Opportunity Knocks: Little Rock Gran Fondo Volunteers

The Little Rock Gran Fondo rolls on May 31 and promises to be a unique experience for riders, with premium swag, plush rest stops, and a finisher's experience that includes Pop on Main. Pop on Main, as you may recall, will feature 5 of Little Rock's best chefs serving up fine dining from individual "pop-up" restaurants on Main Street, accompanied by some choice beverages.
For non-riders or for riders who are not up for the 70+ mile course or for whom the entry fee would not fit a budget crowded with items like shoes for the kids and rent, here is a golden opportunity!
Steve Shepherd, USAC official type guy, needs some help out on the course.  He's calling them volunteers, but there is a certain mercenary aspect to the role, as volunteers will receive a $35.00 ticket to Pop on Main and a very cool Fondo T-shirt!

Here is Steve's call-out:

Below are the positions that I need covered for the LR Gran Fondo.  The riders will leave the 2nd and Main starting area at 8 AM.  The route will run in a counter-clockwise direction through southern Pulaski County and northern Saline County.  Exact start times can be estimated depending on which location someone volunteers for.  But I don't think that anyone will spend more than 2.5 to 3 hours at their post.

 

I'm also going to get volunteers to put up direction signs at intersections between the start area and their monitored intersection. 

Wrightsville Rest Stop

Park Bikes, Help with food & drinks

Place sign at Hwy 365 & Harper (Right)

Place sign at Benny Barnes Road (north end of Tree Farm run) & Hwy 365 - (Right)

Place Sign across from Rest Stop on Hwy 365 (Left)

Traffic Monitoring at Arch Street & Pratt Road

Place sign at Ironton & Pratt (Right)

Place sign at Pratt & Arch/Hwy 367 (Left)

Traffic Monitoring at E. Sardis & Arch Street/Hwy 367

Place sign at E. Sardis & Arch Street/Hwy 367 (Straight)

Place sign at Hwy 367/Arch & Eastend (Right)

Place sign at Eastend & Springlake (Right)

Place sign at Springlake & Woodson lateral (Left)

Volunteers at Highway 365 & Pratt/145th

Place sign at Woodson lateral & Highway 365 (Left)

Place sign at Hwy 365 & Pratt/145th (Left)

Volunteers at Pratt/145th & Matson Road (entry to Tree Farm)

Place sign at Pratt/145th & Matson Road (Right)

Unlock gates at beginning and end of Matson Tree Farm

Traffic Monitoring at Fourche Pike & Frazier Pike

Place sign at Harper & Frazier Pike (Left)

Place sign at Frazier & Thibault (Right)

Place sign at the 90 degree left on Frazier Pike (Left)

Place sign at Frazier/Sloane & mauney (Right)

Place sign at Mauney & Lindsey (Left)

Traffic Monitoring at Roosevelt & Airport (Temple)

Place sign at Roosevelt & Airport/Temple (Straight)

Place sign at traffic circle on 9th/Temple (Right)

Place sign at Temple & 6h (Right)

I would also like to get 2 motorcycles for general support of the riders.  It may be that one carries a mechanic with spare tubes and a minimum number of tools.  I may also get one to take a photographer to various areas to get action shots. 

 

All volunteers will get a ticket to the Pop on Main Food Festival ($35 value) and a LR Gran Fondo T-shirt. 

Steve Shepherd

Stephen Shepherd [ssheph@sbcglobal.net]

 

Home: 501.225.6077
Cell:  501.258.6077

So, for the small effort of placing a couple of signs and 2 to 3 hours of waving to your friends and loved ones riding by, or riding a moto just like the cool cats of the Tour de France, you will earn not only the T-shirt and some great food and beverages, but the respect and admiration of your peers! This is an amazing opportunity!
Get on board NOW to be a part of the one and only first Little Rock Gran Fondo.

2014 Ronde van Burns-May 20, 27 and June 3,10,17

Criterium racing returns to Burns Park starting with "C" group racing tonight at 5:15. The crits move to Tuesday nights this year and will continue for the next 5 weeks.
Criterium racing is spectator friendly, as most of the course can be seen from the start-finish line.
Judging by the large fields at the Rock City racing downtown crits a couple of weeks ago, I expect big fast packs and some throw-down racing.  Ride on over to the Burns Park soccer complex to see what it's all about or to join in the racing. You'll just need a few bucks for entry and a one day license, a road bike, and the motor, nerve, and bike handling skills to roar full gas through tight turns shoulder-to-shoulder and wheel-to-wheel with a bunch of your peers.

