RISON — Cleveland County is gearing up for a weekend of high-energy recreation and southern hospitality as it hosts the fourth annual Cruisin’ Cleveland County Bike Ride on Saturday, June 6.
What began as a "seed planted" during a chance meeting at a local restaurant between Mayor Charles Roberts and Parks and Rec professional Darren Austin has blossomed into a premier regional event.
Roberts and Austin join the latest episode of the Free Range Conversations podcast with co-hosts Douglas Boultinghouse and Britt Talent, along with guest Malinda Berry of the Pioneer Village.
The episode is streaming now.
This year, the event is significantly expanding its footprint, combining the traditional cycling routes with a brand-new vehicle show and a community-wide festival at the historic Pioneer Village.
Conquering the "Hidden" Hills
While Arkansas is often associated with the flatlands of the Delta, organizers are quick to warn visiting cyclists that Cleveland County offers a much more rigorous landscape.
"There are more hills here than most people think," noted Darren Austin. "When they train in Little Rock on the River Trail where it’s flat, they come down here and they’re like, ‘Oh, there’s some hills.’ It’s not the Delta."
Riders can expect a rolling change in elevation of at least 1,000 feet over the 25 to 35-mile stretches, with the 65-mile riders facing even more.
To keep pace with the growing "gravel grinding" trend in Arkansas, the event has added a 30-mile gravel route that hails out of Kingsland and passes within a short distance of the legendary Johnny Cash birthplace.
In total, participants can choose from five distinct routes:
• 21-Mile Route
• 29-Mile Route
• 30-Mile Gravel Route
• 44-Mile Route
• 65-Mile Route (which briefly dips into Bradley County)
The ‘Wheels Unlimited’ Showcase
For those who prefer their wheels with a bit more horsepower, the debut of the Wheels Unlimited Showcase adds a new dimension to the day.
Managed by Berry and the team at Pioneer Village, the show is open to a massive variety of vehicles.
"We have 13 different classes, including antique tractors, bicycles, motorcycles, and side-by-sides," Berry explained. "It’s wheels unlimited—if you can ride it or drive it, bring it."
The show offers a $10 entry fee for those who simply want to display their ride, and a $25 fee for those entering the judged competition, which will award first, second, and third-place prizes.
Music, Food, and Heritage
The hub of the day's activity is the Pioneer Village, a working historical site featuring a mercantile store, a blacksmith shop, and the historic Mount Olivet Church. The village will be fully open to the public, offering a festive atmosphere for families.
The "after-party" lineup includes:
Live Music: Local talent Laura Caroline, who is currently making a name for herself in Nashville, will perform new music starting around midday.
Food Truck: The Taco Shells food truck will be on-site serving tacos, quesadillas, and burritos.
Community Non-Profits: Local organizations are invited to set up informational tables for free to engage with visitors.
Riding for a Cause
Beyond the fun and fitness, the Bike Ride is a major fundraiser for the region. Proceeds from the $50 registration fee (which includes a t-shirt, a goodie bag, and a meal ticket) are distributed back into local organizations.
Past beneficiaries include the Pioneer Village, local food banks, and Cleveland County Cares.
"The number one thing is to see people out there riding the bike," said Austin. "The second best thing is being able to give back to the community, to the people who need help."
Registration Details
Cyclists are encouraged to sign up early at RunSignUp.com (search "Cleveland County").
Online registration closes at 5 p.m. the day before the event, but day-of registration will be available at the Pioneer Village (200 Yaney Drive in Rison) starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 6.
Gravel ride registration will be located at the Kingsland School on Hwy. 79.
"We want every community to be involved," concluded Mayor Roberts. "We want everyone to feel that special southern hospitality."