Road trippin notes from James & Grimmy!
B.S.C. 2025- James
Prologue
With the Truck loaded up the afternoon prior. I am getting home from work when most of the world is heading to work. The alarm goes off. Three hours of sleep, Coffee, beef jerky, a playlist, and a good audiobook are my best friends for the 920 miles to Arkansas. Two fill ups and a hotel room later I am rolling into Grimmy’s driveway in the mid Arkansonian afternoon.
Chapter 1– The shakedown
Two members of the Mclain Farm Mafia Roll out for a quick shakedown to loosen up the muscles and joints. Yup, I am old, I can feel it. All Those aches, pains, and the stiffness quickly disappear when we roll off the main road onto the gravel. Sometimes all you need is a passing truck or two to kick up the dust to make all your troubles melt away. That’s the beauty of gravel. You can just send it, and it simply accepts with open arms and takes all your troubles away. It was a quick five miles out to Grimmy’s fabled river bridge. Few pictures later and we were on our way back to the house.
Chapter 2– The hardware
This year I am riding on the 2024 State Bicycle Co. Titanium all-road. I am running a Sramano mash up with a Shimano GRX810 40T front chainring. SRAM 10-52 rear cassette and AXS GX T-type rear derailleur. Reynold Black label 650B carbon wheels and the Continental Terra trail 650-47s. Who doesn’t love riding on pillows?
Chapter 3– We aren’t in Kansas anymore
If you have never been to Bentonville, it is the home of Walmart and bear with me. I know its “Walmart,” but this town is a hidden gem. Its streets are clean, beautiful, bike trails, bikes parks galore, and the food has been on point. When I first visited for the 2024 Big sugar I was completely surprised by the town and the culture that is there.
The Town square is always beautiful and there is normally a lot of people out and about enjoying the shops and restaurants that are in the square or a short walk away. Finding what tickles your fancy isn’t hard to find. A tradition that we have is that we visit Wrights BBQ. Like Letterkenny says. You don’t mess with tradition.
Normally I am not one for bragging about towns too often, but the Charm of Bentonville cannot be denied.
Chapter 4– The expo
Each year there is an expo to meet most of your cycling fantasies and just might maybe create a few that you didn’t know you had or even wanted. Last year Insta360 snagged but this year it was a Specialized Helmet to replace my Aging Oakley.
This year’s expo was full of vendors from orange seal, Scott, Lauf, Garmin, Boyd, and various local bike shops.
After exploring the expo and spending that sweet cash that was burning a hole in my wallet. Grimmy and I made our way to the registration area to grab our packets.
Chapter 5– To weather or not. THAT is the question.
We can wager one thing will always waver, weather. Whether willing or wicked, it wields wild whims without warning. This year, it went wayward. Grimmy, the watchful, winsome weather woman, worried whether we would withstand the wretched, whirling winds while wearily working our weary legs westward and back again. Much like a Hobbits tale with more swearing.
Chapter 6– Race day
Now Grimmy would say “you are always on time.” This year I wake up to a knocking on my door and a voice that’s not the woman in the red dress saying. “I didn’t know what time you are getting up but I am making an executive decision. They moved the elites to the 50 so we are going to do the 25.” I said ok, that’s fine with me. What time is it? I got a reply of 8 o’clock. SHIT! I jump out of bed, arms flailing in the air just an old looney tunes cartoon. I haven’t moved that quickly since bootcamp. Needless to say, I got up and ready to roll and we were at the start/finish with plenty of time to spare.
Chapter 7– The course
This year I knew what to expect but the major difference was the fact that it was not a dust bowl. Last year was a challenge due to the fact that I couldn’t see the rider/riders in front of me unless they had a taillight. Visibility was not an issue this year. This was my first event with the State Titanium, and it didn’t disappoint with this course.
From pavement, to chip and seal, to gravel, to packed gravel, and a short stint of single track. There were a few bolts of lighting in the distance as we started but there wasn’t any need to worry. Titanium isn’t a conductor, right? Right??? I looked at this day like I would if I were riding around home near and around Massillon, 50 ft a mile, one stop, and just have fun with it. I think coming in with that mindset it let me take in the surroundings and appreciate the Ozarks more. If the Terrain had been more amicable, I would have taken more pictures.