Along the Trail and Around Our Bike Town

Bike related events continue to occur in rapid-fire order around here, making it difficult for me to keep up. After all, I want to participate in or observe everything, my own riding requires that I spend time on the bike, I have a pretty demanding full-time job, writing this blog is rewarding and I take a little pride in the writing and in keeping it interesting, I love spending time with Diane and our little dog pack, we have two homes and a piece of rural property to keep in order, I require sleep, and recent rains meant that a creek was calling me to load a boat and head to the hills.
Let me be clear, there is not a complaint anywhere on that list! Life around here is full of good things and populated with a lot of good people enjoying them! Here are a few reports on recent happenings.

Different Spokes Exhibit- Old State House Museum

Visitors to the Old State House were greeted by this rider, seen demonstrating the mount of the high wheeler.

 

The penny-farthing in motion looks quite elegant

I hope that you got by over the weekend to see this, as it was well worth a visit. One of the best parts was the video that streamed in the exhibit hall. It featured many familiar figures from our community talking about the evolution and growth of cycling in recent years, and the emotion was palpable. I've been involved in cycling for a short 10 years and the growth and vitality of cycling here has amazed me. I can imagine how gratifying it is for some of the folks who for decades have been advocating, hoping, working, and wishing for the kind of cycling resources and activities that we now enjoy and take for granted.

I would speculate that this bike was neither stiff nor compliant.

The exhibit included everything from a home made wooden bike to the latest carbon BMX machines, most on loan from local collectors and shops.

 

The reception featured good food and drink, good live music, and interesting company.

 

I did not take part in the Bike-Walk Summit, but I understand that there was fairly good participation as we take baby steps toward statewide advocacy. I supported the movement by riding my bike.

 

CycloFemme

Our friends Lisa Mullis and Joe Jacobs at Arkansas Outside once again sponsored the local Cyclofemme ride on Sunday, May11. "A women only ride, celebrating the power of the bicycle and inspiring girls to get on a bike and ride. " A women only ride? I'm there!

I met Diane as I rode back into town near the end of my ride and escorted her to Murry Park in order to do some reporting. Cyclofemme did, indeed, demonstrate the strength and influence of the female cyclists of our community.  I recognized a lot of leaders among the women, including long-time advocates Coreen Frasier and Judy Lansky, along with some "emergers" like Stacey Tierny, Victoria Crumpton, and Laura Wooldridge.

Diane showing off her new temp tattoo. Victoria Crumpton (center) and the Heels on Wheels women were out in force.

 

There was a large, very diverse group of riders.

 

After some visiting and tattoo application time, Lisa Mullis started things off by thanking everyone and sorting out the ride groups. There was then an interesting procession as clusters of women, including road riders, mountain bikers, and casual riders, rolled out for their respective rides before gathering again for refreshments and camaraderie.

 

OA thanked some other supporters on Facebook:

"Thank you CARVE, Jim Allen of Wild Birds Unlimited, Heels on Wheels, Geek Eats and The Community Bicyclist Bike Shop for your support...."
Credit where due.

..and elsewhere along the trail



This Go!Running crew was handing out water, sports drinks, and snacks. A wink and a nudge might has gotten one a mimosa or a bloody Mary, but I don't think those were among the "official" offerings.

 

In addition to a bunch of great local bike shops, we are also served by fine locally owned running stores like Gary Taylor's Go!Running and Bill Torrey's Rock City Running. Go!Running has made a bit of a mark by setting up cold water stations and this "non event" aid station along the Arkansas River Trail. Good fun and well appreciated.

Sweet!

The honeysuckle along the river has perfumed long stretches of the trail with its intoxicating aroma. It makes you just want to close your eyes and drink in the frangrance, but don't do that! You're riding a bike and safety comes first. The mulberries are near ripe and soon the wild plums will be ready to go as well, making for sweet trailside snacks.

Shillcutt Bayou Bridge site

Work is well underway on the new Shillcutt Bayou Bridge at Burns Park. The new bridge is prallel to the bone-shaking wooden bridge. Completion of the new bridge is expected to be complete around the end of July, followed by completion of the approaches near the end of August. The trail will remain open throughout the project and the old bridge will remain in place after completion, as the wooden bridge  is built over a wastewater force main.

