Pedalfest set Saturday Twin Springs Park

SILOAM SPRINGS -- Bicyclers of all ages and skill levels will get a chance to celebrate the sport Saturday during Pedalfest at Twin Springs Park.

The event, hosted by Siloam Pedal'rs and Bridges to Wellness, will include a 60-mile poker run, 20-mile mixer and mad dash race for more serious bikers. A family scavenger hunt, bicycle games and BMX stunt show will also be included for riders of all ages.

"There is pretty much a ride for every skill level or distance," said David VanSandt, of Siloam Pedal'rs. "We hope to connect casual users with avid cyclists and build that culture in Siloam Springs."

A meal of barbecue chicken, baked beans and rolls will be served and entertainment will be provided by local bands "Farmer and The Markets" and "Drawing Blanks."

Pedalfest is now in its third year, but this is the first year the cycling club has partnered with Bridges to Wellness for the event, VanSandt said.

"It seemed like a natural partnership," he said, explaining a lot of people are interested in Bridges to Wellness' previous bike riding events as well as Pedalfest.

"Putting them together in one big event made sense," he said.

Instead of its traditional Wellfest in June, Bridges to Wellness decided to host family challenges throughout the summer. Partnering with the Siloam Pedal'rs to host Pedalfest will provide the bicycle races that were part of Wellfest, said Barbara Price-Davis, director of Bridges to Wellness.

The Siloam Pedal'rs' purpose for the event is to connect people who enjoy bicycling and have a day for them to enjoy bicycle activities together. Bridges to Wellness' purpose is to encourage people to get out and move and enjoy doing it, VanSandt said.

"Biking is something every age group can do, from 2 to 92," he said.

The 60-mile poker run will begin at 7:30 a.m., with registration opening at 6:30 a.m. Competitors will make five stops to pick up poker cards. The route will travel south and east of Siloam Springs, with the furthest stop in Prairie Grove.

The 20-mile mixer will begin at 8 a.m. Half of the race will be on the road and half will be off-road for mountain bikers. Competitors will leave downtown and travel west to New Life Ranch for the off-road portion of the race.

The mad dash will begin at 8:30 a.m. There will be no prescribed route. Cyclists will strategize their own route to five locations throughout Siloam Springs where they will pick up bracelets. They can visit the five locations in any order. The first person to return with all five bracelets will win.

A family or team scavenger hunt will be held at 2 p.m. followed by bike games and stunt shows at 3 p.m.

Perfection on Wheels of Florida will provide the BMX stunt show, VanSandt said. Ryan Bratton, a favorite performer at the Glow Ride in August, will also be demonstrating bike trails.

VanSandt said that he anticipated people from three and possibly four states will be traveling to Siloam Springs to participate in the longer distance races.

"We're glad to be part of burgeoning community life in downtown Siloam Springs and we feel like we're bringing that movement and health aspect in addition to the arts that are happening her," Price-Davis said.

Every part of the event is free, including the meal, except for the 60-mile race, the 20-mile race and the mad dash race. The cost for the 60-mile race is $45 and $35 for students. The cost for the 20-mile race and mad dash are $25 and $15 for students. Donations for the meal will be accepted.

The event is also in need of volunteers, Price-Davis said. Volunteers and competitors can preregister online at www.bridgestowellness.com. Registration will also be accepted on the day of the race and payment can be made with debit or credit cards. T-shirts will also be on sale.

NW News on 10/05/2015

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