If I could compare the 25 miler this year (which was 29.4) to another Gravel event, I would have to recall Magnolia gravel galore is a good comparison on all fronts from the gravel to pavement minus riding through a neighborhood.
Chapter 8– Post ride activities
Just like any sane person would ask. Where is the Ice cream?? After finishing our little trek out into the rural area. We found ourselves sitting at the end with our muddy machines, fist bumping, and congratulating people we recognized from the ride. Even our Airbnb Neighbor who happened to rest in the same area as us. We couldn’t help but notice people walking around with cups or cones of Ice cream. Right there at the finish was UNTAPPED the ice cream trailer.
It was pleasantly refreshing and the best part about it was that the maple syrup used to make it was the only sweetener added. We couldn’t say no to that.
Chapter 9– FOOOOD
After savoring our untapped maple ice cream, we made our way back to the Airbnb to decompress and clean up. In our race packet we get $20 dollar certificate to participating restaurants in the area. Last year we did Mexican but this year we decided to amend the post-race meal to a different place of sustenance The Flying Fish.
This was a favorite from last year, but we actually had it the day after the event, so this year we decided the day of was more appropriate.
Chapter 10– The recovery that never was
There is a running joke with the boys of the Mclain Farm Mafia. What’s a recovery ride?? Let me take you back to the first year of the Big Damn Bridge 100. After completing Grimmy’s longest ride to date (The 50 Miler). We were looking for a “recovery” ride. Something fun, flat, and easy. The Arkansas Tourism Guide is a LIE! However, when we look back at it now, we laugh and joke.
So, the day after we met up With Joe aka @HangryPedalerNWA. We headed south on the Greenway trail for a little bit, passed a church or two (recovery ride inside joke) before we decided to head back towards Bentonville. We found ourselves going to get crepes or really really thin pancakes for you Ricky Bobby types.
Chapter 11– Oh Crepe, that’s a wait.
We roll up to Crepes Paulette in Bentonville and quickly find out that it’s an hour long wait to eat. Not to Fear Joe, the local foodie is here! He said let’s go to the Hub. Sounds good to me so we get back on our bikes and make it across the street. LITERALLY. What is this amazing smelling goodness of a food trailer?
The Witching Hour the rescue. Joe said he heard it was good and always wanted to try it and asked if it was ok with it? But of course, we are, who doesn’t love a good food trailer. Fresh air, ambient sound, music from speakers, stickers, (I got the chest burster sticker) and picnic tables!! If you haven’t heard the banger ROCK AND ROLL MCDONALDS. I highly encourage a google/YouTube search for a listen or ten.
Chapter 12– I’m not a racoon. OKAY TRASH PANDA
The burgers were amazing and finally a real recovery ride. Weird. There is only one way to wrap up the day, eat some trash and play tourist at the Walmart Museum.
Chapter 12a– Skyscrapers don’t have a 13th floor
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, but it’s never goodbye yet a I will see you again soon. I packed up my truck again that Tuesday and made my back east and north to Ohio. Along the way I stopped at the Bass Pro shop in Memphis. Before all that though on Monday, Grimmy rode with me down to Hot Springs to bring home my most coveted water. Natural Hot springs water. For me going to a new state or place to ride is always an adventure. Sure, the ride will probably be a challenge but that’s trivial compared to the overall experience and adventures a cycling mecca like Arkansas can offer. Just remember it doesn’t matter where you are, the Gravel is always calling.
Big Sugar Classic 2025– Grimmy
History
The Big Sugar Classic has been a part of the Lifetime Grand Prix since 2021. Owned by Lifetime Fitness, the Grand Prix consists of six races including Sea Otter, Unbound, Crusher in Tushar, Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Chequamegon, and the Big Sugar Classic. The elite field consists of 25 men and 25 women.
Don’t feel you are up to attempting to qualify and compete against the gravel titans in the best of six series? Fear not, the Big Sugar Classic allows us mere mortals to compete at varying distances of 25, 50, and 100 miles but the fields are limited.
