Damn! Over 2500 cyclists from across the southern USA came to Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday for the 16th Big Dam Bridge 100 gran fondo ride, and yes, they rode across a BIG dam bridge.

The 105, 75, 50 and 25 mile routes included the “Big Dam Bridge” over the Arkansas River, a 4226-foot long super structure built solely for pedestrian and bicycle traffic that is the longest of its kind in North America. It connects over 40 miles of scenic riverside trails between Little Rock and North Little Rock.

Benjamin Reick from Texas won the 105 mile gran fondo in 4:04:35.1, after outsprinting Sawyer Pehkonen (4:04:35.7) in the final yards. Both riders completed the route with an average speed of 25.4mph. Little Rock’s hometown pro road rider Tanner Ward (Best Buddies) was next at 4:05:49.

2022 USA Cycling National Time Trial Champion Leah Thorvilson finished fourth overall and won the women’s category in 4:19:59. Leigh Ruston (4:41:00) finished second and Alex Whittington was third in 4:50:58.

Carl Funk (3:30:06) won the 75 mile event, with Michele Purifoy (3:51:43) the fastest women.

Complete Big Dam Bridge results HERE.

Photos: Big Dam Bridge, Twitter Carmen Rose