One of the year’s most anticipated bikepacking events, the Arkansas High Country Race has become an exciting event to follow. Just over 20 riders showed up for the inaugural event in 2019, following Adventure Cycling Association’s 1,037-mile Arkansas High Country route. Things really took off from there, and this year, over 70 riders are participating, split between the full 1,020-mile route and the shorter 240-mile Northwest Loop. Each year, a town hosts the event; the last two started in Russellville, Arkansas. This year, the Arkansas High Country Race departs from Bentonville, located at the northwest corner of the routes.

The Arkansas High Country Route was created by Adventure Cycling Association in collaboration with route designer, school teacher, and race director Chuck Campbell. The full Arkansas High Country Race route challenges riders with steep climbs, gravel roads, and over 70,000 feet of elevation gain. You can also add an extra 70 miles, which increases the amount of singletrack on the loop. The 240-mile Northwest Loop is the perfect intro to the full route and follows less-maintained (and at times chunky) dirt and rock roads. With over 18,000 feet of elevation gain, it’s anything but a walk in the park.

With help from the organizers and this year’s riders, we rounded up rig details for nearly 50 folks signed up for the event, including bike, bag, and gear details, their GPS device, and the route they intend to ride. Dig into each of them below, then head over to our Tracker tomorrow at 6:30 a.m. to follow their progress live.

Martin Bates

Age 56 / Leawood, Kansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding an IBIS Haaka gravel on the NW loop of the AHCR for 2026. The bike has a new pair or Teravail Washburn 700 x 42mm on Industry Nine UL 250 wheels and hubs. The bike runs a modified Shimano DI2 1×11 setup with the front chainring a SRAM X-Sync 42T with a Quarq power meter. I’ve added a SRAM aero bar and armrest with integrated DI2 gear shifter toggles.
BAGS: I’ve gone with a Bontrager frame bag to allow two tall boy water bottles. I have an Ortlieb seat pack and a Topeak on the handlebars. Will also have a small top tube Revelate Designs bag. Bit of a mixed bag-sorry for the pun!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m running a Garmin Varia front and back light as well as a Bontrager IONPRO RT on the helmet.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1050.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Joseph Biard

Age 37 / Bentonville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: Sedalia Surge. It’s modern, simple, and unbothered.
BAGS: A Brooks dry sack out back and a Swift Industries half-frame bag keep things simple. Just enough room for the essentials—and a few creature comforts for when it’s time to stop pedaling.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The aero bars might be overkill for the Northwest Loop, but they’re my favorite place to settle in when I need a little break. The Swift Industries half-frame bag is a sturdy, dependable all-rounder that earns its space without taking up too much of it. I’ll be running the Outbound Lighting Detour when the sun sets.
GPS DEVICE: A Wahoo BOLT. Cockpit real estate is scarce, so compact is key.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Leigh Bowe

Age 45 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Otso Fenrir.
BAGS: A blend of Rogue, Oveja, Dispersed and Restrap.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Bivy has a mesh bug net and has been doused in magic potions to keep ticks and mosquitoes away because I’m terrified of blood suckers. Special inspiration provided by my 4-year-old’s bestest sticker.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540.
ROUTE: AHCR Full.

Morgan Chaffin

Age 43 / Bella Vista, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Winspace G3 with Continental Race Kings: 2.2” in the front and 2.0” in the rear. I’ll run a mullet setup with a 1x44T chainring and 10–52T cassette, plus Zipp aerobars, a Silca mount, and an Outbound Detour light.
BAGS: I’ve selected the Tailfin 2.2L Long Top Tube Bag and Pro Saddle Bag. I’ll also be carrying a 24oz HydraPak water filter bottle on the downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be using a Velocio Hydration Pack with a 2L bladder, along with the Silca Endurance Wax Chip for smooth, reliable shifting.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a COROS DURA for navigation.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Ryan Clark

Age 48 / Noblesville, Indiana (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Northwest Loop on a Chumba Terlingua. The bike features a new pair of Rene Herse Poteau Mountain 48mm tires, a Shimano GRX 1×12 drivetrain with a 40T chainring, and Reserve wheels with DT Swiss 350 hubs. I’ll also be using Profile Designs aerobars mounted on Thomson alloy drop bars.
BAGS: I’ll be using a Rogue Panda custom frame bag and top tube bag. A Silca seat pack might be used in a pinch, depending on how much stuff I decide to bring that I really don’t need.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix BC26R headlamps and tailight will be used for visibility.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Corey DuBois

