Markus Stitz: From Ozarks to Delta Blues KIRKCALDY

Arkansas is often associated with Walmart, the Clintons and Johnny Cash, but for Markus Stitz the real surprise lay further south in the quiet roads and rich cultural landscape of the Delta. In this talk, he recounts a journey from the mountain bike trails of Bentonville and Fayetteville through Hot Springs and Little Rock to the cotton fields, gravel roads and river towns along the Mississippi.  Combining cycling, music history and encounters with local people, the story explores the birthplace of Delta blues, the legacies of farming and segregation, and how gravel cycling can support communities. Expect lonely dirt roads, Crowley’s Ridge, catfish, fried green tomatoes, hospitality, hard truths and memorable music throughout all.