My guest today is none other than Chuck Campbell. Chuck is a retired science teacher who lives in Russellville, AR and is someone who is passionate about the state’s natural and human history. This passion Chuck possesses is something that inspired him to create the Arkansaw High Country Route, a 1,000 mile tour through some of the most beautiful and challenging parts of The Natural State. Not only is this route recognized and established by the Adventure Cycling Association, but since 2019 riders and racers from all of the world have been descending upon the great state of Arkansas to try their hand at completing the route while vying for the opportunity to call themselves the holder of the Fastest Known Time. That honor has been held by legends of the sport including Rebecca Rusch, Ted King, Scotti Lechuga and, most recently, Ernie Lechuga. In this conversation Chuck takes listeners back to the days of gravel riding and bikepacking before it was cool and before anyone knew what the Arkansaw High Country Route even was. Chuck also peels back the curtain on his passion for teaching and showcasing the beauty of his home state and we also sit in the saddle with him as he details his experience on The Tour Divide. To close out the conversation, Chuck and I chat about this year’s race, how it’s evolved over the last few years, and what racers can expect as they roll into Hot Springs for the grand depart on October 7th. Chuck has been someone I’ve admired and have been curious about since I first started racing in Arkansas a couple years ago…and I hope Chuck’s passion and cycling background captivates you as much as it did me.