Rebecca Rusch rides into the record books with inaugural Arkansas High Country Route

7x world champion, endurance athlete, adventurer, and activist, Rebecca Rusch rode the new 1,000 mile bike trail across Arkansas in a incredible time of 8 days, 3 hours and 33 minutes

World-class endurance athlete, adventurer, and activist, Rebecca Rusch rode the new 1,041 mile bike trail across Arkansas non-stop. Photo Credit: Corey Rich

Photo Credit: Corey Rich

Rusch left Little Rock on Tuesday May 7th, and was treated to the natural splendor unique to Arkansas along the newly constructed trail.

Unforgiving terrain, days of torrential rain, the burning sun and 17 "doggie encounters" didn't deter the seven-time world champion from her reaching her goal.

17 "doggie encounters" didn't deter the seven-time world champion from her reaching her goal. Photo Credit: Corey Rich

Photo Credit: Corey Rich

The record setting ride highlighted the growing trail network in Arkansas, which showcases the commitment by the state of Arkansas to provide athletic opportunities on public lands, now one of the most-prolific cycling trails in the world.

The brand spanking new Arkansas High Country Route, which opened on May 1st, is 1,200 miles of mixed-surface riding through the Arkansas Ouachitas Mountains and the Ozark Plateau. Arkansas school teacher Chuck Campbell envisioned the route, and the Arkansas State Parks and Recreation and the Adventure Cycling Association helped plan and draw funding for the route’s creation. Arkansas family, the Waltons, of Walmart fame, contributed financially, continuing their financial support of the cycling community through big infrastructure projects.

The record setting ride highlighted the growing trail network in Arkansas. Photo Credit: Bligh Gillies

Photo Credit: Bligh Gillies

Rebecca spent more than 107 hours riding and climbed more than 84,473 feet of elevation over nine days, that's nearly three times the height of Mount Everest.

She estimated to have burned more than 37,000 calories during the journey, that's an astonishing 4,114 calories a day (we're talking Grand Tour level).

Inaugural non-stop Arkansas High Country Route by the numbers

Rusch used the trail ride as an opportunity to raise awareness for her new foundation, Be Good, which aims to create opportunities for personal discovery, outdoor exploration and access to public lands through cycling and other outdoor endeavors.

“The only gear choice difference I would make is a little smaller gears and thicker sidewalls for the tires, but otherwise no mechanical changes,” added Rusch, “But I did take the time to get two full-on bike tunes. Took two hours to go through the whole bike, everything and that’s worth it because if your tool – that’s the mode of transport – if that doesn’t work, it doesn’t matter how determined I am.”

World-class endurance athlete, adventurer, and activist, Rebecca Rusch. Photo Credit: Corey Rich

Photo Credit: Corey Rich

With this amazing acheivement, Rebecca hosts the Rusch Academy in early June, a four-day camp in the mountains of Rusch’s home state of Idaho.

Celebrate with 10% OFF at Rebecca's Private Idaho

Rebecca's Private Idaho (Thursday, August 29 - Sunday, September 1, 2019), is rated one of the top 5 gravel grinders in the world, is your exclusive invitation to wild, rugged backcountry experienced by the lucky few. Ride with cycling endurance champion Rebecca Rusch on grueling gravel roads through canyons, over summits, and across high mountain basins. What to expect: spent legs, new friends, an irresistible urge to return, and a healthy dose of western hospitality. Bonus: the warm fuzzies you’ll feel from supporting the Be Good™ Foundation’s designated charities, including the Idaho National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), Wood River Bike Coalition, People for Bikes, and World Bicycle Relief.

Use code: GRAVELFONDO for 10% off all of the distances! (*except the Queen’s Stage Race which is sold out).

For more information, please visit: http://www.rebeccasprivateidaho.com