Birdeye 500

Picture This

Sunset is approaching, a live band is on stage, dinner is about to be served, and you hear the swarm of cheering friends and family as you return from a 500 mile odyssey on Crowley’s Ridge – just in time for your chance to win $500.

The Challenge

• No-Frills // Unsupported // Adventure
• Starting and ending in Birdeye, you’ll ride the entire length of the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail, twice.
• There is no entry fee, no SAG wagon, and no support crew.
• You’ll navigate the rolling and rewarding terrain with only what you can carry.
• It’s you, your bike, and 500 miles of fabulous riding.

The Rules

• The rules are simple: ride the route.
• This is a self-timed event.
• We provide a route description and a suggested start time. That’s it.
• You are responsible for your own safety, logistics, and timing.

The Reward

• While the ultimate prize is the satisfaction of completing this epic journey, we’ve sweetened the deal.
• IF WE GET 100 REGISTRATIONS – ALL PARTICIPANTS WHO SUCCESSFULLY FINISH THE ROUTE AND ARRIVE BACK IN BIRDEYE BY 5 PM WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING FOR ONE OF THREE $500 CASH PRIZES.
  • That’s a total purse of $1500 awarded to those who conquer the trail. 

The Grit

• The Crowley’s Ridge 500 isn’t about winning; it’s about enduring. Ready to find out what you’re made of?
• Enjoy camaraderie, duke it out with anyone that wants to push the pace, or settle into your own rhythm and enjoy a solo mission.
• Complete the route and add your name to the list of finishers.
• Whether this is a training opportunity for something in the ultra or bikepacking realm, or just a way to shake things up… we’re here to stoke the fire!

Please Note

• Unofficial route
• There will be a few stashed aid stations along the way but the ethos of the ride is a self-supported adventure.
• NO rolling SAG. This is a do-it-yourself ride! If you need a bailout… call a significant other, bestie, or family member.
• We’ll send out a sweep beginning at 10AM on Sunday.

The Schedule

• Tuesday 11/4
  • 2pm – Suggested Start for those TOURING
• Saturday 11/9
  • 5pm  – Cash Prize Cutoff

Selfie Bonus

• Upload selfies to social media and get entered to win more prizes.

Building Community

studioDRIFT’s mission aims to help communities in the Delta through placemaking and outdoor recreation. To this end we offer free event participation for marginalized and underprivileged people. If you would like to apply for a scholarship and attend this event for free, please be in touch.

Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail

With an emphasis on connectivity, placemaking, and the outdoors, studioDRIFT is also helping fellow Arkansans strengthen their community and landscape through bike and water trails, ecological and adventure tourism, cultural arts and music, and sustainable food systems. 

Signing up for this ride contributes to the mission of studioDRIFT!