Bella Vista has partnered with Bella Vista Community Church to host the first-ever Back 40 Fall for All trail festival in the church's parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2. The church is located at 75 E. Lancashire Blvd.
Vendors, community groups, cycling advocate groups, local churches and more have come together with the city to plan this community event, and residents of all ages are invited. Do you use our trails regularly? Have you never stepped foot on any of them? This is your chance to gather with your community to share your love of the trails or get to know more about what you have in your own backyard.
Several scheduled events are planned, including guided hikes, a group trail run and various group mountain bike rides. Two guided hikes will also be offered, starting at 8 a.m., and will be led by the Arkansas Master Naturalists. Come learn about what is living and growing near the trails, such as native plants, bugs, birds and more. A group trail run led by Rush Running will start at 7 a.m. and our friends at Ozark Mountain Bagels will be providing some fuel for this run.
The group rides will be led by Ozark Off-Road Cyclists and GPP Cycling starting at 9 a.m. These rides are geared toward the intermediate or advanced rider. Beginners are encouraged to check out the skills course offered by the Friends of Arkansas Singletrack (FAST). Let the FAST members -- who live to ride their bikes as much as possible -- show you some tips and tricks to sharpen your skills. Lewis and Clark Outfitters will offer a bike rodeo for the young riders, and area bike shops -- GPP Cycling, Lewis and Clark, Mojo Cycling and Phat Tire -- will offer free bike safety checks.
Choose your passion -- hiking, running, riding or all three -- and then hang around the festival area for vendors, face painting, music and more. There will be free food until it's gone. The International Mountain Bike Association Bike Patrol and Bella Vista Police Department Bike Patrol will be out keeping an eye on everyone using the trails, and the Bella Vista Fire Department plans to show up with a truck or two to tour and explore.
Follow the Back 40 Trails Facebook page (www.facebook.com/back40trails/) for more details to come on the event, such as times and locations for each group ride, run or hike.
Community on 08/23/2017