Is cycling just a hobby or something more? Probably both and it probably means something a little different to everyone. I try to remind myself often of the original reasons I started riding a bike. I don’t want to forget the joy & youthful exuberance that comes from simply turning pedals. If your looking for some inspiration to break free of routine then check out the video above. Good stuff. Remember the bike is a vehicle for adventure!

Group rides & events are posted. Arkansas State Time Trial Race of Truth Championship down in the Rock this Sunday. Be sure to check out the Mellow Mushroom Freedom Forty Ride set for next week on July 3rd. There were 200 riders last year. Details below!

Stage 7 Tour de Suisse
Final K. Watch Pete lose position but still contend for the win. Losing that spot cost him.

SWIFT
The end of the open road. Nope. Making indoor riding more palpable. Probably. What say you OCA followers? I can see from STRAVA that some of you are using it. Is SWIFT cool?

EVENTS

Arkansas State Time Trial Championship. This Sunday. Click on flyer for details.

Mellow Mushroom Freedom Forty(ish) Ride

Date: Friday, July 3rd, 2015 (IT’S THE 3RD THIS YEAR: many people have requested to do it this day because they have it off for the holiday)

Ride Details: This is a free “sag yourself”, “ride at your own risk” group ride!….just show up and bring water, food, gu, money, etc to re-fuelThe route is very easy, some rollers past the Duggar’s and a few medium hills, but no category rated climbs!
Roll Time:  9:00 AM from Rogers Mellow Mushroom parking lot (Exit 83 off of HWY 540/49)
Ride Stats:  45 miles with 1,280 feet of climbing (Garmin Edge shows it at 43 miles and 1,400ft ascent)
Ride Map:  http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/453421328

Stops:  2 re-fuel stops available – bring money for Gatorade, snacks, etc.
The 1st is at the Pilot Convenience store at mile 13-14 on the corner of 56th Street and 412.
The 2nd refuel is at the Harps at mile 31-32: take a right off of Har Ber to Jones Road (2/3 mile down on the left).

After Ride: Mellow Mushroom: 1/2 priced appetizers,  $3 Fat Tire pints, and  $2 Mich Ultra bottles for anyone in a jersey until 2pm!!

Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions! kjhelmer@scj.com

Thanks!

Kelly Helmers

GROUP RIDES

SATURDAY

Fayetteville
OCA Road Ride. Wheels Hot @ 8:15 from Puritan Brew Co.  Shorter (43 miles) but some hilly Ozark goodness. About 3 hours of saddle love. Bring that extra bottle it’s hot. One water stop in Elkins. Advanced ride, pace spirited with a couple regroups (no drop within reason). Please check the OCA Facebook page for start time changes due to inclement weather. Link to route https://www.strava.com/routes/2665383 

OzarkVelo Ride. Leaves @ 8 am from Walker Park. The 60-mile ride includes rated climbs out of Winslow and out of Devil’s Den. Kenda Grover is the ride leader and the expected average pace is 15-18 mph. Riders wanting even more miles can turn at Strickler and add to this. Note this is a drop ride and riders should know the route should they disconnect with the group. There is no Roadies ride leader this week, but the round trips from Walker Park to Brentwood of 32 miles, or Winslow of 42 miles are well known with no chance of getting lost. 59.72 mile Walker Park/Devil’s Den Loop. Click here for route details.

Bentonville

BMC Road Ride. Leaves @ 8 am from the Bentonville Square. Usually 55-65 miles. Fast with regrouping. Advanced ride.

Girls Bike Bentonville All Girls Road Ride. Time and distance varies depending on season. Follow Bike Bentonville on Facebook for weekly ride updates!

Phat Tire No Drop Road Ride. Meet at Phat Tire on the square at 8:00 pm for a no-drop, 20-30 mile road ride. Contact Phat Tire Bike Shop for more details – 479-715-6170 or follow them on Facebook for ride updates!

Rogers
Lewis & Clark Road Ride. Leaves @ 8 am (summer) 9 am(winter/spring) from L&C Rogers location. 1.5 -2 hour intermediate level road ride. Click here for more information.

SUNDAY

Fayetteville
ONYX Coffee Lab Ride. Leaves @ 12:30 from ONYX on Gregg street. Pace spirited. Usually 50 miles about 3 hours. Route TBD. Advanced ride.