JONESBORO, Ark. — More than 200 cyclists will gather in Jonesboro next week for the third annual Arkansas Graveler, a five-day, 342-mile recreational ride spanning from Jonesboro to Arkansas City. The event begins with a downtown celebration Monday, Oct. 5, followed by an official departure Tuesday morning accompanied by a police escort.
The Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission has invited residents to join the festivities Monday starting at 4 p.m. in the 200 block of Main Street, which will close to traffic until 9 p.m. Gearhead Outfitters and the Brickhouse will host live music, while Delta Dirt Distillery will feature a pop-up event inside Gearhead. The Jambulance is also scheduled to return to the Brickhouse during the evening celebration.
On Tuesday morning, participating cyclists will enjoy a breakfast provided by Centennial Bank from 6 to 8 a.m. in the north end zone of Centennial Bank Stadium at Arkansas State University. Official opening ceremonies will follow at 8 a.m. in the lot west of the stadium, with a performance of the national anthem by the A-State Choir and brief remarks from local officials. The group will then embark on their ride at 8:30 a.m.
A-State police and Jonesboro police will accompany the riders through town before they transition to gravel roads south of the city. Temporary traffic disruptions are expected along the route during the departure. Southbound traffic on Red Wolf Boulevard between Aggie Road and Stallings Lane will experience a brief slowdown lasting around five minutes as the cyclists and escort vehicles pass through. Other brief interruptions are planned at intersections including Nettleton Drive and East Matthews Avenue, Highland Drive near the Mall at Turtle Creek, and the trail crossing at Race Street. Organizers expect each of these delays to last no more than a minute or two.
The Arkansas Graveler, described by event planners as a "supported recreational ride" rather than a race, brings participants together to experience the Delta region’s gravel roads and unique hospitality. The route through Jonesboro is available through the event's Ride with GPS collection for those interested in detailed mapping.
Regular traffic will resume shortly after riders exit the city limits on Tuesday morning.