Four Questions With Matt Crafton, Rogers Cycling Festival

The inaugural Rogers Cycling Fest is this weekend. The two-day event combines some previously unrelated races.

Talk Business & Politics‘ Kerri Jackson Case asked Event Chair Matt Crafton about the upcoming event.

TB&P: What is the Rogers Cycling Festival? Why combine previous events?

Matt Crafton: We’ve held the Race for the Spike and Frisco 5 Poker Ride over the three previous years. We felt that 1) since the Race for the Spike is only about a 30-minute event, we needed additional road cycling events and 2) with the opening of the new off-road single track trails at Lake Atalanta adjacent to downtown Rogers, there was a unique opportunity to have both road and mountain bike events.

Proceeds from the Race for the Spike and Frisco 5 Poker Ride over the three previous years have been dedicated to supporting the Rogers Community Bike Program. In the spring of 2014, NWA Emerging Leaders used proceeds from these events to purchase 25 new bikes that were placed at trailheads in Rogers for free public use.

This year, our hope is to significantly expand the fundraising efforts so that we may support the Rogers Community Bike Program in a greater way and also support other related efforts to improve cycling and overall wellness in Northwest Arkansas. We will support Pedal It Forward with a share of this year’s proceeds. Pedal It Forward is a non-profit organization that takes donated old, used bikes, tunes them up and provides them to NWA children in need. We will also provide contributions to the Ozark Off Road Cyclists and the Boston Mountain Cyclists clubs in recognition of their volunteers who will help organize and run portions of the festival.

TB&P: Who do you expect to participate?

Crafton: We’re hoping to have lots of competitive road cyclists, mountain bike enthusiasts as well as families with kids. There are events for everyone.

TB&P: Why do you think cycling has become so popular in Northwest Arkansas?

Crafton: This region really has something for everyone when it comes to cycling. The topography offers green hills, unbelievable natural beauty and weather that’s usually not too extreme. There are lots of great road routes in the area where you’ll see single cyclists or large groups. Mountain biking has really taken off, with world-class trails at several local parks. There are also paved trails in the area for more casual riders, including the new Razorback Greenway that links the whole region from Fayetteville to Bella Vista.

TB&P: What are you most excited about with this festival?

Crafton: It’s hard to pick out one thing, but perhaps the most exciting thing is just being able to introduce cycling enthusiasts to all the unique offerings in downtown Rogers – it is a great place. We’re also excited for the local community to come out and see the cycling talent that will be on display at our competitive events. We’re hoping it will be a fun weekend for everyone.