Arkansas Bike/Walk Summit- May 9 thru 11

Another "bike-centric" weekend is in store for central Arkansas! In conjunction with the summit,  the Old State House Museum will open the free exhibit "Different Spokes", about bicycling in Arkansas.

Follow the link in the press release below for more information.

I'm going to save myself some typing and copy the press release from Judy Watts at Metroplan:

Arkansas bike/Walk summit announces may 9-10 date
First ever statewide summit to take place at Old State House Museum 

LITTLE ROCK, ARK., May 6, 2014 — Bike/Walk Arkansas is pleased to announce the first ever statewide Bike/Walk Summit scheduled for May 9 – 11^th at the Old State House Museum in Little Rock. Cycling and pedestrian issues will be discussed as well as strategies to improve both modes of transportation and recreational activities across the entire state. Keynote speaker Andy Clarke from the League of American Bicyclists will be present to address the attendees on improving the bicycle and pedestrian friendliness of Arkansas.

The summit kicks off Friday night, May 9^th with the opening reception of the “Different Spokes” cycling exhibit where attendees need to rsvp for free at http://www.oldstatehouse.com/rsvp/default.aspx.  On Saturday, May 10th the summit includes guest speakers, six breakout sessions will be available for participants to choose from. Breakout session topics include:

·       Making Our Communities More Walkable and Livable

·       Trail Funding Sources and Grant Opportunities

·       Bike Education for Youth

·       Trail Building, Maintenance, Advocacy Groups, and Land Managers

·       Creating a Bike Community for Everyone

·       Promoting Trails for Economic Growth and Tourism

Following the breakout sessions and closing presentations, attendees are invited to participate in an organized run, ride, or walk followed by a summit party on the Old State House lawn. The cost to attend the Saturday summit is $25 that includes lunch on Saturday and a one-year membership to Bike/Walk Arkansas.  The summit concludes with a free bike ride on Sunday, May 11^th celebrating Mother’s Day and details can be found on the Central Arkansas Cyclofemme Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/539036576210790.

To register and read more about the summit, visit http://www.bikewalkar.org/events/bike-walk-summit.

Bike/Walk Arkansas was founded in 2012 with the goal to lead efforts for passage of the majority of bike and pedestrian legislation around the state. Bike/Walk Arkansas wants to grow use of roads, trails, and sidewalks statewide and to create complete, safe and healthy streets by working for investment in a balanced transportation system, providing education, developing more inclusive communities for cycling and walking, building a coalition of organizations, promoting bike tourism and travel, and seeking to make bicycling accessible to everyone.

Double Down Weekend: Central Arkansas Cycling In All Its Glory

WOW!
With the Southwest Tandem Rally bringing 100 tandem teams to Little Rock and the Rock City Racing Criterium and 5K going on for two days at downtown locations, I expected a big weekend for cycling in Central Arkansas, and there were no disappointments. That is, other than the fact that I couldn't be everywhere for every
event. I left the house on Saturday around 8:00 and finally rode slowly up the last hill home around 4:30 that afternoon with only about 65 miles on my legs but with a full day of cycling exposure.

Southwest Tandem Rally

Good roads, perfect weather, great event organization, Capital Hotel bike valet,

fine dining, Diamond Bear brewery stop, and a load of Arkansas hospitality. No wonder these riders look so happy!

 

Seeing this many tandems in one place is not a common sight. Teams prepare to roll out from the Capital Hotel.

 

Things could not have been better for a weekend on the bike. Even the recent persistent winds laid down for the day on Saturday, and with it the clouds of pollen that we've been experiencing.  I expected the usual praise for the Arkansas River Trail System, but the largely-Texan crowd of tandem riders seemed most impressed with our roads. While Arkansas has its share of chip-and-seal, most of the popular road rides in Central Arkansas cover smooth asphalt.

 

Tandem teams crossing the Clinton Park Bridge

Tandems stream across the BDB on a perfect spring morning.

While the tandem riders were impressed with our bridges and trails, they seemed most pleased with the quality of our roads.

 

Many of the bikes were very nice and sported some features that us run-of-the-mill road riders don't often see. Check out the website of SWTR sponsor and participant House of Tandems to see what is possible when you start adding saddles to a bike. There was even a "triplet" tandem (does that make any sense?) at the rally and House of Tandems  has 'em.

 

This ti frame caught my eye. Note the frame couplers for travel, belt drive, and huge rear brake rotor. I commented on the size of the rotor and the captain said, "Yeah, we were glad to have it descending Mont Ventoux." If you're going to drop the name of a climb to a cyclist, that's a good one.

