A-State News
Arkansas Graveler 2026: 347 Miles Across the Delta, Starting at A-State
There were more bicycles than usual around Jonesboro in the first week of October. The city — and the Arkansas State University campus — was the starting point of the Arkansas Graveler 2026: five days on gravel and dirt roads across the Arkansas Delta, from Jonesboro down to Arkansas City.
- Mon 5 OctArrival day
- Tue 6 OctStart from the A-State campus
- Sat 10 OctFinish
Not a race
The organisers call it “America’s most hospitable gravel ride”: no podium and no clock. Each day ends in a new town — a state park, the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, the duck-calling town of Stuttgart — with a campfire, Delta cooking and live music in the evening. Bags travel from town to town, and the route is supported with aid stations, mechanics and medical staff.
A welcome from A-State
Ahead of the start, A-State asked the community to give cyclists room when driving near campus, and to expect restaurants and local businesses to be a little busier as visitors explored Jonesboro.
“We’re glad the Arkansas Graveler is starting here. Enjoy the ride, and welcome to Red Wolf country!” — Arkansas State University
Why it matters if you are coming to Jonesboro
Events like this show something easy to miss when choosing a university: Jonesboro is a college town, where campus and city share the same rhythm. Main Street has restaurants, coffee and weekend events, and a short drive away are farm roads, state parks and the blues heritage of the Delta.
Source: Arkansas State University; schedule and route figures from arkansasgraveler.com.
