Launching Off in little rock
Rock City Cycling fosters confidence for all levels of women racers.
By Alex Wiggins and Kesley Winn
Photography by Kai Caddy
An ideal ride for Little Rock’s newest women’s cycling team, Rock City Cycling, includes a strong band of our female racers enjoying a group training session, often joining the local cycling community’s larger organized rides in town.
This is a very different reality from the 2024 season. Less than a year ago, we lamented the lack of female riders taking part in not only training rides, but especially the racing scene in Central Arkansas.
The dynamic nature of the bike and the technique required for punchy group rides can feel like a daunting activity to jump into, especially when few other female riders are joining the pack. With the help of a local men’s team, we created Rock City Cycling. The goal of the team is to create a safe and encouraging launch point for women to confidently train and race together, even for those who have never raced before.
A common ride for the team begins in the Clinton Presidential Center parking lot. It’s situated in a more industrial side of town and features some fun restaurants and breweries.
From there, the group will often head toward the airport and do a windy loop around this while heading south out of town. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a good draft here.
Leaving town, riders call out turns and hazards. After a few stoplights and turns, we find ourselves riding through a more rural landscape, free of heavy traffic. We generally rotate through a double paceline, chatting to the rider next to us until it’s our turn to push on the front.
This out and back takes us down a two-lane road, riding alongside lush green fields until our turn around point. The spin back can turn into more of a sprint based on the mood of the group, and this is often part of the fun of our ride.
You can catch the Rock City Cycling team starting training rides from the Clinton Library.
Post-ride chats aren’t all serious.
“The dynamic nature of the bike and the technique required for punchy group rides can feel like a daunting activity to jump into, especially when few other female riders are joining the pack. With the help of a local men’s team, we created Rock City Cycling. The goal of the team is to create a safe and encouraging launch point for women to confidently train and race together, even for those who have never raced before. “
We eventually cruise back into the Clinton Center parking lot and regroup to chat a bit. Sometimes we’ll head over to Fidel & Co Coffee, which is a couple of blocks away, to refuel before heading home.
Our best rides (and races) are the ones all our amazing teammates can be a part of — Alex Wiggins, Kesley Winn, Jo Spencer, Halyna Pokhylevych, Payton Williams, Kaylie Noll, Kayla Lercher, Katelyn Alexander and Maddie Wacker.
We are so grateful to our sponsors who have made this 2025 season possible and have opened a door for more women to race their bikes fast. These sponsors include Ortho Arkansas, Stewart Clark Inc., Intrepid Technologies, West Little Rock Glass, Psychiatry Arkansas, Little Rock Athletic Clubs, Bud Thomas Construction, Wild Birds Unlimited and Superior Concrete Inc.
Fuel Up, Fellow Riders!
Little Rock’s Coffee Hotspots for Cyclists
Need a mid-ride pick-me-up or a post-adventure brew? Little Rock’s got you covered with some fantastic, cycle-friendly coffee shops. Here are three top spots where you can park your trusty steed and recharge:
Mylo Coffee Co.
(Hillcrest Location)
Nestled in the charming Hillcrest neighborhood, Mylo Coffee Co. offers a welcoming vibe and plenty of outdoor seating, perfect for keeping an eye on your bike. Their expertly crafted coffee and delicious pastries make it an ideal spot to refuel. Plus, other cyclists often stop by, so you might just find a new riding buddy!
Fidel & CO
Located with easy access in the East Village, Fidel & Co. is a local favorite known for its passionate baristas and exceptional coffee. They offer a relaxed atmosphere and are always happy to see cyclists roll up. Grab a perfectly pulled shot of espresso or a refreshing iced coffee before hitting the road again.
Pettaway Coffee
Tucked into the energetic Pettaway Square, Pettaway Coffee provides a cozy and inviting respite for cyclists. Pull up, park your bike nearby and enjoy their thoughtfully sourced coffee. It’s a fantastic place to take a breather, maybe grab a pastry and soak in the unique vibe of the surrounding neighborhood before continuing your ride.
So, next time you’re pedaling through Little Rock, make sure to swing by one of these cyclist-approved coffee havens! You deserve a great cup and a friendly atmosphere. Happy riding!
