Come explore The Back 40's ecology by bike

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Join Sim Barrow to explore the ecological niches of the Back 40 Trail system -- by bike.

This no-drop, intermediate-level ride will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, starting from Bella Vista Community Church trailhead, 75 E. Lancashire Blvd.

Barrow, an environmental education specialist with the Fayetteville School District, is a local cyclist and naturalist and enjoys experiencing nature on foot or by bike. He has a bachelor's degree in fisheries and wildlife biology from Arkansas Tech University and a master's degree in entomology from the University of Arkansas. His interest in environmental education stemmed from his work as a cave guide at Blanchard Springs Caverns near Mountain View. Since that time, he has served as an entomology outreach coordinator and an outreach coordinator with the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust.

The ride can be either 4.5 miles or 10 miles. Shuttle service will be provided. The 4.5-mile ride will end at Buckingham Trailhead, and the 10-mile ride will end at the power relay substation road at the end of Pinyon Creek Trail. The shuttle will pick up from both endpoints and return riders to Bella Vista Community Church Trailhead.

The route primarily has an intermediate skill rating, with the exception of black diamond short sections. Riders need to be at least an intermediate skill level. Riders who are not at the advanced skill level can walk their bike through more difficult sections. Water and a helmet are required.

The Back 40 Trails are singletrack, which means they are dirt, narrow and sometimes rocky or have exposed tree roots.

There is no cost for these programs, offered by the city of Bella Vista.

Community on 08/15/2018