Adventure Cycling Association is now offering the Arkansas High Country Route to bikers nationwide, a decision that local officials say will result in more bikers trekking through Hot Springs as they complete the route.
According to its website, the over 1,000-mile route is comprised of three large adjacent loops. An additional choice on the South Loop features two single-track options, using the entire Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, or LOViT, and the southern portion of the Womble Trail.
"Because of (Hot Springs) being a stop on the route, it kind of gives people an opportunity to come through our town and see what we do have to offer," Northwoods Trails Coordinator Traci Berry said.
"I think anytime that we have an opportunity or reason for any type of rider to come through Hot Springs, it shows what we have going on here as far as cycling infrastructure; whether that be natural surface trails or gravel roads or any roads along that path that are cycling-friendly," she said.
"That's one of the reasons it's so important we have infrastructure here that supports cyclists. The more we have things like the ... Arkansas High Country Route that comes through Hot Springs, the more we have to have infrastructure that's friendly to that; because we're going to have people here who are on bikes and not switching from bikes to vehicles."
While bikers have the option to ride the route by purchasing the maps through ACA at their own convenience, ACA will also be offering a guided tour beginning Saturday through Oct. 7.
"I think any cyclist who is into multiday cycling adventures, looks to Adventure Cycling for resources," Berry said, also noting once the route's guided tour starts to "catch on" after this year, she expects more riders to be coming through Hot Springs.
"People go out for multiday rides and pretty much pack all of their gear on their bikes," she said. "Some people will do it and they will stay in little hotels or motels along the route, depending on what type of riding they are doing, or they will plan it through where they can camp."
For more information on the Arkansas High Country Route, visit adventurecycling.org.