Meet at 100 Veterans Way, Bella Vista, AR 72714
If you’re coming to our ride this next Wednesday, please RSVP on the Event Brite so they have numbers for refreshments. 
Remember, we’re starting our ride @4:30 from Wonderland so we can ride to this. Parking here isn’t great.
https://www.imba.com/join/chapter/fast
FRIENDS of ARKANSAS SINGLETRACK Group Rides
Ride starts just after 4:30 PM announcements
We are doing something SPECIAL for our 1st Ride in March! The Runway Group has invited FAST to come to the OZ Bike Park Open House, and we’re going to do a “ride-by” to enjoy the free food & beverages! Because the Open House is 4pm-7pm, our usual start time won’t work, so we’re pivoting to a 4:30pm start time. Don’t worry, if you can’t make the earlier time, there’s (probably) plenty of food & drinks for you to enjoy if you go straight to the Open House.
- Two more things:
- MAKE SURE TO WEAR YOUR FAST GEAR!
- Keep an eye out on Social Media for Runway Group’s Evite and FB Event and SIGN UP (it’s free) so they have an idea of how much food & beverage to purchase.
If you are uncertain about which group to join, please opt for the next lower ride level, if you find you need a greater challenge there is always next week. Keep in mind this is a group ride for all levels of rider enjoyment from experienced to beginner and it’s every rider’s responsibility to create this environment through communication and awareness.
A Group:
“High” paced and challenging group ride, with minimal stops. This will be the fastest of our group rides. Be prepared to push your physical limits & technical skills. Trail difficulty can be Blue, Black, and/or Double Black 9.5-10+ mph average for the entire ride. This can be a drop ride or no-drop, depending on the ride leader’s discretion.
This group sometimes changes into a “Jumps and Drops” sessioning ride, depending on ride leader discretion.
B Group:
“Above Average” paced and somewhat challenging group ride, with regrouping as deemed necessary by the Ride Leader. This is an XC-focused “spirited” training group ride. Trail difficulty will be mostly Blue with some Black added in from time to time. Average pace on flat terrain: 11-12mph, with an average pace of 9-10mph for the entire ride. This is a no drop ride. Distances vary based on Ride Leader discretion.
C Group:
Average paced ride with several regroups determined by the Ride Leader, typically at intersections and at the top of climbs. Trail difficulty will be mostly Blue. Average pace on flat terrain: 9-10mph, with an average pace of 7-8.5mph for the entire ride. This is a no drop ride. Distances are 6-10 miles.
Par-D Pace Group:
Average paced ride with frequent regroups at tops of climbs and features for rest and shenanigans. Trail difficulty will be mostly Blue with plenty of Green. Average pace on flat terrain: 7-9mph, with an average pace of 6-8mph for the entire ride. This is a no drop ride. Distances are 6-8 miles.
EZ-Riders:
This ride is perfect for 1st time FAST group riders and for those that are new to the sport of mountain biking. Expect frequent stops while your ride leader strives to ensure everyone is comfortable with the terrain and pace.
This is a no drop ride, 5-7 miles, 5-7 mph pace, frequent stops, sticking to green and easier blue trails.
***New Mountain Bikers please make sure to introduce yourself to the
Ride Leader & Sweeper***
Every rider within each group is responsible for knowing where the rider behind them is and communicating forward if there are issues during the ride. The slowest rider is the most significant rider of any group.
COMMUNICATION is key! If for any reason, there is an issue and riders need to split up or break off from the group this must be communicated verbally to another group member and then later communicated to the entire group at one of the stops.
Two major rules:
Never leave/split off from a group without telling someone.
Know where the rider is behind you.
Ride when trails are either dry or frozen solid (like early morning after a hard freeze).
