Photo: Ozark Cycling Adventures
The 12th annual Highway 71 Classic is scheduled for Sunday, March 12 in Fayetteville.
The annual ride, which kicks off the spring cycling season, is produced by Bike Fayetteville in partnership with Breakaway Cycling Club, a local junior road racing development team. This year’s event is presented by Highroller Cyclery.
Ride options include two fully-supported road routes which each head south from Fayetteville along scenic Highway 71.
The shorter ride is a 32-mile route (map) that traverses mostly flat terrain, with a turnaround at Brentwood Park on the White River. The ride is great for new cyclists who are looking to participate in their first group ride event. The course is relatively flat and since it is out-and-back route, riders can turn around at any point.
The longer 71-mile ride (map) offers hundreds of feet of elevation change, including two climbs and descents of Mount Gaylor, with a turnaround and aid station at the First Assembly of God church in Mountainburg.
Hot coffee, fruit, pastries, and homemade PB&Js will be provided at the start and at the aid stations, thanks to Arsaga’s Coffee Roastery, Stonemill Bread Company, and Ozark Natural Foods.
Discounted pre-registration is available online for $30. Registration is also available on the morning of the ride for $40 beginning at 8 a.m. at Walker Park near the corner of South Block Avenue and West 13th Street in south Fayetteville.
Riders will depart from the park at 9 a.m. 10 a.m. (moved due to weather).
For more information about the event or to register, visit hwy71classic.com. For more photos from the 2016 event, head over to Ozark Cycling Adventures.
