NWA Life

46 • nwa life • 3.29.2020 Cyclocross has been described as "a cross between road racing and mountain biking" in Cyclocross 101, an internet article by Jodi Hall. The sport resembles mountain biking, as riding is done on various types of terrain — grass, dirt, sand, asphalt — but it also includes obstacles like wooden planks, super steep hills, large tree roots, knee-deep mud, and others that often require the rider to dismount and mount. Weather conditions can be a kind of obstacle, too. Rain, wind, and ice add even greater challenges to die-hard 'cross racers. In a press release announcing Fayetteville's selection for the cyclocross events, Mayor Lionel Jordan noted the impact on a community passionate about biking. "The City is thrilled to welcome the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championship to Fayetteville in 2022! When we acquired the acreage for Centennial Park at Millsaps Mountain, our vision was to develop a new trail system to serve the emerging mountain biking industry as well as to preserve lands to serve local hikers and trail runners." Jordan went on to say, "This event is proof certain that we can continue to dream big for our future. We are always happy to roll out Fayetteville's hospitality red carpet and share the unique attributes of our beautiful city with visitors from across the world!" Cyclists from some 30 nations will be racing, to be watched by enthusiastic spectators coming from countries around the world. NWA sponsors many other bicycling festivals and races as well. • The oldest continuing festival is the Ozark Mountain Bike Festival (April 3-5), now in its 32nd year and held at the Fossil Flats Trailhead at Devil's Den State Park. The single and double tracks thread through the mountains and are considered some of Arkansas' best mountain bike trails. • The Fat Tire Festival MTB Race & Tour in Eureka Springs celebrates its 22nd year from July 25-28. Held at Lake Leatherwood City Park, the event includes downhill, super-d, short track and cross-country racing as well as social gatherings and group rides. • The Avoca Road Race Series is a five- part race series held Wednesday evenings from March 25-May 20 and is "perfect sharpening race fitness or racing for the first time in a fun environment," according to the Avoca Racing Events Facebook page. Cyclists race in the scenic Benton County town of Avoca and its surrounding farmlands. " " Northwest Arkansas is a shining example of the positive impact cycling can have on a community. Steuart Walton NWA Democrat-Gazette/BEN GOFF @NWABENGOFF Travis Cedoz races during the Eureka Springs round of the Arkansas Enduro Series at Lake Leatherwood City Park. CONTINUED FROM 44 CONTINUED ON 48

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