Fayetteville’s Ride Your Damn Bike Festival Is Back with Rides, an Expo, and a Night in the Ozarks
The Ride Your Damn Bike Festival returns to downtown Fayetteville May 21–24, and this year’s lineup is built for riders of every kind, from first-time overnighters to ultra-distance athletes. RYDB Fest is a four-day celebration of cycling culture rooted in the Ozark Gravel Cyclists community, bringing together group rides, an expo, workshops, a multi-distance ultra race, and a beginner-friendly community overnighter into the Ozark National Forest.
THE DEETS
📅 Thursday, May 21 – Sunday, May 24, 2026
🕙 Thursday 6–10 PM | Friday 3–8 PM | Saturday 8 AM+ | Sunday (dot watching continues)
📍 Main hub: The Upper Ramble, 251 N West Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701 | Various locations, Fayetteville, AR
🔗 More info | Vendor inquiry: [email protected]
Thursday, May 21 — Thirsty Thursday at Puritan
Two gravel group ride options kick off the festival, followed by a post-ride hang at Wander Outdoor Adventure Hub featuring a talk from Ernie Lechuga and Buckhorn Bags. The evening runs 6–10 PM at Puritan Coffee and Beer.
Friday, May 22 — Expo and Workshops at The Upper Ramble
Meet and engage with 14 expo partners including frame-builders, artisans, and gear-makers from 3–8 PM. Workshops include Bike Fit 101 with Dr. Zac Snow and Off the Bike Fitness Movement with Rise PT.
Saturday, May 23 — Bikepacking Day at The Upper Ramble
The Fayetteville Ultra Circuit Grand Depart kicks off at 8 AM with multiple self-supported distance options. The Community Overnighter departs at 9 AM, led by Patrick Farnsworth of Bikes or Death. Dot watching and finish line hangs run Saturday through Sunday at Puritan, with 24/7 coverage at the WOAH in the breezeway.
The Community Overnighter
This year’s overnighter rides the Lake Wedington Loop, heading west of Fayetteville on gravel roads through the Ozark National Forest and Lake Wedington Recreation Area. Two route options are available and you can decide which to take at camp on Day 1.
The gravel option covers 59 miles over two days with around 2,800 feet of elevation, suited for first overnighters. The singletrack option covers 69 miles and adds about 20 miles of trail on Day 2, better for riders comfortable on technical terrain. Gravel bike with 40mm or wider tires recommended for the gravel route, mountain bike for the singletrack option.
The ride includes leads and sweepers, a ProSlow pace of 10–12 mph, mandatory regroup stops, mechanic support from Phat Tire Bike Shop, and a SAG vehicle from Experience Fayetteville. Hot dogs and hamburgers at camp are provided by Wander Outdoor Adventure Hub. Riders are responsible for their own food, water, clothing, and camping gear. There are no stores on the route, so plan to carry everything from Fayetteville. A packing list will be provided before the event.
Mark Your Calendar and Register
Check the full schedule and sign up at the link above. RYDB Fest runs May 21–24 in Fayetteville. Get registered, pack your bags, and come ride.
