Big Dam Bridge, Late Opening and Closure Extended-Questions Raised

Extended Closure On Wednesday Announced
From Lynn Bell of Metroplan:

I just found out that Pulaski County and the Corps are still working on the inspection of the Big Dam Bridge and it will be closed today and possibly even through Friday. The press release that I had seen just mentioned Mon.-Wed., but it should have said through Friday March 18. Can you spread the word to your bicycling friends? It might be closed as late as 7:00 tonight. I will be posting updates on Arkansas River Trail and people can get also get updates from Pulaski County. 

Is It Is or Is it Ain't Transportation?

On Monday, the announced closure of the BDB for inspection went as announced. The bridge was open at 5:00 PM as throngs of commuters, rec riders, and others swarmed across the span on a glorious spring afternoon, the first evening of Daylight Savings Time.
On Tuesday, the throngs of people were there, but the gates on both ends of the bridge remained locked well after 6 o'clock.

5:18PM on Tuesday

 Commuters with daypacks and a load of frustration loitered as groups of walkers and recreational riders left disappointed or, in my case, called up the people we were to meet across the river to change plans. The NLR gate was opened around 6:15. Unfortunately, the gates were still locked on the Little Rock side as a crowd of reportedly about 40 people gathered on each side of the closed gates. A worker finally showed up to unlock the gates and was said to have taken his time while seeming to get a bit of a kick out of his position of power. Some riders had already had enough and were handing bikes over the closed gates and climbing after them.
I made a call to someone with better connections and found out that a lift used by workers to inspect the underside of the span had broken down, causing the delay.

I'm told that Pulaski County is ultimately responsible for the scheduling and execution of the closures. We all recognize that the inspections and maintenance are required, but the county has a responsibility to provide accurate information and, if that information proves to be incorrect, they should have someone on site to update users of the situation. I'm sure that Judge Barry Hyde, who is a rider, would be glad to hear from you if you have an opinion on the handling of the bridge closure.

Alternative Transportation
The River Trail and the BDB are transportation links built largely with transportation dollars and serving a growing number of people who seek a means of travel beyond jumping in a car. Like all transportation infrastructure, the ART and especially the BDB must be open and available to be used by folks who are going to their job, meetings, or to any activity for which there is a schedule. One of the calls I got yesterday was from a healthcare professional who works at the Arkansas Surgical Hospital and who commutes by bike from her Heights home. Last night, she was tired after a day in surgery and simply needed to get home. The implications of her failing to arrive at work in time for a procedure are far worse.
Unfortunately, city, county, and Corps of Engineers officials treat these transportation resources as if they are closing off a playground. Bike advocacy groups have long pushed for recognition of cycling, walking, and public transportation as alternatives to the car, but many decision makers still don't get it. The recent extended closure of the BDB for post-flood clean up is another example of this attitude. Even as cleanup progressed on the trail along the river, the bridge could easily have been re-opened with access though Cook's Landing. Had this been even the smallest county road used by drivers, there may have been some orange barrels directing traffic around obstacles, but the road would have been open in short order.

Build For The City You Want
During the course of the long discussion on the Broadway Bridge design and its bike-ped facility, I often heard the argument that few people walked or biked across the current bridge. The downtown areas on both sides of the river are growing in population density, and it is becoming obvious that the ability to dine, shop, drink and eat in one's own neighborhood is a huge draw.  So, if we want this kind of quality development to continue we have to expand those opportunities. That means, among other things, recognizing that alternative transportation resources are as important to those who use it as an open road is to drivers.

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.

Updates: BDB Policy, Detours North and South of The River

On the BDB...
In statements to media, Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde seems to have softened his positions on nighttime closure and the banning of dogs from the BDB to say that such actions are "under consideration". I think we can all appreciate his frustration with irresponsible pet owners and those who would use the BDB as an after-dark party spot, leaving behind litter and damage. I have confidence that Judge Hyde will act fairly and appropriately.

