Natural State Bikes: Recent Episodes
Bobby Rickard
Kemi King (Director of Philanthropy- World Bicycle Relief and former pro cyclist) and Aimee Ross (Life Time Big Sugar representative and industry consultant) talk about Kemi’s biking story and why WBR’s mission is important to her.
Amelia Neptune, Director of the Bicycle Friendly America program for the League of American Bicyclists joins host Anya Bruhin to share her story of commitment and persistence that shaped her career with the League.
Marley Blonsky, co-founder of All Bodies on Bikes, talks with Jen Brazil with Women of Nebo and Arkansas NICA about empower women through biking regardless of their size.
Diane Jenks may be the Host and Producer of The Outspoken Cyclist podcast, but her career in the biking world is far more encompassing. From shop owner, to bike builder, author and advocate - Diane is truly a biking icon. Diane shares her story with Traci Berry in honor of Women’s Month.
Fayetteville, AR was recently designated gold status as a bike friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists. Amelia Neptune (League of American Bicyclists), Dane Eifling (city of Fayetteville), and Brannon Pack (Experience Fayetteville) join NSB to talk about why gold status is important and what it takes to get there.
Johnny Brazil owns Jackalope Cycling in Russellville and is very involved in his community. He also takes his knowledge of bicycles to the Ivory Coast as part of his bike mission trip with 1040i. Be sure and put Russellville on your list of places to visit and stop by and see Johnny when you’re in town.
The Rule of 3 and the two events leading up to the Rule of 3 have quickly become signature events on the NWA biking scene and kick of the biking season in NWA. Andy Chasteen and Lauren Pickman, the wizards behind RO3, talk about how it all started, why it's so popular, and what participants can expect at an RO3 event.
Mic takeover as Joe Jacobs, Owner/Publisher of Arkansas Outside, talks with me about the Arkansas Gravel Series. The series features 8 gravel events across the state from April through November. Each event will also partner with a non-profit in the local community to raise awareness of food insecurity and mental health awareness. Get all the details at arkansasgravelseries.com
Big Mountain Enduro is the premiere enduro series in the country and is beginning their 2023 season at Mt. Nebo. Robert Herber, Event Director for BME, joins NSB to share the history of BME and the thought process for bringing the series to Arkansas - the only stop east of the Rockies for the 2023 series.
Traci Berry, Northwoods Trails Coordinator for Visit Hot Springs, talks all things biking in and around Hot Springs. There’s biking for all ages and abilities in the spa city!
Jason Morgan is legally blind but he doesn’t let being visually impaired stop him from achieving his biking goals. Never complaining or quitting, just pedaling.
The Arkansas gravel scene in north central Arkansas may just be the next hot spot on the gravel scene in the state. Bobby Finster is doing what he can to make that happen and the Sandtown Shuffle could be the event of the year in 2023.
Arkansas native Katherine Andrews shares insight into her role as Director of Outdoor Recreation for the state of Arkansas. Katherine’s perspective is unique in that her office is one of less than 20 across the country. While Arkansas has a myriad of outdoor recreation opportunities, biking is among the top and continues to grow.
Rebecca Davies, City Ratings Director, joins NSB to talk about how cities can improve their city rating score with PFB. And, John Paul Shaffer, Bike Innovation Director for PFBNWA, provides updates on what's going on in Bentonville and how Shift22 will shape bicycle advocacy going forward.
Martin and Kara Smith, residents of Birdeye, Arkansas, share their vision of revitalizing the Arkansas Delta through a network of gravel bike routes along Crowley's Ridge and throughout the delta region. Cultural immersion by back
The secret is out on the gravel roads climbing through the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas. Bentonville is the host city for Big Sugar Gravel and the final stop in the Life Time Grand Prix. Aimee Ross and Amanda Boyer give us all the deats!
Bikepacking Roots is all about promoting bikepacking experiences and has teamed up with Experience Fayetteville for The Fayetteville Gathering. Kait Boyle and Brannon Pack share their thoughts on bikepacking and all details for the upcoming event. (Photo Credit: Bikepacking Roots)
A fun time talking with the McGraw family - John, Traci, and Beckett - about Beckett’s BMX racing and what he likes to do when he’s not racing.. Also, Andy Strecker (owner of NWA BMX in Lowell, Arkansas) shares more info on growing the sport of BMX.
