days and reunions with our ride groups in the month of February, but I can recall only a single primo day over the last couple of months.

 The trail was not totally devoid of tourists. 

I ran into Shawn and Jill as they attempted a tandem selfie on the BDB last week, but they found their arms were too short to get the 2-seater in the frame. I offered to take the photo for them, and then dragged them up to Two Rivers Bridge before they turned back to try to get downtown before dark. He was from Texas and she from Wisconsin. They were headed north to her home, but were very impressed with what they found when they decided to take a ride here. I didn't hear what prompted them to get on the bike, as they had no information the bridges and trail system  but were delighted with what they found. they were already plotting a return trip.

Snow and ice can linger for days on the bridges and shaded parts of the trail. Forecast rains should clear the remain snow just in time for the next round of winter weather. Hopefully, our last for the year.

The first week of March is usually full-on spring in Arkansas, but as we brace for yet another round of snow and ice, we can take some comfort in the fact that sunset will be after 7:00 PM starting Sunday and us working folks will have more evening ride opportunities. That is a good thing, but I'm not putting away my tights and shoe covers quite yet.

Pinnacle Valley Restaurant

I've had a couple of e-mail exchanges with Gina Fullerton, one of the owners of the Pinnacle Valley Restaurant, which has opened at the corner of Beck Road and Pinnacle Valley. I had reported that their "soft opening" menu consisted of mostly burgers, catfish and barbecue. Good stuff, but not exactly ride fare. When I rode out last Sunday, I was pleased to see an extensive Sunday brunch menu, breakfast all day, and very reasonable prices. White tablecloths and a fresh interior gave the place a very nice feel. They will be opening a convenience store space, and plan to gear some of their offerings to the needs of the riding community. They will have some form of bike parking and will welcome cyclists. 

They offer beer and wine, and though the place is adorned with Bud Light banners at this time, they are carrying craft brews from the Lost 40 and Lazy Magnolia breweries.Lazy Magnolia is located in Kiln, Mississippi.and they advertise as "Mississippi's oldest brewery" as they approach their 10th anniversary. Of course, Lost 40 is Little Rock's hottest new brew house and they are quickly earning a reputation for their fine beer.

I'm looking forward to dropping by for a weekend after-ride "second breakfast" and our occasional Wednesday evening brews cruise may have found a new destination. Gina assures me that we will be welcome, road grime and all.  

 

Central Arkansas Update-

The BACA meeting that took place Tuesday, January 6, produced some good information and discussion with representatives of three key entities within central Arkansas; those being Pulaski County, the City of Little Rock, and the City of North Little Rock. Here are a few key observations:

Pulaski County

Though Judge Barry Hyde reminded us that he had only been on the job for two days, he seemed to have a good command of the current state of things. He spoke briefly about what led him to run for County Judge, his experience in the state legislature and in business as a successful general contractor, and his broad goals for his tenure as judge.
First, let me say that Hyde is a rider. I've never been out on the bike with him, but I heard through some of our common business associates a couple of years ago that Barry had started riding. That fact is important to us, as he knows first-hand the value of out trail infrastructure, and has also experienced some of our shared frustrations with trail maintenance and things like the "tack attacks", having fallen victim to "about 40 tacks" in his tires on one otherwise fine day.

Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde preparing to hand out maps of the new Crystal Hill Road trail link to Maumelle.

 

This 14' wide trail along Crystal Hill Road will join the Maumelle trail project and intersect Maumelle Blvd just west of I-430.

 

Hyde pointed out that a new trail section joining the River Trail to the newly expanded Maumelle Trail system was already planned and funded under Judge Buddy Villines. The trail junctures at I-430 are still sketchy due to the on/off ramps and heavy traffic, but the new route will help cyclists safely avoid the heavily travelled Maumelle Blvd.

 

The new judge touched on a number of topics. His top priority is public safety and resolution of the long-running issue of overcrowding at the Pulaski County jail. He pointed out the value of the River Trail system in bringing industry and talent to the area, saying, "Smart, young people want to live in a cool place...." and things like the trail system and bike infrastructure  are highly valued when it comes to making a decision about where people want to live.

