Reputation: Regional AR event.
[01]
Course Overview
Arkansas Ozark Mountains gravel in Eureka Springs.
65 mi
Distance
6,000 ft
Elevation
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Location
March 12-13, 2026
Date
~200
Field Size
$60-100
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Ozark Mountains gravel with significant climbing.
Signature challenge: Ozark Mountains climbing in northwest Arkansas.
20
MILE
Early Climbs
First mountain climbs.
35
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
55
MILE
Final Climbs
Final mountain sections before finish.
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Gran Fondo Ozarks? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
March 12, 2026 GRAN FONDO OZARKS
[08]
Train for Gran Fondo Ozarks
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
7
VO2 Power
4
Threshold
6
Technical
6
Heat
1
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
6
FREE
GET THE GRAN FONDO OZARKS PREP KIT
12-week training timeline, race-day checklists, packing list, and personalized fueling calculator — unlocked instantly.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Northwest Arkansas (XNA) 45 minutes
Lodging
Eureka Springs has good lodging options.
Food
Eureka Springs has full dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day before typically
Parking
At start/finish
[10]
Tire Picks
42mmMIXED
1
IRC Boken Double Cross
Underrated mixed-terrain tire. Fast center with confident shoulder grip.
2
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
3
Vittoria Terreno Mix
Graphene versatility. Mixed-terrain grip with reasonable rolling speed.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / IRC Boken Double Cross 42mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
[—]
Similar Races
[—]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Gran Fondo Ozarks?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 63°F and lows of 43°F, with a 42% chance of rain on any given day. Arkansas weather delivers humidity that drowns you in sweat plus unpredictable storms. Spring and fall offer brief windows of reasonableness, but summer heat and winter freezes make timing critical. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Gran Fondo Ozarks?
Based on available research, this event appears to be a different entity from the documented Randonneuring Gravel Rally in Mountain Home. Eureka Springs has tourism infrastructure but no confirmed race organization details exist in current rider reports.[1]
How adventurous is Gran Fondo Ozarks?
Ozarks gravel delivers backcountry feel with actual creek crossings and more trees than people. Research documents routes through areas like Bryant Creek and Webster County that provide adventure without requiring GPS expertise.[1]
How prestigious is Gran Fondo Ozarks?
This event doesn't appear in current race databases alongside established Arkansas races like Doom. The Ozarks host documented events, but this specific gran fondo hasn't built radar presence among gravel communities.[1]
Should I race Gran Fondo Ozarks?
If you're in Arkansas and want a mountain event—yes, it's solid. If you're from out of state—there are better options.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/12198/high-in-the-ozarks