Thousands of cyclists will take to the streets of Little Rock and surrounding areas tomorrow as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Big Dam Bridge 100 Cycling Tour. This year’s event is not just a celebration of cycling, but also a step toward returning to the numbers seen before the pandemic.
Bruce Dunn, Executive Director of the Big Dam Bridge 100 Cycling Tour, described the scale of the event. “11,000 pounds of ice, 2,000 gallons of water, 250 pounds of peanut butter, 400 volunteers. Our signage crew is going to be out at 2 a.m. tomorrow morning. You have over 100 law enforcement officers. It is truly a massive scale,” he said.
Dunn emphasized that this event requires a full year of planning and involves more than 100 law enforcement officers to ensure the safety of participants. However, he also highlighted that the event is inclusive, welcoming people of all ages and abilities. “Our youngest rider is eight this year, and our oldest is 92. How many events can say something like that? And you’re right, families get together on the shorter rides. Then there’s that person challenging themselves for the first time, maybe doing the 26 or 50 miles. And certainly those who always do the 100-mile ride. But there truly is something for everyone,” he said.
The event attracts visitors from 40 states and three countries, who come to Little Rock for the weekend. Throughout the weekend, participants in the 15-mile, 26-mile, 50-mile, or 100-mile bike events share a common goal: to enjoy the sport and the community it fosters.
“We’re trying to get new people into the sport. If you’ve never cycled and are thinking, I can’t do 100 miles again, remember there’s a 15-miler. We have training programs, and we want people to get out and be active. Even if you’re not a cyclist, you can come out and support the community,” Dunn explained.
Tommy Bogae is preparing for his 11th year participating in the event. For him, it’s the sense of community that keeps him coming back every year. “It’s about fellowship, meeting people you see throughout the year. I’m from Little Rock, so I feel obligated to do this ride every year,” Bogae said.
While Saturday is the main day of the event, the preparations begin on Friday. “I’m going to get a lot of rest, hydrate, and eat a lot of pasta. A lot of cows for tomorrow,” Bogae joked.
Over the past 20 years, Dunn has focused on building a strong community within the sport. “The next 20 years are about continuing to bring new people into the sport and also bringing people to Central Arkansas. There are many people who come as friends and family of participants, even if they don’t ride. They love to share the beauty of Central Arkansas with others,” he said.
For those who missed this year’s event, there’s no need to worry. The Big Dam Bridge 100 Cycling Tour will return next year on September 26, 2026. Registration for the event will open in March 2026, giving participants plenty of time to prepare for the next big ride.
