19 Aug 2014 A ride in the woods

by Sonja J. Keith

The scenic beauty of the 501 offers the perfect setting for mountain biking — an activity enjoyed by varying age levels.

Two parks in Faulkner County have mountain bike trails — Cadron Settlement Park and Woolly Hollow State Park — perfect for the novice as well as the experienced.

According to Erik Leamon, owner of The Ride in Conway, individuals have worked over the last 10 to 15 years to improve the mountain bike trail at Cadron Settlement. In particular, over the last two years, a local group called COG (Central-Arkansas Off-road Group) has recruited mountain bikers and runners to volunteer their time to care for the Cadron trails, replacing bridges and making other improvements.

“The city has allowed us to take ownership of the trails and make them a nicer place to ride,” he said.

The group will also be responsible for maintaining the new trails at Woolly Hollow.

COG numbers between 20 and 30, according to Erik. He added that the group is looking to join forces with the Central Arkansas Trail Alliance (centralartrail.com), whose goal is “to establish and maintain multi-use trails in Central Arkansas that are open to mountain bikers and to link all trail users for this purpose.”

Richard Ryerson, who has enjoyed mountain biking for more than 20 years, is among the members of the loosely knit group. “My brother bought a mountain bike, and that got me interested.”

According to Richard, the group uses weed eaters, blowers and chainsaws to groom the trails, which is particularly important after a storm or high winds. He said the group held a poker run last year to raise money to take care of the Cadron trails.

“It is all done on a volunteer basis,” Richard said. “Nobody receives any money . . . Members enjoy mountain biking, and we want to make sure the rest of the world can enjoy it with them.”

Terry Coddington, who has enjoyed mountain biking for about seven years (the last three while living in Conway), is also a COG member.

“When I moved here, I did not enjoy riding it (the Cadron trail),” he said. “Now, I prefer to go there and ride. It’s come so far.”

Terry said before COG was created, there was little maintenance on the Cadron trail. “Since then, the trail has really improved,” he said.
Richard said he would like to see more interest in mountain biking and in joining COG. He said more interest will help Conway become a bike friendly community.

Cadron Settlement has two mountain bike trails — a 1-mile pea gravel course and a 5-mile course.

Erik added that Woolly Hollow recently added the Enders Fault Mountain Bike Trail, with 10 miles of trails along north and south loops. He said the trails were professionally designed and built, offering a great place for mountain bikers — especially beginners.

For those who are considering mountain biking, Erik recommends investing in the right equipment — including a helmet — for the activity.

“You want good equipment intended for off-road usage,” he said. (For more information on COG or mountain bike equipment, contact The Ride at 501.764.4500.)

Erik said beginners need to develop the physical fitness for the sport. “It will get more enjoyable with every ride.”

With Conway being a college town, Erik said mountain biking has been a popular activity for many years, but interest has recently increased. He said the sport attracts male and female riders, young and older, and individuals of varying skill level including the very competitive. “I’ve seen a lot of growth,” he said.

While mountain bicycling can seem intimidating to outsiders and newcomers, Erik points out that it is hazardous in the same way that snow skiing can be dangerous for those who are on courses above their physical ability and skill level.

“It can be a dangerous sport for those who get in over their head,” Richard said.

Erik said the Cadron trail is not “super beginner friendly,” and because of its terrain, it is better suited for intermediate and above riders.

Being outdoors and enjoying nature is the appeal for Erik, who is a road bicyclist as well as a mountain biker. While Cadron is not exactly in the wilderness, he said the area is scenic. “It’s more relaxing.”

Richard has similar thoughts on why he enjoys the sport. “I can collect my thoughts and get a good workout in the process,” he said.

“I enjoy mountain biking probably more so than road biking,” Terry said, adding that the sport appeals to the “little kid” in him and his sense of adventure. “I enjoy being in the woods.”

While mountain biking, Erik said he isn’t concerned with whether a driver is distracted, which happens when road bicycling. “It’s relaxing in a different way than road biking,” he said. “Riding in the woods is very enjoyable.”