Meeting planned June 16 for Women Bike Arkansas

An informational meeting for the 2016 Women Bike Arkansas bicycle clinic will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at the Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center.

The clinic is free and will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday from June 20 to Sept. 17 at the McGee Center. The Conway Fall Classic, scheduled Saturday, Sept. 17, is the final ride and “graduation” for the clinic.

This is the third year for the clinic. According to clinic director Tara Leamon, the program averaged 50 ladies each night last year.

There are three available training levels:

Spin Cycles: training for a 20-mile route.

Biker Chicks, A & B: training for a 40-mile route.

Pedal Pushers: training for a 60-mile route.

Mary Cowperthwait was among the participants. “WBA allowed me to get involved with my community,” she said. “It also helped me complete a 40-mile ride with no outside training or support. The ladies of this group are knowledgeable and supportive and are always willing to help you learn and grow as a cyclist.”

Sharon Bradley also had praise for the program. “When I joined WBA, I was looking for an exercise to replace running,” she said. “With riding, I have made a lot of new friendships. I also enjoyed the adventure of each ride.”

For more information, visit facebook.com/womenbikearkansas.