America’s Secret Cycling Paradise - Hank’s Perfect Ride In Fayetteville

[@TheRandomClap]

As someone from Arkansas, I never thought I'd here the words "Woo Pig Sooie" on GCN. Glad ya'll made the trip out.

[@elmoisamac]

Same here!

[@sirnickolan3945]

Same here! Good to see these people head this way! Means we are doing something right haha

[@aredouble4502]

That was an awesome display of what Arkansas can offer, and calling of the hogs was like the icing on the cake.

[@samuelayers3017]

Geaux Tigers. Lol, never thought I’d hear that phrase on GCN either.

[@rivercloud32]

I agree

[@Kgoehringer]

Hank should do a series traveling around checking out different bike scenes around the world. He's got such a great energy and genuinely always seems excited to try new things. It would be sweet :) Living in NYC its really great to get to have this glimpse into what another part of the US has going for it. Thanks for sharing this!

[@julianrodewald7312]

that´s a very good idea ✌

[@DavidDucaz]

Yess

[@JM-vy5tl]

great idea...

[@imransheikhinfo]

THIS. Was just going to comment the same thing!

[@kishascape]

Should've brought Jeremy Power along.

[@JohnPilling25]

As a Brit stranded in the USA I’ve been to northwest Arkansas twice this year riding the greenway between Fayetteville and Bentonville as well as the mtb trails in Bentonville and the gravel trails in Ozarks. The investment in cycling infrastructure is massive, mostly down to the Walton family foundation. It’s just a cool area with great microbreweries, food and cafes etc. Relative to lots of the USA it’s relatively cheap. Lots of the trails for road bikes are completely separate from the actual roads and are nicely paved in concrete. A great place for cycling.

[@colinmcdonald2499]

They are definitely doing right by cyclists down there in Arkansas!

[@Chris-0703]

How many times did you get coal-rolled?

[@alpsalish]

Stranded in the USA? Do you plan on moving back to Britain or other part of the UK? Where are you currently stranded? I am genuinely curious.

[@TwistedOnyx369]

Are you stranded, sir? How can we help you get back home?

[@cbailey2376]

Maybe time to move to Arkansas....??

[@kevin._.farren]

I think Hank is part Labrador, he goes straight for the water every time.

[@babbleboyquito]

Hank, Trek bike, Surly bike, Rapha kit, gravel roads, protected bike lanes, no traffic, beer, pizza. Certainly a perfect video!

[@rule3036]

Apart from going Rapha

[@roadcyclist1]

Apart from the gravel

[@kevin._.farren]

I know there is amazing riding all over the world but America is behind the times when it comes to cycling so the more vids you can do on US soil to help further cycling would be a wonderful treat. Keep putting out wonderful content!!!

[@MrKevinWhite]

Too bad things didn't work out with JPow. I was looking forward to lots of US-based gravel content from him, but he disappeared so quick.

[@ralzalychhoeng7893]

I would have never thought of going to Arkansas for any reason being from New England where there's so much diversity in weather and terrain but the idea of endless stretches of dedicated tarmac and gravel without the noise of automobiles and traffic sounds like absolute paradise. Fayetteville is now on my list thanks to GCN!

[@davidgibble5904]

My thoughts exactly. I think it is now on my list of bikes stops in retirement travels.

[@gtrogdon]

You won't regret it. I'm not native to the area but live here and love it. This video doesn't even do it justice.

[@danielkatani612]

I went to college here and it’s a must. The most magical place- nothing quite like it

[@letsgo_inc]

Minnesota is the same way. Within the city we have tons of dedicated cycling paths and a big cycling culture. You don't have to go far to then find endless gravel and road in rolling farmland with very little traffic. I guess it is a midwest thing.

[@friedpicklechips]

Welcome!

[@Seppster58]

Another epic ride by Hank. Nearly spit out my coffee when he initially showed up in "pyjamas" LOL. That is such a beautiful place to bike. The US has so many great places to ride. Need to see more of this. Well done GCN!!

[@kishascape]

That pot bellied gravel hipster really gave hank a thrashing on the dirt.

