Arkansas Outside

January 2024 Public Meeting - Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas (New Venue)
2024-01-11 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Whole Hog Cafe – Cantrell Road, 2516 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, 72202, United States
Come meet Marley Blonsky, co-founder of All Bodies on Bikes as she shares her take on inclusive cycling.

Marley Blonsky is a fat adventure cyclist, co-founder of All Bodies on Bikes, co-host of the All Bodies on Bikes podcast, curve model, advocate, and consultant. Marley is fiercely passionate about size inclusion, believing that everyone deserves full access to life – including at work, in sports, and at home.

Come early for socializing in the community room at Whole Hog Cafe on Cantrell.

BACA will also be presenting updates on several current bicycling projects in central Arkansas.

January 2024 Public Meeting – Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas

Arkansas R3/The Pea Ridge Ramble
2024-01-07 10:00 - 15:00 | Rapha Bentonville, 117 West Central Avenue, Bentonville, 72712, United States
Join us on Sunday, January 7th, for a great day of riding rural roads, with a stop in at the Pea Ridge hub, and a Q&A with Andy Chasteen and the Pea Ridge mayor Nathan See about his vision for the future of cycling in Pea Ridge.
We’ll depart from Rapha Bentonville at 10 am and head towards Pea Ridge, taking in a few of the new connectors that OZ Gravel and Trailblazers have recently finished. Then a mid-ride stop at the Pea Ridge hub with the mayor, and some local food and beverage (possibly some coffee and donuts!). Then we’ll ride back to Bentonville for post ride food and libations and happy hour pricing at The Hub Bike Lounge.
We’ll have a long route and a shorter route for folks to choose from, and similar to our last community event, you ride at your own pace!
The event is free, but we ask you to RSVP for accurate food and drink estimates.
The routes can be found here:
30-mile—> https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45003310
36-mile—> https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45150008

2024 Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon and 17 Mile Blaylock Creek Fun Run
2024-01-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Big Fork Community Center, 6118 AR-8, Mena, AR, 71953, United States
Welcome to the 2024 Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon and 17 Mile Blaylock Creek Fun Run.
Race Director: Stacey Shaver-Matson
Saturday January 6, 2024
8:00am Start Time For Both Runs
A registration link will be made available to the public on the ABF Facebook page at 7:30am August 1st.
We fully expect there to be a long wait list, but don’t despair. Many people get moved off the wait list every year because we have a great number of drops in November and December.
Thank you for your interest in our event. If you aren’t able to run our event please consider volunteering.
Registration is required. 250 Runner limit. We hate being wasteful with supplies, so please unregister at least two weeks before race date if you change your mind
In an effort to be green, ABF will be cupless this year for aid stations and the post-race party.

Ouachita Gravel Grind p/b SHAM
2024-01-06 | Blue Springs Grill, 6225 AR-7, Jessieville, 71949, United States
Event Date: January 6, 2024

Thank you for joining us for the 2024 Ouachita Gravel Grind!! We are pumped and ready to bring you a top tier experience.
Events
This year’s OGG will include a 100K race, a 50K Junior RACE, & a 50K tour. Both the race and tour will have mass starts.

Preparty and Packet Pickup
Packet pickup, meet and greet, and prerace dinner will be held Friday at Superior Bathhouse Brewery in downtown Hot Springs on Bathhouse Row. Superior’s address is: 329 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901. Packets will be available there between 6pm and 8 pm. SHAM will have a beer tab available and each registrant will get one beer ticket /root beer ticket(JUNIORS!). Otherwise, their full menu and bar will be available, and you will be responsible for your tab. Look forward to seeing you guys there!!

Location for Race HQ and Start/Finish
The start/finish will be on W Main Haul Rd, approximately 1 mile north of Hwy 298, at the intersection of W Main Haul Rd and Ritter Trail. The GPS coordinates are 34°41’51.3″N 93°06’10.3″W. If you put that in your GPS, it should take you directly to the race start. You will see our tents set up at the start/finish.
From the intersection of Hwy 298 and Hwy 7 at the Blue Springs Grill, drive west on Hwy 298 ~2.9 miles to the intersection of W Main Haul Rd. Turn right (north) on W Main Haul Rd. The start finish is less than a mile ahead. Park on the right (east) side of the road only.
Parking
As you approach the start/finish, park along the gravel road on the east side. This is the right side as you drive toward the start/finish. There should be plenty of room to park along the road.