Cyclo-cross returns to Centennial Park in Fayetteville, Arkansas October 14th thru the 16th. OZCX is a family and spectator friendly event culminating with the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup. The event partners with Arkansas Children’s Hospital - Northwest to raise funds and awareness for pediatric care across NWA.
Keith Jordan from Conway, Arkansas shares his story about conquering The Tour Divide. Along the way he realized he was conquering more than just a bike race.
Andrew Onermaa, Race Director for the High Country Race, has completed the race and has tons of experience riding Arkansas Gravel. He shares his personal knowledge as well as what he’s learned from many others in this episode about the rigs, equipment, and gear of the Arkansas High Country Race.
Starting and ending in Hot Springs this year, year 4 of the Arkansas High Country Race includes the same grueling long course as past years PLUS 2 new routes: The South Loop and The Triple Crown. Plans are well under way for October 8th!
Bob Barnes and his bike SB2 biked to all 50 state capitals. A solo ride of over 16,000 miles in 359 days while raising awareness for blood and platelet donations. This episode picks up where we left off when Bob passed through Arkansas in February.. Bob shares his thoughts on his journey and we learn how he made it to Juneau, AK and Honolulu, HI.
Aloha Bob!
Jason Strohbehn, Director of Operations and Marketing for Gravel Worlds, talks about the history of the Pirate Cycling League and how that began Gravel Worlds. Influencing and shaping the gravel scene for over a decade and getting better every year. (📸 Gravel Worlds)
Ben Glenn, Director of the Bicycle Technician Certification Program at Northwest Arkansas Community College, recaps the inaugural year of the program and offers a sneak peak at what year two will look like.
Syllamo, Womble, RO3, around the US, and all the places in between - Heather Hankins has a great biking story. Never one to turn down an adventure and not afraid to bring others along on her biking experiences. Keep it fun!
Kim Seay and Derek Brooks take over as hosts for this episode and are joined by Harry Hill and and Shane Coverdale. The group talks about the growth and challenges minority mountain bikers experience in mountain bike riding and racing. Bentonville, AR hosts the group for their 2nd annual trip to the Mountain Bike Capital of the World!
Lilly Outten’s biking story is a great one. From helping others achieve their goals and reaching her own, the right attitude is important to making things happen. Ride your bike and be like a duck!
Andrea Nevel's biking story started when she began riding her bike to school back in elementary school. Fast forward to today and she's well known in the Springdale biking scene from leading group rides to working part-time at Phat Tire bike shop. She has a great story with great insight. Be sure and meet her when you get the chance!
Kathryn Taylor and Aimee Ross along with Anya Bruhin as host, kick off the 'Women of Biking in Arkansas' series in honor of Women's History Month and talk about how Girls Gone Gravel started and ending up with the inaugural Gone Gravel event hosted in Bentonville at the end of April. The benefits such as empowerment, confidence and community go beyond riding a bike. Be sure and tune in for other episodes in the series and hear from Andrea Nevel, Lilly Outen, and Heather Hankins.
NEA Trailblazers and Bike NWA have joined forces as one non-profit with two teams. Erin Rushing and Paxton Roberts lead each respective team as the teams continue shaping the NWA bike scene and really the entire state.
Bob Barnes is on a mission to bike to all 50 state capitals and work in some volunteer opportunities along the way. Bob shares about his ride as he has passed the halfway mark in both number of capitals and miles (by the way, his ride will be close to 16,000 miles). Be sure and follow his Facebook page - Bibbery Travels - where he does a great job of documenting his experience.
The Arkansas Delta is a network of gravel and farm roads weaving through some of the most fertile farmland in the world and Crowley's Ridge ascends on the Delta's western edge. Both together create a relatively untapped biking experience waiting to be inhaled. Martin Smith, owner/principal of Ecological Design Group along with Joe Jacobs, owner/editor of owner/editor of Arkansas Outside and Revenue Director at Arkansas State Parks, share plans for the area and talk about their recent bike ride from Jonesboro to Clarksdale, MS.