[@sicbay]

This is so cool. I heard the fellow say "40+ years" of Fayetteville cycling culture and I did the calculation and yep... I knew and raced with Joe Martin in 1981-82 when I was a junior on his Boston Mountain Cyclists team. Arkansas Junior State Road Champ 1982 here!

[@hawjfamily321]

Please do more US videos. Your videos are awesome.

[@chrisbaum998]

I second the more US videos!!!

[@arglebarglefoofara]

Third!

[@apm9507]

Go 4th and cycle the US! May the 4th be with you!

[@leaveonlytreadmarks3964]

That Surly is so much cooler than the Trek! Great Video!

[@wakematt]

Funny coincidence that I just got into cycling and subscribed GCN a week ago and now I see a video of you in my hometown!

[@michaelganshirt8795]

Excellent, Hank. Welcome to the US. I must say, I never thought of Arkansas as a cycling destination before I heard that the cyclocross world championships was shipping off there. It looks pretty great.

[@gavinhenle2873]

This is my backyard! So cool to see you in the Natural State, thanks for coming to beautiful Arkansas!

[@gcn]

Our pleasure! Was awesome!

[@janfrancis2583]

More of these please, really like these gravel/adventure films that also take a dip into the culture in the area cycled. For those living in England that can't afford the trip to America for those gravel roads, I can recommend Sweden. Been living here for 20 years and the country is full of similar gravel as seen in this film.

[@chriswatson2769]

Need more videos in the US! Love watching the sport grow here

[@Maxime_K-G]

Having just a few bike trails can make a huge difference in how pleasant a region is for cycling. I remember going on holiday in Lower Bavaria and cycling a ton there once we found out how nice it was. The free public swimming ponds along the way were the cherry on top making it an unforgettable experience. Even though there wasn't really a lot of cycling infrastructure at all relative to where I live, the fact that what they did have was all safe, pleasant and functional (connecting up towns) was really all that I needed, other roads are relatively quiet anyways. Luckily for me "bicycle highways" are being built everywhere in my region right now!

[@championcycling5408]

I grew up here, and traveled the state training and racing. I spent many years traveling the country, and world, and always told everyone, "come to my state and you will have the best of it all", and finally glad to see it coming to life!!!! I Love Arkansas!!!

[@Cpresoz]

Thanks, Hank, for such a great introduction to my town and surrounding countryside. We're lucky to have someone like Brannon as a cycling coordinator for our town.

[@MountainVisions]

I founded the University of Arkansas cycling team in 1997. Had a lot of fun racing in Texas in the SCCCC. Back then being a new school the Texas schools wouldn't come to Arkansas to race. Fayetteville is a great town and great access point to the outdoors. Go Hogs! WooPig! #wps

[@bcm1013]

That's outstanding Hank. Group of friends and I will be headed to Fayetteville at the end of the month to watch CX Worlds. Much to look forward to!

[@MrKingola]

I travel with a band across the US (with mine and the drummer’s bikes in the bay) and one of the venues we play was in the background just before you hit the beer and pizza joint. Fayetteville is fantastic, so glad you got to come stateside and enjoy it!

[@gtrogdon]

George's Majestic. Fun little venue here

[@briannevin7635]

Another great assignment Hank, riding looks Epic. I’m a Brit who relocated to Madison Wisconsin in August 2021, gotta say I e had the same experience, amazing cycling networks, epic fast flowing gravel and today… fat biking on groomed snow trails! Gotta come check it out.

[@tommatush9433]

Please keep Madison a secret. We don't want everybody to know about this place.

[@edcheek913]

They literally rode down my street. That was so cool! I can't wait for spring when it warms up a bit.

[@heritagecruiser]

Holy crap! Grew up in Fayetteville-never would have expected to see it on GCN

[@astro61362]

We travel to Little Rock, Arkansas every year for a bike event. After watching this, we need to visit Fayetteville soon!

[@maximumrpm9577]

Glad you came to Northwest Arkansas! They picked some good roads and trails to give you a taste of Fayetteville, but you barely scratched the surface of what is available to ride around here. Hope you can stay awhile sometime.

