Saturday's Tour da Delta bicycle ride will feature nothing but Arkansas roads.
For the first time in the ride's nine years, cyclists pedaling the 100-mile course will leave downtown Helena-West Helena and will stay on the west side of the Mississippi River. In the past, the event sent riders across the river for various loops through Mississippi farmland before heading back to Arkansas.
Ride organizer Kelly King says there were a couple of reasons for the change. Because cyclists ride at different paces and not ganged into one big pack, individuals making their return trip across the narrow U.S. 49 Mississippi River Bridge were often not supported by an escort vehicle. It could
be a scary stretch for a lone rider.
And then there's all that Arkansas terrain that past versions of the tour haven't explored.
"Phillips County has some great roads we have not traversed, so we want cyclists to see these unique places," King says.
And this being the Delta, riders can count on the roads being flat.
Along with the 100-mile route, there are also 15-, 35- and 62-mile courses. All will feature prominent course markings and rest stops stocked with food and drinks.
The tour will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with a mass start, rolling away from Bailee Mae's restaurant, 209 Rightor St. in downtown Helena-West Helena. Riders will be treated to barbecue and blues music by the Lil Biscuit Band at the restaurant after the ride.
Registration, $40, and maps are available at tourdadelta.net. Riders may also register Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Bailee Mae's and on Saturday beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the restaurant.
ActiveStyle on 10/12/2015