KTHV and Big Dam Bridge 100

Thank you Laura Monteverdi and KTHV for your dedication and coverage for this years Big Dam Bridge 100. If you missed any of these stories you can catch up with the links below.

We here at Chainwheel wish you a safe and wonderful BDB this year!

Finding the right bike for you:

http://www.thv11.com/news/local/big-dam-bridge-100-finding-the-right-bike-for-you/460756016

Finding the right cycling gear and apparel:

http://www.thv11.com/news/local/big-dam-bridge-100-finding-the-right-cycling-gear-and-apparel-for-you/461324437

Laura and Pat live shot #1:

http://www.thv11.com/life/laura-monteverdi-gearing-up-for-the-big-dam-bridge-100-/465353437

Laura and Pat live shot #2:

http://www.thv11.com/life/laura-monteverdi-and-pat-barron-from-chainwheel-train-for-big-dam-bridge-100/465364058

Laura and Pat live look:

http://www.thv11.com/life/live-looks-laura-monteverdi-training-for-the-big-dam-bridge-100-/465368207

James Isom story:

http://www.thv11.com/news/local/cycling-helps-arkansas-man-shed-pounds-after-diabetes-diagnosis/463401571

Women on a Roll road ride:

http://www.thv11.com/life/women-s-cycling-group-offers-tips-techniques-/468476908

New Saturday ride in Conway

You asked and we delivered! Announcing the Trek Bicycle Store Conway​ partnership with Blue Sail Coffee​ for the Conway Coffee Ride! We are going to hook you up with 10% off of bike accessories and nutrition valid only on the day you join us on this ride and Blue Sail is extending a 15% discount on beverages after the ride

This will be a weekly group ride and all groups leave from Blue Sail Coffee in Donaghey Hall at the corner of Donaghey Ave. and Bruce St. There will be three distance/pace options as follows:

C Group will LEAVE at 7:50AM for approximately 16 mile ride. Pace to be determined by the group but will always be a “NO DROP” ride.

Link to Strava route:

https://www.strava.com/routes/10177096

B Group will LEAVE at 7:55AM for approximately 32 mile route. Pace will be mid teens (15-17 MPH) Link to Strava route:

https://www.strava.com/routes/9955008

A group will LEAVE at 8:00AM for approximately 37 mile mile route. Pace will be upper teens (19-21 MPH) Link to Strava route:

https://www.strava.com/routes/9955109

The BDB 100 is around the corner, are you ready?

Arkansas largest yearly cycling event is just weeks away. You can participate with various route options, 10 miles to the full 100 and other shorter options in between. This incredible event has helped put Arkansas on the map as the cycling hub of the south. Don’t miss out on the rush of participating in this classic event.

Visit the Big Dam Bridge 100 site for full details.

To help get you ready Baptist Health has prepared a series of videos:

BDB 100-Training Your Brain

BDB 100-Getting Started

BDB 100-Helmets

BDB 100-Training Tips 

RIDES… RIDES… RIDES!

Back by popular demand Bruce’s Coffee Ride

Chainwheel’s coffee ride with Bruce has been rolling for 15 years and is a staple ride for beginners or even experienced riders looking for a casual and friendly cycling experience.

Bruce started The Coffee Ride to provide a casual cycling experience for local riders. This ride offers a casual, friendly and non competitive culture. We hope you come out and ride with us.

We are excited to start the 2017 season this weekend April 8^thSaturday Morning.

The ride rolls out at 7:30AM from Murray Park. See you there!

 

Women on a Roll

Chainwheel is happy to announce a new ride this year in our shop ride offerings.

Description:  This is a for-women/by-women no-drop road ride.  The goal is to empower women, through cycling, to become better riders together, improve their fitness and practice safe group riding skills.  This ride will also provide a social outlet to share experiences and have fun on the bike.  We will cover 20-25 miles, including several stops to discuss skills and techniques, at an average pace of approximately 15mph.  The route will vary depending upon participant goals/skill level.

