“Now and again, something or someone comes into your life and changes things. It may happen without attention or be notable, but its profound impact becomes clear when put into proper perspective. You may not recognize its importance initially; hindsight often reveals just how transformative it was.”
A while back, my wife and I were on the way home from dinner, and we drove past a music venue. This location has always been a terrific gathering place for friends and friends of music, and it beckoned us inside. I wondered who was playing and if I might see Bob Robinson and his partner, Dalene Ketcher, friends who both love live music and attend most festivals in our area. Bob and Dalene were both there, and it was no surprise.
It’s fair to say that Bob and I have history. We met twenty years ago on a mountain bike (MTB) ride organized by a mutual friend. I knew of Bob from a few books he had written: The Bicycling Guide to Lake Michigan and The Bicycling Guide to the Mississippi River. I was intimidated but eager to ride with whoever was there. When we met, I was surprised to see a guy at least ten years older than me (I was in my late 40s), but I soon discovered that Bob was the real deal regardless of age.
We were equals who loved to be on a bike, with anyone, anywhere. I was impressed that Bob could ride circles around almost anyone, seemingly at ease on any bike. I soon learned that cycling of any kind, as well as hiking, building trails, and general adventure-seeking, was central to who Bob was. He did these things naturally, just as I woke up and went to work each morning.
Many years ago, Bob retired from the newspaper business in favor of a life of adventure. Over time, I learned that Bob lost his wife to cancer years ago; she was his travel mate and adventure partner. They shared a bond of exploration that seemed irreplaceable. Today, Bob continues his journeys with Dalene, who is undoubtedly one of the toughest and, at the same time, one of the sweetest people you could ever meet, and together, they make a great team. She is also a natural on a bike and always rides with a smile. I have been fortunate to accompany them on several rides that tested me on several levels and showed me some of the most beautiful places in Arkansas.
I’ve joined Bob on multi-day rides and camping trips that immersed us in nature and deepened our friendship. Over the years, we have discussed many things, but his love for natural beauty and his passion for riding and hiking are unmatched. While we both share a passion for cycling and have been involved in several riding groups promoting the sport and trail construction, my professional skills have allowed me to offer support beyond our shared interests. I have been able to assist in ways unique to my capabilities, especially in resource acquisition, and I hope Bob sees me as a valuable team member. As a leader whose insights are highly respected, Bob’s approval often signifies a good idea, and like others, I am always happy to follow his lead.
Bob rarely articulates his vision; instead, he demonstrates it through action. He does not wait for others to organize—he leads by example. Often, I’ve set out for a ride only to find Bob already there, working on the trails that many enjoy—which, true to his nature, is how he responds to a need. Even his actions, driven by his desires, have significantly benefited others.
Back to that evening at the music venue, the evening that caused me to reflect on our friendship. Dalene asked my wife, Adrienne, if she had heard the news. That’s when I learned she and Bob had moved from the River Valley to NWA. My initial selfish thought was, “Yoko Ono!” Dalene had taken Bob away, broke up the band, and sold out. Admittedly, I’ve had several friends move to NWA for good reason, some for a career, some for business, and others simply because there is more to do for those who enjoy the outdoors, including cycling and hiking. When I asked Bob about the move, he explained that he wanted to be in a location where he could access nearby trails from his home and have a lake nearby.
It is perfectly understandable. But this time, it hit differently. Bob was different. He made things better here for others, and for me. Simply saying the River Valley’s loss is NWA’s gain is insufficient. Bob’s mission extended beyond our region; at its heart, it was about embracing the outdoors and staying active. For him, the ideal day involves riding and hiking, using shovels and pruners, forging new paths. Bob has always pursued his passions, yet he never sought recognition or attention for his work; being true to himself was his primary aim. The benefits others derived from his work are merely a bonus.
If you’re a fan of mountain biking in the River Valley, there are many people to thank. Bob, along with Ken Cox, the Carroll Brothers, Lap Bui, Jay Randolph, Judge David Hudson, Judge Steve Hotz, members of FOORC, and many others, have devoted considerable effort to developing and maintaining the Ben Geren trail system and Spring Hill Park along the Arkansas River. For locals, these places are more than just trails; they are a proud part of our community’s heritage.
While NWA has raised the bar, our trails have developed through sheer determination from individuals like Bob and those who envisioned something unique and superior. Despite lacking the financial resources of NWA, our local leaders, including county judges and officials, have come to recognize the value of trails in attracting those who prioritize a healthy lifestyle and view our area as a pristine, untapped resource. Trails enhance our landscape and signal to potential residents and businesses that our community prioritizes healthy living and cherishes its natural environment. Our terrain, with its scrubby undergrowth, uneven topography, and rock outcroppings, offers exceptional opportunities for mountain biking and other multi-use trails. Plus, we are fortunate to have a river enhancing our picturesque setting.
Bob and Dalene are just a short drive away, but their absence is felt deeply—especially their contributions to our riding, hiking, and trail maintenance. In our lives, individuals pass through, leaving a significant impact, often without realizing the extent of their influence. Well, Bob Robinson, you have been noticed, and I, for one, am thankful you passed through, as it happens now and again.
