On March 1, 2025, a group of experienced Arkansas gravel riders gathered for an exclusive pre-ride of The Skirmish Gravel Festival route, set to debut May 29 – June 1 in Jonesboro. This feedback ride, organized by All Sports Productions, and led by Scott Penrod, provided an opportunity for select riders to test the course and offer insights on its flow, difficulty, and overall ride experience.
“Our goal is to connect riders from across the state while showcasing the unique terrain of Crowley’s Ridge and Northeast Arkansas,” said Penrod. “This pre-ride was our first on-the-bike effort to achieve that. We had about a dozen riders from Central Arkansas join local cyclists, and it confirmed what we expected—this is going to be an incredible ride. Cyclists from across the region should definitely make plans to attend the main event.”
Riders tackled a slightly shortened version of the festival’s planned 63-mile route, splitting into two pace groups to better assess different rider experiences. The pre-ride allowed participants to navigate the gravel roads of the Delta including the rolling hills of Crowley’s Ridge, known for their fast-rolling stretches, challenging headwinds, and scenic rural landscapes. Feedback from these riders will help fine-tune course markings, aid station placements, and overall race logistics for the main event.
The Skirmish Gravel Festival, scheduled for May 29 – June 1, 2025, aims to bring a new level of gravel racing excitement to Jonesboro and the Arkansas Delta. The festival will feature a variety of race distances, along with community gatherings, local food, live music, and a celebration of the region’s growing cycling culture. The event is expected to draw cyclists from across the region, offering a unique blend of competition and camaraderie on some of the best gravel roads Arkansas has to offer.
As riders cooled down from the pre-ride, conversations centered around the unique challenges of the course—from changing road conditions to the strategic demands of riding in open Delta terrain and tackling the short, punchy hills of Crowley’s Ridge. Their insights will help refine the race experience, ensuring The Skirmish delivers a top-tier gravel event when it officially kicks off in May.
“This ride proved we nailed the course design! We’re about 90% locked in—but don’t be surprised if we toss in a little twist to keep things spicy!” said Penrod.
For more details on The Skirmish Gravel Festival, visit this article and the official event page.
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!