Where:  Meet at the BDB bathrooms on the Little Rock side (more parking is available at Murray Park).

When:  Wheels down every Monday at 5:45pm (sharp) starting April 3^rd. For now, rides continue thru August 28.]

Check Chainwheel’s Facebook for updates or rain cancellations.

Questions about the ride?  Email info@chainwheel.com

 

Tuesday night ride now on Wednesday

So you all can race 12 weeks of Crits on Tuesday night… they Tuesday night ride is now on Wednesday.

 

Starting April 12th The Chainwheel Tuesday night ride leaves The Clinton Center parking lot every Wednesday  evening at 6PM

The route is unique as it passes through a national airport on its way out to a loop of some classic Arkansas Delta.

We look forward to seeing you on board!

Full Route Map and Turn by Turn for 25 Mile course: https://www.strava.com/routes/4588513

(Note) as the days get longer we will add a 30 mile A group option.

Rules, Cautions and Instructions

We are excited to lead the Tuesday night road ride once again. Each Tuesday night we will roll out at 6:00pm from The Clinton Library parking lot. We ask you to help us by following a few safety rules on our Tuesday night ride:

• Helmets are mandatory
• No Headphone or music, everyone needs your full attention.
• No time trial bikes or TT bars, please.
• Know the route and help each other.
• Be courteous, helpful to all riders. Call out road furniture, road kill and such.
• Yellow line rule is effect for the entire route. Please don’t cross into oncoming traffic.
• If riders in your group are getting dropped yell “Gap” to slow down for them.
• All riders ride at their own risk.
• Know who you’re A group and B group leaders are; they will be announced before we roll out.
• Flat repair kits are recommended for this route. Prevent flats by checking your pressure before the ride.
• If you do not know the route, do not get ahead of the group and ask “where do we go?” Follow your group leader, please.

What to expect / Route:

(Abbreviated version below, see Strava route for full turn by turn directions)

Leaving the Clinton Library parking lot, follow South West trail toward the Airport. This will be a neutral section till we cross over I-440. Watch for utility hole covers and railroad tracks. While on Airport road please do not cut the route on the 2 roundabout’s.

After airport terminal area we take the first left onto E Roosevelt. Follow for about 1 mile and make a right on Fourche Dam pike. Follow to Thibaut and follow right.

Watch for rumble strips on Frazier pike, commit to taking these on and do not swerve to avoid. Let’s keep everyone upright.

Look for the right hand Turn onto Harper Road. Watch for loose dogs. These guys tend to be playful and not aggressive, but still dangerous to a bicycle wheel.

This is a great area for Sprints and attacks, have fun be safe. Watch that Yellow line.

Continue on toward Sweet Home and ride toward 365. Continue on 365 and watch for traffic heard toward the 3M plant. Onward up to Confederate Blvd and Sprint to the Hill top to 3M road. Regroup at the top of the hill. Once we are rolling be careful on descent back to Frazier Pike, there can be water on the road and it can be slippery. This is a very fast downhill please be careful.

Onward and left on Frazier Pike back toward the Airport and back into the start area via Bond St.

Reservoir Revenge MTB Ride

A weekly Mountain Bike ride lead from Chainwheel on Thursdays.

Join us for a beginner-paced mtb ride and remember the bug spray! We roll at 6PM from Chainwheel, ride 1 mile to the trail, ride the 1 mile loop (riders have the option to ride the loop again) and then ride back. We meet for a post ride beverage at Senor’s after.

Women on a Roll

Chainwheel is happy to announce a new ride this year in our shop ride offerings.

Description:  This is a for-women/by-women no-drop road ride.  The goal is to empower women, through cycling, to become better riders together, improve their fitness and practice safe group riding skills.  This ride will also provide a social outlet to share experiences and have fun on the bike.  We will cover 20-25 miles, including several stops to discuss skills and techniques, at an average pace of approximately 15mph.  The route will vary depending upon participant goals/skill level.