North
North Little  Rock elected officials and staff continue to evaluate and tweak the River Trail detour required by construction of the new Broadway Bridge. I met alderman Charlie Hight, chief of staff Danny Bradley, traffic director Chris Wilbourn, and Danny Dillon recently at the site to observe traffic and take an on-the-ground look at the current situation along Riverfront Road. The City had already responded to input from the cycling community by adding signage cautioning drivers of the presence of pedestrians and cyclists, and by reducing the speed limit to 30 MPH.

Dillon, Wilbourn, Hight, and Bradley.

Vehicles travelling east approaching the construction zone.

Striping was added to provide a bit of a buffer between the traffic lane and cyclists traveling east on Riverfront.

A radar speed indication sign has been placed west of Smarthouse Way to alert motorists, and there was discussion of making the intersection of Riverfront and Karrot/ Smarhouse Way a 4-way stop in an effort to slow traffic. My understanding is that the AHTD (this is a state highway) has approved that measure should it be deemed necessary. 

The situation here will be dynamic as construction progresses, so be alert for changes to this route. There is no doubt that both trail users and drivers will be inconvenienced, so we'll all need to be patient. 

South

Most of the pipeline construction along Cantrell Road near Episcopal Collegiate School is complete, though I did notice equipment still on site last week.The sidewalks on both sides of Cantrell have been improved slightly. 

River Trail signage on Markham from downtown now directs westbound cyclists to cross to the north side of LaHarpe at State Street. After crossing LaHarpe, the trail continues west on North Street. 

Approaching LaHarpe/ Cantrell Road on North Street. My cycling model is the lovely Mrs. JBar, Diane.

It appears that Mayor Mark Stodola has given up on the idea of a grand River Bluffs trail section running along the Arkansas River behind Dillard's Corporate headquarters. Dillard's has apparently consistently refused  to allow the project, and there is little or no interest in or support for it among members of the Little Rock Board of Directors. Stodola is said to be trying to gather support for the idea of designating the sidewalk along the north side on Cantrell as the route of the River Trail. 

 The sidewalk near the Packet House has been widened to allow riders to bypass utility poles that had been centered on the walk,.

Multiple driveways, approach lanes, traffic islands, and rough, off-camber curb crossings make for sketchy riding. 

Though improved, passage along the north side of Cantrell makes for poor riding. The planned connections at either end of the section will certainly approve the approaches, and will eventually allow riders to make their way west from downtown without using Markham Street or crossing LaHarpe and Cantrell. 

The long-term "detour" on the sidewalk in front of ECS is much improved, and I believe that, given the choice, most riders will choose it over the north side of the road.

Without unlikely cooperation from either Dillard's or the ECS interests, the choices are few for routing the River Trail through this densely developed area. Changes of heart or changes in leadership may ultimately allow for a more visionary plan, but it appears we'll be riding sidewalks for the foreseeable future.

The construction of the new Broadway Bridge is going to challenge all types of transportation along both sides of the Arkansas River for the next couple of years. The closing of the present bridge, currently planned for June 2016, will likely create more mayhem than we can imagine. It will be interesting to see if the end result is an improvement or a detriment to our trails system. I'm optimistic that progress will continue with Broadway becoming another viable river crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. Questions remain as to what their options will be when they land on the south side of the Arkansas. 

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.  

 

Putting Them Down-Emergency Location Medallions

As I started my Thursday evening ride, I ran across Jeff Caplinger of NLR Parks and Ranger Ian Hope near the BDB. They were installing the last of the 911 location medallions along the main North Little Rock River Trail. They had started near the submarine and had placed the markers at .2-mile increments.

The road crew. Ranger Ian Hope, goose control officer and all 'round good dog Shep, and Jeff Caplinger, Projects Coordinator for North Little Rock Parks and recreation.