Age 55 / Bella Vista, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: Open UP with Shimano GRX 11-speed.
BAGS: Small handlebar bag, Revelate Designs stem bag and top tube bag, Bontrager frame bag, Old Man Mountain bag on Mica Rat Tail rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m going lightweight with a minimal sleep system with some additional clothing and rain gear.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 540 solar.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Dave Easley

Age 46 / Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Rodeo Labs Flaanimal singlespeed (42x20T) paired with a Santa Cruz Reserve 650B wheelset with a SON Dynamo hub in front, a Sinewave Cycles Beacon light, and 2.2” Continental Dubnitals.
BAGS: Frame and top tube bags by Steady Co. and a hip pack by South City Stitchworks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: stickers of my kitten (Winnie) and a Botched Bikes Dragonfly bottle adapter.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540 Solar.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Jorge Engroba

Age 57 / Bentonville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Sedalia Thrive titanium bike, built with an ENVE fork and a SRAM AXS mullet drivetrain featuring a 32T chainring, SRAM GX rear derailleur, and a 10-52T cassette. The bike is rolling on Boyd Trailblazer wheels with Continental Race King 29 × 2.2” tires and is finished with a Sedalia titanium seatpost and titanium stem.
BAGS: I’ll be running Revelate Designs bags and an Oveja Negra frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Outbound Lighting lights for nighttime riding.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Chris Farney

Age 42 / Saint Joseph, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: Ti Chumba Yaupon SS, 30x16T.
BAGS: Dispersed.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Doom bell / magic.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin navigation and InReach tracker.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

John Flynn

Age 62 / College Station, Texas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Rodeo Labs Trail Donkey 3.1. The drivetrain is a SRAM Force AXS with a 10-51T cassette and a 44T chainring. I’ll be spinning Enve AG25 Carbon wheels with I-9 hubs mounted with Teravail Cannonball 700c x 47mm tires.
BAGS: Snacks and quick access items will be in my Dispersed top tube bag and my Dispersed snack bag. On the rear is a Tailfin CargoPack mounted on a Tailfin Alloy rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hopefully my contact points will stay comfortable. My handlebar is a Richey Superlogic Venturemax handlebar wrapped in comfy Camp and Go Slow bar tape. My saddle is a Repente Quasar.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Joe Fox

Age 43 / Kansas City, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my trusty Chumba Terlingua Steel drop bar single-speed 38/19T. Beefy Reserve wheels and a fresh set of René Herse tires, as always.
BAGS: Custom set of Fayetteville-made Buckhorn Bags to hold all the snacks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lupine headlight to get me through the night.
GPS DEVICE: Using a Garmin Edge 1050 for navigation.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Scott Gregoire

Age 33 / Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: State Hardtail. Singlespeed, 32x20T. 700 x 45mm tires. Suspension fork.
BAGS: Two feedbags, small top tube bag, half frame bag, rain gear strapped to frame, rack with drybag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The rat tail rack is pretty cool. I like my dragonfly too.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Bolt V1.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Kayla Hall

Age 32 / Roanoke, Virginia (USA)

BIKE: OTSO Waheela C.
BAGS: custom frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure lights.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo!
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Brendan Haren

Age 45 / Bentonville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Neuhaus Hummingbird with Hunt Proven wheels turning Vittoria Peyote 2.4″ for that cushy ride. SRAM to go, Shimano to stop, and Exposure Lights to see.
BAGS: Big thanks to Zach at South City Stitch Works for a full complement of fresh bags to hold all the snacks and treasures from the trail!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Water bottles are mounted via Botched Bikes Dragonfly. CNOC bladder with Sawyer filter. Trying to do it all in one push, so just a SOL Escape bivy in case things go south. And the most important thing! A note from my wife and kids reminding me they’re not coming to bail me out.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1050 and inReach.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Joey Hightower

