NEW FORMAT - BDB 50 & BDB 26 Training Program
The BDB100 Training Ride Program was developed to encourage more cyclists from Arkansas to register for and ride in the annual BDB100 cycling event. This program is part of a larger goal of encouraging individuals to connect with other cyclists, clubs, and bike shops.
For 2026, riders will be divided into groups based on experience and ability that are planning to ride the 26 and 50 mi routes. These could be new riders who just purchased a bike, cycling enthusiasts that want to learn more safety and techniques to improve their skill level, or simply people that want to become more involved in riding with local groups and networking with fellow local cyclists. We hope to foster a spirit of community and help relieve concerns related to riding in a group.
Registration will open on Thursday, April 30th at 8am CST. https://www.bikesignup.com/TicketEvent/TrainingRideProgram. The cost of the training program is $50 and is limited to the first 120 riders. Minimum age to participate is 12 years of age which is the same minimum age to enter the 26-mile BDB ride.
There will be an information kickoff meeting on Thursday, June 25 at 6pm to answer all your questions. Location and details to follow.
The training rides will begin on June 27th and continue every other Saturday through September 5th. Each ride will start at 7:30am from Cooks Landing pavilion (4600 Cooks Landing Rd, North Little Rock, AR 72211) and will return to the same location upon completion.
Each ride will feature a sponsoring Bike Club and/or Shop and will include a short training topic from one of our Coaches as well as an introduction to the sponsoring Club or Shop.
For more detailed information, please contact the Training Ride Coordinator, Chris Paladino -
Key Members:
- Chris Paladino - BDB Training Ride Coordinator
- Josh Gordon - Coach
- Lindsay Petruk - Coach
- Eric Blaty - Coach
- Brandon Wolfe - Coach
Schedule Overview:
- 27 June - Ride #1 - Cooks Landing
- 11 July - Ride #2 - Cooks Landing
- 25 July - Ride #3 - Cooks Landing
- 8 Aug - Ride #4 - Cooks Landing
- 22 Aug - Ride #5 - Cooks Landing
- 5 Sep - Ride #6 - Cooks Landing
- 13 September - Young Life River Classic (Dress rehearsal)
- 26 September - BDB100 Event (The Big Show)
Rider Groups:
Group 4 Riders - This group is designed for beginning riders who want to learn how to ride safely and efficiently within a group. They may have just purchased their first bike and are beginning their fitness journey. They have not yet started consistent riding and primarily need to work on foundational fitness and knowledge. It will prepare the participant to complete the 26-mile route of the BDB.
Group 3 Riders - This group may have some casual cycling experience, but also wanting improvement. The ride leaders for this group will focus on the very basics of shifting, braking, pedaling technique, and safe riding in a small group. It will prepare the participant to complete the 26-mile route of the BDB with a possible stretch to the 50-mile distance.
Group 2 Riders - These riders have more on-the-bike experience, regularly ride weekly during the riding season (April-October), and supplement their fitness through other activities such as a gym membership or at-home trainer. The ride leaders for this group will focus on refining shifting and braking while introducing the basic concepts of pace line and cooperative group riding with the goal of completing the 50-mile BDB route.
Group 1 Riders - These riders are already cycling enthusiasts who are looking to further improve their fitness/skills, and may already be members of a local cycling club. The focus for this group will include pacing, fueling, and refined cooperative group/pace-line riding. This group will be prepared to complete the 50-mile route and possibly stretch to the 75-mile route.