 

 Jeff had placed the medallion at this location, and was preparing to place a temporary sign with information about the markers and their purpose. Ian was watching for traffic. Shep wasn't doing much work when I arrived, but he did hop out of the truck to pose for a photo. I've got to admit, though, that there was not a goose in sight.

 The markers are glued down with an epoxy cement.

 

In an emergency, the information on the tag will allow 911 operators to access the GPS location to pass on to emergency responders. Knowledge of the location can also tell them whether an ATV, boat, or other transportation might be most expedient.

 

This is the product of a a lot of discussion and planning focused entirely on making the Arkansas River Trail System and adjoining parks safer places.

Pit Stop and Pavilion at the Big Dam Bridge

Though there is likely some small, perverse sliver of the cycling community that enjoys stepping into the port-o-potties that currently serve us on the Little Rock side of the BDB on a summer day, most of us tend to avoid the stinky little hot boxes. The Big Dam Bridge Foundation, along with the City of Little Rock and others, has started a campaign to fund the building of restrooms and a pavilion at the site. The foundation has amassed some funds generated mostly by the successful BDB100 and will use that money as matching funds for donations.

From the BDB website:

Help Us Add Restrooms to the Big Dam Bridge
The Big Dam Bridge Foundation (the Foundation), the city of Little Rock, and others, are campaigning to add a permanent restroom and pavilion on the Little Rock side.

• • Opening in 2006, the Big Dam Bridge (BDB) had over 1 million visitors in 2013.
• • The only restroom facility on the south side of the BDB is two port-a-potties.
• • This is a multi-phase project (click here to see the phases).
• • The Foundation needs to build evidence of community support to pursue matching grant funds.
• • The Foundation needs to raise $50,000+ by August 15, 2014. To help get there, the Foundation will match your donation dollar for dollar up to $30,000.
• • Should we reach our fundraising goal, Little Rock will provide more matching funds and will seek an additional matching grant that will help us complete the project!

You can obviously help with a donation, but you can also show your support in other ways.
-Take a short 5-question survey.
-Attend a public meeting at 5:30, Thursday, June 26, at the Willie L. Hinton Center, 3805 W. 12th Street, Little Rock
-If you would like to see these facilities built, spread the word to increase support.

The facility would eventually include a pavilion, a viewing area overlooking the river, , concessions, and additional parking. The concessions plan is wide open at this time and proposals would be requested from vendors or organizations interested in operating in the space.
I have some concerns that the enhanced facilities will create congestion problems in the area, but my broader position is that the more people and the broader range of use that our trail system attracts, the more likely we are to see support for additional infrastructure, such as the proposed River Bluffs project behind Dillard's on Cantrell.
You can stake your position by taking the survey.

On Pavement

Dillard's Trail Section
Most readers are aware that Little Rock's bid for a federal grant to construct the spectacular River Bluffs trail section along the Arkansas River behind Dillard's corporate headquarters failed. The word is that the City of Little Rock intends to proceed with planning for a less expensive, and possibly more functional for cyclists, alternative. A bridge would be built to cross the Union Pacific tracks west of the Medical Mile downtown trail section and would then be connected to some arrangement of bike lanes along Cantrell Road. I'm certain that there will be some hurdles to this plan, but some money is in place and at least a plan seems to be taking shape. More on this as time goes on, but I'm glad to hear that the project seems to have some impetus.

Big Dam Bridge
Work continues to progress on the west ramp of the Big Dam Bridge, with what I consider to be a milestone coming last week. Some horizontal steel went up as the first beams for the ramp were placed.

It will start looking like a bridge soon.

Having watched the construction of the Big Dam Bridge and the Two Rivers Bridge from start to finish, the raising of the west ramp of the BDB doesn't carry the same level of anticipation, but it's still fascinating to watch the project progress through its various phases.

The guys on the lift were taking the steel cross plates for the ramp from the crane and setting them in place.

These beams will likely have connected the ramp to the BDB by now. They had been placed at the ready Friday afternoon at quitting time.