Where:  Meet at the BDB bathrooms on the Little Rock side (more parking is available at Murray Park).

When:  Wheels down every Monday at 5:45pm (sharp) starting April 3^rd. For now, rides continue thru August 28.]

Check Chainwheel’s Facebook for updates or rain cancellations.

Questions about the ride?  Email info@chainwheel.com

2016 Year End Sale

All in-stock… Bell, Giro, Blackburn, Smith and POC 25% OFFAll in-stock… Cycleops & Wahoo trainers 25%OFF

 

COLD WEATHER CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES – all in stock 50% OFF!!! 

SELECT SWIFTWICK SOCKS – ASPIRE ONES, SEVENS (SOLID COLOR ONLY), & TWELVES – PURSUIT ZEROS, FIVES, & SEVENS – BUY ONE GET ONE FREE

BIKES BIKES BIKES BIKES BIKES BIKES BIKES BIKES BIKES BIKES BIKES BIKES BIKES

NEW Bikes on SALE – Make Model		MSRP	SALE
VERVE 2 17.5 TREK BLACK/LIME GREEN 2016	1	549.99	494.99
VERVE 2 15 SPARKLING SILVER/METALLIC BLACK 2016	1	549.99	494.99
ELECTRA TICINO 8D MEN’S REG RACING GREEN 2017	1	929.99	549.99
ELECTRA TOWNIE ORIGINAL 3I LADIES’ CARIBBEAN BLUE 2016	1	599.99	349.99
ELECTRA ORIGINAL 21D TALL MEN’S BLACK SATIN 2017	1	569.99	512.99
ELECTRA TOWNIE ORIGINAL 7D MEN’S SLATE BLUE 2015	1	499.99	399.99
ELECTRA TOWNIE ORIGINAL 7D LADIES’ 24 VANILLA 2016	1	499.99	399.99
ELECTRA LOFT 1 MEN’S LARGE NICKEL PLATED 2016	1	439.99	249.99
ELECTRA LOFT 1 MEN’S REGULAR MATTE BLACK 2017	1	409.99	249.99
CROSSRIP 3 58 MATTE TREK BLACK 2017	1	2099.99	1889.99
CROSSRIP 3 54 MATTE TREK BLACK 2017	1	2099.99	1889.99
CROSSRIP 3 56 MATTE TREK BLACK 2017	1	2099.99	1889.99
CROSSRIP 2 61 MATTE TK002-M 2017	1	1579.99	1421.99
CROSSRIP 2 52 MATTE TK002-M 2017	1	1579.99	1421.99
LIFT+ MEN’S L DNISTER BLACK 2017	2	2799.99	2519.99
XM700 + US 50 BLACK DREAM 2017	1	3499.99	3149.99
CONDUIT + 17.5 MATT TREK BLACK 2016	1	2999.99	2699.99
CONDUIT + 20 MATT TREK BLACK 2016	1	2999.99	2699.99
LIFT+ MEN’S M DNISTER BLACK 2017	1	2799.99	2519.99
LIFT+ WOMEN’S M CRYSTAL WHITE 2017	1	2799.99	2519.99
8.3 DS 15.5 TREK BLACK/CYAN 2016	1	659.99	593.99
8.4 DS 22.5 MATTE TREK BLACK/TREK WHITE 2016	1	879.99	791.99
7.4 FX 15 FIREBRAND 2016	1	769.99	692.99