All together, now, climb!

 

As I rode from downtown to the Ferndale area with the tandems, I was given an opportunity to view the local scene from the eyes of outsiders, and that view is remarkable. We started in a vibrant urban center, passing the Clinton Library, Heifer Project, and a wetlands park, crossed 3 bike-pedestrian bridges as we made our way along the river through a chain of well maintained and very active parks, passing a skate park, soccer fields, equestrian resources, and community gardens as we headed out to miles of lightly traveled suburban and rural roads. It is easy for us locals to overlook our resources, as we have seen them grow and be connected over time, but to visitors who get to see the current picture all at once, our cycling scene is nothing short of spectacular.

The SWTR riders enjoyed some Arkansas hospitality along the route as this family set up to share refreshments, a view of Pinnacle Mountain, and, perhaps most importantly, a restroom.

 

I guess that by nature the people who ride tandems are a congenial bunch, because I found everyone that I encountered to be friendly, outgoing, and simply having a whole lot of fun on the bike. Folks, we were glad to have you and you're welcome back any time! Let us know that you're coming and we'll talk to the weather man about providing another perfect weekend.

 

Our community owes a big "thank-you" to Rod and Teresa Hernandez, their crew, and the local interests like the Capital Hotel, Diamond Bear Brewery, the DoubleTree Hotel, Heifer Project, Orbea, and Spokes. Together, they helped to not only bring this group to our city, but to show off some of the best that we have to offer.

 

Rock City Racing

The action downtown was fast and furious all day Saturday and Sunday as Rock City Racing brought crits to two locations.

 

The pack flying toward the start/finish line of Capital Ave.

 

Saturday's racing was in the bustling 3rd and Rock area downtown. Many people visiting the River Market area found their way over to watch some of the action and venues along the course were full. Local businesses like Dugan's Pub and Zin Wine Bar  generously offered gift certificates to be awarded as race primes on designated laps.

At the South Main finish line.

 

The SoMa disrtict was a happening place on Sunday.

 

 

Criterium Races are fun to watch and there are classes for just about anyone with the nerve and the bike handling skills to operate in a high speed pack on a technical course. Many of the course marshals who controlled traffic on the course were residents of the neighborhood.

Thanks go out to the CARVE and SimplexQ teams for organizing and running the races and to all the volunteers and sponsors who made it possible,

 

We're a bike town and many local businesses are recognizing the fact that bikes mean business, and they are capitalizing on the fact. Cycling is bringing visitors, driving sales, and entertaining tourists, so let's encourage more events like the Tandem Rally and the Rock City Crits.

 

 



Ride and Race Opportunities for The Fat and Skinny Alike

Fat Tire Racing: Syllamo's Revenge

It is a rare thing when Syllamo's Rvenge does not sell out within hours of the opening of registration; howver, the race course was apparently in poor shape last year and that turned some folks off. That could be an opportunity, as over 80 IMBA volunteers spent a day working on the trail and it is said to be in very good shape. This from Steve Parker:

The Syllamo's Revenge is a week from Saturday, on May 17th.  This is a first for the Syllamo's Revenge, which usually sells out on the first day...there are 21 spots left.  The trail system has received some harsh, but deserved, criticism over the past couple years, but if that's the reason you haven't signed up, you're going to miss out.  80+ volunteers were on the trail for an organized work day that included the IMBA Trail Care Crew earlier this year.  They re-routed one section of trail and cleared downed treed and briers from the rest.  Every report I've received from riders say the trail is in much better condition than in recent years, and well on it's way.  This has been accomplished by a commitment from the Forest Service, Friends of the Syllamo Trail, and IMBA, to bring the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail back to condition that earned it IMBA Epic status. 

The recent wind storms have some trees down on the course, but, barring a last minute storm, they should all be removed by race day   I'll be on the course all next week getting the trail marked and cleared so that each of you have the best riding experience possible.  I will have limited access to email, so all rider transfers and changes must be submitted by Sunday, May 11th.   

II just got confirmation that I can make a supplemental shirt order Friday and still get them in time for the race, so I've reopened registration until midnight Thursday, May 8th.  Take advantage of the rare chance to get in this close to race time.  Signature Syllamo Rocks given to top 5 in each division, increased prize money, a $250 cash bonus to the 10th Anniversary Champion and $100 bonuses for the top 10 finishers are only a few of the reasons not to miss this year's event.   If you want to ride the toughest 50 miles of single track anywhere, here's your chance.    

