Big Ride, Big Stakes

Springdale’s first cycling tour puts spotlight on sport, city

Northwest Arkansas cyclists will participate in the inaugural Lantere Rouge Fondo in Springdale on Aug. 27. Registration closes Thursday. Volunteers are needed.
Northwest Arkansas cyclists will participate in the inaugural Lantere Rouge Fondo in Springdale on Aug. 27. Registration closes Thursday. Volunteers are needed.

The registration deadline is looming for the inagural Lanterne Rouge Fondo & Midsummer Soiree -- a cycling tour and post-ride party Aug. 27 in downtown Springdale.

The tour -- a grand fondo, or big ride -- is a first for Springdale and only the second one for the Northwest Arkansas region, says Britney Schrag, director of Bike Springdale.

FAQ

Lanterne Rouge Fondo

& Midsummer Soiree

WHEN — 3 p.m. Aug. 27; registration closes Aug. 25. Soiree is 5-9 p.m.

WHERE — Shiloh Square pavilion (check in for fondo); Spring Street (soiree)

COST — $35-$50

INFO — 799-2326 or lanternerougefondo.…

BONUS — Volunteers for both events can sign up at lanternerougefondo.….

The ride will take cyclists from "the beautiful downtown area (through) the outskirts of Springdale to the shores of Beaver Lake," she says. Cyclists will take a scheduled rest stop at Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery before heading back to Shiloh Square.

The event is a fundraiser for Bike Springdale, a nonprofit organization promoting cycling and cycling education in the community and schools. The more successful the event, the more Bike Springdale will be able to do for cycling in the city, Schrag says.

The Lanterne Rouge can "help create community and a sense of belonging by celebrating Springdale's wonderful assets and its burgeoning event scene," Schrag emphasizes. "(It can) legitimize cycling in Springdale and the greater Northwest Arkansas area as a valid and worthwhile pursuit."

"Even if you are not a cyclist yourself, but you support the movement of what's happening here, then you can come out to the soiree and enjoy good food and good people," says Misty Murphy, executive director of the Downtown Springdale Alliance.

Here are 10 things you need to know about the event:

1 -- The Lantern Rouge is the name given to the last competitor in a cycling race. Springdale was the city that completed the last section of the Razorback Greenway.

2 -- Cyclists can choose between the 20-mile "piccolo" course and the 40-mile "medio" course for the laid-back open road tour.

3 -- All types of bicycles and all ages of cyclists are welcome.

4 -- High quality support -- meat, cheese, veggie and fruit trays, wine, beer and chocolate -- will be available to cyclists at Sassafras Springs Vineyard Winery during the scheduled rest stop.

5 -- Two segments of the course will feature competitions for the king and queen of the mountain. Phat Tire Bike Shop has donated more than $1,500 in prizes to be awarded to first, second and third places.

6 -- Phat Tire will provide an on-site mechanic.

7 -- A bike valet and showers will be available after the ride before the soiree.

8 --The Midsummer Soiree, a celebration of downtown Springdale's revitalization, will take place on Spring Street.

9 -- Entrees, desserts and adult beverages will be provided by local food trucks, cake shops, coffee shops and breweries.

10 -- Money raised from the event will help Bike Springdale advocate for cycling infrastructure improvements in the city and will help the organization cultivate a cycling culture through programming and outreach, Schrag says.

-- Kelly Barnett

[email protected]

NAN What's Up on 08/19/2016

Upcoming Events