Bicycle ride will benefit group that offers services to area people with disabilities

Texarkana Resources for the Disabled is having its sixth annual Ark-La-Tex Challenge slated to take place at 9 a.m. April 7. The bicycle ride begins and ends at Liberty-Eylau High School.

There are a variety of distances offered. The Ark-La-Tex Challenge is a 70-mile ride that takes cyclists through the country roads of Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana.

"The biggest draw for our rally is probably the unique aspect that you get to ride through three states in one ride and the wonderful cause you get to support," said Jennifer Lewis, Texarkana Resources for the Disabled executive director.

The scenery is another draw.

"This time of year usually has gorgeous wildflowers. At three states where Texas/Arkansas/Louisiana meet, you will get to celebrate with a picture next to all three state flags," Lewis said.

If a 70-mile ride is too daunting, shorter rides of 52, 46, 35, 22 and three miles are available, and there's a Fun Loop for small children that want to be involved.

Early registration is $30 for general entry and $40 for tandem. The fee is $20 for kids on the long courses and $15 for the kids' course. Prices increase $5 March 3 and will remain the same until the end of online registration at 2 p.m. April 6, when they will increase again. Registration will be available the day of the ride.

Participants will receive an Ark-La-Tex Challenge shirt and will be entered into a drawing for gift cards and other prizes.

There are four rest stops along the Ark-La-Tex Challenge route and one rest stop on the kids' three-mile course. Organizers say the event is geared for all levels of cyclists.

Breakfast and lunch are provided at the rally. There will be entertainment for nonriders as well, including a bounce house, popcorn machine and a variety of vendors.

Proceeds raised with this event benefit Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, whose mission is to provide training, education and support that will enable people with disabilities to reach their potential.

The event is made possible by the help of volunteers. "From the director to the food grillers and servers to rest stops and SAG, every person volunteers their time to make this event possible because of the wonderful cause it supports," Lewis said.

To register, visit arklatexchallenge.com.

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