Be sure to go to the new Syllamo's Revenge website at www.syllamosrevenge.com and sign up for the new newsletter and/or like the Syllamo's Revenge Facebook Page to be kept up to date.  

 The Skinny:

CARTI's Tour de Rock takes place on June 7th. This is a flat century and, for those who are so inclined, is fast!! TdR is a great opportunity for riders to get their "personal best" hundred miler, whether your goal is 6 hours or 4. One of the more popular features of the TdR is the training rides. They are well supported and can be considered "miniTours"!
Training rides actually started last weekend and there are 2 remaining.

Training Rides Sat., May 10th and May 17th! Are you registered?

Get ready for the ride with the Tour de Rock Training Ride series beginning Saturday, May 3 through May 17.  Check out this year's schedule below! *You must be registered for Tour de Rock to participate in the Training Rides.    Saturday, May 3 (30-40 miles)   Sponsored by:    Saturday, May 10 (40-50 miles)     Sponsored by:    Saturday, May 17 (50-60 miles)      Sponsored by:    Rev Rock     START TIME is 7:00a.m. at Fikes Bikes in NLR                                Click Here to register for Tour de Rock     Want to stay updated on training ride schedules and changes?  Click Here to sign up for our weekly training ride email.

2014 Southwest Tandem Rally, May 2-4

The Little Rock tandem team of Rob and Teresa Hernandez will be hosting a couple of hundred of their friends as the Southwest Tandem Rally brings 100 teams from 14 states and a team from Ontario, Canada. Those are not official numbers, but my count from a quick scan of the list of riders. Not surprisingly, most of the teams are from Texas. Based on my scant research into the recent history of the SWTR, it has been held at various locations around Texas each year. Most impressive in the roll of teams is that there are only 5 from Arkansas. That means that 95 out-of-state couples and their entourages will be renting hotel rooms, eating, drinking and shopping in Central Arkansas.

Michael Chaffin of the Capital Hotel worked with the Hernandezs to make the Capital Hotel the event headquarters, with overflow heading across the street to the Double Tree. There are very few doubters of the fact that cycling means good business for Arkansas, and this event is a prime example of a very direct contribution to the local economy.

Ya'll Come Back, Now..
What Chaffin knows is that many of these people will return once they sample the facilities, the hospitality, cycling infrastructure, and the fantastic road riding that they will experience in Central Arkansas.

Early arrivals at the Capital Hotel

Photo by ace photog Rob Stephens from his dinner table at Ashley's Thursday.

Did I mention that the hanging baskets at upper left were provided by LR Parks and Recreation? Well, I was supposed to, and they obviously did a fine job. (is that payment enough for the photo, Rob?)

Follow this link to the SWTR website and you will see that Rob, Teresa and their team did a great job in promoting the rally (it sold out almost immediately) and in putting together an exciting slate of activities and resources for participants.

I ran into Tony Karklins, of Orbea USA, and Michael Chaffin on a ride this evening and found that the Capital had gone to some lengths to make the weekend special for cycling guests. The Capital always offers bike valet service, and for the tandems they have built special racks and set aside the ballroom for secure bike storage. The hotel will also provide laundry service for bike kits. Just stuff your stinky kit in the bag provided by the hotel and your clean clothes will be hanging on your bike when you head down for coffee.

Valet parking available! Photo shared by M. Chaffin

The SWTR website not only promotes the rally, but it shows off our city very well. It is easy to forget some of the elements that are making the Little Rock-North Little Rock area into a unique and vibrant urban destination.

I plan to spend some of my weekend ride time on my usual route out west shadowing the tandems' route  to get a few photos. And I'll make it a point to get back downtown in time to watch some of the Rock City Crits, Then, I may have to stop by the bike-friendly Stone's Throw Brewery for a local IPA.

Folks, we're living in a bike town and for this weekend that fact will be very apparent as criterium racers and their fans converge on downtown while 100 tandems stream out of nearby hotels to the start of their choice of 3 road and river trail rides.

Get on your bike be a part of it.

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.

Changes In Attitude

A couple of years ago, Arkansas had the dubious distinction of being named by the League of American Bicyclists as the least bicycle friendly state in this great land of ours. 50th out of 50. While we regularly rank near the statistical bottom in areas like obesity, children's health, poverty, education, and income, being DFL is usually reserved for Mississippi. Among the major strikes against us were the lack of a statewide bicycle plan and the absence of a statewide advocacy organization.