Leaders from across the state discuss the positive impact of biking to Arkansas. This impact includes the health, recreation, livability and bike tourism considerations this group is working hard to promote. (Photo Credit: Rock City Outfitters. You can get this cool image on a shirt at rockcityoutfitters.com. I love mine!)
Kyla Templeton (Founder and former Director of the Arkansas NICA League) and Nat Ross (MTB Hall of Fame) have joined forces to offer mountain bike skills training to kids (and adults in the near future). Bike School Bentonville offers classes to teach mountain bike skills based on a ski school model. Trail Kids is designed for kids ages 7 to 13 while The Academy is for kids at least 13 years old.
Faculty and students at Northwest Arkansas Community College completed the first semester of the bicycle technician certification program. In this episode of NSB, instructor Ben Glenn and student Biviana Romero share their stories and experiences about the program.
Olivia Barraza hosts this episode as she talks with Biviana Romero about her biking story and experience in the bike technician program at Northwest Arkansas Community College.
Karl Kroll is on an epic bike journey from the northern most point of Alaska to Costa Rica to complete the route he rode from the southern most tip of Argentina to Costa Rica. An amazing story of the community that biking builds and transcends all borders.
Biking to work has a lot of benefits and can be a lot of fun. People for Bikes along with representatives from Walmart and JB Hunt share about the recently launched bike to work programs for both companies.
Lindsay shares about her racing to become the Arkansas High Country Race Women's Single Speed Record Holder. We also get into the other 17,000 miles of her ultra-distance racing/riding career including: The Tour Divide North and South bound, The French Divide, and the American Trail Race among others. Lindsay has a super laid back vibe and shares how this benefits her racing style. And to top it off, she's also a full-time van lifer which adds to her cool scale. (pc Kai Caddy)
Don’t let cold weather keep you from riding or stay stuck inside on the trainer. Check out the latest episode of NSB as Olympic Cycling Coach and Author Gale Bernhardt shares cold weather riding tips!
Luke Hall talks about his racing season and what it was like coming home for Big Sugar and the 5th place finish and friends/family waiting for him at the finish.
Paul Alexander shares all the details for the Arkansas Cyclo-Cross State Championships p/b SHAM Events. Be sure and follow SHAM Events on Facebook to get all the latest event details. Coming soon from SHAM the Ouachita Gravel Grind.
Mat Stephens, of Dallas, TX, adds to his list of victories as the men's record holder for the Arkansas High Country Short Circuit Race completing the course in 17 hours and 36 minutes. (Photo Credit: Kai Caddy)
Annie Davis shares the story of her record setting pace to become the women's record holder for the Arkansas High Country Short Circuit Race. (Photo Credit: Kai Caddy)
By cyclists for cyclists, Natural State Rock and Republic owned and operated by professional cyclists Ernie and Scotti Lechuga, has everything you need to improve your biking life. From training to biking expeditions and everything in between, Ernie and Scott can help you whatever your riding ability. Check them out at naturalstaterockandrepublic.com
And, Dave Neal, owner of Mojo Cycling, offers a productive review for Deity pedals. Go to deitycomponents.com for more info.
Brannon Pack, cycling coordinator for Experience Fayetteville, and Tiffany Dixon, founder of Breakaway Cycling and All Cross, join this episode to share all the details on the upcoming cross season including the UCI World Cup leading to the World Championships in January 2022.
For more information go to:
cyclocrossfayettevillear.com AND
allcross.org
Todd Sadow and his staff from Epic Rides have been putting together top quality mountain bike events such as 24 hours in the Old Pueblo for just over 20 years. And, on October 15, 2021, they are returning to Bentonville for the 3rd year of Oz-Trails Off-Road. There's something for riders of all ages and abilities as well as professional racing. You don't want to miss this year's event.
Ashley Korenblat, CEO of Western Spirit Cycling and Founder of Outerbike, shares all things Outerbike and how an event such as this is helping make real change in the biking world. (Photo credit: Outerbike.com)
The Arkansas NICA League is entering its 6th season and is home to almost 750 student riders and about 350 coaches. The 2021 racing season features 3 new racing venues. Co -League Directors, Kyla Templeton and Terry Coddington, join NSB to share all the info on the upcoming season.
