How We Began…
The Arkansas Graveler is owned and operated by The Ozark Foundation, a charitable organization focused on creating fun and enriching outdoor experiences in Northwest Arkansas that elevate the region as a better place to live, work, and play. The event is co-hosted by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, and the Arkansas Department of Commerce.
The mission of the Arkansas Graveler: to celebrate the beauty and culture of the Natural State by providing an epic adventure for touring cyclists while creating economic opportunity for rural communities along the route. By emphasizing State Parks, Host City activation, and cultural experiences unique to the Natural State, this event is well on its way to becoming the most iconic, off-road multi-day cycling event in the United States.
Home to diamonds, river valleys, natural springs, white-tailed deer, Walmart, and Bill Clinton — Johnny Cash was born here, and Hemingway wrote Farewell to Arms here. We have a rich heritage deep in our landscape and a folksy spirit deep in our souls.
We celebrate what makes our state one of the best…it’s RURAL. It’s outdoorsy. It’s the Natural State.
The concept for the Inaugural 2024 Graveler began with the Arkansas Traveler poem, paying homage to the days of yore, rambling through the countryside of Arkansas. We tweaked the name to represent a multi-day gravel ramble by bike. And riding in Arkansas is no small feat; the route winds through challenging terrain and hidden pockets of Arkansas where the true gravel gold awaits.
The inaugural route knocked our participants’ cycling socks off, but the emphasis on live music, community activation, culinary focus, and outdoor experiences are what made the first Arkansas Graveler so much #morethanARide. The tradition will continue in 2025, with an all-new route and Host City selection developing each year.
Meet the Arkansas Graveler Event Director
Event Director Scotti Moody has raced professionally around the world but loves calling Arkansas home. Scotti has ridden all over The Natural State to locate the most scenic, rural roads and the most welcoming host communities to make riders feel right at home as they tackle this adventure.
“Working to build the Arkansas Graveler has been one of the greatest joys of my cycling career. After having raced professionally around the world, this is my chance to give back to the sport, the people, and the landscapes that have given me so much. This event ties together many rural communities I’ve ridden through and love, bringing all my training, touring, and racing days full circle. I’m excited to reveal how amazing our gravel is, but more so, the homegrown hospitality of Arkansas as we showcase local gems, outdoor recreation, and folksy entertainment you can only find here.”