[@gcn]

Watch this space! 👀

[@markg7834]

Excellent video. Been to Fayetteville several times to ride, coming up from Louisiana. It is a paradise for cyclists, indeed.

[@marbaca]

That is really awesome! I wish more cities would do this. The popularity of cycling has increased ten fold but the infrastructures of our towns and cities haven’t. Let’s hope for the future that we see more bike lanes etc in our countries!

[@billmccaffrey1977]

I've spent a lot of time as a young boy in Arkansas and it certainly wasn't anything like this video except for one thing - most of the country roads back then were gravel with tarantulas bigger than my hands. This video gives me great cause to go back with my bike and enjoy the Fayetteville area. I wish my state, Texas, would step up their game with biking. Thanks for the video.

[@iversjesse]

I'm so pumped to see Fay getting this publicity! As a NWA local gravel rider, I've always felt that the gravel around here was underappreciated - maybe not so much anymore. Next time you're in town, Hank, let me take you down to the Ouachita Mountains in central AR. Fayetteville's gravel is good, but down there is the best kept gravel secret in the world.

[@mannyforvid]

Man, I'm so moving to Fayetteville. I can ride my bikes till the wheels fall off. Thanks guys!.

[@Joshua-dx7zn]

The Capital Bike Trail in Virginia (USA) runs from Richmond to Jamestown and is around 52 miles. Its all on a really nice running/riding trail so no cars. Overall elevation on my 105 mile ride was something like 900 feet of elevation. Pretty route, not much else to see other than trees and fields though.

[@kennyodberg171]

I’ve done that one 25 miles in the daylight and 25 miles in the dark

[@paulhance1984]

Did ride from downtown Richmond to Jamestown and back to Richmond six months ago 106 miles round trip in 7 hours and 2000 plus ft of climbing.

[@Joshua-dx7zn]

@@paulhance1984 me? I road it in May last year.

[@kennyodberg171]

@@Joshua-dx7zn I did it in December a guys bike broke so a friend and I had to finish it in the dark, so we didn’t get to see much of Jamestown. The other guys hung out at the tavern half way until we could get back with the car to pick everyone up.

[@Joshua-dx7zn]

@@kennyodberg171 that's the problem with doing that ride in the winter. Not enough daylight, plus you have to worry about ice since so many parts are through the woods. I will probably ride it again in May, or at least when the weather gets nicer. Next time I might spend more time enjoying the ride, last time I pounded out the first half without stopping.

[@SeteNove]

Hank, as a proud Razorback this video made my day. I love how Northwest Arkansas has become a destination for all types of cyclists. This video just scratched the surface of what NWA has to offer. Thanks, GCN for highlighting Fayetteville. You guys are always welcome! You can even bring Dan if you want.

[@gcn]

Woo, Pig Sooie!

[@thenonclinicalpt]

That's what I was thinking! As cool as this video is, it could be 10 times longer b/c there's so much to see and do around here :)

[@jenmac287]

Hank, welcome to the USA. Glad u enjoyed your stay. This was fun to watch. Please do more.

[@jonburnell532]

America really do have the upper hand on the UK here. Their gravel roads are genuinely amazing, makes our muddy byways look awful. And they are so much more tollerant of cycling. I really am envious of that. Great vid guys 👍

[@donbushek]

Interesting. Regarding “tolerance” for cycling, I would have imagined it would be the other way around.

[@jonburnell532]

@@donbushek I'm sure there are some perfectly fine areas in the UK. I've just moved out of Nottinghamshire and the drivers there treat bike riders like targets.

[@thenonclinicalpt]

Great video! I live in Fayetteville, and it's paradise for cyclists!! :) Glad you were able to get here and experience what makes this area so special!

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andykramer4707]

Outstanding video! Arkansas has a lot to offer! If you want hills, check out the Ozark Mountains around Mountain Home - White River, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, etc.

[@wongasaur]

Hank's living the dream!! First bikejoring with those beautiful huskies and now this perfect cycling day? Starting off 2022 with some incredible cycling memories I say

[@marlonm396]

Being an American and a cyclist as well i just didn't know Arkansas was such a cycling destination. I think and i'd like to check it out. Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful place.