Whether you love Mt. Nebo and can't get enough or still on your list of places to go, mark your calendars for October 8th, 9th, and 10th for the Arkansas River Valley Bike Festival. Rides, races, and events for all ages and riding abilities.
Cayden Parker, only racing for 5 years and at age 17, was selected to be a team member of the US Mountain Bike Team to race at the UCI MTB World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy August 25th through August 29th. Cayden has a great story that started in Arkansas for which he credits hard work and a close relationship with his family.
The bike life and van life are the perfect match. In this episode, Candice Kozark, chief vanarchist behind Vanarchy in the Ozarks, and Jeff Gannon, with Affordable Trails Solutions and Van Diesel, his van build, introduce us to the great mash up that is bikes and vans.
NSB was looking for someone who had ridden the Arkansas section of the TransAmerica Trail and that's where Dylan Morton comes in. But there's more to Dylan's biking story - much more. Dylan's a solid dude with a great biking story and practically lives on his bike! Dylan stops by NSB after an almost 100 mile bike ride to talk more bikes
The Rogers Cycling Festival beginning and ending in historic downtown Rogers, Arkansas has something the entire family can enjoy. Come early for the farmer's market and stay late for the bike film festival hosted by Pedal It Forward at the historic Arkansas Public Theatre.
We all ride bikes for different reasons and are recovering from something. Gina Allgaier shares how losing her son to drug addiction led her to begin Speak Up About Drugs. Also,, Tyler Thompson, Peer Advocate for Speak Up About Drugs, shares his story to sobriety, beginning Ride 4 Recovery, and how biking helps him and many others get their lives back. It's also very cool to see how the community has come together to support Gina and Tyler along the way.
The Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship race series has been around for 25 years this year and Vince Cucco has been involved for 22 of those 25 years. Vince talks about the history and changes he has seen over the years and outlines this season's race schedule. He also offers great insight into the different race venues.
More and more people are needing bikes for recreation and transportation and there are many organizations and people working hard to get people bikes and teach them how to ride. Recycle Bikes for Kids and Pedal It Forward are two organizations connecting people and bikes, and Brittany Ducharme is a great example of giving back to the biking community. This episode will inspire you and is a great example of the motto 'It Takes A Village'.
Northwest Arkansas is the place to be for all things biking once again as the UCI Pump Track World Championship Qualifiers hosted by Red Bull come to the Runway Bike Park on May 22, 2021. The event spans four days, May 20th through the 23rd, with skills events, meet the pros, the World Qualifiers sponsored by Red Bull, and the USA Qualifiers. Make plans now to attend!
Kristie Holt and John Paul Shaffer, with People For Bikes, share about the programs they are working on in Bentonville, Arkansas and introduce us to a new app, Ride Spot, for tracking our biking activity. Plus, Kristie talks about this really cool book bike she launched when she lived in Dallas!
Brannon Pack, Cycling Coordinator with Experience Fayetteville, shares about the Oz Trails US Pro Cup Olympic Qualifier MTB Races taking place in Fayetteville, AR, and why Fayetteville is well-positioned to be the focal point of all things bike-race related across the country for the next several months.
Annie Davis shares her biking story and perspective of meeting people where they are at in their biking experience. And, Annie has big race plans for 2021 as she prepares for The Day Across Minnesota race coming up in August.
Narmine Ben Aissa shares her biking story and how being able to participate in the Grit MTB Festival inspired her to use biking to empower women in her home country of Tunisia. You never know how far the influence of doing a good deed will go, so when you have a chance to do good - do it! (Photo credit: Cece C. Nguyen).
Beckie Irvin, founder of Grit MTB Festival, shares her biking story, what led to Grit MTB Festival and much more.
NICA Coach, 37N guide, and member of Springdale Bike Club - and the list goes on. Melisa has a great biking story and it all began as a teacher volunteer for a hiking and biking club.
Brie Madden joins host Anya Bruhin to share her biking story and how her biking community is working and influencing positive change. Brie biked early in life and then took some time away for her collegiate sports career, starting her family and earning her law degree. She came back to biking as an adult and did not hesitate to make up for lost time on the bike.
Josh Fohner is just like the rest of us - he has plans for the future and loves to ride his bike, but Josh has one big difference - he suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of being struck by a vehicle while riding his bike in 2016. Now Josh's days are filled with rehab and recovery. This is his story as he and his parents work hard toward recovery and a 900 mile bike ride in June.
