THE UNDERVIEW SERIES
Place-Based Cycling Experiences with The Underview
On these reflective, supported cycling experiences, we’ll traverse the hidden histories of Arkansas and beyond. All experiences take us riding toward the edge of the region’s rural past. These journeys explore the stories beneath our feet: Indigenous removal, enslaved labor, forgotten cemeteries, and the modern forces reshaping the land.
Hosted by Mike Rusch and the underview, these rides are rooted in belonging. It’s not about pace—it’s about presence. Participants will ride as learners, not tourists, guided by voices from the region and stops that challenge and expand our sense of place. Think of this as a moving conversation—with the land, with history, and with each other.
MORE THAN A RIDE…
curated experiences ranging from half-day to week long tours showcasing the richness of the region by bike
Local-Traverse Experiences: Northwest Arkansas
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The Story of Northwest Arkansas:
Ride through the layers of Northwest Arkansas—removal, war, enslavement, and rapid growth. From the Trail of Tears to Civil War battlefields and enslaved cemeteries, this journey explores who belongs here, and at what cost. It’s a ride through history, memory, and the tensions between progress and preservation.
September 6, 2025
Price Per Person – $149/ PP
9am-1pmOne-Way Route: from Bentonville to Pea Ridge with transportation (person and bike) back in van/trailer
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The First Settlers:
Follow the land and legacy of Aaron Anderson Rock Van Winkle—a path shaped by federal Indian policy, enslavement, land seizure, and forgotten Black and Indigenous stories. This ride uncovers the deeper origin story of Northwest Arkansas—one rooted in erasure, endurance, and contested belonging.
September 20, 2025
Price Per Person – $149/ PP
9am-1pmroute:
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The Trail of Tears:
Ride a section of the Northern Route of the Trail of Tears. Along the way, we trace stories of Cherokee survival and federal removal, riding through land that remembers what we’ve tried to forget. This is a journey of honoring and listening. Route options include roundtrip in Northwest Arkansas or Round-Trip from Pea Ridges to Cane Hill.
October 11, 2025
Price Per Person – $149/ PP
9am-1pmroute:
The Details
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Activity: Gravel Cycling Distance: ~20–25 miles (conversational pace)
Duration: Half-Day (4–5 hours including stops)
Start/End Location: TBD (Bentonville area)
Intensity Level: Low (e-bike available for additional fee)
Trail Type: Mixed-surface (gravel, pavement, some climbing)
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Curated, guided cycling experience led by the underview and 37 North
Pre-ride orientation with historical framing and discussion prompts
Story-based stops at significant historical sites
Light snacks and hydration
Ride Support
Post-ride gathering and reflection
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This isn’t just a bike ride—it’s a ride through the story of Northwest Arkansas. As we pedal out of Bentonville, we’ll cross the boundaries of master-planned growth and into the edges of deep memory.
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Curious minds, local or visiting, who want to experience a place instead of just passing through
Riders who appreciate cultural and historical depth in outdoor adventure
Those ready to ask hard questions and embrace the complexity of Northwest Arkansas’s past and present
People seeking deeper connection through land, story, and each other
The Mini-Arkansas Traverse
Fall 2025
On this tour, you'll cycle as a learner, guided by local voices and making stops that will challenge and expand your sense of place. Picture it as a moving conversation with the land, its history, and your fellow riders. This is a true cultural immersion tour where you'll pedal through charming towns, visit historic sites with local guides, and interact directly with the community, gaining a unique and intimate perspective on the region's story including an understanding of the profound economic challenges and enduring spirit common to the Arkansas Delta.