[@josh33172]

Parents moved to AR about 7yrs ago, and I've made a couple times out to Fayetteville, but for MTB and honestly...fantastic place!

[@ryanmurphy6565]

Fayetteville is a cycling GEM

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

Amazing video. After watching Hank and Brannon playing bikes on gravel, it's hard not to be inspired to go for a ride!

[@Cold417]

I live in Springfield, which is also in the Ozarks. I think everyone around here is envious of the Razorback Greenway and the cycling culture in NWA. Nice to see you had a great time! Can't wait for the Cyclo-Cross World Championships in a few weeks!

[@EddieDBama]

WOW! Great video boys. Brandon - excellent job as host. Hank - champion. Wish Huntsville, AL - Madison, AL would embrace cycling like Fayetteville has. Beautiful scenery and roads.

[@martinraucher2147]

It's really nice seeing a place id go on cycling holiday in a more accessible place than Mallorca.

[@sevenletters2255]

As an Arkansan, This is great to see. We have heavily invested in MTB and Cycling in all areas of the state. Everyone should come check us out. I feel like I should also tell you that the Walton grandson's bought Rapha some 2-3 years ago and Rapha sponsored this video so... coincidence?

[@angela-onesroman8873]

Epic indeed, then to top it 📴 with a cold crisp one, doesn't get much better... 👌🏽 Those suds looked really good...

[@holdsteadfast]

My hometown!!! Please come back and see more of the Ozarks!!!

[@Chris-0703]

There is still a Confederate tribute statue in the center of Bentonville. No thanks.

[@andrewlabat9963]

Countless miles of uninterrupted cycling in beautiful, open lands, man it just don't get no better than that..

[@bugboy152000]

Incredibly cool to see Hank and #GCN in the U.S.! Welcome to our side of the pond! You will have to come up to my native Vermont and get a ride with the The King.

[@MountainVisions]

I lived in Arkansas for 4 years. Raced and rode extensively there. I just got back into riding seriously during Covid but eastern NY and Vermont are on par with Arkansas. Honestly, I believe Vermont is the best state in the country for cycling. Huge elevation, more gravel than paved roads. Despite the harsh winters the roads are reasonably good (compared to NY, anyway, probably due to lower traffic), low traffic. When I was in Fayetteville cycling wasn't that big, so I didn't see all this infrastructure, so it was very apples to apples but based on natural terrain and population density, I'd choose Vermont. If I had to choose an urbanized area, obviously Fayetteville would probably win but Burlington can hold its own. Vermont, however, is diverse, the entire state offers great biking. Arkansas, imo, centers around Fayetteville and gets weaker as you move further away.

[@namegeneric4932]

Very nice episode. Watching this while in quarantine in a small city appartment with only cars, grey building and grey sky :( Yet this videos give me sensation of freedom. Thank you guys.

[@DaneKromer]

Nice video GCN! Hank’s comments about gravel make me appreciate what we have here in the Midwest; namely endless gravel roads! We so lucky!

[@rbonn3880]

I have always wanted to go to Arkansas, but worried it was too much about mountain biking. I was so wrong. This was a fabulous advertisement for any kind of cycling you want, all in a great town. Thank you both for making me smile so much!

[@ianstewart8301]

So cool that Hank is in the U.S.! And living in the states, I had no idea how cool Fayetteville was!

[@grahamgarber5545]

So psyched to see this format again, it's great to see cycling locations and destinations all over the world

[@telepopepic]

The US, like most places, has plenty of excellent cycling destinations, you just need local beta. One such spot is the Finger Lakes region of NY. With nice roads, fine gravel, long climbs with great views, and wine it’s worth the look.

[@ericgeary6100]

Glad to see you enjoyed your Arkansas cycling experience Hank. Also glad to see more American communities embracing cycling.

[@christianmichael1970]

Great video and I’ve shared it with a few cycling friends. As a Brit who has spent 20 years in Texas, I’ve recently moved to Colorado Springs SOLELY for the cycling and health. I’m thinking riding 7 days a week without work getting in the way I couldn’t hit all the riding trails in the next 2 years lol. As I have to work, I’ll be busy for a while and eventually hoping to be bedazzled by it all. GCN should swing by some time…. It’s just below Boulder….

