Bell Lap

The Central Arkansas cycling community was dealt a huge blow in late March when it lost two shining advocates just days apart.

Cedric Bunting died March 23, just hours after hitting the trails with his buddies. Bunting, 50, was the founder of the Dirt Vikings, a mountain bike group that frequents the trails and events all over the state. Bunting was a NICA coach in Conway for a time, frequently volunteered to help at events and could always be seen with his GoPro. He frequently posted videos and photos from his rides.

Marcus Billingsley died March 29 after being struck by a vehicle on Kavanaugh Boulevard in Little Rock. Billingsley, 70, had a profound impact on the community. More than 100 riders showed up for a memorial ride in his honor along the River Trail in April. In those weeks leading up to the ride, many riders left wonderful memories about Billingsley and how he helped them get into the sport or finish a tough ride. There may not be a cyclist in Little Rock or all of Central Arkansas who didn’t ride with him at least once.

He could be found riding just about anywhere: road, gravel or on the trails. He spent time riding around Mexico after retiring, and he raced in the UCI Gravel World Championships last summer in the 70-plus age category.

These two leave a great legacy of bicycle advocacy and a reminder that there is always more work to be done. The world was better for having Bunting and Billingsley in it, and while they will always be missed, they will never be forgotten.

Be more like Cedric Bunting and Marcus Billingsley. Go ride your bike.