Date: 17th – 18th October 2026
Location: Bentonville & Northwest Arkansas
Distances: 25 mi • 50 mi • 100 mi
Event Type: Gravel Race & Cycling Festival
Event Description
Big Sugar Gravel is one of the most recognizable gravel races in the United States, set in the rolling terrain and fast backroads of Northwest Arkansas. Based in Bentonville, a town at the heart of American cycling culture, the event combines competitive gravel racing with a full weekend celebration of riding, community, and adventure.
The routes showcase the distinct character of the Ozark Highlands — flowing gravel highways, forested climbs, punchy rollers, and stretches of loose, chunky surface that reward confident handling and smart pacing. Riders can choose from three distances, each offering a different expression of the same fast, relentless terrain. The 25-mile route delivers a high-energy introduction, the 50-mile option balances speed and endurance, and the 100-mile course stands as a true gravel test that never settles into an easy rhythm.
Big Sugar Gravel is known for its race-forward atmosphere, attracting riders who enjoy riding hard while still embracing the inclusive spirit of gravel. The terrain is rarely extreme, but the constant elevation changes, surface variation, and sustained effort make this a demanding ride from start to finish.
Beyond the racing, the event is part of a larger cycling weekend in Bentonville, featuring community rides, social gatherings, and finish-line celebrations that reflect the region’s deep connection to cycling. The atmosphere is energetic and welcoming, with riders and spectators coming together to celebrate one of the strongest gravel scenes in the country.
Whether pushing for a result or taking on a new distance, Big Sugar Gravel delivers fast riding, beautiful Ozark scenery, and a uniquely American gravel experience.
Big Sugar Gravel — high-speed gravel, rolling Ozark terrain, and one of the USA’s flagship gravel races.
Click here to see more inspiring North American gravel events
- 21/10/2023
- 09:00
- 21/10/2023
- 17:00
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- https://www.bigsugarclassic.com/gravel/
- Bentonville, AR, USA