LITTLE ROCK, Ark.(KTHV)- Less than 24 hours remain before the Big Dam Bridge 100 races through central Arkansas.
A push is underway to make sure the 100-mile course is prepped and all 3,000 cyclists are ready to ride. At the Capital Hotel in Little Rock, thousands of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are prepared to hand out to riders. Benches are also being made for the hotel's aid station set up along the route.
Mat Seelinger, the owner of Spokes Little Rock, says his staff is ready to help any rider in need.
"We're going to be in our Spokes van driving around helping people that have any mechanical problems, need water, nutrition."
Spokes will provide support and gear, also known as SAG for cyclists participating in Saturday's ride.
Seelinger says big events like the Big Dam Bridge 100 provides a boost to cycling businesses.
"All the shops here in town, really it's an influx of business this time of year because everybody's getting their bikes ready, everybody's trying to get all their gear, all their new stuff."
Fred Phillips, director of the event says the ride grows every year.
"First year 2006 we were 1,100. This year we'll be bumping right up against 3,000."
As far as traffic interruptions go, Phillips says drivers and cyclists will have to share the road for several legs of the tour.
"The 100, it actually takes them all the way up into Perryville up in Perry County and then loops them back down in through Bigelow, over Wye Mountain back through Two Rivers over the Big Dam Bridge. Finish in North Little Rock Argenta."
Don't forget THV 11's Phil Buck is riding in the 100 mile race. The THV11 crew will be there at the finish line cheering him on Saturday.
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