August 2, 2008: Most of our group did the "Tour de Oink" ride up in Morrilton this past weekend for around 40 miles in the hills. Seven of us stay-at-homes did 35 brisk miles out toward Scott. So, this week's target distance is jumped to 40 miles, again out on the open roads for the most part. With the temperatures and rural areas we'll be seeing, it's a good idea to bring your CamelBak hydration pack, as well as at least two full water bottles and sports drink. We'll meet at Burns Park Soccer Field No. 5 at 8:30 a.m. (If starting at River Trail Rentals is better for you, that's okay... we'll swing by there at approximately 9:00 a.m. to sweep up any stragglers.) Route: East on the River Trail to River Road, Right on Riverfront, Right on Washington Avenue, bear right on Highway 165. Right on Colonel Maynard Road, Left on Upper Steele Bend Road, Left on Highway 161 to Scott. Snack break at the fruit stand in Scott for cold watermelon. Cross Hwy 165 to Highway 161, left at Walkers Corner to Faulkner Lake Road. Faulkner Lake Road becomes Lynch Drive once we get back into NLR. Left on Mills Street to Highway 165, right on 165 to red light at Washington Avenue, bear left on Washington to retrace route to start point.

August 6, 2008:  This is a warning that "Critical Manners" will be loose on the streets of downtown Little Rock, starting at 5:30 p.m. from the parking lot of the Arkansas Arts Center at 10th and Commerce Streets.  This is an easy-paced urban tour for riders of all abilities -- usually around 6 to 7 miles at most, with a stop in the River Market district (or as determined by the participants, another nice dining place) for supper.  Bring a serviceable bike and bike helmet.  Full water bottles and lights for the return trip are recommended, just in case we linger a little too long at the supper table...

August 9, 2008: Goal: 45 miles. Meet at River Trail Rentals at 8:30 a.m. East on Riverfront, to Washington Avenue, bear right onto Highway 165. Right on Colonel Maynard Road. Bear left on Lower Steele Bend Road; left on Highway 161 to return to Scott. Cross Hwy 165 onto Highway 161, left at Walkers' Corner onto Faulkner Lake Road, which eventually becomes Lynch Drive. Left on Mills Street, right onto Highway 165, left onto Washington Avenue and return to start.

August 16, 2008: Goal: 50 miles. "Ride for the Pie!" to Charlotte's Eats & Sweets in Keo. Meet 8:30 a.m. at River Trail Rentals. Follow August 9 route to Colonel Maynard Road. At intersection of Lower Steele Bend and Highway 161, turn right onto Highway 161. Turn Left on Walter Estes Road to Keo, brunch stop at Charlotte's. From Keo, brief left on Highway 165, bear right on Highway 15 to Toltec Road. Left on Toltec Road. Right on Highway 165 to Scott, right on Highway 161 to Walkers Corner. Left on Faulkner Lake Road to NLR. Left on Mills to Highway 165. Right on Highway 165 to intersection with Washington Avenue, left at the red light onto Washington, and return to the start point at River Trail Rentals.

August 23, 2008: Hotter 'n Hell Hundred in Wichita Falls, TX, 103 miles. For the stay-at-homes, goal distance is 55 miles; if you repeat the August 16 route and make an extra loop up the River Trail to the Burns Park Golf Course and back to the bike rental shop, you'll be there. Tom will be in Texas on the Hotter 'n Hell ride.