Gravel Community Organizer, Andy Chasteen, Discusses the Rule of Three Event in Bentonville, AR.

Andy Chasteen, co-director of the Rule of Three gravel event in Bentonville, Arkansas, joins host Craig Dalton to discuss the vibrant gravel cycling community in Northwest Arkansas. They delve into the importance of connectivity and safe infrastructure for cyclists, the origins of the Rule of Three event, and the unique experience it offers with a combination of pavement, gravel, and singletrack. Andy also shares his perspective on event organization and the value of creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for participants. Don't miss this engaging conversation about the growth and excitement surrounding gravel cycling in Bentonville.

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About the Guest(s):

Andy Chasteen is an avid cyclist and the co-founder of Rule of Three, a unique gravel cycling event held in Bentonville, Arkansas. He has a background in rock climbing and ultra marathoning, which led him to discover his passion for cycling. Andy is also a consultant in the outdoor industry and has worked with brands like Allied Cycle Works. He is dedicated to creating a vibrant cycling community in Northwest Arkansas and promoting the gravel riding experience.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Craig Dalton interviews Andy Chasteen, co-founder of Rule of Three, about the vibrant gravel cycling community in Northwest Arkansas and the unique gravel event they organize. They discuss the growth of Bentonville as a cycling destination, the importance of connectivity and safe infrastructure, and the origins of Rule of Three. Andy shares his journey from rock climbing to cycling and his passion for creating events that offer a challenging yet enjoyable experience for participants. He also emphasizes the value of different types of gravel events and the need for inclusivity in the cycling community.

Key Takeaways:

• Bentonville, Arkansas, has become a thriving cycling destination with a strong focus on connectivity and safe infrastructure.
• Rule of Three is a gravel cycling event that combines pavement, gravel, and single track sections to create a challenging and engaging experience.
• The event aims to provide a unique and fun atmosphere for participants, with a focus on community building and inclusivity.
• Andy Chasteen believes that gravel cycling offers a more accessible and enjoyable experience for riders of all skill levels.
• Rule of Three is committed to delivering a high-quality event and prioritizes participant experience over profit.

Notable Quotes:

• "We're building gravel connectors that are not used by cars. They're just for cyclists to get from the center of Bentonville out into these rural areas." - Andy Chasteen
• "Gravel riding resonated with my culture and personality. It felt like home." - Andy Chasteen
• "Our goal is to put on the best event possible for the people that show up." - Andy Chasteen

Automated Transcription.  Please excuse the typos:

[TRANSCRIPT]
[00:00:00] - ():  Craig Dalton: Andy welcome to the show.
[00:00:03] - ():  Andy Chasteen: Thank you. It's an honor to be here. I've been listening to you for a long time.
[00:00:08] - ():  Craig Dalton: That's amazing
[00:00:09] - ():  Andy Chasteen: to hear Andy. Well, sometimes it's just weird to be on a podcast that you've been listening to and you're talking to the person that you listen to all the time. So it's. It can be awkward, but it's great.
**** - (): It's an honor to be here. Thank y