Friends of Arkansas Singletrack

FAST: Friends of Arkansas Singletrack

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FAST Wednesday Night Group Ride @ Pedaler’s Pub

Wednesday night group ride for July 2025 @ Pedaler’s Pub.

FRIENDS of ARKANSAS SINGLETRACK Group Rides

We have groups for all levels of riders!

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.

Poison Hemlock Alert—Help Us Keep the Trails Safe

🚨 Poison Hemlock Alert – Help Us Keep the Trails Safe 🚨

Poison hemlock has been spotted along sections of local trails. This plant is extremely toxic to humans and animals — even through skin contact or breathing in particles from disturbed plants. It’s critical that we stop it from spreading, and that it’s removed safely.

🔍 How to Identify Poison Hemlock:

  • Stems: Smooth, green, and marked with purple blotches or streaks (no hairs)
  • Leaves: Delicate, fern-like, and finely divided (resembles parsley or wild carrot)
  • Flowers: White clusters arranged in an umbrella shape (blooming late spring/summer)
  • Height: Can reach 6–10 feet tall when mature
  • Found along trail edges, ditches, roadsides, and open disturbed soil

Do not touch or handle this plant unless you are properly protected. Even dried stalks remain toxic.

🧤 Safe Removal Guidelines:

  • Wear gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and a mask
  • Remove when small — early in the season before it flowers
  • Dig out the entire taproot (at least 6–8 inches deep)
  • Do not shake off dirt — bag plants immediately in heavy-duty trash bags
  • Dispose in a landfill (never compost or leave in brush piles)
  • Never burn it — the smoke is dangerous
  • Do not mow or trim flowering or seeding plants — this spreads toxic debris and seeds

🛑 What Not to Do:

  • Don’t touch with bare hands
  • Don’t mow or weed-whack once it’s bolted or flowering
  • Don’t burn or compost
  • Don’t assume it’s harmless just because it looks like a wildflower

If you spot a patch of it, snap a photo from a safe distance and let us know where it is. Thanks for helping us protect the trails and everyone who uses them.

Learn more here.

#TrailSafety #PoisonHemlock #FASTtrails #knowbeforeyoupull

FAST Wednesday Night Group Ride @ FAST Wednesday Night Group Ride @ Pedal it Forward: Spare Bike Parts Drive

Wednesday night group ride for May 21. 2025 @ Pedal It Forward, 3902 NW Wishing Springs Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712

Please bring any spare bike parts & frames for Pedal It Forward donations, it’s that time of year and they need parts!

FRIENDS of ARKANSAS SINGLETRACK Group Rides

We have groups for all levels of riders!

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.

Lake Ann Rake & Ride

Location: Lake Ann Trailhead, 68 Castleford Dr, Bella Vista

Come join us for a RAKE & RIDE or a RIDE & RAKE or a RIDE & RIDE or a RAKE & RAKE!
Whatever you choose! Just come out and have a good time!

FRIENDS of ARKANSAS SINGLETRACK Group Rides

We have groups for all levels of riders!

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.

FAST Beach Bash 2025

Beach Bash 2025 @ The Beach at Lake Avalon

🌊 Save the Date for this FAST member only event!
FAST Beach Bash is coming — and you do not want to miss it!

Join your fellow FAST fam for a laid-back evening of sand, sun, and good vibes. We’re talking:
🏖️ Beach hangs
🛶 Kayaks & SUPs
🌮 Tasty food
🍹 Refreshing drinks
🎶 Chill tunes
🌲 PLUS: a sneak peek at something new on the trails! 👀
…all FREE for FAST members!

📅 Date: Sunday, June 29
🕓 Setup starts at 4PM
🎉 Fun kicks off at 5PM
🧹 Cleanup at 9PM

Stay tuned for more details — but for now, mark your calendar and get ready to BEACH BASH with FAST!

Become a FAST member: https://www.imba.com/join/chapter/fast