Local cyclists will soon be able to travel more safely on Highway 72, avoiding high-volume traffic between Pea Ridge and Bentonville, thanks to a new partnership between The 808 Ranch at the Ridge and Trailblazers.
The 808 Ranch at the Ridge, a nationally recognized beef cattle ranch in Pea Ridge, will grant an easement of land along Highway 72 between East Plentywood and Dove roads, to create “The 808 Spur,” announced ranch operators Shari and Lamar Steiger.
The new route will address safety hazards caused by increased growth and vehicle traffic in an area that has become a popular connection between major cycling routes.
“As the cycling community in Northwest Arkansas has grown exponentially in the last 15 years, traffic volume on Highway 72 has become a larger issue,” said Eli Steiger, operations manager for The 808 Ranch. “Our family wanted to provide a safer route for riders to use, and Trailblazers have graciously stepped in to make it a reality.
Trailblazers will fund the clearing and construction of the eight-foot-wide path, and ARCO Construction will be the contractor responsible for the build.
"Reaching an agreement with The 808 Ranch is a testament to the power of community collaboration. The owners of the ranch have been incredibly supportive, recognizing the value of a safe, connected network for everyone in the area. Their generosity allows us to finally bridge the gap between Plentywood and Dove Road, moving gravel cyclists off the busy Highway 72 corridor and onto a dedicated path that is safer and far more enjoyable, " said Victor Gurel, CEO of Trailblazers.
Flags have already been placed to trace parts of the new path, which should be open to riders by late March, weather permitting.
"The partnership between the Steiger Family of The 808 Ranch and the Walton Family exemplifies a shared commitment to community and conservation, creating a trail connector that not only unites our neighbors but also honors and preserves the natural beauty we cherish,” said Nathan See, mayor of Pea Ridge. “Together, they have forged a path toward a healthier, safer, more connected future for all.”
The 808 Spur will have a formal grand opening event and group ride in early Spring.
About The 808 Ranch
The 808 Ranch is a purebred black Angus ranch with three locations in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. Their Precision Genetics program leverages innovative technology, sustainable land practices, nutrition, and four generations of ranching heritage to continually improve the beef-eating experience for consumers. For more information, visit the808ranch.com
About Trailblazers:
NWA Trailblazers was founded in 1996 as Bentonville/Bella Vista Trailblazers Inc., a 501(c) (3) nonprofit that developed cycling and pedestrian infrastructure to connect communities and move people, with a focus on serving the Northwest Arkansas community by building multi-use hard- and soft-surface trails for cycling, running, and walking. Later, the organization rebranded as NWA Trailblazers and, for over two decades, has designed and developed a first-class trail system known as Oz Trails, including more than 300 miles of multi-use trails.