While Hyde pointed out that his primary responsibilities lie outside of the Incorporated areas of the county, county government is responsible to all of the citizens of the county. He said that he was disappointed that a means of completing the Arkansas River Trail near Dillard's and the Episcopal Collegiate School had not come about, and that he would "encourage" completion. He was careful not to assign any blame, and was positive in his comments. He is, after all, an elected official, and much of his success will come through cooperation with the City of Little Rock and its civic and business leaders.

Barry Hyde had my support in the recent election, and I look forward to seeing him in action as judge. I know through some business dealing that he can be passionate and willful, but he is also thoughtful and willing to listen. The shoes of Judge Buddy Villines will be hard to fill, but I am hopeful that Judge Barry Hyde will provide good results with his own brand of leadership.

 

The City Of Little Rock

 

LR Bike-Ped Coordinator Jeremy Levno brought us up to date on activity on the south side of the river.

Jeremy asked Little Rock residents to contact their city directors ahead of the scheduled January 20th vote on a Complete Streets policy.

 

Little Rock has failed thus far in its efforts to gain Bike Friendly Community status as awarded by the League of American Bicyclists. Despite real progress and strong Bike Friendly Community Committee composed of citizens and city staffers, applications are pretty much a waste of time until the City adopts a Complete Streets policy. In general, a Complete Streets policy requires the city and developers to evaluate the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and any other non-motorized transportation and and include accommodations for those users. This could mean sidewalks, bike lanes, traffic calming measures, or multi use trails. While such accommodations are proven to increase property values in adjacent areas and enhance the quality of life for the tax paying citizens who use them, there is a knee-jerk reaction among most developers and some politicians that this is somehow a bad thing.

Little Rock recently reduced the number of traffic lanes and added a bike lane on a portion of Louisiana Street downtown as part of the Bicycle Master Plan to create safe routes throughout the city. The implementation was based on extensive traffic studies and many months of discussion and planning. Unfortunately, it was not communicated well to some local business owners and there was appreciable backlash and confusion. Traffic managers went back to work to improve on signage and lane delineation, and things have calmed on that front.

There is also a plan to create bike lanes and traffic calming measures on Daisy Bates Drive. Little Rock City Director Erma Hendrix has somehow decided that bike lanes are a racial issue, as if Little Rock did not have enough real racially divisive issues.

You can read some of the discussion here on ArkansasMatters.com.

 

"With it being named for a historic black woman, we don't want bike trails on that street. If I don't respect my color, who will?" Hendrix is quoted as saying.

 

All I can say to that is, "HUH?" Bike lanes get people out of their cars and in touch with their communities. I simply cannot fathom how she has decided to make this a racial dividing line, as the central Arkansas cycling community is one in which people simply get along, regardless of race, and there are large numbers of African American riders among both recreational riders and cyclists who use bikes for basic transportation.

Ms. Hendrix is guilty of stereotyping her constituency and cyclists, groups that are not mutually exclusive. I'm not sure if her words were spoken thoughtlessly or if her political worth depends on divisiveness, making her position more calculated and all the more disappointing. In any event, the City has backed off of plans to implement it own Master Plan, apparently out of fear of Hendrix, as the plan was apparently supported by most residents of the area and by entities like Philander Smith College, the Quapaw Quarter Association, and the principal of Central High School. I guess if Ms. Hendrix's goal is to stop progress and maintain the status quo in her district, then she has been successful for the moment. This goes down as another disappointing chapter, albeit a small one, in Little Rock's efforts to show itself to be a progressive city.

 

North Little Rock

 Burns Park Ranger Ian Hope reported that the NLR Bike Friendly Community Committee is reforming with Alderman Charlie Hight as the chair. Willa Williams had been leading the committee, but her position was dependent on a grant and funding ran out last fall. Thanks go to Willa for a job well done.

Ian Wanted to remind riders of the traffic pattern at Championship and Tournament Drives in Burns Park. Riders passing on the River Trail through from either direction have yield signs, while cars heading toward the river and turning left or right have the right-of-way. Riders usually blow through and cars almost always stop, but REMEMBER, at this location the through traffic is to yield. I know it is frustrating to yield, only to have cars stop and wave you through when they have the right-of-way.

 

This is a poorly designed intersection and the present signage came about as folks attempting to reach the launch ramp had to sit through long streams of soccer moms exiting the park during tournaments. Feel free to complain about the signs, but obey them for your own safety.