The poor ranking served as a bit of a wake up call for Governor Beebe and members of his staff, as he set up an advisory committee to determine some of our needs and pulled representatives of  the AHTD and Arkansas State Parks and Tourism among others. We are starting to see some movement as a result, and that bit of progress was demonstrated at some recent meetings held around the state.
This was the announcement for one such meeting:

Arkansas Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Stakeholder Meeting

> Metroplan Committees & Partners

> April 1st, 12 pm Jeffrey Hawkins Conference Room

The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department and Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism have undertaken a contract to update the Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.  Their consultant team will be conducting stakeholder meetings throughout Arkansas this spring. 

 

This stakeholder meeting at Metroplan was followed by some public meetings, including one at the UALR Stephens Center.

 

What do these signs of progress mean to us as riders? It's really hard to say with any certainty, but the very fact that the state agencies, especially the highway department, are involved is a move in the right direction. While Parks and Tourism is and has been on board with the promotion of cycling, my view is that AHTD has regarded cycling and demands for infrastructure support as a nuisance. They've given us a little lip service along the way, but have largely ignored calls for serious engagement in the realm on non-motorized transportation (See: Broadway Bridge discussions). Though the AHTD is a constitutionally independent entity with its own funding stream, commissioners are appointed by the governor. That means that Gov. Beebe can still demand attention when his office makes a call-to-action. It's an election year, and I can only hope that Mr. Beebe's replacement will, at the very least, allow the current bit of momentum to survive.

Any results from these meeting will likely be years in coming, but they will come, and we've can only start from where we are. This is all political. Mention bicycle-pedestrian plans to every politician that approaches you for your vote (and you'll have plenty of chances this year!). Let them know that voters want transportation and recreational alternatives because they are good for public health and good for business. Cycling infrastructure has been proven to draw educated, employable young people to those communities that have embraced these quality of life developments. If you have any doubts, shuffle on down to the River Trail this weekend. You'll see what I mean.

 

Highway Commissioner Robert Moore speaks at BACA

 

Commissioner Robert Moore spoke at a recent BACA meeting. As has been the case at recent BACA meetings, the meeting room at US Pizza, Hillcrest, was packed with around 100 people. Mr. Moore, former Speaker of the Arkansas house of Representatives, was welcomed warmly, and he spoke in a  humble, congenial manner. I'm not sure what we expected, but what we got had very little to do with the AHTD's view of the future of cycling. Moore mentioned his participation in the Tour de Hoot and his support of the event; however, he spent the majority of his available time bemoaning AHTD's lack of funding. He presented facts, figures, charts, and tables to demonstrate the financial woes facing the road builders, making it clear that he considered his constituency to be cars and trucks. Much of our highway funding comes from fuel taxes and, as fuel usage has been reduced over the years, revenues have followed. There is no political appetite for raising fuel taxes, so the highway department seems to have set its sights on some of the state's general revenues.

 Voters recently approved a sales tax that will be used to repair and maintain interstate highways across the state, but a bill to increase transfer (sales) taxes on new and used cars, tires, etc, failed in the legislature. This bill be come back in the next legislative session. I don't think most voters realized that the sales tax dollars were going primarily to the interstates, which is in large part a subsidy of the trucking industry.

Mr. Moore threw the possibility of a bone to the BACA crowd when he said that the commission would "look favorably" at using some Transportation Alternative funds if the cycling community provided substantive support for the  the proposed transfer tax. He also said he'd be open to taxing the sale of bikes and related goods to provide the AHTD with some funding.

 

Mr. Moore is by all accounts a good guy, and he is likely a good highway commissioner, but very little he said made me think that the AHTD was ready to move away from being the "Department of Cars and trucks".

 

Though I was disappointed in Moore's message, one in which he seemed oblivious to the venue and the audience, I was still glad to see him there. Institutional change is slow, but the very fact that we're engaged in a conversation at the state level is a good sign. Mr. Moore is a politician and, though he's not running for office and his agenda seemed to be all about siphoning more money to his department, he could not ignore that fact that 100 people showed up as an expression of their own agenda to promote cycling in Arkansas.