Bathrooms
We will have two porta-potties at the race start. There are several convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, and even a Walmart in the area. And, we’re in the middle of woods providing ample space for the more adventurous riders to relieve their bladders. Please plan accordingly.
Route
You can download a GPS file to download into your bike computer or phone at:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38104326

It’s an out-and-back course of 100% gravel through the gorgeous Ouachita Forest north of Hot Springs, AR.

Bike Choice
Unlike most routes in Arkansas, the gravel on this course isn’t particularly rocky, but you’ll still need to prepare for some rough areas. A gravel or cyclocross bike with 35-40+ mm tires will be the best choice for most people. It could be ridden on a tough set of 28 mm road tires, but would be less comfortable, and probably not as fast. It could also be ridden on a mountain bike, but the suspension and wider tires would not be considered necessary. Having said that, bike choice is very personal. Ride what is comfortable for you. Many will prefer the handling and gearing of a mountain bike. Others may prefer the familiarity and position of a road setup. For the majority, the fastest and most comfortable choice will be a drop bar, relaxed, gravel/cyclocross bike with 35-40+ mm tires.

Aid station
We will have our usual “hubcap” aid station!! You’ll see it at ~15 miles after the start, and ~15 miles from the finish on this out-and-back course. SHAM will be running our “dead crow” turnaround aid station at the midpoint of the race, and the timing at the start/finish.

The aid stations will have water coolers to fill your bike bottle, and basic nutrition available (bananas, granola bars, etc.) There will be very basic tools to get your bike in order, if needed. This may include a tire pump, boot, tubes, hex wrenches, etc. With that in mind, please plan to support yourself. A flat kit with two tubes, master link, and multitool are all highly encouraged.
Drop bags
The 100K racers will be given an option to have a drop bag at the turnaround. The bag will be
provided BY YOU and returned AFTER the event SWEEP is complete. It will need to be sealed and well marked so you will be able to recognize it easily. They will be gathered at the start on the morning of the race and will be laid out on a tarp at the turnaround for you to pick up, remove or leave what you like, and re-seal. We will
then return them to the finish line for you to retrieve. Any bags or belongings left will be thrown
away or donated.

Time cutoffs
The 62 mile race/tour will have time cutoffs at each aid station. Total time allowed to complete the 62 mile course will be 6 hours. That’s a 9 mph average. If you do not believe you can keep a 9 mph avg for 62 miles, please move your registration to the 40 mile course. Time cutoffs for the aid stations will be:

30 mile turnaround: 1:00 pm
45 mile station: 2:30 pm

At 1 pm, the 30 mile aid station at “dead crow turnaround” will pack up and start heading up the course SWEEPING toward the finish. If they encounter a rider that hasn’t turned around yet, that rider will be required to turn around and head back to the finish at that time. This van will also act as a sweep vehicle for the course. If they encounter riders heading back to the finish after they had already made the turnaround aid station, they will not sweep them up unless they miss the cutoff at mile 46. The SWEEP will be able to accommodate a limited number of riders and their bikes and carry them back to race HQ. Once in the broom wagon, you may not get out to continue riding. You will arrive back to race HQ by 4 pm. If you have a friend pick you up from the course, please be corteous and stop by the start/finish and let us know you’re finished for the day.

Safety
We have a safety plan in place in the event a rider has a medical or mechanical issue. We request that all riders carry a cell phone. If you need non-emergency help, dial one of the race directors. Stephen Harrison: 501-655-2182, Adam Moore: 501-318-8870, or Paul Alexander: 501-681-6030. If you need emergency help, dial 911, then the race directors. If you do not have cell service, but can safely move yourself, head to the nearest aid station. The aid stations will have long range walkie talkies to get in touch with race headquarters and HAM operators, along with cell phones. The roads will remain open throughout the race, and ambulances can get anywhere along the course, if necessary. We are planning for an event without such needs, but we have notified all local authorities if one should arise.

During this event, deer hunting will be in season for archery only. No gun hunting of any kind is permitted in the counties we’re riding through on race day. Hunting is never allowed on roads, either. Bow hunters are much closer to their target than gun hunters, and less likely to mistake their target. We expect a safe event. However, we highly encourage everyone to wear bright neon colors, preferably orange or pink. Be seen! You want to stand out. This will keep everyone safer.
Also, if you have symptoms of any illness, stay home. FFS, I can’t believe I have to write that at all.

Raceday schedule: January 6, 2024
9:00 am Packet pickup available
9:50 am Packet pickup closes
10:00 am Start for all riders
4:00 pm Riders are finished

Post race
Following the race, we will have podium shots and hand out the awards. For anyone excited about sharing the post-race stoke feel free to meet up back at Superior Bathhouse Brewery Saturday evening for post race hash-out!