Adaptive athlete Jeremy McGhee doesn't let being a paraplegic slow down his athletic prowess as he skis, surfs and rides his mountain handbike. Jeremy shares his story and the work he is doing to make mountain bike trails more accessible for riders of all abilities. Also, Jeremy recently spent some time in Northwest Arkansas shooting some really cool video at places like Coler, The Railyard and Blowing Springs.
Frank Wimberley is THE person to know when it comes to mountain biking in and around Heber Springs, Arkansas. Frank walks shares about the biking history and rapidly growing biking scene in and around Heber Springs. Add Heber to your list of places to ride and be sure to save some time for water sports, Bridal Veil Falls, and climbing Sugarloaf Mountain (both of them!).
Rich Drew has been riding on 2 wheels since he was about 5 years old. Married with a family of his own, Rich is taking his biking and racing experiences across the country to share with others so they too can share the 2 wheeled gospel.
Dr. Megan Bolinder with Northwest Arkansas Community College shares information about the partnership with the Bicycle Industry Employers Association to offer a bicycle technician certification at NWACC. Also, Frank Webber, owner of HEX Carbon Workshop in Little Rock, talks about repairing carbon fiber bike frames.
Paxton Roberts, Executive Direct of BikeNWA, shares hiw BikeNWA has responded to COVID and; Ryan Hale, Founder/CEO of Laneshift Mobility, explains how Laneshift works to help communities be more bike friendly.
The Bentonville Bike Fest is shaping up to be a great event. Event organizer and mountain bike trials world champion Kenny Belaey and his assistant Jessy Heard give us a look at what we can expect at this year's festival AND what makes Bentonville a unique biking destination. Also, enduro pro and Bentonville local Zoe March joins the episode to share about her career and being the Women's Shred Ambassador for the Bentonville Bike Fest.
Coler offers the complete biking experience for the novice and advanced rider and it's a great place for families as well. Kenny Williams and Lori Reed share all things Coler and offer a peak at what's to come in 2021. Also, Federico Suarez shares his biking story from growing up in Uruguay to riding the roads and mountain bike trails of Arkansas.
If you're experiencing pain or discomfort during or after your bike ride, possibly a professional bike fit and physical therapy will help resolve your issues. Dr. Zac Snow, with Crankworks PT, shares information about the importance of a good bike fit and physical therapy to improving your biking experience and keeping you on the bike longer. Also, Melisa Jennings sort of fell into biking as a teacher/chaperone for a school biking club several years ago and now finds herself part of the growing biking community in Northwest Arkansas. She shares about her biking story, mentoring others and offers up advice for those just getting into biking.
The biking boom in Arkansas is giving rise to numerous different businesses touching the biking world. In this episode, NSB starts taking a look at some of those businesses as Danny Collins and Ryan Hale share about 37 North. Also, if you've ridden a bike much in NWA you probably have heard of HB Fink, he joins NSB to share his biking story in the rider spotlight.
Camp Robinson and Two Rivers/River Mountain Parks comprise an urban oasis of mountain biking. Camp Robinson is the OG and has been on the biking scene in North Little Rock for years and Basil Hicks, II is THE History Book for those trails. Just minutes away the Two Rivers/River Mountain Parks are bringing a new look to west Little Rock. John Eckart, Director of Little Rock Parks and Rec shares the details on biking these trails.
Ted King, retired from professional road racing and having won or been on the podium in nearly all of the top gravel races, took on the Arkansaw High Country Race as his first ultra bikepacking race. The result? Owner of the men's and overall FKT for the racecourse at 4 days, 20 hours, 51 minutes. Ted joined Natural State Bikes to share his race experience.
(Photo Credit: Kai Caddy)
Ashley Carelock, known for such things as winning the Fat Bike World Championship in 2018 and being the record holder for the Colorado Trail Race, firmly left her mark in the Arkansaw High Country Race record book as holding the women's FKT for the race at 7 days, 9 hours.
