Page 3 - Hometown Mountain View April 2017

HOMETOWN MOUNTAIN VIEW • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE THREE RIVERS EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE SUNDAY, APRIL 9, 2017
3SSS
CHAIN
REACTION
Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail offers loops for varying experience levels
BALD SCRAPPY LOOP
MEET
YOUR NEIGHBOR
Mary Gillihan
PARK INTERPRETER/MUSICIAN
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO WORK AT THE OZARK FOLK CENTER?
When I first visited the Ozark Folk Center State Park in 1974, I liked what it represented, and it felt familiar to me.
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES?
My responsibilities include youth programs such as Young Pioneers, day camps and school-group orientations, and working with teachers.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I am a people person, and so the most enjoy- able parts of my job are interacting with the public, mostly youth.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY OFFERED AT THE FOLK CENTER?
My favorite activity would, of course, be youth programs, and the other is playing music.
HOW DO YOU GET CHILDREN ENGAGED WITH ARKANSAS HISTORY?
We engage young people by making history fun with hands-on activities and artisans engaging them in their learning. I also present Arkansas history, geography and culture in performing Arkansas Sto- ries, which are songs about the state. I haven’t done this as often at the park as away from the park.
WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE ABOUT IMPROVING YOUR PROGRAMS?
For improving or revising programming at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, I would like to add programs for those under 4 years of age. I am always adding new programs to the ones that are already being given.
BY EMILY EDMISTEN/ SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
Tourists and Arkansas natives can find an idyllic atmosphere within Mountain View. With picturesque waterfalls, deep caving adventures and a welcoming Mayberry-feel town square, the town seems peaceful. Yet amid the winding hills — between the bab- bling brooks and shady oak trees — lie 50 miles of interconnecting bike trail loops that bring out the adventurous go-getters.
The Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail, named after an infamous member of the Creek tribe who lived in the area in the late 1800s, con- tains five loops. Each loop is different and ranges in skill level, fitness level, length and elevation changes. The following is an over- view of all The Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail has to offer.
BAD BRANCH LOOP
Although the name sounds intimidating, this loop is the most beginner-friendly of them all. Spanning nearly 12 miles of single-track cycling, this loop winds through ridgelines and the lush Ozark forest. This path, marked with red blazes, is peaceful for those desiring a lei- surely tour and smooth enough for the thrill seekers who want to speed around the trees. Limited elevation changes also make this trail a must-ride for those who would like to strengthen their technical riding skills before exploring other trails. There are two bail-out loops that allow bikers to exit the trail at either the 4-mile or 8-mile markers.
Beginning bikers should always take note of the area they are about to explore.
“There’s no water easily accessible at Syl- lamo, so they definitely need [to pack] water,” said Frank Webber, co-race director of the annual Syllamo’s Revenge biking race. Webber, alongside his wife Sarah, organizes the annual race, which covers the entire 50 miles of the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail.
“Another item new riders should bring to this trail system would be a rain jacket. Since it’s somewhat mountainous, the weather tends to change.” Webber said, adding that it’s also important to bring a spare tube and a multi- tool in case something breaks on the bike.
JACK’S BRANCH LOOP
Yellow blazes mark the Jack’s Branch Loop, the longest trail section, spanning 14 miles of both beginner-friendly and moderate-experi- ence trails. The north side of the loop is espe- cially friendly for all aspiring cyclists, while the south side requires more technical skill. Those lacking the skills needed to cycle the south side can still experience miles of fun riding, while walking the bike when the terrain gets too difficult.
“There’s never a bad time to try [harder trails],” Webber said. “It’s just a question of get- ting off the bike and walking a little bit. That’s how you get better — by riding more challeng- ing courses.”
This section can be accessed from the Scrappy Mountain and Bad Branch trailheads.
This loop is a favorite of those who enjoy feeling the wind fly through their hair as they race down a hill. Of course, the trek up the hill is always less fun, but great for a heart-racing workout. This 7.3-mile trail can be accessed from the White River Bluff trailhead and is marked with orange blazes. Most of this trail is suitable for beginners who are fit enough to walk or ride their bike during the more diffi- cult sections. It’s important to note that bik- ers should always wear protective gear.
“I see people with full face helmets and some with just a helmet,” Webber said. “Wear the amount that makes you feel comfortable.”
WHITE RIVER BLUFF LOOP
Although this loop is the shortest of the five at only 4.5 miles, the White River Bluff Loop is the most scenic. Aptly named, this trail displays beautiful views of the White River, the valley and the surrounding Ozark Mountains. Although the path, marked with green blazes, is quite technical, anyone will- ing to forge the loop is in for quite a view. Rid- ers can walk or ride through another 1.5 miles to see another scenic hot spot — the North Sylamore Creek drainage basin.
“A good tip for all bikers would be to wear orange,” Webber said. “There are hunting- seasons guidelines, but you never know if someone is following the law.”
Wearing orange can prevent a hunting accident any time of the year.
SCRAPPY MOUNTAIN LOOP
When considering this 12-mile loop, begin- ners beware — this loop requires ample tech- nical riding. Blue blazes mark this trail, which includes steep mountain slopes and three creek crossings. Advanced riders are drawn to a bolder feature called the Stairway to Heaven, which serves as a transition from a small bluff to the trail below. It’s also important that bik- ers realize that this trail crosses Arkansas 5 twice, as well as crossing National Forest Ser- vice roads.
It’s important that bikers remain on the marked trails and follow the rules of the trail. “It’s less about riders’ safety, and more about conserving nature,” Webber said. He added that creating new trails can also cause soil erosion, while also wreaking havoc on the bikes by riding through branches and other debris in nature. Both new and experienced riders are encouraged to grab a map and be
courteous of the wildlife.