(from media release)
Recycle Bikes for Kids announces the second ARVEST DiRTY FONDO will take place on Sunday, May 19 at Historic Marlsgate in Scott, Arkansas. This is a gravel grinder on farm roads in Lonoke County with a couple of levee crossings and plenty of scenic bridges to traverse. Coffee on the Veranda is at 7:00 am. The Mass Start is at 8:00 am, but you can start later if you prefer. Be back by noon for Lunch On The Grounds, sponsored by Garver USA. This is a southern style box lunch catered by the Marlsgate staff.
Three routes are on tap this year. The “CDI Contractors Dirty Levee Route” is 48 miles and crosses a double track levee coming and going. The Big Barn Rest Stop is at mile 12.5 and also at mile 35. The Treasure Chest Rest Stop is also on this route, but its location is a secret. Look for the Pirate Flag to help you locate the treasure chest and check inside for refreshments and any available prizes.
Be advised that last year the 50-mile route was won by Ben Gabardi in 2 hours, 30 minutes. Ben was awarded free entry into this year’s Dirty Fondo so that tradition will continue.
The Rest Stop Route is a 28-mile route that includes the Big Barn Rest Stop with music, snow cones, snacks and plenty of hydration choices. This is a lollipop route with plenty of gravel available. There’s no treasure chest on this route, but there are Painted Rocks along the route. If you find one, bring it back to the finish line and match it with one of the numbered door prizes at the Prize Table.
The new Half-N-Half Route is an 18-mile route with 9 miles of gravel and 9 miles of pavement. This route is perfect for an introduction to gravel grinding, so pass the word to your friends. There will also be a rest stop on this route at the halfway point.
There are rubber Gravel Ducks at each rest stop, so be sure and grab one. They are numbered and select door prizes will be numbered at the finish line. If your number matches one of the prizes, it’s yours!
Our friends at Flyway Brewing are sponsoring a new gravel bike for one lucky rider. By being one of the 200 riders who register and pay the $90 registration fee, you could win an Ultegra equipped Specialized Diverge, sized to the winner with different color options and offered by Arkansas Cycling and Fitness bicycle shop.
When you return to Marlsgate, visit the Beer Garden and the Silent Auction Tent before you enjoy lunch with everyone. Be sure and wear your Dirty Fondo cap for the group portrait during lunch. The cap will be in your swag bag, along with other swag items from local bike shops.
Flyway Brewing will be hosting Packet Pickup on Friday, May 17 from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm, so drop by their Argenta location at 314 Maple Street, North Little Rock and grab some swag, a beer and have lunch or dinner.
Registration for the Arvest Dirty Fondo assures Recycle Bikes for Kids will continue their mission of giving free bicycles to kids and providing adults a chance to Earn-A-Bike by volunteering.
Registration opens Saturday morning at www.bikereg.com/arvest-dirty-