By next fall, the Bag Dam Bridge west ramp will be complete and the plaza area at the foot of the Two Rivers Bridge should be done as well. They will connect nicely.

When the Two Rivers Bridge was closed last week for repairs to the lighting system, I had a chance to visit with John Burton, Pulaski County Surveyor and the project manager for the Two Rivers Bridge. He was surprised at how many Two Rivers users were not aware that the trail connected it to the Big Dam Bridge and beyond. He suggested it as an alternative to the many people showing up to walk Two Rivers and, as we spoke, an energetic gentleman walked up to thank John for directing him toward the Big Dam Bridge and to ask, "how far could I go" once past the BDB. "As far as you want to go", was the correct answer.  Another walker asked directions for crossing the Two Rivers Bridge and doing a loop to the BDB and back. By then, John had decided that some additional signage might be in order.

West Ramp Bypass: Whoopie! Hang On Tight!

In a recent post, I mentioned the newly constructed bypass trail that runs from under the Little Rock end of the BDB to Jimerson Creek. The detour was built in preparation for construction of the west ramp of the BDB, and its design has proven to be a popular topic of conversation. I have been assured that the bridge engineers didn't design the detour, which enters and exits the trail steeply and at near 90-degree angles.

The east approach to the detour is not only sharply angled and steep, it's got its own speed bump! I'm curious at to whether that was given some thought or if the guy on the asphalt dump lever just had a sneezing fit.

All that I can say is that this is good advice.

This young lady, who asked not to be named (She actually asked me not to use her picture, but I'm certain that she was only kidding!), hesitated at the top of the ramp and decided to walk down.

This temporary trail is not an engineering marvel, but will suffice, and I do appreciate the fact that it is paved.  I saw quite a few folks approached it with uncertainty, so slow down and look out for those riders who may not be as confidant on the possibly puzzling approach. We'll all get used to it and the west ramp will make the Big Dam Bridge even more impressive. 

Bridges News

Mobley Contractors has been awarded the contract for construction of the west approach to the BDB. This second ramp will tie very nicely to the approach to the Two Rivers Bridge and should help spread the BDB traffic out a bit.

....and speaking of Two Rivers Bridge, things are moving right along on the construction of the south approach. The gravel temporary trail is a bit of a pain in the ass, but it will be worth the small hassle when the Two Rivers Bridge opens around July 22.

I'm wondering if the acronym pattern will continue:
Big Dam Bridge=BDB:        This is a done deal.
Clinton Park Bridge= CPB    Remains to be seen
Two Rivers Bridge = TRB    Not gonna happen

A Trail Divided; Reunification Pending

The water level on the Arkansas River is dropping pretty rapidly, but enough of the River Trail was still underwater Tuesday night to create a dead end at Burns Park west of the soccer fields. The situation demanded a little more imagination than usual to get in some miles, a mild inconvenience and a reminder of how good we've got it with a trail system that normally allows riders to jump on and do any number of routes with nothing in the way of a plan. I dropped by the Specialized bike demo, presented by Arkansas Cycling and Fitness, and then rode upriver toward the BDB to see how far I could get, which turned out to be the last soccer field. It was there that I encountered a crew from Competitive Cyclist bent on riding from CC to join the Tuesday Nitro ride as they pressed on crossing the "deer field" through hub-deep water. I did complete a loop of sorts, riding back downtown, up to the BDB, then rode out to Crystal Hill Rd and back to Burns Park via city streets.

The Specialized bike demo at Burns Park was successful in spite of compromised trail conditions and unusually cool weather. Richard Machycek is showing off his freakishly large hands in response to a comment I made in a recent post.

The Specialized Team had a bike for you!

Noah Singer, Ryan Johnson and a couple of other boys were not going to miss Tuesday Nitro! At the rate the river level is falling, we may have dry pavement by Wednesday.

