How’s your endurance?
Back for its seventh year, the Arkansas High Country Race is set to cruise through Little Rock this fall as part of its 1,000-mile route across the state (and no, that’s not a typo).
The ultra-endurance event launches from Russellville on Saturday, Oct. 4, as participants set out to explore the Buffalo National River Corridor, the Ozark Mountains, the Arkansas River Valley and more via “bikepacking,” a combination of “cycling through rugged terrain with minimalist camping.”
Riders from across the U.S. will follow the Arkansas High Country Route, a mix of gravel and paved trails connecting Little Rock, Conway, Mountain View, Fayetteville, Russellville, Hatfield and Hot Springs. They’ll also be outfitted with personal GPS trackers that fans can follow online in real time and will post photos from various virtual checkpoints of the race.
If you’re wondering just how long it takes to bikepack 1,000 miles across The Natural State, last year’s winner completed the course in five days, eight hours and 44 minutes. And if you’re up for something a little shorter, there’s also the approximately 430-mile Central Loop and the Ozark Odyssey clocking in at about 250 miles.
You can learn more about the Arkansas High Country Race and register starting July 4 on the race’s website, and follow along for updates on Facebook and Instagram.