 

 



NLR Parks' Hard Working New Addition: Shep the Goose Dog

A couple of weeks ago, as I cleaned my bike of desiccated night crawlers that I had collected on a wet morning ride, I wondered to myself, "What could be more disgusting than scraping worms off of my fork, frame, and brakes?"
"Goose poop" came immediately to mind, though I decided that it was a toss-up on the slime scale.
What also came to mind was the fact that North Little Rock's riverside trails, fields, and roads have become blessedly almost goose free in recent months. While geese are by nature migratory, they are also lazily efficient and adaptable. When they find an environment that offers easy food sources, safety from predators, and a convenient place to poop, they tend to settle in to a routine of eating, pooping, and reproducing. A couple of years ago, the NLR City Counsel caught hell over a proposed urban hunt to thin out a huge and growing population of resident Canada geese in the parks along the Arkansas River. It had become difficult to ride the River Trail without encountering flocks of surly geese and it was a test of skill to ride through many stretches without pasting the bike with some of the thousands of nasty green poodle-turd-sized droppings that littered the trail. The geese had easy living on the golf course, soccer complex, and in the grassy fields along the river. Though trail users and golfers had complained, things came to a head when soccer games began to be cancelled or moved as fields became too littered with feces to allow for play.
After an outcry over the proposed thinning of the flock by way of a hunt, NLR decided to hire a firm to use dogs to chase the big birds out of their comfort zones. It worked. The geese are adaptable and quickly figured out that it was not worth loitering in areas where they would be chased regularly by an eager canine. Unfortunately, as soon as the dog contract expired, the geese started returning to the area in large numbers and were soon back to their lowdown ways.
Park officials had looked into specially trained goose dogs, which were very expensive, but eventually were offered a bit of a bargain in the form of Shep, a local rescue dog with the instincts and a good start on the training needed to do the job.

NLR park ranger Ian Hope and Shep on patrol along the river. Geese have become scarce, but Shep is constantly vigilant.

 

I will have to admit that I was predisposed to like Shep. He is my kind of dog and he would fit perfectly into our little pack of rescued mutts. He's a catahoula mix weighing in at 40 pounds, with a merle coat and "off" eyes, one blue and one brown. I had sought out an exclusive interview a couple of months ago when he first arrived, but Mayor Joe Smith had other ideas and Shep was introduced to the mainstream media at a press event. That's just as well, as my recent encounter with the team of Ian and Shep gave me a chance to scratch his ears and get acquainted one-on-one. He was very approachable and friendly when I rode up and, like many working breed mixes, Shep seems eager to please, laid back when not engaged in his job, but ready to launch like a missile when duty calls.  Good boy!

Ranger Hope did let slip the fact that Shep is still a work in progress. He does his duty with geese, but he has a bit of a squirrel problem. Our dog Willie loses all sense of propriety when he sees a squirrel, so I understand Shep's response to squirrel sightings. Ian feels it is bad form for Shep to be chasing squirrels in the park, so they are working on it. In the meantime, my advice to squirrels is to stay in the trees where they belong, at least according to Shep and Willie.

 

"Squirrel problem? Who? Me? I don't have a squirrel problem."

 Shep was a little coy when the subject of his issues with squirrels came up.

 

Shep and Ian make a comfortable team and they are doing great work in helping to keep our riverside parks clean and hospitable. For goose lovers, there are still enough of the birds around to be enjoyed, but the large intrusive gangs are regularly encouraged to move along. 

 

 

Along The Trail: Skunks, Scouts, and Girls' School

The weather has continued to limit activity along the Arkansas River Trail. It has just been cold and as a result not many folks are getting out. The numerous group rides that are usually well under way by this date are just sputtering to a start,  parking lots that are usually overflowing are half-full, and I've hardly had to complain about all of the inconsiderate assholes in my way. That said, time marches on, it looks like we are finally turning the corner to warmth, and there are still happenings along the Arkansas River Trail.

 

In case you needed another reason not to pet the skunks...

 

This warning was posted at various Burns Park locations after a skunk tested positive for rabies.

This is NOT a kitty with sporty stripe kit.

 

Skunks are numerous in Burns Park and in Two Rivers Park, and are a common sight for evening and nighttime trail users. Most of us don't need much encouragement to give them plenty of space, but be particularly cautious of nocturnal critters taking a daytime stroll or that appear to be ill.

 

Eagle Project In Burns Park

"The eagle flies on Friday, Saturday,I go out and play...."

