This weekend the Tyson Foods Cycling Team set off for training camp just ahead of the 2017 racing season. The team rode from Fayetteville to Mt. Magazine (highest point in Arkansas 2700 feet) and then turned around the next day and rode back to Fayetteville. It is 100 miles each way with about 6000 gain for both days. The bunch had it cut out for them, with a route that is already challenging enough, record breaking heat (80’s in February) and a gnarly headwind both days.

Our roads, terrain, variety of route options and accommodations make Arkansas the perfect place to host your team training camps. Check out our Routes page for a sample of what is possible and hit me up if you have any questions or need help planning your cycling trip. Check out our ride camp from this past weekend. A special thanks to Ben C for organizing! 

We would like to thank our sponsors, Tyson Foods, Shoulder Center of Arkansas, The Bike Route, Creative and Clif Bar. Your support makes it possible for our team to travel the region racing bikes, promoting healthy active lifestyles and The Natural State! 

Headed south on the Pig Trail Scenic Byway into the Ozark Mountains.

Miles of buttery smooth pavement.

And plenty of elevation gain. [Photo Ben C]

Ozarkia.

Cass, AR.

Turner Bend is a great place to refuel on this route. Excellent sandwiches! Right at the 50 mile mark.

Will F is calling the Adidas Eyewear rep to thank him for the eye protection. The Zonyk Pro L’s are sick!

A couple bikes had illegal motors. [Photo Ben C]

After passing under I40, threw Ozark and crossing the Arkansas River the bunch was met with some relatively flat roads and a brutal crosswind on the way to Paris. 

Soon we would hit the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains.

So one last pit stop in Paris before tackling the last 20 miles of climbs.

Up!

Up!

Richard H would go on a solo flyer just after Paris and stayed away until the climb out of Cove Lake. 

The chase was on.

This kind of day.

We did not waste much time with recovery.

Let’s Eat!

Mt. Magazine State Park and the lodge could be one of the coolest State Parks in Arkansas. It is a must visit in my book. The Lodge at Mt. Magazine is top-shelf. Great food and service and the most spectacular views.  

Ozarkia.