This morning we tackled what I nicknamed the Flughafen (Airport) Loop. About 58 miles with 2400 gain. This route is super interesting and has some sections of road that are my favorite to ride. The ride lacked rhythm because of all the flats but things can’t always be perfect. There was a ton of gravel on the road washed up from yesterdays rain.
For a turn by turn description or to download this route to your GPS device via STRAVA click here.
The bunch.
After Johnson hang a right on Old Main Street.
Bob Mills Rd. is great it parallels I49 but you would never know the highway is next to you.
A series of turns and rollers always fire up the bunch.
Hang a left on Wagon Wheel Road.
Someone needs a new saddle. You will want to grab some water at the gas station in Cave Springs. It’s the last opportunity.
LAKE KEITH
264 (airport road) is buttery smooth but you will encounter heavier traffic until you get past XNA. Best to keep it tight here.
The section just past the airport is super challenging with all its lumpy goodness. This morning we had a stiff headwind as well.
Up.
Down.
The gas station in Highfill is closed but we regroup there anyways. Loving some Banana Mango Coconut from CLIF.
Gailey Hollow Rd. is a favorite of the bunch. Especially with tailwind. It’s basically a 7 mile downhill.
With almost no traffic.
Sort of snakes along.
Average speed is always pretty high on this section.
Twisty turny goodness…
The scenery is great.
Then we hang a left on Old Hwy. 68 and grind our way up the Tower Climb. About 2.2 miles with 230 gain. Not steep just a grind.
The radio tower. You can usually get water from a spigot on the side of the building.
“Wine Country” I like to take the group over to Tonitown on small country roads to take advantage of the traffic light to cross 412. It’s much safer.
In on Barrington Rd./Mt.Comfort Rd.
Doctored up Digiorno, added chicken, peppers, tomatoes & cheese. Let’s Eat!
Lake Keith in Cave Springs has been re-named Partners Lake by the IRWP (Illinois River Watershed Partnership). It’s the old golden rule, he with the gold, makes the rules. They own it now, and had a contest to rename it. They didn’t choose my submission, “FayBenSpRog” Lake…thought it was inclusive, and had a nice ring to it. Also, at the TV station, there is a hydrant just to the East of the flagpoles if you don’t want to freak out the worker by thinking they have a water leak sound in the building. Great post, helps me feel like I am out enjoying a ride during my forced time off the bike this summer.
Nice insight! I like how they have spruced up the lake for sure.
Rob, who carries the Clif Organic Energy locally? I haven’t seen them and I’ve been wanting to try them. Thanks.
Philip, this is a new product from CLIF so not many places yet. I’ve been getting them from my wife since I am her “ginnie pig.” I will leave a couple for you at TBR on Monday and will let you know when they hit the shelves here in AR.
Philip, I left two flavors of Clif Organic Energy for you up at TBR. The guys at the shop can fetch it for you.
Cool, thanks Rob.