Noah did his part to clear the Yellow Trail equestrian path of vegetation. It's a good thing these guys are in the bike business, as I think they will need to service their hubs and bottom brackets.

New Pavement Markings For the BDB: When all else fails, read the instructions.

Painters had been busy on Tuesday with stencils and a spray rig adding some new messages for Big Dam Bridge users. Walkers are now clearly instructed to keep to the right, while cyclists are advised to reduce their speed on the downhill ramps. Hopefully, this will help interaction on the bridge a bit, as most rudeness is the result of oblivion rather than aggression.

These signs now appear every 500' on the BDB.

Don't feel left out. There are new instructions for everyone!

As soon as the water recedes and the weather warms to normal, I expect an explosion of trail use, so the signage is probably a good thing. I've heard rumblings that the speed limit on the bridge will be increased from the present silly 5MPH to 10MPH, and that some effort will be made at enforcement. Folks, the rude riders among us can be our worst enemy.I'd rather see riders simply behave responsibly than force the hand of county to call in the law. A strict speed limit should not be required if folks behave responsibly and ride appropriately for the conditions-of-the -day on the BDB.

Positively Springtime!! Berry me.

If the glorious weather hasn't been enough of a sign, here is proof positive:

Yes! Local Arkansas strawberries have appeared at the Argenta Market and I can vouch for the fact that they are sugar-sweet and delicious!!

I dropped by for lunch and to get some berries on Tuesday and found things hopping at the Market. Channel 7 had a camera crew filming for an upcoming feature, the Pulaski Tech Culinary Academy was holding a food identification field trip, and the lunch crowd was lined up as usual.

Jody Hardin sharing a bite of something tasty with folks from the Culinary Academy

as the Channel 7 crew films CPA Bruce Engstrom ordering his lunch. Meat Master Cody is behind the counter.

I love the feel of the Argenta Market. They have the best meat I've found in town, the produce is always good, and local products are used to the extent that the season allows. The lunch is tasty, varied, and served up by a congenial crew. Check it out if you have yet to try it!

And then there are the rides.....

The Tuesday night ACF ride was getting ready to roll

The River Trail and BDB were packed with folks on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. On Tuesday, the ACF ride, Fast Girls, and Tuesday Nitro group rides were all out in full force, in addition to the skaters, walkers, and runners. Trail use, and cycling in particular, is growing rapidly, making it all the more important that we all respect each other and share the resource. The Two Rivers Bridge will open many more easily accessible miles of trail, so that should help.

 Cleaning Up The Poo

It appears that dog owners are finally responding to the call to pick up behind their pooches. Thanks to Pulaski County for adding more bag dispensers, signs, and trash bins on top of the bridge and to Nancy Elliott, who has been spending her evenings handing out bags, gathering signatures against a dog ban and, most importantly, nicely informing folks that the privilege of walking dogs on the BDB is threatened. I'm not sure how much difference Nancy's presence made, but it's nice to see somebody take it upon themselves to help solve a community problem in a civil and positive way.

Out Of The Cave: Sunshine, Blue Skies, Argenta Market and the River Trail

After an Arctic cold wave and a huge snow dump brought must of Arkansas to a sliding halt, Saturday broke clear and warm. No matter how much fun was had in the snow, the change in the weather was greeted in a celebratory manner by those of us who take our recreation in the outdoors. The set-up was perfect for sleeping in and enjoying a little breakfast while watching the mercury rise in preparation for a ride.

Even as temperatures rose past 50, the BDB still had enough snow and ice cover to require this road bike rider to dismount and walk when I passed over around 11:00AM.

The Little Rock ramp stays in shadow most of the day and the snow was still plenty deep.

Diane and I rode from the house together with her heading to an Argenta area yoga session while I headed out to scout conditions on the trail. It was mostly dry, but anywhere that stayed in shadow most of the day still had ice and snow cover, though the rising temperatures and bright sun were soon having their way with even the most stubborn ice holes. After a loop through downtown, I headed to the Argenta Market for a snack and to meet up with Diane for a bride ride*.

