3rd annual ‘Flatlander’ this Saturday

3rd annual ‘Flatlander’ this Saturday

100K bike ride growing each year

news@theeveningtimes.com

Bicycling enthusiasts have been delighted with the first two Delta Flatlander cycling events. With the Big River Crossing bicycle and pedestrian path across the Harahan bridge set to open later this month and construction awarded for a six mile trail between the Interstate bridges in the newly dubbed Delta Regional River Park, the Flatlander event this Saturday brings focus to the ever-expanding cycle tourism opportunities on the west bank of the Big Muddy.

Tourism Director Jim Jackson spoke of West Memphis as an emerging outdoor tourism and activity hub.

“West Memphis is going to be an outdoor recreation destination,” said Jackson.

“The Flatlander is a preview of what is coming, and we are proud and grateful to be a part of it.”

Jackson linked arms with PREM to organize, and promote for the third annual Flatlander Set for this Saturday, Oct. 8. PREM has promoted and managed sporting events for 30 years and set hopes on making the third ride an irresistible charm for cyclists in the midst of all the developing recreational opportunities.

“It is no secret,” said Jackson. “We started this event to help answer the question of what folks would do when they rolled off the Harahan and into West Memphis. The riders who participated in the first two events know the potential over here. We are confident they are spreading the word.”

The Flatlander is a metric century ride (100 kilometers or about 62 miles) starting at the Big River Trail head and follow the path of the Mississippi River south circling Horseshoe Lake and return to Pancho’s for food, beverages and music. Shorter 20 and 40 mile rides are mapped out for riders as well.

The 21-mile Gravel Grinder ride goes north from the Harahan Bridge Landing through the Delta Regional River Park under construction and then along the St. Francis Levee. It is a rough terrain ride meant for off road bicycles and is set for an afternoon start.

A portion of the Flatlander route overlaps the Mississippi River trail a 3,000 mile course set over onroad bikeways and pedestrian and bike pathways stretching from Minnesota to the Gulf Coast. The Harahan Crossing, and St.

Francis Levee access for bikes marks West Memphis as a cycling hub.

Participants may register for the ride at arkansasdeltaflatlander. com.

By John Rech