Age 39 / Russellville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I will ride a mostly stock 1st gen Primos Dame. It has a 1×10 Microshift Sword drivetrain with 11-46T on the back and a 32T up front. I will see how the stock 27.5″ wheels hold up, covered by 2.1 Teravail Sparwoods.
BAGS: Full top tube bag, 1.7L frame bag, and a dry bag on a rear rack to hold my sleep gear.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Electric bidet. I’m using the B-RAD system from Wolf Tooth to add a third bottle cage in the frame so I can run 3L. I’ll have a bag on the handlebars to carry an extra beverage. Lezyne 2400+ Light. Sea to Summit pad and pillow.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Ace.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Myles Honicker

Age 44 / Bentonville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: Bearclaw Honeybadger. SRAM Transmission 10-52T, 34T. 160mm cranks. Drop bars. 100mm fork.
BAGS: Tailfin cargo pack, South City Stitch Works custom frame bag, full top tube, and feed bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge Endurance Plus tires. Berd Spokes.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 solar and Garmin inReach Mini II.
ROUTE: AHCR Full.

Jeremy Hornberger

Age 41 / Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be out to push my limits on a Salsa Cutthroat for the Northwest Loop. It features a new pair of Vittoria Terreno T50s. Using the tried and true Shimano GRX 1x drivetrain with big cassette to help with the Ozark climbs.
BAGS: Rhinowalk top tube and frame bags to store my food, electronics, and tools. Evoc 2L rear seat bag to store extra layers if needed.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Profile Design Aero Bars, not for speed but comfort. Fenix light, plus extra helmet light when I need some extra light for seeing wild animals and dogs at night! Will be using water bottles and hydration pack to hopefully get me through the entire night. It’s been too dry so not many good places to filter water.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540, Zoleo Tracker.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Josh Kile

Age 27 / Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the full route atop my current do-it-all bike packing bike. Currently have it setup drop bar with skis out front for the fast, flat sections and an added position to alleviate any soreness. This rig is rolling on a pair of custom NOBL Far40 wrapped in 2.2″ Conti Race Kings. It has been a very dry summer so packing plenty of water with the Botched Bikes dragonfly for dual bottles plus a USWE Rush vest. Lighting the way in the night will be an Exposure Toro 16 and Outbound Portal.
BAGS: A few small bags for bits and bobs but the highlight is the handmade custom frame bag by the talented people at Buckhorn Bags in Fayetteville.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be fighting the monsters of the night with Shook Openrun to keep the spirits high. Also warding off any mechanicals and gravel punctures will be my Doom gremlin bells.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040.
ROUTE: AHCR Full.

Ted King

Age 43 / Bentonville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be on the Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty. This features a SRAM drivetrain with 40T up front and 10-52T out back. I opt for Exposure Lights, Tracer rear and Toro front. Rene Herse Poteau Mountain tires in Endurance Plus casing, 700 x 48mm on Zipp XPLR wheels.
BAGS: Tailfin all around. Their AeroPack out back, plus a top tube and frame bag. Depending on how packing goes this evening, potentially a bag bag too.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: We ride over Poteau Mountain in this route, so Rene Herse’s Poteau Mountain feels like a no-brainer for this adventure. Those, plus the Lefty shock should be quite helpful over this jarring course across the NWA. I rely on a Sea to Summit sleep system… plus a credit card for the likely chance I sleep indoors at least one night.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 840 solar.
ROUTE: AHCR Full.

Joshua Kuhns

Age 48 / Cave Springs, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: Full Route rookie run on my Gravelier, a 2021 Giant Revolt Advanced 0 with GRX 2×11 drivetrain with an 11-42T cassette courtesy of a Wolf Tooth Goatlink. Touchpoints are a faithful WTB Silverado with a Zipp XPLR bar and Vuka 110 wrapped in Silcia Nastro Cuscino. Giant XCR2 wheels wrapped in Rene Herse Poteau/Corkscrew Endurance + casings and protected by Vittoria inserts and filled with Orange Seal.
BAGS: Tailfin cargo pack handling the sleep kit, food, and extra water capacity on the Tailfin Journey rack. Rhinowalk top tube and half frame bags for food and tools, with a Sew Bueno Company bar bag for passthrough electronics charging. I’ll be wearing a Camelback Chase 4 backpack with a 2L bladder and water filter.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Keeping the sleep system minimal – extra layers and a jacket, Therm-a-Rest pad, Tyvek burrito sheet, S2S Aeros pillow, and space blankets as needed. Garmin Messenger Plus for tracking and two-way satellite communication. Lighting the way with an Outbound Detour on passthrough charging and a Nightcore NU20 Classic for off the bike.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 with the full route split into 100-mile sections, RideWithGPS on phone as backup.
ROUTE: AHCR Full.