Jody Hardin of Argenta Market handed out a few samples of  these chocolate covered strawberries.

Mmmmmmm... Just the thing to chase my store-made pig-in-a-blanket and doughnut from Community Bakery.

The Argenta Market always has a good vibe, especially on Saturday when folks have time relax. There is always plenty of easy conversation among diners, shoppers, and store staff.

Diane in full urban errand configuration.

What a difference a couple of hours of sunshine can make!

If you're a birder, you can likely add Trumpeter Swans to your list. These guys were spotted along River Front Park in downtown NLR. The swan population at Magness Lake near Heber Springs gets a lot of publicity, but they're not the only show around.

If you're reading this on Sunday morning, it is time to back away from the computer, air up your tires and hit the road! Head out to the River Trail or your local road or single-track. You need the vitamin D.

*Bride ride: a ride with one's spouse on which leisurely speeds are anticipated and not whined about.



Letter Writers

Last week, our friend Dan Lysk at Arkansas Cycling and Fitness posted a letter on Facebook that had been sent to both the Arkansas Times and the Dem-Gaz by Mr. William Carlyle. Mr. Carlyle came across as an all-too-typical selfish crank as he complained about cyclists riding on the BDB disrupting his "quiet, meditative walk across and around the Big Dam Bridge" and, by the way, looking silly in spandex while racing about at the breakneck speed of 15MPH.

Mr. Carlyle's selfish, mean-spirited little poke.

 Of course, most of us think we look pretty good in our kit, in addition to the fact that, like most specialized sportswear, it is the most practical attire for the endeavour. I had seen Mr. Carlyle's letter and resisted the impulse to fire off a smart-alecky letter of my own, assuming that it would bring out any number of nutjobs who can't comprehend that riding a bicycle, especially on a bike/pedestrian trail, is a legal and reasonable thing to do. I would have had to point out to Carlyle that NLR has many miles of perfectly serviceable sidewalks on which bike riding is forbidden and that heading to the BDB, arguably the most densely populated spot in the state for walkers and riders, for solitude was a bit of folly in and of itself. I rank him right up there with the letter writers who have been complaining about the diminished signal strength of KARN with their allusions to and illusions of vast left-wing conspiracies depriving listeners of the wisdom of Rush and Glenn. Heaven forbid that they have to deal with some facts uncolored by Rush's drug-addled rants or Beck's self-professed mission-from-God white board lectures, but, wait a minute, I'm ranting off-topic now. Back to the subject.
I was delighted to see Leslie Singer's letter in the Dem-Gaz last week.

From the "Voices In My Head" page.

It was appropriate that this letter appeared above a letter in which a writer blamed high gas prices on the fact that we haven't drilled for oil ANWR or all the coastal areas of the US. Not a word about trying to conserve what we've got, but there I go again.

In a conciliatory gesture to those possibly offended by my views, it was my intent to provide instructions for the construction of tin foil helmets to the tortured souls who, as I had, had long been convinced of the efficacy of foil hats in blocking the dreaded "voices". My plan was foiled by the scientific finding that such head gear may actually intensify certain frequencies.

This tin foil fez may be stylish, but it fails the radiation deflection test.

Like riders and walkers on the BDB, the vast majority of us get along just fine, and there will always be a few who just can't seem to grasp the concepts of sharing and consideration for others. Some are simply mean-spirited, but many hold views that are ridiculous to the point of being entertaining. And that's why I read the Voices (In My Head) page.

Addendum: Sunday, 7:10AM

Here is a link to a very thoughtful and much less snarky comment on Mr. Carlye's letter:

http://arkansasoutside.wordpress.com/2011/02/07/why-cant-we-just-get-along/

My thanks to Lynn Warren for posting this link to my Facebook page. The Arkansas Outside blog is worth checking out. It often includes some very good mountain biking information and articles.