Courses
The Ozarks can honestly boast some of the best, if not the best, gravel and scenery in the country. Oz gravel consists of a combination of dust, broken shale, and gnarly, chunky gravel. Tires are never safe here thus selection, tubeless set-up and pressure choices are vital to the survival of your wheels. Elevation sits around 50 feet per mile with a few long suffer fests. Lifetime provides tremendous support and encouragement at the start, during and afterwards with plenty of stocked rest areas and “cheerleaders” along the way both official and area residents.
Anthony
This year, I am riding a 2021 Giant Revolt Advanced 3. Equipped with a Wheeltop Gex paired with an 11-50 Bucklos 12 speed cassette and a Wolf Tooth 36t chain ring. The important pieces maintaining contact with the awesome gravel are Boyd Cycling GVL Alloy 700s with WTB Raddler 44s.
James and I set out to partake in the 50-mile course once again this year. The course is 53.9 miles with an overall elevation gain of 3,038 feet with a maximum grade of 11%. Last year, it was a fun, yet challenging course which defeated me on a couple of the longer climbs leading to more bipedal travel than I and my pride preferred, but we still finished with an average speed of 9.5 mph per the official chip timing. As many of us do before events, I set a few goals to push myself during the event: maintain an average greater than 12 mph, not finish last, and most importantly stay clipped in for the entire course! Remember: Sie können die ganze Zeit fluchen, aber gib nicht auf! You can cuss the entire time, just don’t give up!
Sadly, the cycling gods had different plans for us. A storm front began threatening some severe storms all week. If you have ever been to Arkansas, you know we can experience some spectacular winds, lightning, and even hail this time of year. Lifetime kept a caring eye on the forecasts and radars as race day approached. Unfortunately, the radar on Saturday morning revealed the arrival of high winds, lightning, and hail shortly after the start of the event. The race officials made a safety decision to reduce all of the 100 milers including the elites to the 50-mile course and gave the remainder of the field the ability to drop to the 25-mile course. While awaiting the awakening of Sleeping Beauty (James), I studied the radar and hourly forecast. It became apparent quickly that the expected severe stuff would arrive as we reached the back half of the 50-mile course which has minimal cover and shelter options. I made the executive decision to drop us to the 25-mile course in hopes to miss the bulk of the weather. This course was actually 29.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,500 feet and maximum grade of 10%.
The race began with a mass start of over 400 riders including some local “celebrities”. Meet the HangryPedalerNWA.
After a neutral start of almost 5 miles, we hit the gravel with a short steep climb which quickly began distancing the riders. The rain arrived after this climb, fortunately a nice warm steady shower without significant wind or lightshows. This liquid sunshine continued for the better half of 15-20 miles. The rain aided the usual dust cloud, which is Arkansas gravel this time of year, allowing for easy riding, tire grip, comfortable temperatures, and all-around fun. We kept a number of neighbors during the entire course, never fully alone nor crowded. The participants, including the elites, were always friendly, encouraging, helpful, and a blast to hang around as expected with gravel riders.
Remember those goals? After the McLain Farm, I made the strategic decision to go all-out towards my Go-Go-Gadget Mountain Goat set-up and replaced my GRX 40t chainring with the 36t. This move paid off tremendously. I was able to climb the hills without difficulty and even set Strava PRs on all of them. Staying clipped in-CHECK!
Speed goal? We made the most of the great conditions of the roads and had good time. The chip time, as always, kicked the ego slightly as moving time showed an average of 13.2 but I was still quite happy with my time. Even achieved an inside-joke of a personal goal to beat my daughter’s chemistry teacher-we won’t mention he rode the 50, but I still beat him by over 30 minutes-CHECK.
Official placing had me at 271 out of 413 total and 188 out of 270 men. Not world class but solid for a pedaling pachyderm in my opinion. Not finishing last-CHECK! Rolling into the finish line, we were met by joyous cheering. We were a muddy, wet mess but in good spirits and bikes whole-finishing as a team.
Such great artistic prose