 

Arkansas River Trail Task Force

Rob Stephens spoke about the 911 location markers along the trail, and the implementation of the system. A few of the trail markers have been found to have come loose, while others seem to have been pried up and taken as souvenirs. The medallions are affixed with epoxy and plans are to find a more secure means of attachment.

Rob hinted at a fresh Arkansas River Trail System project that would take advantage of some existing designated routes. He likes to quietly go about doing his homework before he goes public, but I know that he has got some things simmering that will  be welcomed by the cycling community. Stephens and the ARTTF operate under the auspices of Metroplan and do a whole lot more for our benefit than most people realize.

 

Along The Trail: Pot Luck

A lot of folks are taking some time off over the Christmas and New Year holidays and, for many of us, time off of work means some time for the bike. Daylight is a precious commodity this time of year, and not to be wasted, even if sunshine has been hard to come by.
Staying in town for a day off during the week has a different feel than a weekend or an out-of-town vacation. Your spouse may have to get up and go to work or customers may call, but you've got the freedom to have another cup of coffee and finish the newspaper. It always reminds me a little bit of a day skipping school.

On those days off, I seldom ride with an agenda, but I always get great pleasure from dropping in for lunch somewhere. I don't leave my bike on the street out of my sight, so security is a consideration for me. Many places don't mind a bit if you simply bring your bike in and lean it in some out-of-the way place, while others have a place in sight where you can lock up.

Cafe@Heifer Village   is a great choice. I'm a bit of a regular at Heifer. They have daily specials, good salads and soup, and a burger that is among the best in town. There is a bike rack near the back door and it is visible from both inside and from the outside dining area. It is also isolated from the street and pedestrian traffic, making a lock largely unnecessary.

Wheel around to the back door of the Heifer Cafe.

It's easy to keep an eye on your bike while enjoying some really good food.

 

Diamond Bear on North Broadway, NLR, is easily accessible from the River Trail, has some good pub fare, local brew, and bikes racks near the door. I really like the atmosphere at Diamond Bear- friendly staff, good service, big screen TVs for sports, and just a good vibe.

If you're a hop-head, try the Willie's IPA.

 

It would be a travesty for me to say that beer and bikes don't mix, so I'll say impairment and bikes don't mix. I don't want to encourage irresponsible behavior.

 

Of course, there are many other places to choose from, such as the Capital Hotel, which offers the only bike valet service that I know of, Muggs and Cregeen's on Main in NLR,  Boulevard Bread in the River Market and on South Main just to name a few I've tried.

 

 

A small cafe lock easily fits into a jersey or vest pocket and offers sufficient security for low-risk parking spots. It won't stop a determined thief, but will prevent your bike from becoming a target of opportunity.

 

Need.....more.....sun

Cold, grey days and rain have been discouraging many of us from racking up the year-end miles, but on the cold days, the hardest part is just making yourself get out the door.

If you enjoy open spaces and uncrowded conditions, pick a cloudy day in the 30's.

 

The Mello Velos were out in force. I suggest that friends don't let friends ride in shorts when it is 34 degrees.

 

On days like last Sunday, I recognize almost every rider I see out on the River Trail. Most of us are just out there alone knocking out some miles, and you will see a few twos and threes sharing tales of lost fitness and over eating. I was only a little surprised to see the Mello Velos gathering at the submarine as I neared the end of my ride.

The MVs have a good thing going on in terms of supporting riders of all levels, being involved in local events, and having fun off the bike with some nice social activities. The group is a little different from many in that they have a fairly formal structure and the rides are 'members only' for purposes of insurance. They allow for a 'test ride' and then request that you pay dues and join if you want stay Mello.

 

Retro: It's OK, you can call me a Girl.

Back in the days of the legendary Fast Girls/Slow Guys rides, there was a conscious decision made that there would be no members, no charter, no rules, and no officers. It was "Fast, Fun and Friendly" and, damn, did we have some fun! The group was originally a few friends who started riding every spring in preparation for the Hotter'n'Hell 100. When I ran across them, there were usually 10-12 cyclists on a ride, but things soon blew up. The BDB was under construction and a lot of folks were discovering riding on the River Trail.

 

In 2006, the Fast Girls were a force.

 We weren't about racing, though many of the group went on to compete. We were mostly hard riding intermediates who simply loved riding our bikes together. Nobody wanted to be a Slow Guy, so we were all Fast Girls.

