The Skirmish

A Delta Gravel Festival in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

The Skirmish is more than just a cycling event, it's a celebration of the rugged beauty, rich culture, and tight-knit community of the Delta region. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to gravel cycling, this festival offers something for everyone. The festival was created to embrace all aspects of gravel cycling with one main feature not found in the majority of gravel events; the tale of 2 rides. Riders will first traverse the rolling hills of Crowley’s Ridge, similar to those found on the Ouachita and Ozark Mountain Regions.  Crowley’s Ridge is a 200-mile long ridge that was formed by wind, water, and ice over millions of years. It's believed to have been an island between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers that was isolated after the rivers changed course.

After tackling Crowley’s Ridge, riders will then experience the vast farmlands of the Delta (which supplies the nation with a bounty of food and feed to sustain our republic) during the final two thirds of the ride.  Riders will be treated to the wide-open flat farm roads of the region, separated only by endless fields of crops, to bring you home. Late May, early June should see a tailwind blowing from the southwest to guide you home to the finish and a post-ride celebration in the historic downtown of Jonesboro, Arkansas.

The name of the ride comes from a historical battle called “The Civil War Skirmish” which was fought in 1863. Jonesboro is located in the northeast part of Arkansas and has the perfect mix of a small town community atmosphere combined with a vibrant downtown, world-class healthcare, specialty manufacturing with world wide distribution as well as cutting edge technology companies and advanced-degree educational system. This offers athletes and their friends and family a perfect setting to come experience a true festival atmosphere over the three days of The Skirmish.

Overall Event Schedule:

• Thursday - Group rides
• Friday - Group rides, vendor expo, athlete meeting, welcome party and free live music for everyone.
• Saturday -
  • the main event with four ride distances and a post-ride celebration.
  • Friends and family will have plenty to do while their riders are out on course with kids and family activities at the finish line area. Saturday night will be a great time to explore what Jonesboro has to offer.
• Sunday - a day to “relax” with a short ride on offer and then the final scheduled events of the festival. Participants and their traveling companions will be treated to a video and photo collage from the weekend. This visual wrap up will be immediately followed with an awards and prize giveaway ceremony to tie a bow on a great weekend of an all-things gravel experience.