Lodging
We have no affiliation with any lodging facilities. This information may be of help for you. If you have questions, please ask!
Camping: USFS campgrounds are closed for the winter, including Iron Springs, S Fourche, and Lake Sylvia. Gulpha Gorge in Hot Springs 20 min away and has facilities for RVs, fifth wheels, etc. Primitive camping may or may not be available along FR 11 (aka Gladstone Forest Road).

Hotel/motel/B&B: Village Inn 5 min away at the Main Gate for Hot Springs Village; Mountain Thyme B&B 10 min away; Hotel Hot Springs, The Waters, Embassy Suites, and other hotels in downtown Hot Springs 20 min away.
Airbnb, vrbo, homeaway: multiple private rentals within 15-30 minutes of the race site

Questions/Concerns
Please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding this event. Message us through our Facebook page at facebook.com/shameventsllc, email us at shameventsllc@gmail.com. You can also post a question in the Facebook event, and we can answer it there. I’m sure other participants will have the same question! If you need to call us, you can contact Paul Alexander at 501-681-6030, Adam Moore 501-318-8870, or Stephen Harrison at 501-655-2182 via voice call or text message.

Happy New Year Red Hot Cider Float
2024-01-01 11:00 - 15:00 | Pinnacle Mountain State Park, 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road, Little Rock, AR, 72223, United States
New Year’s Day is coming soon. It’s time to get your canoe or kayak and join us for the traditional bringing in of the new year with a trip down the Little Maumelle River just west of Little Rock. We will meet at 11:00 AM Monday at Pinnacle Mountain State Park by the boat ramp at the West Side parking lot. We will unload and run a shuttle. The trip is about three miles and we will take out at the TNC Ranch Northwoods Preserve. We will stop along the way to celebrate the new year with a cup of hot cider. So, pack your lunch and anything else that you want or want to share. If the group is small we will stop for lunch at the camping platform. If it is large, we will stop at the Ranch picnic area. This event will not be canceled! If the weather is bad, we will just dress accordingly and understand those who decided not to come. (Well, if it’s extremely cold with freezing rain, it might be canceled! I hate freezing rain!)
I look forward to seeing you all there! Happy New Year!
Debbie Doss

This event is co-hosted by the Arkansas Canoe Club-Central Chapter and the Arkansas Watertrails Partnership and ACCBOATR.
Special thanks to The Nature Conservancy of Arkansas for access at Ranch Northwoods Preserve.
Save this date and join us for a fun time and the absolutely best kick-off for 2024.
Directions: https://www.google.com/…/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0…

Frozen Buns Run
2024-01-01 09:00 - 12:00 | Fort Chaffee, 7313 Terry St,, Fort Smith, AR, 72916, United States
HOSTED BY WESTERN ARKANSAS RUNNERS- OUR ANNUAL FROZEN BUNS RUN IS COMING UP SOON AND WE HOPE THAT YOU ARE READY TO JOIN US ON NEW YEARS DAY 2024 !! WE ALWAYS HAVE SUCH A GREAT TIME AND ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING YOUR COMPANY AGAIN. WE WILL HAVE BOTH A 5K AND 10K AGAIN THIS YEAR FOR YOU TO CHOOSE FROM ! AS ALWAYS ALL RUNNERS WILL RECEIVE A FINISHERS AWARD AND A GIVEAWAY. AFTER THE RACE IS OVER WE WILL HAVE AWARDS, HOT CHOCOLATE, VARIETIES OF CHILI AND THE MAKINGS TO ENJOY ALONG WITH IT AND OTHER FOOD ITEMS. BRING YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITS TO SHARE AND ENJOY WITH YOUR FELLOW RUNNERS TO HELP KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR !!
AS ALWAYS, IF WEATHER REQUIRES, WE WILL HAVE THE FIRE PIT BLAZING TO KEEP WARM WHILE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE WE WILL HAVE SOME WARMTH IN OUR WONDERFUL BUILDING. WATCH FOR UPDATES ON THIS POST, HOWEVER EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE UNLESS EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS. THIS RACE STARTED 9 YEARS AGO DUE TO A FRIGID WINTER AND OUR RACES GETTING CANCELLED AND WE ALL DECIDED TO RUN OUR RACES ON NEW YEARS DAY. HELP US CARRY ON THE TRADITION WHILE ENJOYING TIME WITH YOUR FELLOW RUNNING FRIENDS/FAMILY. START YOUR NEW YEAR OFF DOING SOMETHING HEALTHY AND GOOD FOR YOU AND BRING YOUR RUNNING FRIENDS.
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD , IN PREVIOUS YEARS WE HAD PARTICIPANTS FROM AS FAR AWAY AS ALASKA!!! CAPPING RACE AT 100.