[@MrExdursley]

We've just moved from Fayetteville after 17 years. A Brit from Gloucestershire, We've raised 3 kids here and 2 of them work in the local Trek bike shop. Great little city

[@Ruggine85]

Hank, mate, you are living the life! Great adventures, great documentaries, but most of all great personality. Thanks for the quality entertainement!!

[@danielwelch9823]

Love to see an American city off of the coasts investing in cycling. Hope that attitude is adopted more widely.

[@ianlangsev5828]

You have to come to Minnesota! We have the most bike trails of any other state. Plus, Minneapolis was ranked as the best city in America to bike in. Come to the North Star state and see what we’re all about! Cheers

[@tommatush9433]

It's funny the perception people have of what constitutes good bike riding!?! Bicycle paths with oblivious runners, walkers, baby strollers, homeless, broken glass, stop signs every 200 meters, roller skiers...etc etc. Does NOT constitute good bike riding!!! Worst summer I ever had, was a summer riding in the MSP. Horrible! And oh yeah...SKOL!

[@neluj2000]

Fayetteville 😍

[@antediluvianer]

Since moving to US 7 years ago I have discovered so many cycling places here - Portland, Oregon and then virtuallyy the entire state of Colorado and while I currently reside in Memphis, Tennessee Im a bit surprised being so close to Arkansas I never looked into Fayetteville. Now I cant wait to go on an outing there. Thanks again GCN

[@potversuskettle]

Kashif, come join us in Little Rock for the Big Dam Bridge century in September. Or any time else!!! So many places to ride a little west of the river.

[@antediluvianer]

@@potversuskettle this is the best response I have received in any KZbin video. It would be an honour for me to participate. I have hardly had much company and resorted to riding alone most days

[@protijy1]

Make sure to venture to the towns north when you come. Amazing routes and gravel here in Bentonville as well. (Rule of three and big sugar gravel) We’d love to have you ride with us 🤙

[@antediluvianer]

@@protijy1 I am without company here so I would very much appreciate anyone that would be willing to have me in their group and or show me around. Again I’m honoured 🙏🏼

[@simonorr594]

I'm a Brit in NYC. One thing that is really great about the US, is that the roads are much wider. I was crapping myself riding on A roads near Cambridge when I went back to see my folks. Trucks were passing me with a 12 inch gap. I'll take the East New York hood over riding along the A505 or A607.

[@chris4720]

Didn't know that GCN was coming to Fayetteville Arkansas. A channel I've watched for years, came to not only my state but also just down the road from me! WPS!!!

[@JeffreyHoeper]

Nicely done! And great to see a GCN episode filmed in my home state. There are terrific outdoor adventures all over the Ozarks and the Ouachitas. Where I live, Push Mountain Road (and the Ozark National Forest) provide wonderful, remote gravel/road possibilities.

[@andrewevans4343]

Push Mountain is an awesome ride! Love that part of our state.

[@joris818]

I love that Surly !

[@davidlambert5255]

Woo Pig Sooie! Northwest Arkansas is a bikers paradise. I am so lucky to live in it!

[@susanattai7631]

Looks like a great place to ride forever.

[@RZ1402]

Much like Arkansas, the area around Knoxville, TN has amazing riding of all sorts. Whether it’s the 60+ miles of single track in the Knoxville Urban Wilderness or the hundreds of miles of insanely scenic pavement with huge climbs and descents…I think Knoxville might be worth a GCN visit!

[@UpperEchelon8]

This is the Best video on GCN. :)

[@davidsorensen1769]

Thank you Hank and GCN for another amazing vid. The next two rides for Hank: the C&O trail from Washington DC to Pittsburgh and the John Wayne Pioneer trail out in my home state of Washington. Hank will do both of those iconic rides proud- and Hank, loads of water along both trails:-)

[@BenTobyn07]

Wild to see GCN riding around in NWA. Thanks for reminding me not to take these roads for granted. Woo Pig Sooie 🐗🐗🐗!!!

