Cave City cyclist and event organizer Bobby Finster selected to lead Arkansas’ premier gravel cycling event
The Arkansas Graveler will have a new leader at the helm in 2026.
The Ozark Foundation announced that Cave City resident and longtime gravel cyclist Bobby Finster has been selected as Event Director for the 2026 Arkansas Graveler, one of the state’s most recognized gravel cycling events. Finster will oversee planning, community engagement, and event operations as the multi-day ride continues to grow its impact across Arkansas.
Since its inception, the Arkansas Graveler has become much more than a cycling event. The annual ride highlights Arkansas’s extensive network of gravel roads while bringing riders into small towns and rural communities throughout the state. Along the way, participants experience Arkansas culture, hospitality, and landscapes that many visitors might otherwise never see.
According to Ozark Foundation President and CEO Mike Spivey, Finster’s background made him a natural choice for the role.
“Selecting Bobby as Event Director for the 2026 Arkansas Graveler was an easy decision,” Spivey said. “His deep knowledge of gravel cycling, commitment to rural communities, and passion for Arkansas make him the right leader to carry this event forward.”
Finster brings years of experience as a gravel cyclist, event organizer, and advocate for outdoor recreation in rural Arkansas. The Ozark Foundation said his leadership aligns with its mission of strengthening outdoor recreation opportunities while supporting the communities and landscapes that make those experiences possible.
For Finster, the Arkansas Graveler represents more than a route connecting miles of gravel roads.
“The Arkansas Graveler is about more than just miles on gravel,” Finster said. “It’s about showcasing Arkansas’s back roads, welcoming visitors to our rural towns, and building a culture that values conservation and community. I’m honored to help lead the 2026 event.”
The Arkansas Graveler has played a significant role in elevating Arkansas’ reputation as a gravel cycling destination. Events like the Graveler have helped introduce riders from across the country to the state’s diverse terrain, scenic rural roads, and growing cycling culture.
Additional details about the 2026 Arkansas Graveler, including event dates, route information, volunteer opportunities, and sponsorship information, are expected to be released in the coming months.
About the Ozark Foundation
The Ozark Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating outdoor recreation experiences that celebrate the natural beauty of Arkansas while improving quality of life for residents and visitors. Through partnerships and event management, the organization works to position Arkansas as a premier destination for outdoor recreation.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