2nd Annual Central Arkansas' Last Chance Run
2023-12-30 09:00 - 11:00 | War Memorial Park, 5101 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR, 72205
Please join local running clubs including the Arkansas Running Klub, Cabot Country Cruisers, Conway Running Club, Little Rock Roadrunners, Saline County Striders and the Spa Pacers on Saturday, December 30th at 9 AM for the 2nd Annual Central Arkansas’ Last Chance Run! This FREE run will take place at War Memorial Park and anyone is welcome to participate! We will meet in the parking lot west of the roundabout at Fair Park Blvd and Zoo Dr. There is limited parking within the park, but there is plenty of overflow parking at the nearby War Memorial Stadium.
There will be 2.5 mile marked loop around the park that participants will be welcome to run or walk as many times as they would like! There will also be a 1/2 mile kids run at 8:40 AM.
Drinks and snacks will be provided after the run in a covered pavilion and there will be a number of door prizes to be given away to registered participants that are in attendance. Many of the participating running clubs and sponsors will have tables and tents set up so you can get in your miles with old friends, and then hang out out afterwards to make some new ones!
We will also be taking donations of canned food and non-perishable food items for the Arkansas Foodbank. Donations are not required, but are encouraged. The participating running clubs will once again have a friendly competition to win the Last Chance Run Cup. See more information below.
Thank you to our sponsors and friends that have helped to make this event possible: Arkansas RRCA Grand Prix, Blue Rose Physical Therapy, Garner Timing Services, Little Rock Parks & Recreation and Rock City Running. Special thanks to Little Rock Parks & Recreation for once again allowing us to use War Memorial Park for the event!
Please note that this is a “rain or shine” event with exception for unsafe inclement weather (e.g. lightning). Those who choose to participate should recognize that the suggested route will be open to the public and part of the loop will involve running along a sidewalk of a city street with vehicular traffic. Each individual is encouraged to use appropriate caution and is responsible for his or her own safety. Additionally, if runners choose to run outside the designated loop they need to do so at their own discretion, as the streets around the park will be open to the public.

The Last Chance Cup – Benefiting Arkansas Food Bank

Currently 1 in 6 Arkansans struggle to provide enough food for their family, and 1 in 5 children in Arkansas are at risk for going hungry. As the largest hunger-relief organization in the state, The Arkansas Foodbank is the foundation in the fight against hunger. They find pathways to connect people, resources and food to reach those in need, providing dignity, hope and a brighter future for all Arkansans.
We will once again be having a friendly competition for the Last Chance Run Cup that will culminate at midnight on December 31, 2023. The winning club will be determined based on the number of meals provided per club member. Every $1 donated is equal to 5 meals, while 1.2 lbs of food is equal to 1 meal. The Arkansas Foodbank will be at the event taking donations of canned food and non-perishable food items. Last year the event raised over $10,000 in donations and 1,328 lbs of food were collected on the day of the event. As a result more than 55,000 meals were able to be provided to Arkansans because of the generosity of our running community. Let’s try to top that this year!
Donations are not required, but are encouraged. If you are part of a club please make any cash donations by clicking on the club name below. If you aren’t part of a running club, but wish to make a donation, you can either donate on behalf of a club of your choice or visit www.arkansasfoodbank.org.
Ark Running Klub
Cabot Country Cruisers
Conway Running Club
Little Rock Roadrunners
Saline County Striders
Spa Pacers

First Day Hikes - 2024
2023-12-30 - 2024-01-01
First Day Hikes are focused on healthy habits and lifelong memories.
This year for First Day Hikes Arkansas State Parks will offer guided hikes at many Arkansas State Parks, as well as encourage self-guided walks and hikes on the “New Year Weekend,” (Dec. 30-Jan. 1) for those who would like to explore on their own.

Expedition Ozark Virtual Information Session
2023-12-19 20:00 - 22:00
Join Expedition Ozark Race Directors Danny Collins and Jason Bettis for an in-depth discussion on the 2024 Expedition Ozark and the premier multi-day adventure race in the United States – returning to the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas April 7-13th, 2024!

To attend this virtual info session, please follow the registration link to register today!
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ql7Qo6yrTPSrrTEoae3FAg

For those who can’t attend the Info Session, it will be recorded and posted to the Expedition Ozark YouTube channel.