[@Obsidion311]

I've raced in the Joe Martin stage race several times. It's great racing and Fayetteville is a great cycling town with some beautiful roads in the surrounding areas.

[@bentmercer]

I live in Fayetteville AR since 2005. I love the biking here.

[@neilchatterjee7644]

Never thought I’d see a surly on GCN!

[@RobertStoddard]

Come on up to Maine this summer-low traffic, great scenery, good roads (paved and gravel). Not great for winter rides, but our mid-summer temps are low enough to keep riding fun. And great food!

[@inMotionOutdoors]

I went to college in Fayetteville. Miss that place! Such good times

[@CyclingOffToSomewhereIDK]

Very cool. If I had the ability to travel I'd definitely get out there. Kinda stuck in California for now, riding around Orange County. Road for now, I bought a outsized gravel bike (my fault of course) but next bike I get will probably be a gravel. I likely won't go steel frame again, too dang heavy. But this was a great vicarious trip around Fayetteville, thanks

[@9antidote]

Hank, you’re a UNIT mate! Solid unit! To me, you are GCN! You and Si

[@kevin._.farren]

A coordinated GCN cycling event in the US? I can only imagine the turnout. Think Mallorca style event with Zwift athletes competing for contracts, cover Tour of California, Tour of Utah, Legion Cycling…so many possibilities!!!!

[@kevin._.farren]

@@jenniferrussi7819 haha, very relaxing. But my bike me calls so I must go!!!!!!

[@cb6866]

Yes please !!

[@aaronedgeart]

Though I love my recent riding in the UK, my home of America does have the best gravel IMO. Well done Hank!

[@LCNismo]

I visit Bentonville regularly and I live in south tx I love that place

[@todd4654]

Great video. I agree with the group…. More of Hank getting around and showing some great places to ride around the world. Come on over to Canada, we have some epic cycling.

[@nightsfalling]

Yay for cities that are adding cycling roads in their planning. So much to explore, well done.

[@donschloth5785]

Hank, thanks for coming to the USA! Hopefully you can make it out to the west coast for some rides as well.

[@assmanxhire]

Fayetteville looks like a dream for any cyclist, only thing missing is the track, but who knows, maybe they have it but didn´t mention it. And most of the year they have good weather, what a nice place. Great video.

[@ckennedy7401]

Good stuff! Minor point of correction - Australia has the outback, U.S.A. has wilderness.

[@anthonygrimm222]

Live in Arkansas, between all the state parks, national park and forest, river trail, mountain bike parks, and the Greenways it is fantastic for biking of all levels

[@FOE7]

More of these!!!! I have really missed these fun ride videos from GCN!

[@jdickens111]

As always a great video, thank you. As i was watching I said to myself, Arkansas here i come!

[@Think890]

@Hank you have to check out the cycling in Asheville, NC and Thomas/Davis, WV

[@marshallwade5483]

Thanks for a great video! I’ve lived in the US my entire life but have never biked in Arkansas! Headed there this spring and REALLY looking forward to it after watching this!

[@lordraiden5398]

My perfect bike ride was one summer day I believe it was 2008. I rode from Ypsilanti, Mi to Ann Arbor, Mi. Was only about 38 miles round trip. It was around 100° out so there was not alot of people out in cars. The asphalt was so hot my tires made this weird sticking sound as I rolled along. It was mesmerizing. Such a memorable ride.

[@megustasonia]

Surly Midnight Special ! Oh YEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH !

[@jvogel431]

What a great video. Nice to see GCN back in the USA. We miss JPow doing homegrown videos on US soil. It would be great if gcn could highlight states in America with better positions on equity and inclusion than Arkansas.

[@bennetthasty7886]

I’m in Kansas City not Arkansas but great great to see Mid-America highlighting cycling 🚴‍♀️ thanks Hank & when your up for some Flint Hills Gravel in KS let me know

[@gtrogdon]

It's only three hours away. Come on down

[@christopherwiseman1287]

Now I'm pumped to visit with my gravel bike.