7.2 FX 20 STARRY NIGHT BLACK/VOLT GREEN 2016	1	489.99	367.49
7.2 FX 15 STARRY NIGHT BLACK/VOLT GREEN 2016	1	489.99	367.49
7.4 FX WSD 19 PLATINUM 2016	2	769.99	692.99
7.4 FX WSD 17 PLATINUM 2016	1	769.99	692.99
VERVE 1 WSD 16L TI 2016	1	439.99	395.99
STACHE 9 17.5 MATTE TREK BLACK 2016	1	3699.99	3329.99
STACHE 7 21.5 PURPLE LOTUS 2016	1	2499.99	1874.99
PROCALIBER 9.7 SL 19.5 29 VOLT GREEN 2016	1	3499.99	3149.99
STACHE 7 17.5 PURPLE LOTUS 2016	1	2499.99	1874.99
2015 COGBURN CB4 BIKE SM/MD REALTREE AP BLAZE	1	2199	1649.25
STACHE 7 15.5 PURPLE LOTUS 2016	1	2499.99	1874.99
SUPERFLY 6 17.5 29 TREK BLACK/VOLT GREEN 2016	1	1839.99	1655.99
FARLEY 5 17.5 DNISTER BLACK 2017	1	1729.99	1556.99
FARLEY 5 19.5 DNISTER BLACK 2017	1	1729.99	1556.99
X-CALIBER 8 21.5 29 TREK BLACK/FIREBRAND 2017	1	1099.99	989.99
X-CALIBER 8 18.5 29 POWDER BLUE/VIPER RED 2016	1	1099.99	989.99
X-CALIBER 8 18.5 29 TREK BLACK/FIREBRAND 2017	1	1099.99	989.99
X-CALIBER 8 13.5 27.5 VOLT GREEN 2015	1	1099.99	879.99
SUPERFLY 6 17.5 MATTE TREK CHARCOAL/TREK BLACK 2014	1	1809.99	1266.99
MARLIN 7 21.5 29 MIAMI GREEN 2016	1	769.99	692.99
MARLIN 7 15.5 27.5 MIAMI GREEN 2016	1	769.99	692.99
MARLIN 7 13.5 27.5 TREK BLACK/WATERLOO BLUE 2016	1	769.99	692.99
MARLIN 6 21.5 29 TREK BLACK/LIME GREEN 2016	1	609.99	548.99
MARLIN 6 19.5 29 TREK BLACK/LIME GREEN 2016	1	609.99	548.99
MARLIN 5 21.5 29 MATTE VIPER RED 2016	1	499.99	449.99
MARLIN 5 29 17.5 MATTE DNISTER BLACK/RHYMES ORANGE/VIPER RED 2016	1	499.99	449.99
MARLIN 5 23 29 RADIOACTIVE YELLOW/TREK BLACK/TREK CYAN 2015	1	499.99	449.99
CALI S DISC WSD 17 29 TREK BLACK 2016	1	789.99	710.99
DOMANE 5.2 C 52 MATTE BROWN BEAR/WATERLOO BLUE 2016	1	3499.99	3149.99
MADONE 9.9 C H2 54 MATTE DNISTER BLACK/VIPER RED 2017	1	11999.99	10799.99
DOMANE 6.9 56 ARENBERG TREK	1	10468.48	9421.63
MADONE 9.2 C H2 56 MATTE DNISTER BLACK/MIAMI GREEN 2016	1	5999.99	5399.99
DOMANE 5.9 C 56 BLUE SMOKE/CRYSTAL WHITE 2016	1	4899.99	4409.99
DOMANE 5.2 C 58 MATTE BROWN BEAR/WATERLOO BLUE 2016	1	3499.99	2624.99
DOMANE 5.2 C 60 CRYSTAL WHITE/BRIGHT SILVER 2016	1	3499.99	2624.99
DOMANE 5.2 C 56 MATTE BROWN BEAR/WATERLOO BLUE 2016	1	3499.99	2624.99
