Routes and Lodging are subject to change. Distance and elevations are approximate.
May 18th, 2026: Day 1 "The Warm-Up Wrecker"
Fayetteville → Chester
~60 miles | ~4,500 ft gain
Lodging: Beard and Lady Inn
Highlights: First taste of Ozark punchy terrain
Kick off in vibrant Fayetteville, the beating heart of Northwest Arkansas' bike scene, where urban trails spit you into the wild. We roll southwest on smooth bike paths past Kessler Mountain, then hit the gravel jackpot: chunky forest service roads winding through the Ozark National Forest. Expect short, steep punchers that average 10-15% gradients—perfect for separating the pretenders from the powerhouses. You'll grind past ancient rock formations and pioneer-era homestead ruins, with broad views over Kimes and Meadow Mountains that'll have you grinning through the sweat. Descents? Loose and rowdy, demanding laser-focus to rip 'em clean. If your legs aren't screaming by Chester, you're not pushing hard enough. Crash at the historic Beard and Lady Inn (built 1887), a restored gem where we'll refuel with hearty Ozark feasts. Pro tip: Save some matches; tomorrow's the real leg-breaker.
Day 2 "The Hollow Hauler"
Chester → Cass
~40 miles | ~6,000 ft gain
Lodging: Mulberry Mountain Lodge
Highlights: Big elevation, deep wilderness riding
Rise and grind, fellas—Day 2 dives deeper into the Boston Mountains' beast mode. From Chester's quaint hollows, we tackle relentless rollers on mixed gravel and backcountry dirt, meandering east through dense hardwood forests where black bears roam (don't worry, our support SAG's got your back). Historical vibes hit hard: Trace paths once trodden by Civil War skirmishers and moonshine runners, with karst springs bubbling up like nature's bidons. Climbs get spicier here—think 1,000-ft descents into valleys followed by quad-burning walls that'll mock your 34x32 if you're under geared. Remote sections mean zero bailouts, just you, the bike, and that inner voice saying "HTFU." Panoramic ridges reward the effort, overlooking the Mulberry River's twists. Roll into Cass triumphant, crashing at Mulberry Mountain Lodge on 400+ acres of Ozark bliss—lodge vibes with fire pits, gourmet recovery meals, think BBQ and craft brews to toast surviving the "Cass Crusher" segment. Jokes aside, if this doesn't forge your fitness, nothing will.
Day 3 "The Summit Slayer"
Cass → Jasper
~90 miles | ~6,000 ft gain
Lodging: J3 at the Gap
Highlights: Signature Impossible Route suffering
Alright, hammers, time to channel Jeremiah Bishop: This stage mimics the Impossible Route's soul-crushing essence, blasting through the heart of the Ozarks' roughest terrain. From Cass, we hammer east on gravel that's equal parts smooth cruiser and rubbly nightmare—loose chunks that'll have you dancing on the pedals like a pro enduro. Ascend into the Arkansas Grand Canyon region, where gradients spike to 17-20% on punchy climbs echoing the White Rock Mountain beast (think Bishop's suffer fest, but supported). Historical detours include pioneer graveyards and ancient bluffs carved by eons of erosion, with swimming holes for mid-ride dips if you're feeling froggy. Remote AF, with zero cell service in spots—pure gravel Zen (or panic, if you're not prepped). Descents? Techy and thrilling, ripping down to valley floors with views of limestone cliffs that'll drop your jaw. Summit at Jasper's edge, where J3 at the Gap awaits: Luxe cabins on 300+ acres, overlooking the "Grand Canyon of the Ozarks." Dinner's a rider's dream—high-protein feasts, electrolyte reloads, and stories around the fire. If your quads survive this, you're basically unbreakable.
Day 4 "The River Ripper"
Jasper → Ponca
~40 miles | ~4,000 ft gain
Lodging: Buffalo Outdoor Center
Highlights: Scenic riding, swim spots, wilderness vibes
Ease off the gas? Nah, Day 4 keeps the fire lit with a "recovery" spin that's anything but. From Jasper, we weave north into the Buffalo National River wilderness—America's first national river, designated in 1972 but timeless in its raw beauty. Gravel turns chunkier here, with singletrack-adjacent sections testing your handling on loose descents and rooty rollers. Historical gold: Ride trails once used by Native hunters and 1800s trappers, past karst caves that could hide Bigfoot (or your dropped chain). Climbs are shorter but steeper, punching up ridges for epic overlooks of the Buffalo's turquoise waters and waterfalls—prime for that mid-ride swim to cool the engines. Remote vibes intensify, with black bear country adding that adventure edge (food hangs provided, cowards). Finish strong in Ponca, the gateway to wilderness, at Buffalo Outdoor Center: Cozy cabins amid the woods, with riverside views and a massive spread of food to carb-load for the finale. Joke's on the hills: They tried to break you, but you're still spinning.
Day 5 "The Victory Vortex"
Ponca → Fayetteville
~70 miles | ~4,500 ft gain
Finish: Post-ride meal & drinks included
Highlights: Victory ride and celebration dinner
Last dance, legends—time to close the loop with a bang. From Ponca, we arc west through the Boston Mountains' finale, blending gravel grinders with paved connectors for a mixed-terrain mashup. Tackle lingering punchers with 10-15% kicks, ripping past more pioneer relics and karst wonders, with descents that'll have you whooping like a kid on a rollercoaster. The terrain smooths out toward Fayetteville, but don't sleep—remote forest sections keep it spicy, echoing Bishop's epic suffers. Historical wrap-up: Reflect on the Ozarks' resilient spirit as you spin past ridges shaped by ancient seas. Roll back into Fayetteville victorious, with our support vehicle shadowing every mile. Post-ride, celebrate with included brews and a feast—because you earned it, you absolute unit. This tour isn't just a ride; it's your new war story.
All-inclusive means zero worries: Support vehicle for mechanicals and luggage, expert guides calling lines, all nutrition (gels, bars, real food), and meals crafted for peak performance. For serious gravel dudes ready to level up—spots are vanishing faster than traction on wet limestone. $3500 gets you the adventure of a lifetime. Let's grind!
We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment in this epic gravel adventure. Standard policies often cover trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies (including evacuation from remote Ozark backcountry), and even bike damage—essential for a challenging tour like this where things like weather, illness, or mechanicals can arise. Look for adventure/cycling-specific options (e.g., from providers like World Nomads, RoamRight, or Velosurance) that include gravel riding and remote terrain coverage.
Please review our cancellation policy carefully before booking.
Cancellation Policy
This tour is transferable! Find a friend to take your place before cancelling.
- Minimum Participants: If the minimum number of riders isn't met, we'll cancel the tour and issue a full refund to all booked participants.
- More than 90 days before departure: Full refund of your deposit, minus a 5% administrative fee.
- 61–90 days before departure: Refund of deposit minus a 50% fee.
- Final balance due: 60 days before the tour start date.
- 31–60 days before departure: Refund of total paid minus a 50% fee.
- Less than 30 days before departure: No refunds (including for no-shows or partial participation).
All cancellations must be received in writing (email preferred) and are effective upon our confirmation. We understand life happens, but this tiered structure helps cover committed costs like lodgings, guides, and support logistics in the rugged Ozarks. Travel Insurance, if purchased will reimburse your entry and allow us to proceed with the tour. Transfers to future tours may be possible on a case-by-case basis—reach out early to discuss.
Questions? Hit us up—we're here to help you lock in this suffer fest with peace of mind. Spots are limited, so secure yours today!