(Photo Credit: Kai Caddy)
Dr. Seth Wood, with rides such as the Tour Divide among many other ultra distance biking events, set the Arkansaw High Country Race OKT/FKT for SINGLE SPEED at 7 days, 12 hours, 18 minutes! He has a great story to tell, a large part of which includes continuing his biking experience after having been struck by a vehicle and severely injured in 2013.
(Photo Credit: Kai Caddy)
Austin Albers, with the Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca, talks about the largest downhill mountain bike trail system in the central US cut into the Ozark Mountains. Then, Jason Lofton from De Queen, takes time from his busy schedule to share his biking story and what's being done to build the biking community in and around De Queen.
Thanks to alley cat events like 'Groadin' Outta Imboden' the gravel scene in Northeast Arkansas is growing. The area has so much to offer - great gravel, scenery, history and hospitality that can't be beat. Add this area to your list of 'go to' places to get your gravel on!
In this episode, Bianca Montoya as host and guest, along with Bea Apple and Kim Seay (and Kim’s dog Sparky makes a guest appearance as well) share how the Black, Indigenous, People of Color biking community is using the simplicity of riding bikes to tackle societal issues such raising awareness of the continued need for diversity, equity, and inclusion as basic societal standards among the BIPOC community. Natural State Bikes was honored to play even a small part in such an important cause.
Cody Steussy, from Northwest Arkansas, and Traci Berry, from Hot Springs, bring awareness of the LGBTQ+ community to the Arkansas biking scene by being their authentic selves. Another great example of bringing people together through the simplicity of riding bikes.
Olivia Barraza shares her passion for biking and how Arkansas Latinas Bike is creating space for Latina women in the biking community. Thank you Blanca Maldonado for helping with this episode. (Note: The interview is in Spanish, the opening and closing are in English).
Olivia Barraza shares her passion for biking and how Arkansas Latinas Bike is creating space for Latina women in the biking community.
Luke Hall, fresh off his record setting victory at the Kansas Cannonball 550, talks bikes and how he made it through the race and shaved 3 hours and 45 minutes off the previous fastest time.
Brannon Pack, communitarian, long-time bike advocate and cycling coordinator for Experience Fayetteville, talks about his biking experiences and what this year’s high country race looks like. You can get more information on Facebook @arkansaw high country race and on Instagram @arhighcountryrace.
Follow the link below to register:
https://rivervalley.ozarkoffroadcyclists.org/races-tours/arkansaw-high-country-race
Ty and Krista Cloud love bikepacking and everything outdoors. In this episode they share their experience and passion that led them to host Bikepacking NWA - a bikepacking event on October 3rd and 4th starting at Lake Bella Vista.
Traci, Stepehn and Bucky wrap up the series on Hot Springs. There is a lot of great riding in and around Hot Springs for all ages and riding abilities, be sure and put Hot Springs at the top of your list for your next Arkansas biking adventure.
In this episode, Traci, Stephen and Bucky share more information about all things bike related in and around Hot Springs.
Episode 1 in a 3-part series on biking in and around Hot Springs. In this episode, Traci Berry and Anthony Whittington talk about Northwoods Trail (people choice as the favorite trail in Arkansas), Gudrun Mountain Bike Festival and what it’s like biking in Hot Springs.
Chuck Maxwell, President of the Ozark Off Road Cyclists, shares information on how bike and nature enthusiasts alike can get involved and help promote end protect the Buffalo Headwaters Mountain Bike Trail system - an IMBA Epic trail system. Plans for Phase II of trail development are in jeopardy from logging plans by the Forest Service.
Luke Hall shares what it’s like coaching Thaden School’s gravel racing team - most likely the only high school gravel racing team in the country.
Anya Bruhin, Education Programs Manager for BikeNWA, shares information about how biking is changing the landscape of kindergarten through middle school students. She also gives us a peak at her upcoming opportunity with 37 North Expeditions as an event guide.
Conway has been designated a Bike Friendly Community for several years now and boasts a strong bicycling community. Erik and Tara Leamon have been instrumental in the Conway biking scene for almost two decades. Also, Derek Brooks shares his biking story from Little Rock in the Rider Spotlight.
Mountain biking in Arkansas started with a road trip to Crested Butte, CO back in the late 80s. Tim Scott, the Assistant Park Superintendent at Devil's Den State Park, and a couple of colleagues took a van trip to see what mountain biking was all about, and the rest at they say, is history.
