ROGERS (KFSM) -- The fifth annual Rogers cycling festival is this weekend and the competitive events began Saturday (July 23) morning.
This race isn`t like typical bike races because the bikers have to beat a train to downtown Rogers. If they do they get a unique prize, an engraved railroad spike.
Bikers could either participate in the 11 mile road race or the six mile mountain bike race on Lake Atalanta trails.
Carolyn Irwin was the first woman to cross the finish line in the road race and it was even her first time participating in the cycling festival.
“It was a blast; I usually ride by myself so it was nice to ride in a pack with a group of people doing the same thing," said Irwin. "I had no idea I was one of the first females, I was just riding with a group of friends and having a good time.”
Irwin said she couldn`t see the train, but she could definitely hear it. She thinks she averaged more than 22 miles per hour.
“Everybody was kind of watching their watch not to get a good time but to try to beat the train,” said Irwin.
Due to a mishap with the train, all the cyclists were able to finish in time to receive a silver spike.
It was also Terry Coddington`s first time to do this race and he was the first person to beat the train. He rode in the mountain bike race.
“It`s actually a pretty tough course, a little bit of climbing involved and some technical switchbacks," said Coddington. "I had a few little crashes into rocks but a great time.”
Coddington said Arkansas is becoming a great destination for mountain biking and rode riding.
“I just keep telling my friends how great it is here," said Coddington. "It just keeps getting better and better, more trails are being built everyday especially up here in Northwest Arkansas.”
The Rogers cycling festival continues Sunday (July 24) in downtown with a road race at 7 a.m. and a kid’s mountain bike race at 8 a.m.