Hot Springs residents have likely seen some strange things in their city from time to time. But it’s not every day that they see Vikings riding bicycles through downtown.
In November, they’ll get the chance when the 2020 Güdrun Mountain Bike Festival rolls through town. Now in its second year, the Güdrun Mountain Bike Festival brings bikers from all over to experience Arkansas’ world-class biking trails in the Hot Springs area. The festival will run from Nov. 13-15.
Kicking off on Friday, Nov. 13, the bikers will don their best Viking garb to participate in the family-friendly Slow Roll Fun Ride in downtown Hot Springs. During this five-mile jaunt, the participants will ride from the Farmers Market through the Arlington Hotel lobby to Central Avenue, around Whittington Avenue and back to the Farmers Market. The organizers are encouraging everyone to get creative, and the person with the best Viking costume will receive their own Viking helmet.
Everyone will get down to business on Saturday as the competitions start firing up. At 9 a.m., there will be a mini-enduro race, followed by an endure race at 10 a.m. Both races will be held at Cedar Glades Trailhead.
At 2 p.m., the pre-ride for the Attila the Hun XC race will open.
But the highlight of the day will be the Güdrun Jump Jam at 3 p.m. During the Jump Jam, riders will flaunt their skills, performing their best moves, like backflips and more. Immediately following the Jump Jam, the awards ceremony will be held at 4 p.m., recognizing the winners of the enduro competitions, the Jump Jam and the Best Slow Roll Costume.
The weekend will close out with one of the traditional biking races – the Attila the Hun Cross Country Mountain Bike Race. Since 1992, mountain bikers have raced along the trails of Central Arkansas, first on the Northwoods Waterworks Property and later to the Charlton Campground, and now back to Cedar Glades Park.
The Attila the Hun race will feature new categories for rookies, e-bikes and tandem bike riders.
Registration has opened to participate in the races. Click here to register.
READ MORE: Biking – Five Great Rides in Arkansas
Images courtesy of Northwoods Trails
