The Ozark Foundation is excited to announce the Inaugural Arkansas Graveler, June 23 - June 28.
Arkansas Graveler is a six-day cycling journey across rural county roads of the Natural State. The route emphasizes state parks, host communities, grassroots music, local cuisine, and cultural experiences unique to Arkansas. Cyclists will ride through six host communities as they travel 340 miles across the state. Cyclists ride this distance over six daily point-to-point segments with stopovers in overnight host cities. The 2024 host communities include Fayetteville, Oark, Jasper, Marshall, Mountain View, Cave City, and Jonesboro.
Produced by Ozark Foundation and hosted by Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Arkansas Graveler includes off-bike activities (archery, trap shooting, and fishing) presented by Arkansas Game & Fish Commission. “Arkansas is one of the best states in America for gravel cycling and mountain biking, and the inaugural Arkansas Graveler race will only cement that reputation,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “As Governor, I’m proud to support outdoor recreation to improve quality of life and grow tourism and our economy.”
Participants will also enjoy nightly live music produced by City Sessions NWA, featuring regional musicians representing sounds from the Ozarks to the Delta.
Event Director and former pro cyclist Scotti Moody said, “My goal in helping craft this event is to evoke a sense of freedom experienced uniquely by bike, while fully supporting riders to make this their own adventure across Arkansas. We have participants from 35 states registered for year one, and this event is relevant to help position Arkansas as the leading outdoor recreational destination.”
Moody also stated, “We can’t thank our host communities enough for embracing this new point-to-point cycling concept in year one. This event requires the support of key stakeholders across the state — from local sheriffs and mayors to small business owners across our route.”
Mike Spivey, President and CEO, Ozark Foundation, said, “In our first year, we are excited to bring Arkansas Graveler through vibrant communities across our state. Cycling adventurers from across the nation will be introduced to Arkansas hospitality plus the world's sweetest watermelon in Cave City, the scenic beauty of the Buffalo River, traditional Ozark folk music in Mountain View, and many other uniquely Arkansas experiences. It will be a cycling event like no other!”
Arkansas Graveler routes are published on their website, www.arkansasgraveler.com. Their logistics team asks for help spreading the word through local communities so landowners, vehicle drivers, and small businesses along the route are aware of cyclists traversing these county roads.
