When he was just 11, Tony Karklins got a job at Little Rock’s Chainwheel bike shop changing flat tires and taking out the trash. Five years later, at the seasoned age of 16, Karklins invested money into the shop and took 50 percent ownership of the company. He hasn’t stopped pedaling since. He’s now the managing director of Orbea USA, which became one of the premiere bike brands in the U.S. only a few years after Karklins introduced it to the American market.

Below, Karklins shares what he loves about Metro Little Rock in his own words.

What do you love most about The Heights?
I love that I live in a neighborhood where I can come home from work and safely walk to many nice restaurants with my wife, Suzanne [a professional mountain bike racer], and 4-year-old son, Anthony.

What is a typical Saturday like for you?
We usually start out at the Certified Arkansas Farmers Market (in North Little Rock’s Argenta district), followed by a leisurely breakfast somewhere downtown. Later in the morning, we try to squeeze in a bike ride, and mid-afternoon, we head to one of the city parks or to the Little Rock Racquet Club for a couple of hours. Saturday nights are usually spent cooking out or walking to dinner somewhere in The Heights with the family.

Best thing that has happened to you while living in Metro LR?
Meeting my wife.

Any advice or tips for Metro LR newcomers?
Don’t miss the Certified Arkansas Farmers Market in Argenta on Saturday mornings. And the Capital Hotel is the crown jewel of Little Rock — the best bar, restaurant and atmosphere in the South.

Best places to bike in Metro LR?
The Arkansas River Trail is one of the best urban bike trails in the USA. Learn more about it at RiverTrail.org.

Local Favorites

  • Restaurants: SO in Hillcrest, Brave New Restaurant in Riverdale and The Pantry in
  • west Little Rock
  • Places to go: Kavanaugh Boulevard with all of its quaint shops, restaurants and galleries
  • Things to do: Riding my bicycle over the Big Dam Bridge, drinking wine at Zin Urban Wine & Beer Bar and hanging out at the Little Rock Racquet Club with my wife and son

Say Hello
Orbea USA
(501) 280-9700