Many years ago coming home from a road trip my wife and I were looking for a place to eat downtown. It just so happened the Joe Martin Stage Race criterium was going on. So we decided to check it out. I was immediately amazed at how fast the cyclists were going and how close to one another they were riding. We ended up walking all around the course. It was such an amazing sight to see riders going 40+ mph down Dickson Street. The sounds coming from the passing peloton were so cool. I didn’t quite understand it all but I was hooked. I told my wife then and there I want to race. 10 years later I am still riding and racing bikes! Criteriums are one of the coolest formats of bike racing and super spectator friendly.

I want to encourage those of you out there interested in cycling to check out The Natural State Criteriums next weekend August 5-6th. Starting with Friday night races in downtown Bentonville and then Saturday afternoon in downtown Rogers. Bring your young people, come tailgate on the courses and watch these great athletes compete. Who knows, perhaps your kiddo will get hooked on cycling!

Bike racers! Bring your families! Bentonville and Rogers have a ton of fun to offer. From the world class (FREE) Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art to the super awesome kid focused (but also fun for grown ups) Scott Family Amazeum. So many great eatery’s, breweries and much much more. Be sure to hit up the Rogers Aquatic Center to cool off on Saturday after the races. If you have any legs left after Friday and Saturday you should bring your MTB and hit up the many miles of incredible OZ Trails singletrack on Sunday. It’s going to be a great weekend. Oh, and don’t forget about the $35K that is up for grabs!