The Fayetteville Ultra Circuit Brings a 100 to 400-Mile Self-Supported Bikepacking Race to NWA
The Fayetteville Ultra Circuit (FUC) is a self-supported bikepacking race weaving through the trail systems and backcountry roads of Northwest Arkansas, with distance options ranging from a one-day gravel adventure to a 400-mile multi-day circuit through the Ozarks.
THE DEETS
📅 Saturday, May 23 – Tuesday, May 26, 2026
🕙 All distances start at 8:00 AM on Saturday, May 23
📍 Start: Dickson St and N West Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701 (check-in at RYDB Fest Expo on Friday, May 22)
🎟️ $75 per entry (tracking fee additional — mandatory for all participants)
🔗 More info and Registration | 🗺️ Route
Three Distance Options
FUC 400 — 400+ miles The full circuit through the Ozarks, connecting nearly every major trail system in NWA and venturing east into Newton and Madison Counties where steep grades, eroded surfaces, and massive elevation swings define the terrain. Trail systems include Mount Sequoyah, BOC Ponca Downhill, Buffalo Headwaters, Lake Fort Smith, Devil’s Den, Lincoln Lake, Lake Wedington, Centennial Park, and Markham Hill. Long stretches without services or cell coverage.
FUC 200 — ~200 miles Mirrors the 400 until around mile 155, hitting Devil’s Den, Lake Fort Smith, Lincoln Lake, Lake Wedington, Centennial Park, Markham Hill, and Mount Sequoyah before looping back to Fayetteville. A demanding route with more reliable resupply options than the full circuit.
FUC 100 — ~100 miles A gravel-friendly one-day option on scenic backroads and rolling gravel with minimal technical singletrack. Suited for experienced gravel riders exploring bikepacking for the first time.
All three routes are self-supported, GPS-navigated with no course markings, and start at the same time Saturday morning.
Bike Setup
Mountain bike with 2.2″ or wider tires strongly recommended for the 200 and 400. A gravel bike with 40mm tires can manage the 100, though 50mm is recommended for rougher segments. Tubeless setup with durable sidewalls recommended across all distances.
Part of RYDB Fest
Check-in takes place Friday, May 22 at the Ride Your Damn Bike Festival expo on Dickson Street. A portion of entry fees benefits Bikepacking Roots, a nonprofit supporting bikepacking access and land conservation.
More details on tracking will be sent by email as the event approaches. Pick your distance and register at the link above before May 23.