DOMANE 5.2 C 54 MATTE BROWN BEAR/WATERLOO BLUE 2016	1	3499.99	2624.99
DOMANE 4.5 DISC 56 MATTE TREK BLACK/DNISTER BLACK/VIPER RED 2016	1	3099.99	2789.99
ORCA M20-USA 16 57 BLU-PINK	1	3199.99	2699.99
DOMANE 4.5 C 62 MATTE TREK BLACK/DNISTER BLACK/VIPER RED 2016	1	2499.99	2249.99
EMONDA S 6 56 TREK BLACK/VIPER RED 2016	1	2499.99	2249.99
EMONDA SL 5 56 TREK WHITE/TREK BLACK/VIPER RED 2016	1	2599.99	2339.99
EMONDA ALR 5 64 WATERLOO BLUE 2016	1	1679.99	1259.99
EMONDA ALR 5 60 BLACK PEARL 2016	1	1679.99	1259.99
EMONDA ALR 5 52 WATERLOO BLUE 2016	1	1679.99	1259.99
EMONDA ALR 5 56 BLACK PEARL 2016	1	1679.99	1259.99
KRX S TREK BLACK/VIPER RED 2016	2	879.99	791.99
EMONDA ALR 5 52 BLACK PEARL 2016	1	1679.99	1259.99
DOMANE ALR 4 56 QUICKSILVER 2017	1	1419.99	1277.99
EMONDA ALR 4 62 BLACK PEARL 2017	1	1309.99	1178.99
EMONDA ALR 4 50 BLACK PEARL 2017	1	1309.99	1178.99
DOMANE ALR 3 52 SEMIGLOSS TREK BLACK 2017	1	1149.99	1034.99
1.1 C H2 58 LIQUID RED 2016	1	769.99	692.99
1.1 C H2 50 LIQUID RED 2016	1	769.99	692.99
1.1 C H2 52 LIQUID RED 2016	1	769.99	692.99
SILQUE SL C DI2 47 MATTE CHARCOAL/BRIGHT SILVER 2016	1	3799.99	3419.99
SILQUE SL C DI2 54 MATTE CHARCOAL/BRIGHT SILVER 2016	1	3799.99	3419.99
EMONDA S 5 WSD 52 BLACK PEARL/CRYSTAL WHITE/FLAMING ROSE 2015	1	2099.99	1889.99
EMONDA ALR 5 47 BLACK PEARL 2016	1	1679.99	1511.99
LEXA SL C 47 SEEGLASS CRYSTAL WHITE 2016	1	1149.99	1034.99
LEXA SL C 54 SEEGLASS CRYSTAL WHITE 2016	1	1149.99	1034.99
LEXA SL C 52 WATERLOO BLUE PEARL 2016	1	1149.99	1034.99
LEXA SL C 50 SEEGLASS CRYSTAL WHITE 2016	1	1149.99	1034.99
LEXA SL C 52 SEEGLASS CRYSTAL WHITE 2016	1	1149.99	1034.99
LEXA SL C 50 WATERLOO BLUE PEARL 2016	1	1149.99	1034.99
LEXA S C 47 SEEGLASS BLACK PEARL 2016	1	989.99	890.99
LEXA S C 50 SEEGLASS BLACK PEARL 2016	1	989.99	890.99
LEXA C 50 PURPLE LOTUS 2016	1	769.99	692.99
LEXA C 50 SEEGLASS BRIGHT SILVER 2016	1	769.99	692.99
LEXA C 47 PURPLE LOTUS 2016	1	769.99	692.99
LEXA C 47 SEEGLASS BRIGHT SILVER 2016	1	769.99	692.99
SPEED CONCEPT 9.5 WSD S MATTE NAVY/PURPLE TO PINK FADE 2016	1	5499.99	4949.99
SPEED CONCEPT 7.5 L CRYSTAL WHITE 2016	1	3999.99	3599.99

