In Arkansas Outside’s third installment celebrating Women’s History Month, we shine a spotlight on Scotti Moody, a trailblazer whose journey from professional cyclist to outdoor advocate has inspired countless individuals. Moody’s accomplishments span competitive sports, event organization, and community building, all while fostering a deeper connection between people and the outdoors. Her story is a testament to how passion, perseverance, and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences can leave a lasting impact on the outdoor recreation industry.
Scotti Moody has always been on the move—whether sprinting down a track, powering through a road race, or exploring remote landscapes by bike. Now, as the event organizer for the Arkansas Graveler, a multi-day gravel cycling event traversing the state, she’s channeling her passion for outdoor experiences into building a community through cycling.
From the Track to the Trails
Moody’s journey into the world of cycling began with a love for running. As a child, her parents took her across the country to compete in AAU and USATF track and field events, which eventually earned her a partial scholarship to Baylor University. However, her athletic ambitions took a sudden turn when she suffered a severe back injury at 17 that required surgery.
“It was the year 2000, and back surgery wasn’t what it is now,” Moody said. “It was a major incision, and it took a long time to heal. That really set me back as I started college.”
During her recovery, Moody shifted her focus away from athletics and immersed herself in the arts—playing music, exploring literature, and writing. But after graduating, she felt the pull of the outdoors once again.
“I missed being active and spending time outside,” she said.
That longing led her to cycling, where she connected with Chainwheel in Little Rock. Despite her initial struggles—attempting technical mountain bike terrain with cage pedals and crashing repeatedly—Moody persisted. With support from the local cycling community, she discovered her passion for the sport.
Racing to the Top
Moody’s natural athleticism and determination propelled her quickly into the world of competitive cycling. She co-founded a coaching company while working her way to the professional ranks, eventually racing for six full seasons in the UCI Women’s Road division from 2013 to 2018. Her career took her around the world, competing across North America, as well as Europe, Australia, and South America.
“It was incredible, but after a while, I burned out on the road scene,” Moody said.
Seeking a new challenge, she turned her attention to gravel and off-road endurance events, including bikepacking in Asia and Africa. This shift reignited her spirit of adventure and allowed her to experience cycling in a more personal and connected way. Scotti also holds the Women’s record for the 1000+ Arkansas High Country Race of 5 days, 10 hours, and 49 min that she set in 2021.
Discovering a New Purpose
In 2020, Moody moved from Little Rock to Bentonville, drawn by the thriving cycling culture and growing outdoor recreation industry in Northwest Arkansas. She co-founded Natural State Rock & Republic, a cycling retreat and tour guide company. Though the business was short-lived, it fueled her desire to create meaningful experiences for others through outdoor adventure.
It was during this time that Moody connected with Mike Spivey, CEO of the Ozark Foundation, who had a vision to create a signature gravel event for Arkansas.
“He sent an email to a handful of people in the gravel scene, and I was one of them,” Moody said. “At the time, nothing happened—COVID hit, and everything was put on hold.”
By 2022, Moody circled back to Spivey, eager to revive the concept. The timing was right, as she was stepping away from racing and looking for a new challenge.
“I was ready to do something where I could create,” she said.
Since January 2023, Moody has served as the event director for the Arkansas Graveler, bringing her wealth of experience and passion for outdoor pursuits to the growing event.
The Spirit of the Graveler
Now in its second year, the Arkansas Graveler isn’t just a race—it’s a journey that celebrates community, culture, and the connection between people and place. The event, which collaborates with the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, reflects Moody’s belief that outdoor experiences go beyond competition.
“It’s more than just a bike,” she said. “It’s about bringing people together, creating rich experiences, and giving back to the communities that make these adventures possible.”
Her experiences in far-flung places like Kyrgyzstan, where she encountered incredible hospitality and breathtaking landscapes while bikepacking, have influenced her approach to event organization.
“In pro cycling, you stay in hotels, get massages after races, and have a team car,” she said. “But in Kyrgyzstan, people offered me food and shelter. It opened my eyes to how cycling can connect cultures and people in profound ways.”
A New Chapter
While Moody remains deeply committed to the Arkansas community, last year she began a new kind of challenge. “In 2024, I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree, which I’m really excited about.” Moody hopes to eventually transition her career back to her first love — literature. She has her sights set on a PhD and also desires to spend more time with her children, now 13, who are involved in their own pursuits—cross-country, football, and orchestra.
“The outdoor industry requires a lot of you, and much of the time it operates around weekends. That doesn’t align with the family life I want right now,” she said. “I’ve had amazing opportunities, but I want to be there for my kids in these next few years.” Moody is exploring what that looks like for her, but says she most certainly will still be around. She’s an outdoor enthusiast, and also enjoys hiking and backpacking in Arkansas and abroad.
Looking Ahead
Though Moody’s next chapter may take her down a different path, her impact on Arkansas’s outdoor recreation scene is undeniable. She remains a passionate advocate for building connections through outdoor experiences and fostering a sense of community in everything she does.
“I’m proud of what we’ve built with the Graveler,” Moody said. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to see where the next person takes it.”
For now, Moody plans to stay in Northwest Arkansas, supporting her kids and staying connected to the vibrant outdoor community that has been such a big part of her life. And while her focus may be shifting, her commitment to creating meaningful experiences through outdoor pursuits remains as strong as ever.
Read about all of the incredible women we have spotlighted so far this Women’s History Month.
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!