The Tuesday and Thursday night rides grew to 50 or more riders and it was a hard bunch to control, but I don't think I ever saw a serious crash in or caused by the group. We respected one another and other trail users, though some folks chose to flee in fear of the sheer weight of numbers. Trail use has grown and evolved since those days, but much of what we learned became protocol for later group rides on the trail.

 

 

Mixed Message: Loose Gravel- Haul Ass

The sign says you need to go faster.

 

There was some much needed resurfacing of parts of the Two Rivers Park trails recently, but I couldn't help but be amused by these signs.

 

Folks, the days are getting longer, and if the sun ever comes out again, you will be able to tell. I'll be seeing you along the trail.

 

 

 

 



9th Big Dam Bridge 100 In The Bag

The ninth annual BDB100 went off last Saturday and, by all accounts, was an enormous success. The weather was absolutely perfect, the organization was good, and the Finish Fest was full of smiling faces.

Preparations were underway well before dawn at the finish line.

My Admission: I Was Wrong

When I looked at this year's route, I predicted dire results. The long stretch on Highway 10 from Barrett Road to Williams Junction looked like a traffic control impossibility, as it is a heavily used state highway. Add rumble strips and heavily littered shoulders and I foresaw trouble. A ride of the 68-mile loop a couple of weeks ago did nothing to allay those concerns. On Saturday, however, the traffic control on Highway 10 was near-perfect, the ride along Lake Maumelle was gorgeous, and there was never a reason to deal with the rumble strips. My preride assessment was simply wrong. Job well done by the organizers.
I also thought that the addition of another daunting climb on the 100 mile course would result in slow times and a lot of SAGs as disappointed riders cracked under to task. I was wrong again. In comparing last year's route to this year's, there was only slightly more total climbing and much of the elevation gain came on the two major climbs, rather than on many smaller climbs as on the previous route. The fastest riders were as fast as ever, coming in at just over 4-hours, and I got many, many reports of groups coming in at under 4 1/2 hours. Several friends reported their best BDB100 times ever. I was initially not even going to ride, but was thankfully shamed by my peers into riding the 68 miler, so I can't give any first-hand reports on the total 100 mile experience. I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed the 68-miles. It was a typical distance for a Saturday morning ride and the massive packs, traffic control, and support made it seem easier than most.
I was wrong again.

Things looked much different at the finish a few hours later.

2900 riders, along with volunteers, family, and friends make for a good party.

 

Some concerns without a solution 

 

When I was a management guy, I always appreciated it when I was brought not only a problem, but some ideas for resolution. That is something that I always try to do, rather than just laying the proverbial smoldering turd on someone else who likely has less knowledge about it than I do.  I say that to acknowledge that I'm presenting a problem without any solid ideas for a solution.

The most dangerous part of the BDB turned out to be the stretch from Roland Loop to the finish. At Roland Loop, fast packs of 68 and 100 mile riders joined meandering gaggles of 50-milers who were enjoying their day, often spread widely across the road, while chatting, weaving, and going 12 MPH. This is not a knock on those riders at all, but it creates danger for everyone when such disparate groups share the road. I would suggest that even the casual riders need to follow the rules of the road or, as my trail mantra says,"Be alert. Be polite. Stay Right.", especially in the midst of a couple of thousand hard-charging event riders.

One of our group was taken down as his wheel was clipped by a cyclist doing the old 'paper boy' weave on Pinnacle Valley Road. Both of them should have been more attentive. As the ride passed through Two Rivers Park, we began to encounter runners, dog walkers and the usual assortment of trail users, though signs had been posted since at least Thursday advising that the trail was closed for the event.

The most egregious encounter we had was with a couple of yahoos riding against the flow of BDB riders on the narrow, winding trail west of the new bridge at Burns Park. These goobers were going too fast as evidenced by the fact that one of them overcooked a curve and crossed the trail as he swung into the path of the dozens of BDB riders. If you are going to ignore the "trail closed" signs and ignore the fact that you are facing streams of oncoming cyclists, at least keep your shit together enough to control your bike and stay on the right side of the trail.

One anonymous rider managed to spew a stream of advice in what was described as a "good cussin".That led my adoption of the JBar E.R.P (Expletive Reduction Program) in which I am going to attempt to show a little more love and understanding to assholes who endanger me or my group out on the trail or road. I'll let you know how that goes.