 

2016 CX Championships 11/19/16

Cyclocross is where Happy Gilmore and cycling meet. This off season sport brings together hooligans and cycling fans for an event some people consider a race and some consider a party.

The race consists of short laps on a diverse course with obstacles. Cross is the most definitely the most spectator friendly form of bicycle racing. Spectators are highly encouraged to heckle and be rowdy. Just please don’t touch the racers or impede their path.

We encourage you no matter what level of cycling you are to give it a try or at least come out for a super cool time.

Note: you do not have to have a Cyclocross bike, Mountain bikes are just fine.

Still not convinced? there are clinics to help get you ready.

Link to the clinic flyer:http://www.arkansascx.com/skills-and-drills2.html

Link to the Race details: https://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2016-2803

 

MTB Epic Series

So you think you want to ride a Mountain Bike Epic? If you have put thought into riding an Epic ride or race but aren’t sure if you can do it. Well… let’s dip your toe in that water.

We will step you up in degree of difficulty with a series of rides. All dates are subject to change as we cannot predict weather at this time. Each ride will post as an events on Chainwheel Facebook. You must let us know you are attending via the FB Event. We need to know what size group to plan for.

 

1^st course… 2 laps @ Cedar glades. Ride first lap as a group then ride second lap at your own pace or with lead group. October 1st – Details. 

2^nd course 1 full lap of Iron Mountain. November 5th – Details.

3^rd course ride the Womble section of the Ouachita Challenge. 298 to North Fork lake and Fire Road back.  November 26th – Details

4^th course ride the OC section of the Ouachita Challenge. Leave Oden… ride OC course to Story and ride road back to Oden. Date TBA soon via FB Event.

At the end of this training series you will see some amazing Arkansas trails and know if you want to click that sign up button on upcoming Arkansas Epic MTB events.

Rides are semi supported, we will help with mechanical needs. You are expected to have everything with you to fix a flat or a broken chain. You are also responsible for your nutrition. We can advise you on what is recommended before events.

We look forward to riding with you. Any questions please reach out to danandaddie@chainwheel.com

Cane Creek MTB – Star City AR

Here’s a description of my ride at Cane Creek, it was fun but warm.

I left the visitor center and followed the ladies advise to go counter clockwise around the lake, which is best in the summer time, out in the sun early then in the shade during the heat of the day, Temp at start 85, temp at finish 97 high humidity, Rode the Surly ICE Cream Truck FAT Bike. You start out on a small trail that leads you to a pavilion by the lake, then onto pavement for a while, you turn onto a levee, the levee is bush hogged down the middle, the grass was 6 to 12 inches tall which creates a drag, it’s a long ride around the levee with beautiful views of the lake, you then turn into the woods on a bush hogged trail for a little while then it turns into single track, the back of the trail was littered with debris, logs, limbs, vines, and LOTs of SPIDER WEBS, there are also several swinging bridges and low water bridges that are fun to cross. I think during wet season they would really be fun, about 6 miles from the visitor center the trail improves and it flows much better I guess from bikes and foot traffic.

If I lived near star city I would ride it all the time. As an adventure bike rider it was worth the drive down from Little Rock. Load up and check it out.

The ladies at the Visitor Center are the Best, thanks for all the help.

-Charlie Westphall

 

Helmet hygiene

Do the guys in your club call you names? “Stinky Head”, “Rotten Helmet?

If so, learn helmet hygiene 101.

Step 1 – When your wife asks why you are taking your helmet in the shower, it’s pretty much the same conversation as when she saw you shave your legs for the first time. Simply explain that this is just something cyclists do.

Step 2 – Lather up a bath scrubby with your favorite shampoo or body wash. Bar soap has tallow and this will leave weird spots on the shell. Not pro!

Step 3 – Clip the chin strap together and tuck it inward, where your head goes. Now pre rinse your skid lid. Next, swirl your lathered up scrubby inside your helmet to clean pads and straps gently. Don’t go too hard and rip your pads out. Last, scrub any bugs and gnar off the outside of your helmet

Step 4 – Rinse helmet under shower head.

 
Step 5 – Hold the straps firmly and whip your helmet to ring out any excess water.

 

Step 6 – Dry over a vent from the air in your home.

Step 7 – Ride fresh as a daisy grown in an Irish Spring.