Attention cyclists and adventure enthusiasts! Prepare to mark your calendars for a thrilling weekend of grit, camaraderie, and celebration as Jonesboro proudly hosts The Skirmish – A Delta Gravel Festival, May 29 – June 1, 2025.
“From the rolling hills of Crowley’s Ridge to the sprawling farmlands of the Delta, this festival is an all-encompassing experience for anyone who loves the call of the open road,” said Bruce Dunn, CEO of All Sports Productions, the event organizer.
The Adventure Awaits
“Blending challenge, scenery, and community, gravel cycling has exploded in popularity over the past decade,” Dunn said. “Now, The Skirmish brings that spirit to Northeast Arkansas, offering a four-day festival filled with rides, revelry, and unforgettable experiences.”
The festival is anchored by an exciting cycling event showcasing two distinct yet equally stunning terrains. Participants will first conquer the legendary Crowley’s Ridge, a natural marvel shaped by eons of wind, water, and ice. Known for its rolling hills, this unique ridge offers a taste of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountain Regions’ challenges.
The adventure doesn’t stop there. Riders will transition to the breathtaking Delta, with its wide-open farmlands and flat, scenic roads. Participants can expect a helping hand from a southwest tailwind as they journey to the finish line in downtown Jonesboro.
In short, cyclists will ride “Over the ridge and through the fields.”
The competitive cycling event on Saturday will include four distances – 20, 43, 63 and 100 miles making the event perfect for riders at all levels. The 100-mile event will feature $750 prize purses for both men and women.
More Than a Ride – It’s a Celebration
Jonesboro, the jewel of northeast Arkansas, provides the perfect backdrop for the event. With its small-town charm, vibrant downtown, and top-notch amenities, the city is ready to roll out the red carpet for participants and their families, while also offering live music on Friday night and a family-friendly “slow roll” ride through the Arkansas State University campus and downtown on Saturday.
Over four days, The Skirmish promises a true festival atmosphere:
- Thursday: Warm up with a group ride to kickstart the excitement.
- Friday: Enjoy two group rides, a vendor expo, a meet-and-greet with athletes, a lively welcome party, and free live music.
- Saturday: Dive into the main cycling event and a post-ride celebration. Family-friendly activities at the finish line ensure there’s fun for everyone.
- Sunday: Wind down with a relaxing short ride and a stunning video and photo montage of the event’s activities. Awards, prizes, and memories will cap off the weekend.
Craig Rickert, executive director of the Jonesboro Advertising & Promotion Commission commented, “We are extremely excited to be working with All Sports Productions to bring a new and energetic cycling event and multi-day festival to town. In addition to attracting cyclists from around the region to visit Jonesboro, there will be many reasons for local residents to join the fun. It is also extremely exciting to see so many outstanding organizations come on board as sponsors of The Skirmish.”
Rooted in History
The festival name, The Skirmish, pays homage to the 1862 Civil War Skirmish fought in downtown on the grounds of the Craighead County Courthouse. This historical nod adds depth to an event already steeped in natural beauty and local culture.
Registration is Now Open
Whether you’re a gravel cycling enthusiast, a seasoned rider, or someone seeking a weekend of family-friendly fun, The Skirmish has something for everyone. Riders are asked to visit www.skirmishjonesboro.com to sign up and learn more about the schedule of events. The festival elements are free and open to the public.
About All Sports Productions: All Sports Productions is a sports event management company established in 2003. All Sports Productions promotes cycling, running, duathlons, triathlons, and other outdoor events. The goal of the company is to produce races at the highest standards which are locally, regionally and nationally recognized events with a festival-like atmosphere. The mission of each event is to engage participants and spectators in a healthy, multi-sport lifestyle.
About the Jonesboro A&P Commission: The Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission promotes tourism in the city to produce a positive economic impact through the funding, promotion and advertising of events held in the city.
Learn more at the Skirmish Jonesboro Website