True Grit event offers riders, runners options

CONLEY BYRD III

The True Grit Ride and 5K events will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday at Chaffee Crossing, 7313 Terry St. in Fort Smith.

Road cyclists can choose among 10-, 30-, 45-, 62- or 100-mile routes. The longer two will begin at 7 a.m. There will also be an 18-mile guided mountain bike tour. The shorter three road rides will begin shortly after 7 a.m.

For those who prefer running shoes to wheels, a 5K will start at 8 a.m.

Online registration is available until 5 p.m Wednesday. The road rides (any distance) are $50, the mountain bike tour is $45, and the 5K is $35.

Packet pickup and late registration will be open 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Community Services Clearinghouse, 4420 Wheeler Ave., Fort Smith. Race-day registration and packet pickup will be available beginning at 6:30 a.m. Saturday at Chaffee Crossing. All riders must line up by 6:50.

These will not be closed courses. Helmets are required, and riders must obey all traffic laws. Courses will be marked, and rest stops and aid stations will be set up about every 10 miles.

The 100-mile course closes at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Riders who are not 60.5 miles into the ride by noon will be diverted and follow the 62-mile riders to the finish line.

There will be a pizza and pasta dinner Friday at Cici’s Pizza, 8323 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. The cost of the dinner is not included in registration, but 10 percent of sales will benefit the Community Service Clearinghouse.

A cookout and entertainment will be available for participants and their families at the finish line from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

There will also be a True Grit Mixer at Phat Tire Bike Shop, 1700 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith, from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

For registration and information, visit truegritride.com.