Warmer weather get cyclists moving

A mild end to January and start to this month have cyclists chomping at the bit.

Bare arms and legs could be seen all over cycling social media in Arkansas. It’s a spring preview.

Events are announcing dates and starting up registrations. This past week, Ozark Gravel Cyclists founder Andrew Onermaa was out scouting his route for April’s DOOM backpacking race. He was treated to some perfect conditions and was stoking the cycling fire with his Instagram reporting from the route.

Even a little rain on the weekend couldn’t dampen the spirit as there are more 60-degree days in the forecast.

(Don’t be fooled, though, there’s surely another cold snap around the corner just waiting on us.)

When that cold snap comes or when you’re daydreaming at the office wishing you were riding, it’s a good time to take a look at some of these events and maybe get in on some early bird registration deals.

Registration for the everpopular Rule of Three gravel race opened Monday. Full disclosure — this column had to be turned in before registration opened, but if history is any indication, you’ll probably already find yourself on a waitlist for the race if you sign up today.

New this year, though, for Rule of Three weekend, which is May 16-19, is a self-supported 200-mile race for endurance junkies who enjoy fending for themselves.

Visit ruleofthree.bike to hop in on one of the waitlists.

Another popular registration to look out for is the Big Sugar Classic opening March 1. Registration for the Little Sugar MTB race and Big Sugar Gravel both open that day. Little Sugar is only in its second year, but the buzz is building and the race is a qualifier for the Leadville Trail 100 MTB race. So it’s best not to hesitate if you plan to race Little Sugar.

Big Sugar routinely fills quickly as well. The race grew massively from years one to three as it is now the finale for the Life Time Grand Prix, the richest professional off-road racing series in the US.

Go to bigsugarclassic.com for all the details.

Registration for this year’s Double Barrel Gravel Ride opened Feb. 1. More than 300 had signed up in less than 24 hours.

The event, in its third year, is one of the fastest growing gravel rides in the state. Organized by the Phat Tire bike shop, riders get to choose from three routes starting and finishing on April 20 at the Benton County Quail Barn.

The finish line party is like no other in cycling. Skeet shooting, live music from the Frisky Squirrels and a jambalaya and crawfish boil await the riders.

Camping is available the Friday night prior to the event at the quail barn.

More about the Double Barrel can be found at phattirebikeshop.com.

Registration is also now open for the Tour de BBQ and Tour de Tacos, which benefit Dress for Success NWA.

These rides feature BBQ and tacos at the turnaround and block parties with more delicious samples at the finish. The Tour de BBQ is set for June 1, while the Tour de Tacos is scheduled for Sept. 14. But, if you register now, you can bundle both rides for $100 or get the early bird discount of $65 to register for the Tour de BBQ. Check out tourdenwa.com for more information.

Femmes Gravel is off and running for the year with their off-bike education series and training rides in preparation for its women’s only 100 mile gravel ride in May.

The education series kicked off in January, but training rides begin Feb. 10. The group will host 10 Saturday training rides.

They’ve also partnered with gravel pros Crystal Anthony and Paige Onweller for six sessions of their Rosie Up initiative. These training sessions take place on Sundays and focus on refining cycling skill and technique. The first two took place in January, but the next is set for Feb. 18 followed by two in March and the finale in April.

Femmes Gravel is most active on Instagram @femmesgravel. Signing up for the 100 miler gives participants full access to all the education, training and the ride.

The Southern Enduro Tour has also announced its spring dates for 2024. Redemption Enduro at the Passion Play Trails in Eureka Springs is March 3. A full weekend of events is slated for Hot Springs on the weekend of March 16-17, beginning with the Wildcat Marathon MTB race on March 16 and the Northwoods Enduro scheduled for that Sunday. The tour will wrap up April 13-14 in Big Cedar, Okla. at O’Rock Epic Enduro.

And don’t forget, there are still spots available for the Arkansas Graveler in June. The epic six-day rolling gravel festival from Fayetteville to Jonesboro is offering full rider support, live music, chef-crafted meals and additional outdoor recreation opportunities in the host cities nightly.

Registrations are available for all six days of riding, just day one, or, you don’t even have to pedal: just sign on as a non-rider participant and take advantage of the camping, entertainment and food each night. Find out more at arkansasgraveler.com.

Stay focused friends, spring is coming!