Chris L.

Houston, Texas (USA)

BIKE: Pivot Les, XX SL, Sid Select, Berd Hawk 30 Golds.
BAGS: Yes, they hold my things.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Superlight Berd Wheels.
GPS DEVICE: Department of Defense Satellites with the assistance of a Garmin 1050.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

David Lambert

Age 51 / Russellville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Salsa Cutthroat (The Huntress) on a pair of Vittoria Mezcal tires and a 1×12 SRAM GX AXS. I will also use Profile Design aerobars with an AXS POD attached for shifting.
BAGS: The Frame bag is the off-the-shelf Cedaero with a 3L Apidura hydration bladder. I am also running a Tailfin top tube bag for snacks, and a Route-Werks Big Handlebar Bag for more snacks. I will probably add a feed bag to the stem and put some Fidlock bottles on the forks for extra water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am trying to go a lot lighter than I did last year but decided to keep the Ortlieb Quick XL because of the added fender (the forecast looks rainy). I will have some outbound lights and a Garmin Varia.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin 1040 with a Garmin 540 for back up.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

John Van Leuven

Age 57 / St. Louis, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: Rocky Mountain Solo gravel bike, SRAM AXS gearing, SP dynamo with kLite lighting and Outbound headlamp and backup bar light. Specialized Pathfinder 2.2″ tires.
BAGS: South City Stitchworks top tube bag, Teknikul.com frame bag, Tailfin cargo rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Zpacks sleep gear to keep it primitive.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura and Wahoo Element.
ROUTE: AHCR Full.

Jay Lewis

Age 28 / Centerton, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be cruising on my Vassago titanium hardtail. I built it with a wonderful mix of components from Facebook Marketplace. FOX Step-Cast 34 with 120mm travel, 2.4″ Continental dubnitals, and 32x18T gearing for my first official singlespeed race.
BAGS: New addition, and my favorite bag, is my custom top-tube bag from South City Stitchworks. Frame wedge by Fairweather, and a feed bag from Buckhorn Bags. Will be carrying a dry bag on my Mica Cycles Rat Tail rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Carrying a Big Agnes Rapide sleeping pad and a Tyvek bivy for a quick nap. Using a Coast flashlight and headlamp to light the way through the night.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 830.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Zach Loudon

Age 37 / Russellville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: 2021 Salsa Cutthroat converted to flat bar with RockShox SID fork, SRAM Eagle drivetrain, 28T oval chainring. XO cranks 10-52T rear cassette. Son dynamo with Sinewave Beacon front and rear lights.
BAGS: South City Stitchworks frame bags, Big Labarski stem bag and Love Handles rear harness, Rogue Panda rear bag and front bag as well as Rogue Panda Kaibab Craddle.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Running either my Six Moons Lunar Solo or my Durston X-Dome 2 tent, Enlightened Equipment quilt with Zen Bivvy conversion on it, Zen Bivvy pillow and fast sheet, Nemo Tensor Elite pad.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar head unit. Garmin inReach tracker.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Mackenzie Marcinko

Age 30 / Honey Brook, Pennsylvania (USA)

BIKE: Argon 18 Dark Matter, SRAM Red and Transmission groupset with 42T chainring and 10-52T cassette, Continental Dubnital 2.2” tires & Cushcore inserts on Reserve wheels, Arundel side loader & Boa dial bottle cages with 750ml and 1L bottles, Wolf Tooth bottle dropper, Niterider rear light, Exposure Sixpack 15 and Zenith 4 lights (not pictured).
BAGS: Apidura 2.8L frame bag, no name Aliexpress handlebar bag, Scicon saddle bag; several Tailfin straps (I find velcro on frame bags snags clothing).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My setup notably avoids top tube bags (they have never worked for me on any gravel or road bike, unfortunately—bad knee rub regardless of brand, and I also love to stand out of the saddle). The frame bag is great! My frame is an XS, but I still have space for a 750ml water bottle with a bottle dropper. I also put gel tape underneath my bar tape on the tops of my handlebars to rest my forearms comfortably.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Justin McCarthy