 

Well, they call that song Stormy Monday, but both held true for me last weekend. As I rode through Burns Park last Friday afternoon I spotted some signs of a construction project along the trail near the fishing pier. Some folks were sitting around the site enjoying the evening so, of course, I had to stop to find out what was going on. I found that they were preparing to start work on a couple of 10'x 20'picnic pavilions as an Eagle Scout community service project. Appropriately, they were also observing a mature bald eagle that was soaring overhead. I'm not sure what that meant, but it must have been a prodigious sign of something!

 

Saturday lunch break. Zachary Baxla, at right, is building two pavilions with the help of donated materials and volunteer labor.

One of the pavilions will be dedicated to Wounded Warriors and the other will be dedicated to Native American tribes.

 

 

I passed by on my way to ride out west last Saturday and found that the crew had been hard at work. I also saw a pair of eagles over the same stretch of trail. Eagle sightings are not as rare as they were in the bad old days when they were seriously threatened as a species, but it still thrills me to see the big birds on the wing over our city.

 

Shop Talk: Women's Bike Clinic 

 

Willa Williams of NLR's Fit2Live conducting a workshop.

 

Also on last Saturday, I came across a workshop being conducted by Willa Williams. A group of women were learning how to fix a flat tire, shifting strategies, and other mechanical basics about the bike. I'm always tempting to refer to the events as "Wenches With Wrenches" but I have been told that it is insensitive and possibly offensive, so I refrain.

Bad Dogs On Pinnacle Valley

It has been widely reported that a runner was attacked by a couple of German shepherds while using the path along Pinnacle Valley Road, just south of Maumelle Park. Apparently the dogs charged the runner, who landed a few punches, stumbled into the ditch, and subsequently escaped without injury when passers-by caused the dogs to retreat back to their yard. Pulaski County deputies were called and were to contact the dog owner.
Riders should always beware of dogs, though few dogs will actually attack. Most are either encouraging bikes to leave their territory of simply enjoying the fun of the chase. That said, they can still cause crashes and injury.


Be alert, be polite, stay right

This weekend is shaping up as prime for crowds along the River Trail.  Keep in mind that many of the folks that we encounter on the trail may be clueless, so regular trail users need to take responsibility. We have plenty of trail miles and unlimited open roads around town, so consider those crowded stretches around the bridges and in Two Rivers Park as your routes to freedom. Take it slow and enjoy the smiling faces of the unsupervised children darting into your path.

 

 

 

 

Paris-Roubaix: If you think the Tour de France is tough, watch this!

Paris-Roubaix is this Sunday, and it is regarded by many as the hardest bike race on earth. The stage was set last week at the Tour of Flanders when Fabian Cancellara took the win out of a select group of four.

Like many Americans, I followed the Tour de France to some extent even before I got seriously engaged in cycling. Greg LeMond gave us an American hero who was able to twist the tails of the French and we loved it. When I started getting more interested in the pro cycling scene, a neighbor started telling tales of the hard men who ride the spring classics, and especially "The Hell of The North", Paris-Roubaix.
He brought me a VHS tape of the previous year's race, one in which rain and mud added to the intensity of an already brutal race. The famed cobbles, or pave, sections are little more than paths paved with rocks the size of loaves of bread, and the fight to be near the front of the pack before these sections is warlike.
There is a reason that the name "Roubaix" is used for everything from the warmest winter clothes to the most robust wheels and bike frames. Paris-Roubaix is considered to be the ultimate test for both riders and their equipment.
Last year, the drama was high as two riders battled it out to the end. Here's a YouTube video of that race.



Bike racing gets little TV coverage here in the US, so we are dependent on outlaw feeds from sites like www.cyclingfans.com and SteephillTV for live viewing. These sites are a bit of a pain in the ass. If you choose to go that route, you'll find the view cluttered with ads and links for browser upgrades, etc. DO NOT download them! If you can get an English language feed on which you can click the full screen button, got for it and the ads will go away. Otherwise, you can watch the race later on YouTube. My problem with that option is that in searching for the recording, I'm inevitably exposed to the results.
These are not the races of diminutive climbers like Contador and Froome, but are dominated by the hard men like Fabian Cancellera and Tom Boonen. Peter Sagan has the kind of talent and toughness to contend, but to date he has not been up to the task of winning. Team tactics are in play in the early battles leading to the cobbles, but you won't see lead out trains and team leaders surrounded by squadrons of domestiques. Sometimes a contender is lucky enough to have teammate or two along deep into the race, but it usually comes down to man-to-man combat. No mass sprint, no time bonuses, no saving legs for a later stage. The first man over the line wins, and that man is usually one bad son-of-a-bitch.