 

Maybe I'll man up and go back for the century distance next year, but it was sure nice to be done at 68 miles while I was still enjoying the ride.

For this year's BDB100, our entire community deserves a "well done".

Go ride your bike.

 

 

 

 

Emergency Medallions- Arkansas River Trail Location System For Emergency Response

I've written a couple of articles over the last year or so about the efforts of the Arkansas River Trail Task Force stake holders and 911 responders to develop an emergency response system for the River Trail. The goal of the system is to allow emergency responders to quickly ascertain the precise location of a victim, and then to respond quickly with the appropriate resources.
That system is now being put into place and you will begin seeing emergency location medallions at regular intervals along the River Trail, at mountain bike trail heads and within the adjacent park system trails.
I've witness EMT's searching for the site of a bike crash or medical emergency. The lack of a precise location often leads to delays or long unnecessary treks afoot by emergency responders. A lot of thought and hard work went into the development of the plan, and I think that it will help make the River Trail a safer place.

Here is the press release from Judy Watts of Metroplan:

LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – September 3, 2014 – The Arkansas River Trail Task Force is pleased to announce the addition of trail signage that improves efficiency for emergency responders dispatched to the trail. Emergency medallions are in the process of being placed at trailhead access points and along the main trail every two-tenths of a mile. Trail users will soon be able to relay information from the nearest emergency medallion to plainly communicate an exact location to 911 operators.

Emergency medallions can be identified by “911 Emergency Location” and either “Arkansas River Trail” or the name of the trail printed on the disc. Within the center of the medallion is a set of initials and numbers. For emergencies on the Arkansas River Trail, the public is asked to dial 911 and communicate the set of initials and numbers. Coded to latitude and longitude coordinates, this crucial piece of information will determine how emergency responders enter the location.

“While we want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience visiting our wonderful Arkansas River Trail System, accidents and medical emergencies will happen and our emergency responders take their responsibility for you very seriously. You can help them help you if you take note of the medallions as you make your way along the trails,” advised Jon Swanson, Executive Director of Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS).

Emergency medallions were made possible by the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock, Pulaski County, and Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Over 100 medallions will be installed along the Arkansas River Trail loop in Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pulaski County. Other trails are expected to participate in the emergency medallion program in the future. This is a continued effort to enhance the Arkansas River Trail System. In 2013 a grant from the National Park Service for the Challenge Cost Share Program that supports collaborative and mutually beneficial partnership projects funded the Arkansas River Trail way-finding signs that were installed. The grant is being administered through Metroplan.

The Arkansas River Trail System began as a 14-mile loop between Little Rock and North Little Rock, transecting and connecting the riverfront parks of both cities. It has become the catalyst for the development of bicycling, walking, and running trails in the entire metropolitan area, traveling west on both sides of the Arkansas River to Pinnacle Mountain State Park over the Two Rivers Park Bridge. Led by the Arkansas River Trail Task Force and coordinated by Metroplan, a June 1, 2012 “Memorandum of Understanding” established the Arkansas River Trail System to be extended 88 miles across multiple cities and counties. The signatories to that MOU are the cities of Little Rock, North Little Rock, Maumelle, Mayflower, Conway and Bigelow, Pulaski County, Faulkner County, the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. The signatories to the MOU own different segments of the Arkansas River Trail and work together through the Arkansas River Trail Task Force to operate and promote the trail system.

Metroplan is the federally designated metropolitan planning organization for the four-county region of Faulkner, Lonoke, Pulaski and Saline counties. It is a voluntary association of local governments that has operated since 1955.

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River Trail Closure-Tuesday, July 29, At Shillcut Bayou Bridge.

The River Trail east of Burns Park will be closed for much of Tuesday to allow for the paving of the approaches to the new Shillcut Bayou Bridge.

Read the signs, please.

 

Please respect the trail closure. There is not an easy detour, so last time it was closed for work at this location, several cyclists apparently pushed on through. The job should be complete and the new bridge open by mid-afternoon if all goes as planned.

Very nice! Smooth and wide.

While the old bridge has some bone-shaking character, the new one promises to be a big improvement. It was initially planned to leave to old bridge, which is built over a sewer main, open, but recently discovered structural deficiencies led to a decision to close it to all users.