Ozarks at Large Stories

Mapping a 1,400-Mile Bike Touring Route Through Arkansas

KUAF

Published April 17, 2018 at 2:15 PM CDT

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Five members of the group of eight who rode 140 miles of the 1,400-mile route.

Courtesy / Scott Schroen

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When the group started their ride on a Friday in mid-February temperatures were in the 60s.

Courtesy / Scott Schroen

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The group started in Bentonville, rode into Missouri, through Beaver (pictured here) and into Eureka Springs.

Courtesy / Scott Schroen

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On Saturday, the group experienced temperatures that dropped into the 20s.

Courtesy / Scott Schroen

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Instead of riding to Red Star in the Ozarks National Forest, the group chose to reroute to Huntsville.

Courtesy / Scott Schroen

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Despite the frigid temperatures, riders agree the atmosphere stayed positive.

Courtesy / Scott Schroen

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In Huntsville, the group was treated to shelter, a fire and chili.

Courtesy / Scott Schroen

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On Sunday, the group set out from Huntsville to make their return to Fayetteville.

Courtesy / Scott Schroen

Although Chuck Campbell quit the 2,745-mile Tour Divide race through the Rocky Mountains, it led him to the Adventure Cycling Association and the realization that Arkansas did not have a mapped bike touring route. Campbell decided to change that and is now mapping a 1,400-mile route through the Ozarks and Ouachitas using a GPS unit. The data will go to Adventure Cycling, and the nonprofit will create a map with point-by-point directions, photos and points of interest that can be used by others who want to travel the full loop or just parts of it.

CORRECTION: At the very end of this story, Kyle Kellams mentions a ride Chuck Campbell did in January, the ride was done in February as described in the very beginning of the report.