COWabunga Gravel

Saturday, May 2, 2026Viola City Park, Viola, AR

Event Details

Event Type

Gravel

Location

Viola City ParkViola, ArkansasOpen in Maps

Links

Website

Upcoming Dates

Saturday, May 2, 2026Register

Event Location

About This Event

The COWabunga! Gravel is a scenic, family-friendly cycling event that highlights the rugged beauty of North Central Arkansas farmland. The ride starts and ends in the small town of Viola, Arkansas. As the name implies, participants can expect to ride past endless cow pastures, hay fields, and wooded creeks on a mix of smooth and "gnarly" gravel roads.

Additional Information

Event Overview

Location: Viola City Park, Viola, AR (Located off Hwy 223)
Registration: limited to 150 riders.
Included: Custom finisher award, custom t-shirt, and a post-race meal.
Check-in: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM at the Viola City Park pavilion.
Vibe: Family-oriented and welcoming; no GPS is strictly required as turns are marked.

Course Description

The event offers three distance tiers, with routes consisting of approximately 91% unpaved surfaces. The terrain is characterized by gently rolling hills with a few steep, punchy climbs.

Sector	Distance	Terrain Highlights
Neutralized Zones	First 1.3 mi / Last 1.7 mi	Controlled start and finish on local roads to ensure rider safety.
"The Cow Pastures"	Varies	Rolling hardpack gravel passing through active North Central Arkansas farmland.
The 17-Mile Route	17 Miles	Suitable for beginners; a "couch-to-17m" doable challenge with a few rolling hills.
The 30-Mile Route	30 Miles	The middle-ground option featuring steeper hills that require "low gears and high spirits".
The 50-Mile "Big Cow"	50 Miles	The premier distance; includes significant elevation, wooded creek crossings, and "gnar".
Terrain Note	N/A	Expect a mix of smooth gravel and rough, loose sections; tires 38mm or wider are recommended.