A little over 4 years ago, Lisa and I decided to see if we could make an online magazine work. We saw an unfilled niche in local outdoor recreation coverage, a topic near and dear to us. We weren’t and still aren’t skilled writers, but with the help of friends and occasional glances at a thesaurus, we delivered some workable stories. For the first time in over 15 years, I rekindled an interest in photography and hired a website developer. In December of 2011 we introduced ourselves to Arkansas by working with the Capital Hotel to sponsor a bicycle centered movie viewing and we were on our way.
Over the next 4 years we traveled the state participating in, reporting on and taking photos at outdoor events. Volunteers began helping by writing articles for us. Advertisers stepped up to help us financially. The website grew. We had the opportunity to follow Arkansans across the country as they competed in national events, the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race, The Pikes Peak Marathon and recently, the Cyclocross Nationals in Asheville, North Carolina.
We have watched people ride their first half mile on a bike and a cyclist from Sheridan, Arkansas set a world record riding a bicycle over 76,000 miles in one year. We’ve worked with local and national groups to introduce women and children to cycling. We’ve sponsored trail runs that have introduced hundreds of runners to the joys of running off road. We’ve worked with the Arkansas Times to develop the Bike Arkansas magazine and the soon to be published Run Arkansas magazine. For a while, thanks to Josiah Moody and Vino’s Brew Pub, we even had a namesake beer.
Of course the most important thing that has happened is the friends we’ve made; people who’ve become large parts of our lives. Friends who’ve stepped up and helped us not just with Arkansas Outside, but in our personal lives. It’s been an incredible trip and way more gratifying than we ever expected.
While Arkansas Outside continues to be a popular online venue for outdoor enthusiasts to share the love, we have decided to step away from it in order to return to doing the things we love as participants and be more involved in advocacy work. The website and social media pages will stay alive for now until we decide how we want to close them down or if someone wants to take over the helm. Please let us know if you are interested.
We’d like to thank all the friends who’ve written articles for us. For nothing more than the occasional event entry, more than 50 people have stepped up to contribute to Arkansas Outside, many have become close friends. We also never would have made it this far without the financial support of our advertisers. In particular, we’d like to thank Fred and Rose Phillips of DLT Event Management who’ve supported us since the very beginning. Other long time advertisers include Richard Machycek of Arkansas Cycling and Fitness, Matt and Regina Seelinger of Spokes Bike Shop and Erin and Gary Taylor of Go! Running.
We look forward to continuing to work with local advocacy groups, participate in outdoor events and enjoying the company of our friends. We’ll see you all on the trail.
15 Responses
Terrible news for Arkansas, but thank you for 4 great years of promoting and covering outdoor fun in Arkansas! I sincerely hope somebody steps up to take over. Perhaps the State of Arkansas? Thanks again for making Arkansas Outside. Good luck with the next chapter in your lives.
I just love y’all! And have really enjoyed getting to know you. Even if there is a lens in Joe’s face every time I’m trying to pretend not to suffer for a great profile pic. You two are such a great addition and advocators on behalf of what Arkansas Outdoors is really all about. And you’ve covered it on a broad scope. You will truly be missed as the dynamic duo but selfishly I’m glad you’ll be on the bike, trail and road with us more. ON ON
Oh! No! I have really enjoyed your articles and the way you have kept Arkansas in the loop on outdoor happenings. Hell, the first time I saw the Hawksbill Crag was here, I think, and that got me off of my butt to go see it myself. (Amazing bytheway…) I entered my first and only MTB race because I found out that it was happening on your website (I did not finish last …ahem…)
Anyway, Thank you so much for your time and your passion over the last several years. I wish nothing but the best for your future endeavors,
Simply moving on to a new chapter…I can’t wait to see what these two talented, amazing people tackle next as they continue to contribute their positive and knowledgable spirits towards this wonderful state we all call home…Arkansas.
Thank you Joe Jacobs and Lisa Mullis…mostly for being friends….oh, and beer.
What an amazing, fun, outside journey!
Thank you Joe & Lisa.
Thank you for help me promote the fightingred5k cancer race! See you around
I honestly believe that no one could ever fill the enormous and boisterous shoes that you two wore. What a loss for the outdoor scene, but overjoyed that you two can now have the freedom to play without the stresses!
Thanks a million times over for everything!!!
P.s. Joe this means I need those shoes back…;)
you made us realize we are members of a great community of people who love our “natural” State. The woods, hills, valleys,lakes, creeks, trails, rivers, cliffs, mountains, parks, wetlands, waterfalls, will forever be filled with your friends.
Wow! Thank you so much for all of the hard work. Thank you especially for being ambassadors for the outdoor opportunities in our great state. While you will be missed on the web, I’m looking forward to lining up with you at this next season’s AMBCS events (I hope?). See you on the trail. Glad to see you on the AMBCS board as well Joe. Thanks again!
OH and I’m sorry I did not thank Lisa as well. Her photos were always flattering, Ha Ha Ha. Thank you Lisa!
Thank you for all the amazing work you have done! You both have been quite selfless these last 4 years in giving your time and energy to this great project. I especially thank you for all the reports from Arkansas Grand Prix races.
I’ll miss the Arkansas Outside stories and coverage but take comfort in knowing that you’ll now have more time to be out on the courses and trails with the rest of us but as participants this time.
Joe and Lisa,
Knowing how much energy it has taken to maintain my simple blog at JBarCycling, I have watched in wonder as you guys worked and traveled to build and grow Arkansas Outside. Your contributions will be long-lasting and I think I know you well enough to know that you’ll still be stirring the pot on the issues and staying involved. Thanks for everything. JB
Thank you for four years of informing and entertaining so many of us. I definitely understand the desire to walk away, but confess that I’m selfishly a little sad. Best of luck, and thank you.
I’ve enjoyed reading Arkansas Outside over the years–it’s been a great ride! Many thanks Joe and Lisa for sharing these stories. Sending many well wishes to you both on your upcoming adventures!
Sorry to here that you guys will no longer be publishing here. But these things no doubt take up a lot of your personal time. Thanks for the articles and the time invested.