Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Earlier this week, Tanner Frady became the first singlespeeder to finish the 2025 Arkansas High Country Race, shaving nearly 24 hours off last year’s time by completing the 1,000-mile route in just 6 days, 17 hours, and 20 minutes. Find a recap from Aaron Arnzen and photos here…
Words by Aaron Arnzen, photos by Aaron Arnzen, Kai Caddy, and Monica Foltz
For the second year in a row, the Oklahoma City native Tanner Frady is the fastest singlespeed rider around the Arkansas High Country Race (AHCR), besting last year’s time by almost 24 hours. During a year with the highest attrition rate to date, Tanner’s performance earned him second place overall, clocking the 2nd fastest singlespeed time ever recorded on the route at 6 days, 17 hours, and 20 minutes.
Over the last seven years of ARHC racing, Tanner became just the second racer ever to join the Double Belt Buckle club alongside fellow singlespeeder Brett Stepanik.
When asked before the race why Tanner was back again, he said he wasn’t sure. Coming off his biggest year of riding to date, he just couldn’t stay away. Contrary to last year, Tanner raced the route in a counter-clockwise direction alongside most of the field. This meant the taller, more remote Ouachita Mountains were the first task.
The way the race flow worked out meant that Tanner rode exclusively by himself from 3:00 p.m. the first afternoon, all the way to the finish. His first day was made more difficult after getting bitten by a dog between the small town of Bates and Rich Mountain. This encounter not only required some physical attention to prevent infection, but also weighed on him mentally throughout the duration of the ride. This first day’s push ended at the Rich Mountain Country Store around mile 160, where he fueled up on Steve’s almost famous pancakes while cleaning his wound and finally laying down for some rest.
Consistent rest and “real food” were two core intentions in Tanner’s approach to this year’s race, and he started day two right on target, despite dealing with some PTSD from the bite. This was a mental battle he continually fought while encountering the numerous dogs that make up rural mixed-terrain cycling in Arkansas. Maintaining a positive outlook on his experience, Tanner kept a steady moving pace and consistent rest pattern for the next couple days before beginning to pass riders racing the other direction, including both Full Loop and Central Loop riders.
He shared fond memories in particular, about his encounter with Katherine Anderson and Randy Windle – a unique opportunity this race format offers riders. An unexpected run-in with the local youth mountain bike team in Eureka Springs was an additional race highlight as they shared a couple miles into town. The stretch of riding into Bentonville provided a couple more shared miles with dot watcher Miles Honicker.
Fueling Tanner’s steady forward progress included a LOT of McChicken’s and cans of Coke. It’s no mistake that Tanner embraced his ulterior identity and social media handle @roadsandwich sharing countless images of roadside sandwiches on his Instagram while navigating the course. Tanner attributes the iconic Oark General Store for saving his ride just over 70 miles from the finish, keeping his to-go order for him well after close. This type of Southern Hospitality blended with a uniquely unexpected level of race awareness in these small mountain communities is a prime example of what makes this particular race experience so beautiful, and a perfect close to Tanner’s final chapter.
Running a 34 x 18T gearing, Tanner rode his trusty Otso Fenrir, rolling on 29 x 2.25″ Maxxis Recon Race tires. Outfitted with a fully custom set of South City Stitchworks frame and bar bags, there was plenty of space for his road sandwiches and extra cans of coke. This setup proved rock solid with no mechanical issues out on route.
On and off the bike, Tanner is a man of service to others, and he’s incredibly deserving to cap off an inspiring year of riding with this second notable effort around the Arkansas High Country.
Check out the 2025 Arkansas High Country Race Tracker page for updates, where you can follow along on the live tracking map and stay tuned in for more event coverage. Find it here.Further Reading
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