What a better way to find out what makes mountain biking in Bentonville great and unique than talking to Aimee and Nat Ross. Aimee is Director of Bike Bentonville and Nat is a 2008 inductee into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. They have lived many different places and biked around the world, it's great to hear their insight into biking in Bentonville.
Kalene Griffith, President and CEO of Visit Bentonville, discusses how she and her staff keep the bicycle wheels going round and round. All you need to know for your next visit to Bentonville is in this episode!
In this second of a 5 part series Gary Vernon, with the Walton Family Foundation, wraps up his interview with more great information about mountain biking in Bentonville and even gives a sneak peek at what's up and coming in the next few years for Bentonville.
Gary Vernon, with the Walton Family Foundation, discusses the early years of mountain biking in Bentonville and the biking culture coming alive. Gary has great insight as he's been involved from the very beginning and continues his involvement today.
Excited to go back to where biking started for me and talk with longtime friends Robby Glasco about Pedal the Ridge and high school friend Greg Webb who has been tearing it up on his mountain and gravel bikes for quite a while.
Joe Falcon, retired law enforcement Operations Lieutenant responsible for the PD bike team and National Bicycle Instructor certified, shares great information for bike safety. For the beginning bike rider to the seasoned cyclist, from greenway trails to road and mountain biking, great information to keep us safe on our bikes.
I had an opportunity to go back home to Jonesboro for this episode and talk with Andy Shatley and Jeff Chastain who shared their stories and insight for biking in the area. Jonesboro has had some challenges lately with COVID 19 AND a tornado in March, but the future looks promising for the biking community.
Mitchell Allen and Jeff Gannon share info about mtb trails at Bluffton Preserve and Rattlesnake Ridge and Randy Rawls and Lesley Thompson promote biking events in Warren and Magnolia.
Scotti Lechuga races bikes competitively and, along with her husband, trains other athletes to do the same. At the end of the day though, she's learned to keep all things in perspective and strives for balance in her life and for her family.
Holly Stuart is a self-made cyclist for the road, gravel and mountain bike scene in and around Jonesboro, Arkansas. Through her love for biking she has taken many other women on the first ride of their biking journey.
Co-Host Anya Bruhin talks with Ashley Patterson and Lauren Pickman who share how The Women of Oz are using the biking community to change lives and empower women.
Missy Vail shares her biking story and how she faces her personal challenges with MS. Her fierce determination helps her as a competitive mountain bike racer, led her to complete RPI as well as to lead Team Vail while biking for MS 150.
The first in the series of 'Women of Biking in Arkansas'. Aerah Hardin shares her story which takes us from Hot Springs, to Iceland, Peru and MTBLAO. Along the way Aerah, who describes herself as being very comfortable as her strong, independent self, learns the value of being vulnerable.
Updates on the Arkansaw High Country and OGT Races as well as the National Bike Month 'Women of Biking in Arkansas' series of episodes. Changes to the NSB logo are shared as well as how to keep in touch with Natural State Bikes.
David VanSandt talks about the great riding opportunities in Siloam Springs. From the Wango Tango endurance mountain bike race to the Crystal Bridges gravel experience, Siloam has it all. Then, local bike mechanic Dakota Falcon shares bike maintenance tips and tricks to keep your bike running smooth.
Do you know what Arkansas' Monument Trails are or where Arkansas' rail to trail Delta Heritage Trail is located:? Tune in as Joe Jacobs, Outdoor Recreation Specialist with the Arkansas State Parks, shares that information and more! Also, hear from Josh Johnson about his biking experience in the rider spotlight.
Kyla Templeton discusses the history and growth of the Arkansas NICA League and Dakota Falcon and Zoe March share their thoughts on what NICA means to them.
Dirk Merle and The OGT, PRLF, Chocolate Rolls and more. Kate Geisen shares her thoughts about riding in Arkansas.
Chuck Campbell and Brannon Pack discuss the Arkansas High Country Race and how Experience Fayetteville will bring some good changes to the 2020 race. Also, this episode's rider spotlight is longtime friend, Elizabeth Daughrity.
Paxton Roberts shares his thoughts on the current state of biking Arkansas and exciting things in the near future.