You can submit questions in advance on the discussion tab here and to media@expeditionozark.com

Red Lick Mountain Bike Trail Grand Opening
2023-12-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Red Lick Mountain Bike Park Hub, GHV2+35R, Clarksville, 72830, United States
It’s been a long time coming, and we are so excited to finally get our trail system open officially! Mountain bike enthusiasts gear-up and get ready to ride these super sweet trails and join us for the grand opening/ ribbon cutting on December 9th at 1:00 pm at the Red Lick mountain bike trail hub (North of Lake Ludwig).
Google Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/e5wgHmxmCJCKLoCM9
More information on these trails is available here: https://arkansasoutside.com/quality-of-life-clarksville-finds-a-path/

Ugly Sweater 5K
2023-12-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Two Rivers Park, 6722 Two Rivers Park Road, Little Rock, AR, 72223, United States
Dig out that ugly holiday sweater and celebrates the best of the season with a healthy dose of physical fitness! Part of the Run Local Race Series. For more information, visit uglysweaterrace.com. Benefits Little Rock Parks & Recreation.
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Two Rivers Park – Little Rock

Countdown to event

Raid the Rock Adventure Race
2023-12-16 - 2023-12-17 | Downtown Little Rock – Broadway & Markhan, Broadway & Markham, Little Rock, AR, 72201, United States
Raid the Rock 8-Hour Adventure Race
The 2023 Raid the Rock Traditional/Intermediate course will be an 8-hour adventure race that covers approximately 40-50 miles of wilderness terrain mountain biking, trekking/running, canoeing, and rope elements. Teams or solo racers will navigate the course with a map and compass.
The mileage ranges for each discipline on the traditional/intermediate course are Mountain biking 15-20 miles, Trekking/running 10-15 miles (wilderness, trails, and dirt roads), and canoeing 5-10 miles (flat water).
Raid the Rock 24 Hour Adventure Race
The 2023 Raid the Rock long course will be a 24-hour adventure race that covers approximately 100 miles of wilderness terrain mountain biking, trekking/running, canoeing and rope elements. Teams or solo racers will navigate the course with a map and compass.

Raid the Rock 2023
2023-12-16 - 2023-12-17 | Central Arkansas, 72201, United States
RACE LOCATION
We are excited to be in the Central Region of Arkansas for the 2023 Race. Check out Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau for lodging and dining options.
RACE COURSES
There will be two course options: an 8-hour intermediate course and a 24-hour advanced course. Each course will require advanced navigation. You can find more information on the drop-down menu of the Race Information tab. Stay tuned for updates for each race.
RACE FEES

8 HOUR COURSE: Registration opens June 1st

Early Bird (ends on Sept 2nd ):
$100 per racer

Right On Time (ends on Sept 23rd):
$150 per racer

Getting Close to Late (ends on Oct 6th):
$175 per racer

Now I’m Late (Starts Oct 7th):
$200 per racer

24 HOUR COURSE: Registration opens June 1st

Early Bird (ends on Sept 2nd):
$225 per racer

Right On Time (ends on Sept 23rd:
$250 per racer

Getting Close to Late (ends on Oct 6th):
$275 per racer

Now I’m Late (Starts Oct 7th):
$300 per racer

Guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience!

Monday Night CATA Mountain Bike Ride
2023-12-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Gradys Pizza & Subs, 6801 W 12th St Ste C, Little Rock, AR, 72204, United States
Central Arkansas Trail Alliance will host a fun, no drop, lap of mountain biking at Boyle. You don’t need to be a member to join the ride.

Wheels up from Gradys on 12th at 6 pm.
Helmets and lights are required.

This ride happens on the second and fourth Monday of the month.

Trail of Lights Bike Ride
2023-12-11 17:30 - 19:30
Join us for a bike ride through the Sherwood Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights!
Monday 12/11
Meet at 5:30
Roll out at 5:45
Miles: 6.54
Incline/decline: 375 ft
Lights required
Decorating your bike encouraged!
We will meet at the Sylvan Hills Junior High School at 10001 Johnson Dr, Sherwood, AR 72120
Hope to see you there!!

National Guard GRIT Beast Challenge
2023-12-09 07:00 - 15:00 | Mount Nebo State Park, 16728 West State Hwy. 155, Dardanelle, AR, 72834, United States
A race experience built with everyone in mind. Mountain biking, running, or both, we will provide a live race atop the BEAUTIFUL Mt. Nebo! All proceeds from the race will support our local National Guard’s Family Readiness Group Alpha Battery 1-206 FA.
You will choose 1 of 2 options
1) THE BEAST: Duathlon (Run 4m, Bike 7m, Run 4m) on Mt. Nebo
2) THE BEAST 2 person TEAM: Duathlon (Run 4m, Bike 7m, Run 4m) on Mt. Nebo
