ABC Pitches in for River Trail & LR Bike Plan

About 20 ABC members rolled up their sleeves and donated their time to the city of North Little Rock on Dec. 1 to help landscape the new bicycling trail along the Arkansas River.

Some $3,000 of drought-resistant plants and trees were planted along the recently-excavated trail west of the abandoned rock quarry below Fort Roots. In addition, a dozen or so trees were planted west of the golf course along the trail in Burns Park.

NLR city planner Robert Voyles was clearly impressed by the showing and the club’s interest. For our part, the unusually mild Saturday was a nice day to get out and do something concretely to promote cycling… and there was immediate gratification from the compliments of some passing cyclists.

ABC has partnered with NLR to promote and maintain the 8-mile, remarkably-scenic, recreational trail. You need to ride it if you haven’t already.

In a related effort, on Dec. 11th ,several ABC members were invited to meet with the Little Rock Parks and Recreation commission to discuss that city’s bike plan and efforts to promote bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation.

Commission director Bryan Day’s hope is that, with our input, cycling routes enabling inter-neighborhood transportation could be designated. If approved by the LR city council, the routes would be posted by signs and painted stripes on streets. The importance of the Arkansas river-side route for both commuting and recreation was discussed. ABC member and bike-commuter Ken Gould was elected chairman of a group to review the routes; the city will also be present at our next meeting with maps to get club-wide input.

Here’s our chance, folks. If you think there should be better opportunities to bicycle in Arkansas, show up at our next meeting. In the upcoming month or so, Steve Weston of the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department will be at our ABC monthly meeting to seek input on state-wide cycling projects.

Please watch for announcements for when we need your help, either to attend meetings or, well, plants some bushes. There really should be better roadside shoulders and recreational paths for cycling in Arkansas and we’re off to a good start to make it happen. Come join us.

-Rob Lambert, president

ABC 2001 Christmas Party

The Christmas party was quite an event. A BIG thank you goes to Corky Binz for setting everything up and letting us use her house.

Mountain View Weekend trip: A bit about Holly Hope's weekend expedition to the wild country of Mountain View, Ark. On Nov. 3 the trip began with fine fall weather. Six brave explorers departed from the Marina across from the Narrows Dam campground in Greer's Ferry. Holly Hope, Jim Brit, Scott Saunders, Judy McDowall, Jim Caron, Marshall Singer, and our fearless Sag Support, Shellie.

We headed out at a leisurely pace taking in the scenery and beautiful rolling country side. Upon reaching Mountain View we explored the city and sites, and enjoyed fine dining of Calzone and a trip to a fudge factory. It sounds like a meal for champions.

That evening we did a little repair work on Jim Caron's wheel; proving again that you shouldn't stray too far from home without a handy dandy portable replacement spoke. The Sleeved Kevlar spoke worked just fine for the trip back.

The group spent the night at Bed and Breakfasts in town, and awoke to nice clear day, perfect for the ride back. After eating what I think was the largest breakfast I have ever seen, we departed Mountain View for our trek back. There is definitely more UP coming back than going, so much the better, I keep telling people I like hills.

A special thank you goes to Shellie for following us in the Sag Van. With the vehicle at hand we were ready for any possibilities. All in all, this was a Great trip with good food and fun times had by all.