THE NATURAL STATE.

RAID’s expeditionary force invites you to join us on a very special Escape comprised of training, riding and racing some of the very best gravel routes in Arkansas! Starting and ending in bustling Bentonville, this trip will begin with several days of exceptional mixed-terrain riding further afield with quirky accommodation, tasty meals & libations before circling back to Bentonville just in time to prepare to race the Rule of Three event!

You heard Rule of Three sold out? No problem -- we have secured ten highly desirable entries for the race, and as part of this Escape, your entry and participation are included in this unique package! But we won’t throw you out on the gravel in the hollows to fend for yourself. This Escape is designed from the ground up to provide each guest with the coaching, tools and knowledge to better one’s gravel riding skills, improve hydration and nutrition strategies, and manage the challenges of a tough, long, gravel race.  

Don't be fooled by the region's gritty portrayal on Netflix's cult drama Ozark. A unique “off piste” cycling experience through the wilds of the Natural State that will leave you with tales of adventure to tell for years to come. RAID certainly delivers on this trip with scenic beauty, amazing remote gravel roads, quirky accommodation and a little excitement along the way.

Can you hear the cowbells, whoops and hollers on race day?

Our 8-day Escape will reflect our deep knowledge of gravel cycling and our affinity for Bentonville via carefully planned routes showcasing the best of this part of Arkansas. Guests will enjoy hearty meals, quirky accommodations, a stout gravel race, and the outstanding care, support and coaching of the VeloPro/RAID team, and a lot of laughs and collegiality. Join us for this Escape, you’ll be a better rider for it!

What is The Rule of Three? Tarmac. Gravel. Singletrack.

100 mile solo or
three-person team.
50 mile solo or
three-person team.

The Rule of Three is a world-class 50 or 100-mile mixed terrain race experience held on the greatest singletrack, tarmac and gravel roads on Earth in and around Bentonville, Arkansas. The course takes in about 30 miles of rolling, hilly pavement, 50 miles of gravel, and 20 full miles of singletrack. The unique combination of the quiet roads surrounding the cycling mecca of Bentonville create the setting for an incredible mixed terrain bike race. The beauty of the mountains (not to mention the camaraderie with fellow cyclists) as well as the basic challenge of covering these gravel roads on two wheels is something that will not soon be forgotten. Come test yourself as a solo, or we will assign 3-person teams to the challenge.

*Are you traveling to Bentonville for one of the many cycling events or festivals? Big Sugar, Gone Graveling, Bikefest? Lets add some riding further afield. We can add 4-6 days of additional world class gravel to any number of existing events for 4-10 people - at any time.

A complete guide to lodging in Bentonville can be found HERE

D1 bENTONVILLE - May 13

30 mi / 1980 Ft

Our initial destination: the city shaped by Walmart's influence. Bentonville, renowned for housing some of the finest art and cycling experiences in the United States, as well as being the residence of the wealthiest family globally, boasts a refined charm. For our one-night stay, we choose the 21c Museum Hotel as our hub—a chain rooted in the philosophy of blending an immersive art encounter with boutique urban hospitality. Within its walls, The Hive, an energetic restaurant showcasing local ingredients, is under the helm of James Beard Award nominee Matthew McClure.

Founded a decade ago by Walmart scion Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has grown into a palatial, state-of-the-art, Moshe Safdie-designed institution with a stellar collection of major-league art from the likes of Andy Warhol, Louise Bourgeois, John Singer Sargent, and Georgia O'Keeffe. Elsewhere on its 120-acre grounds: a James Turrell Skyspace, Frank Lloyd Wright's Bachman-Wilson House, and four miles of trails to discover it all.

In addition to some remarkable restaurants, coffee and beer (The Preachers Son, Pedaler’s Pub, The Pressroom) and home to RAPHA North America, you can’t leave Arkansas with out experiencing the famed gravel roads littered through out the Ozark and Boston Mountains.

Today’s introductory punchy spin will entice you with all kinds of terrain: gravel roads for sure, also some local’s only double-track and some single track that is part of the Little Sugar Trail System.

O/N TBD

D2 BENTONVILLE TO MOUNTAINBURG - May 14

90 mi / 5,486Ft

If there was ever a day to prepare you for the adventure ahead, the nearly 30 pristine path miles from Bentonville to Fayetteville are nearly effortless. The ever-present lurking of fall hovers near with the slight bite in the air and the leaves colors show themselves true in the green, red and gold - and if caught could bring about good favor for the tough roads that you seek to devour. Freshly laid tarmac valleys pull you into a trance before you are awaken to your first gravel sectors deep in the Boston Mountains. Devil’s Den, nestled in Lee Creek Valley stands as one of the most intact CCC sites in the U.S., and the climb from here brings rewards before our final resting spot for the evening in the small burg in Crawford County - established in 1820.

O/N at our hidden cabins in the woods!

