The Arkansas Outside Team loves a unique outdoor experience and this past weekend we enjoyed a classic Arkansas gravel bike ride with a twist. Phat Tire Bike Shop’s Double Barrel Gravel Ride offers a chance to conquer challenging gravel roads, test your skills with some skeet shooting, and refuel with a delicious jambalaya and crawfish boil – all for a good cause.
Gravel Riding Adventure
The cycling event was held on Saturday, April 20, with registration beginning at 6:30 am. Participants had the option to choose from three routes: a challenging 71-mile course, a scenic 31-mile route, or a more leisurely 15-mile path. We opted for the 31-miler. All of the routes meander through the stunning countryside of Northwest Arkansas (NWA), featuring both bumpy and smooth gravel roads that put our endurance and cycling abilities to the test.
71-mile route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46232325
31-mile route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46233390
15-mile route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46233543
More Than Just A Ride
We participated in the Double Barrel Gravel Ride, which was not just about covering miles. The event was followed by some fun activities at the Benton County Quail Barn, including live music by the Frisky Squirrels, where we grabbed some beer and socialized with other riders. The Benton County Quail Barn is a local nonprofit organization that supports conservation efforts, shooting sports, and other local nonprofits.
The event’s skeet shooting competition, which gave the ride its name, was the highlight of the day. Numerous riders tested their marksmanship skills for bragging rights. The competition was closely monitored, and all equipment and ammunition were provided. Additionally, a safety measure was in place to prevent participants from handling the shotguns after consuming alcohol.
Celebrating Community
Perhaps the best part of the Double Barrel Gravel Ride is the sense of community. It’s a chance to connect with fellow cycling enthusiasts, support the Benton County Quails organization, and celebrate a love for the outdoors.
More opportunities for Gravel Fun
If you’d like to do the Double Barrel, you’ll have to wait a year but there are plenty of unique gravel events coming up all across the state.
- April 27 – Highlands Gravel Classic – Elkins, Arkansas
- April 30 – The Gravette Ramble – Gravette, Arkansas
- May 5 – RB4K Dirty Fondo p/b Subaru of Little Rock – Lonoke, Arkansas
- May 10 – The Delta Grind – Helena, Arkansas (The Arkansas Outside Team will be at this great event)
- May 16 – Rule of Three – Bentonville, Arkansas
- June 23-29 – Arkansas Graveler – The Ozarks (This is a big one, riding across the Arkansas Ozarks)
- July 27 – The Cave City Melon Grind – Cave City, Arkansas
