Event Draws Elite Racers from Across the Country
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (Oct. 20, 2020) — Fayetteville is set to host the annual Arkansaw High Country Race Saturday, Oct. 31. The race is a self-supported, multiday ultra-endurance bikepacking event that totals more than 1,000 miles of gravel and paved routes.
Bikepacking builds off the interests of backpacking, combining cycling through rugged terrain while carrying the gear necessary for minimalist camping.
Originally scheduled for June, the event starts and finishes at Fayetteville’s Historic Downtown Square. The race follows the perimeter of the Arkansas High Country Route, originally published in 2019 by the Adventure Cycling Association and the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation.
Cyclists traverse the Ozark Mountains to the Buffalo National River Corridor, and into the Arkansas River Valley. From the River Valley riders dip through the Ouachita Mountains before climbing back through the Ozarks to the finish line in Fayetteville.
“We’re excited to welcome ultra-endurance cyclists from across the country to Fayetteville this fall,” said Brannon Pack, cycling coordinator for Experience Fayetteville. “The Arkansaw High Country Race route showcases some of the best gravel and backcountry cycling available in the state. Our designation of ‘host city’ for the race shows that authentic bikepacking adventures are accessible from Fayetteville.”
The Arkansaw High Country Race is scheduled to officially start at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 31 outside the Graduate Fayetteville, located at 70 N. East Ave. where photo opportunities will be available. Fans are encouraged to follow the race and individual racer dots live at trackleaders.com
For more information on the race, record holders, and full event details, visit https://www.experiencefayetteville.com/experience/events/item/390-arkansaw-high-country-race
For race information, contact Race Director Chuck Campbell at (501) 725-1377 or arhcrace@gmail.com. For local information, contact Brannon Pack at (479) 521-5776 or bpack@experiencefayetteville.com.