D3 MOUNTAINBURG TO KINGSTON - May 15

108 mi / 9,700+ Ft

The queen stage arrives today and does not leave much to be decided by your legs, but your depth of panache. With 85% of natural surfaces, you challenge your body’s will to finish before dusk. Tarmac sectors are longed for like slices of heaven through the rolling terrain and punchy peaks. Dense woods and seasonal foliage once again delight the eyes as your senses are triggered in this backwoods wonderland. When you arrive at the Fox Den, you’re embraced with intrigue by intricacies of well curated property - one like you’ve never seen before. When dinner is served you have to time to talk through the battles you faced through a tough stage, whether inner or outer battles, you decide. Tim Krabbe’s words have never been so lifelike…“Because after the finish all the suffering turns to memories of pleasure, and the greater the suffering, the greater the pleasure.” 

O/N in our palatial mountain lodge!

D4 kINGSTON TO EUREKA SPRINGS - may 16

60.5 mi / 5,200 Ft

EUREKA! Come prepared as storms might briskly make an appearance, forcing you to find some grit riding in soft sands and muddy corners. Farmlands and ranches spread the vastness of the countryside on the road to Eureka Springs. A cry of eureka can’t be heard audibly for miles here in this modest desolation, but it can be expressed in your smiles and gratitude for the lovely roads the lace the beauty of the American heartlands. This stage doesn’t come without its challenges - the final steep climbs roll you straight into the center of this small, but booming eclectic town. Grab a beer at The Gravel Bar and raise a glass to a job well done. Cheers! 

O/N Wanderoo Lodge & beers at the Gravel Bar

D5 EUREKA SPRINGS TO BENTONVILLE - May 17

77.7 mi / 4,977 Ft

Our final stage takes us to the borders of Missouri and Arkansas. We saddle up at the Whistling Springs Brewery for wood fired pizza and craft beer served up by Steven and his crew. Post lunch sees us crisscrossing gravel sectors, checkered throughout the day as you close in on some of the finest manicured trails and paths of Bella Vista and Bentonville. It’s here that you begin to reflect on the way this adventure all began, and you find ways to elongate the day as an ode to sacrifices of soul you made along the way; reliving the glory of adventure, pain of success, and joy of completion. 

O/N TBD

D6 BENTONVILLE - May 18

rest Day

Take a break, enjoy a mid-morning pour over at Onyx Coffee Lab. Dive into the art world at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where masterpieces are nestled in a picturesque setting. Grab an e-MTB and hit the extensive mountain biking trails, including the renowned Slaughter Pen system, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience. The charming downtown square invites exploration with boutique shops, galleries, and the Bentonville Farmers Market. The local culinary scene beckons with an array of delicious offerings, and beer enthusiasts can savor craft brews at Bentonville Brewing Company.

Surrounding the major Saturday event are pre and post-ride activities such as shakeout rides, scavenger hunts, happy hours, and various social gatherings designed to enhance the overall experience for riders. Emphasizing camaraderie, participants are urged to contribute a thoughtful gift from your hometown during these social occasions – be it a hat from their local bike shop, regional beer, coffee, or a unique pin or patch. This concept is embodied in the "Bring a Gift for a Stranger" rule, fostering a spirit of generosity and connection among riders.

O/N TBD

D7 RACE DAY - may 19

The event, known for its dynamic trio of challenging terrains, captivating scenery, and a spirited community, creates a perfect storm for competitive yet enjoyable racing. Cyclists navigate a well-designed course that weaves through Bentonville's picturesque landscapes, offering a blend of technical sections, climbs, and descents. The camaraderie among participants is palpable, amplified by the shared love for the sport and the stunning backdrop of the Ozark Mountains. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a newcomer, the Rule of Three race promises an unforgettable blend of competition, camaraderie, and the sheer joy of cycling in this thriving Arkansas community. And, your entry is included.

Post race party!

O/N TBD

D8 TRANSFER - May 20

We can assist with your transport back to Northwest Arkansas National Airport – XNA, just 25 mins away.

CONCLUSION

You can find adventure anywhere you want, you just have to take the time to seek it out. The ARHC RAID is designed to intensify your tastebuds for adventure… and gravel. Gravel riding and racing have quickly become the focus in the evolving world of cycling disciplines. Discovering new roads, paths and a heart for the unknown grow us in ways that other sports and hobbies can’t. On the road we find our true potential, our deepest senses of self, and our highest levels of appreciation. We do this to ourselves in an attempt to find that threshold for satisfaction and suffering; two strong forces that are separated by a chainlink that could break at any given stroke. RAID Cycling has many trips available to ‘fill your boots’, but The Arkansas High Country RAID delivers in a different way. I’ve always believed that the road neutralizes us - it makes us equals and doesn’t withhold anything from us all. If you seek to find the glory you deserve through the suffering you desire, you’re in the right place ~ see you on the road!