May 21–24, 2026
If you’ve been looking for the perfect excuse to plan a spring cycling trip to Fayetteville, Arkansas, this is it.
Ride Your Damn Bike Fest (RYDB Fest) returns May 21–24, 2026, bringing four days of gravel riding, bikepacking, endurance mountain biking and community celebration to the heart of Northwest Arkansas. Now in its second year, the festival moves to Memorial Day weekend—giving riders a long holiday window to explore the Ozarks at their absolute best.
Cool mornings. Warm afternoons. Lush green landscape. Big-mile adventure.
There’s no better time to ride.
Why Ride Your Damn Bike Fest?
RYDB Fest isn’t just another cycling event—it’s a showcase of why Fayetteville has become a national destination for gravel riding and bikepacking.
As Alexander Laitamaki of Ozark Gravel Cyclists puts it:
“You can roll out from downtown Fayetteville and within minutes be on remote gravel, purpose-built singletrack or deep in the Ozark National Forest. There aren’t many places in the country where that’s possible.”
And he’s right. Most can’t leave their downtown square and be amongst the trees 20 minutes later - but in Fayetteville, that’s just the norm.
What’s Happening at RYDB Fest 2026
Here’s what riders can expect over Memorial Day weekend in Fayetteville:
Thirsty Thursday Group Rides
Kick things off with Ozark Gravel Cyclists’ Thirsty Thursday rides rolling from Puritan Coffee & Beer. It’s a laid-back, social start to a weekend built around community and adventure.
Friday Expo + Workshops at the Upper Ramble
The Upper Ramble in downtown Fayetteville comes alive with a community-focused expo and hands-on workshops. Learn, connect and gather your gear before you hit the open road.
Saturday Grand Departs
Choose your adventure and roll out.
- Community Overnighter to Lake Wedington in the Ozark National Forest
Led by Patrick Farnsworth, host of the popular Bikes or Death podcast, this supported overnighter blends accessibility with adventure. - Fayetteville Ultra Circuit
For riders craving a serious challenge, this rugged endurance experience features multiple 100+ mile route options combining gravel roads and technical singletrack.
Sunday Finish Line Festivities
Downtown Fayetteville welcomes riders back with finish-line celebrations and a well-earned community hang.
A National Bikepacking Voice Comes to Northwest Arkansas
Patrick Farnsworth brings four years of route development and bikepacking race leadership through his Texas SHOWDOWN series. Through Bikes or Death, he has cultivated a strong national following in the endurance cycling community.
His involvement adds national energy to an already fast-growing Northwest Arkansas cycling scene—making RYDB Fest a draw for riders traveling from across Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and beyond.
Fayetteville’s Growing Reputation as a Bikepacking Hub
RYDB Fest also highlights Fayetteville’s Bikepacking Route Network—a curated system of multi-day cycling routes connecting the city’s urban trail infrastructure to remote gravel and forest terrain.
“Fayetteville has intentionally invested in becoming a premier bikepacking destination,” said Ryan Hauck, CEO of Experience Fayetteville. “Events like RYDB Fest demonstrate how that investment translates into real economic impact and authentic outdoor experiences that draw riders from across the region.”
From locally owned restaurants and coffee shops to bike shops and lodging partners, the entire community benefits when riders choose Fayetteville as their Memorial Day weekend destination.
Why May Is Prime Time for Gravel Riding in Northwest Arkansas
Spring riding conditions in Northwest Arkansas are hard to beat:
- Cool, comfortable mornings
- Warm afternoons
- Flowing creeks and vibrant green hills
- Ideal gravel and singletrack conditions
Memorial Day weekend offers the perfect combination of prime weather and extra time off to explore.
Plan Your Ride
Ride Your Damn Bike Fest 2026 invites cyclists of all levels to explore, connect, and push their limits in one of the country’s most dynamic cycling destinations.
Learn more and register at:
http://www.ozarkgravelcyclists.com/rydb-fest
This Memorial Day weekend, come ride Fayetteville.
