Tuesday April 21st 2026
Image from the film
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
In his latest short film, From Ozarks to Delta Blues, filmmaker Markus Stitz journeys across Arkansas, exploring its landscapes and cycling culture by bike, foot and kayak.
Travelling from Bentonville and Fayetteville in Northwest Arkansas to Hot Springs, Little Rock and the Arkansas Delta, the film captures the state’s striking diversity – from the rugged Ozark Mountains to Hot Springs National Park, the Ouachita National Forest and the unique landscape of Crowley’s Ridge.
Markus comments: “Nine years after crossing the US on a singlespeed bike during my round-the-world trip, I was curious to discover what Arkansas had to offer. Exploring the state with local people gave me a real insight into its diversity, and I’m grateful to share their stories and connection to the places they call home. For me, Arkansas is one of the most intriguing places to ride a bike.”
Featured in the film is Ernie Lechuga, owner of the Scott Adventure Lab in Bentonville, who made the city his home after a career in professional cycling. He says: “There’s so much to explore. It’s so raw. It’s just beautiful. There are so many untapped country roads that you feel free in.”
Speaking about Bentonville, he adds: “You can ride all the bikes around here. But the like-minded people are what makes it the most special. Everybody’s curious about Bentonville because of a bike. Being able to go to a place where you feel at home in the cycling world, that’s what’s special about Bentonville.”
From scenic greenways to rugged singletrack, the film highlights the many ways to explore Arkansas by bike. Routes range from the Razorback Greenway linking Fayetteville, Springdale and Bentonville to the quiet backroads of the Delta that stretch to the horizon. Martin Smith, who lives with his family in Birdeye, comments: ‘Crowley’s Ridge has really the only elevation in the Arkansas Delta. It’s canopy covered, shaded, and you just have this sense of being on these historic travel ways. Building a future starts with connecting to the past. Those historic and cultural assets, combined with the natural resources in our communities, tell the story of who we are.’
Traci Berry, trails coordinator at Visit Hot Springs, says: “Our title of the natural state describes us well. We have a lot of outdoor recreation opportunities, a lot of public land here in our state with two national forests, a national park, and a lot of our cities also have a lot of green space. In Hot Springs with a population of about 38,000 we are considered still rural with our city.”
With a mild four-season climate, bike-friendly communities and a deep connection to the outdoors, Arkansas offers a compelling destination for riders and explorers alike.
Sam Files, park interpreter at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Little Rock, concludes: “If I had to describe Arkansas in three words: breathtaking, hardworking and wild.”
The film is supported by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and Tout Terrain USA.
Watch the full film, available on YouTube below.
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