Photo: Ozark Cycling Adventures
The 13th annual Highway 71 Classic is scheduled for Sunday, May 27 in Fayetteville.
The ride is produced by Bike NWA and Breakaway Cycling, a local junior road racing development team.
Ride options include three fully-supported road routes which each head south from Walker Park along scenic Highway 71 and then back to Fayetteville. Each ride includes a rest stop at the halfway point stocked with pastries from local bakeries, PB&J sandwiches on locally made bread, local coffee, and fruit. Food is supplied by Dirty Apron Bakehouse, Stone Mill Bread, Ozark Natural Breads and Ozark Natural Foods.
The routes
New for 2018 is a 20-mile beginner’s route to West Fork and back. Designed for new riders looking to participate in their first group ride event, it’s a mostly flat route with about 650 feet of elevation gain (see route map).
The 32-mile route is also mostly flat with only about 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The out-and-back route takes riders to Brentwood Park on the White River (see route map).
The classic 71-mile ride features some of the most scenic views in the region, including a climb and descent of Mount Gaylor in both directions. The ride passes by Artist Point on the way to the turnaround and aid station in Mountainburg (see route map).
Registration
Discounted pre-registration is available online for $30 (register online). Registration is also available on the morning of the ride for $40 beginning at 8 a.m. at Walker Park.
Riders will depart from the park at 9 a.m.
For more information, visit hwy71classic.com. For photos from a previous event, head over to Ozark Cycling Adventures.
