What draws someone to the Arkansas High Country Race?

 

For Bill Solleder, director of marketing at Visit Hot Springs, the answer is tied to a love of riding and the places that make Arkansas special. The endurance challenges are part of a growing cycling culture across the state. We talked with Bill about his connection to trails, from the Northwoods singletrack to the Ouachita Mountains, how he’s preparing for the race, and what makes a challenge like this worth taking on.

 

Read on for his answers:

 

Two photos side by side: Bill Solleder in a cycling helmet and red jersey on the left; on the right, his feet and bike rest beside a wooded lake.

Let’s start with an introduction. Who are you, where are you from, and what do you spend your days doing?

My name is BIll Solleder. I was born and raised in Chicago but have made Hot Springs, Arkansas my home for the past 22 years. I spend my weekdays working for Visit Hot Springs as the Director of Marketing. I spend my weekend days on a bike. 

 

What’s your cycling story? How did you go from riding a bike to taking on long-distance adventures?

My cycling story? I grew up in Chicago and rode BMX bikes, mostly setting up plywood and milk crates in the alleys. Didn’t ride bikes for quite a long time. But then when Hot Springs started to develop the Northwoods Trails, I started checking it out. Caught the bug and immediately started racing XC. I decided that going slower felt better and decided to start bikepacking and doing some long distance adventures. It’s been fun and has changed my life.

 

Is this your first Arkansas High Country Race? Which route are you riding, and what made you choose it?

I have been following the Arkansas High Country Race since Scotti Lechuga won. It’s been fun to watch. It’s been super inspiring too. This will be the first time I’ve competed in the Arkansas High Country Race. I am very much looking forward to getting out there. 

 

What does preparing for a ride like this actually look like?

Preparing for the Northwest Loop has been a combination of trying to ride as much as possible, working on my bike to make sure it’s in good working order, and buying some gear that gets me ready for anything cold, rain, mechanicals, and just general adventure. Just trying to keep myself excited and not trying to think of anything they could go wrong.

Two photos side by side: a bike rests beneath tall pines in a black-and-white forest scene; a feather hangs from the bike’s handlebars in a close-up on the right.Everyone has something they refuse to leave behind. What’s your must-have piece of gear, snack, or comfort item?

The only comfort item I have is a small red tailed hawk feather that I use to keep me inspired and keep me thinking about the ones I love.
 

What are you most excited about, and what part makes you a little nervous?

I most excited about seeing the view from White rock. I’m most nervous about well.. saddle sores. That always ruins me.

 

How has Bentonville’s cycling community influenced or supported your journey?

Bentonville has been doing such a great job boosting Arkansas‘s presence in the cycling community. I appreciate that so much. Most of my influence though comes from Hot Springs,  the Northwoods Trails, The Ouachita Mountain, and the endless gravel and single track that there is to explore.

 

How has working in tourism shaped the way you experience a place from the seat of a bicycle?

Tourism is the root of my latest late blooming cycling obsession, but honestly when I’m riding, I’m trying not to think about work. I’m thinking about the road ahead. I’m thinking that I should keep peddling. I’m thinking about what comes next. I’m thinking, and thinking, and thinking about where my mind will take me.

Bill Solleder’s mountain bike, packed with bags for a long ride, stands on a gravel road surrounded by trees.

What can riders discover about Arkansas that they might miss when traveling another way?

Arkansas is one of the most unexpected and unassuming states in the country. There are a lot of pre-conceived notions about what Arkansas is and how our locals live. Once people get here and actually put themselves inside the state they realize we have the most friendly and hospitable people in the USA.

 

What makes an event like the Arkansas High Country Race valuable to the communities along the route?

I don’t think there’s a tremendous economic impact to even the smallest communities along the route. I do think that the folks in those towns who get to meet cyclists from all across the country may look at them funny because they’re riding a bike across Arkansas. But it will also give some of the best perspectives that both locals and visiting cyclists can have.

 

What do you think surprises visitors most about Bentonville and the wider Ozarks?

The most surprising thing to me about Bentonville is the fact that there are bikes everywhere. I mean everywhere.

 

When someone visits Bentonville, they love our culinary scene. Do you have a post-ride meal planned? 

A post-ride meal! I’m going to eat whatever is closest to the finish line.

 

 

We’re cheering Bill on in the 2026 Arkansas High Country Race and look forward to welcoming riders back to Bentonville in 2027. Curious about the race? Visit the Arkansas High Country Race website to learn more. And if Bill’s post-ride meal plans have you hungry, explore our dining guide for a place to eat.