Age 45 / Bentonville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Arkansas High Country Northwest Loop on a 2023 Scott Addict Gravel with an HMF carbon frame and fork. I’ve set it up specifically for the steep, rough Ozark terrain with a 38T chainring and 700 x 48mm Rene Herse Oracle Ridge Endurance Plus tires. I added Zipp Vuka aero extensions with SRAM Wireless Blips to give me another position—and the ability to shift—from the extensions during the long stretches in the saddle. Three titanium bottle cages round out the setup for carrying extra water between stops.
BAGS: I’m keeping the setup relatively light with a MoosePacks bolt-on top tube bag and MoosePacks handlebar bag, along with a Rapha saddle bag. The top tube and handlebar bags will keep nutrition and frequently used gear accessible while riding, with the saddle bag handling the less frequently needed items.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: An Exposure Six Pack will be my primary light for riding into the night. I’ll also carry a Garmin inReach for backcountry communication, along with the usual repair kit and enough battery capacity to keep the electronics running.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Ryan Oberrieder

Age 29 / Kansas City, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my amazing Chumba Sendero Ti with a pair of lucky 85th anniversary Reneherse Fleecer Ridge tires from Joe Fox at Cycle City. Same 1×12 XT drivetrain and 34T chainring that got me through the Tour Divide!
BAGS: Rogue Panda on the top tube, MoosePacks under the seat, Revelate on the bars, DOOM BOTTLES, and the gremlin bell of course.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Just food and water baby! Shout out to Austin for the ano, Luis for the bike build, and Emery for trying to keep it clean (sorry it’s getting dirty again).
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, you know the deal.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Taylor Owens

Age 31 / Bella Vista, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: S-Works Crux with some Super Sparkly Bar Tape.
BAGS: Swift Industries Bags: 2 Sidekick Stem Bags, Catalyst Pack, Olliepack Seat Bag, Holdfast Half Frame Bag. All in Coyote, because they will inevitably by covered in dust.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Nothing too exciting. I’ve got a lot of Fillo’s Walking Tamales. Probably going to pick up some cool rocks along the way. This is my first time doing this.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Carter Persyn

Age 29 / Fayetteville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: It’s a Trek Checkpoint strapped with a 50mm
Dubnital up front and 48mm Thundero in the rear. 42T chainring to 11-46T gears for climbing and aero bars. Stem got shorter and much higher for maximum ergo.
BAGS: Double top tube bag set up using a long Tailfin top and sleek Bontrager half frame, lots of space. USWE Outlander 8L pack on my back.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix lights from head to toe. Arm warmers, fingerless gloves, good snacks, maybe a gilet.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Josh Raleigh

Age 39 / Claremore, Oklahoma (USA)

BIKE: Otso Warakin TI, Fox 32 Taper Cast fork, Rene Herse Poteu Mountain 48mm tires, Hunt 35 Gravel Wheels, Aeroe Spider Rack, Rogue panda bag holder, Lots of purple anodized bits!
BAGS: Sea to Summit dry bags and purple Cedaero top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Evo Hammock with underquilt and rain fly for shelter, Ketl mountain gear!
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1050 bike computer and Instinct 3 watch.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Matthew Roeleveld

Age 39 / St. Louis, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: Giant TCX. 36T Wolf Tooth front chainring paired with a 10-46T cassette. 2.1″ Schwalbe Racing Ralph up front with minimal clearance and a 45mm Schwalbe G One in the back. Wheels are well seasoned DIY Carbon wheels.
BAGS: South City Stitchworks (IYKYK) half frame bag, feed bag and bar bag. Revelate Designs saddle bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Outbound Lighting on helmet and bars. Cheap noname hydration pack and e-bivy. water bottles (not pictured).
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Bolt V1.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Michelle Roth

Age 29 / Bentonville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: A very well loved Santa Cruz Highball hardtail with cherry red 100mm SID Ultimate fork to clash well with the hot pink on the bike. Sticking with my usual Rekon Race tires but going skinny with 2.25″.
BAGS: Two feed bags for liquid nutrition, a waterproof bar bag for sleep kit, and frame bag for everything else plus a 2L hydration vest. Packing as light as I can, but checking the weather until go time!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Shokz headphones and a bumpin’ download playlist. My top tube sticker reminding me how far I’ve come. And a fresh can of pepper spray.
GPS DEVICE: Navigating with my Garmin Edge MTB and plenty of course points. Going off memory as a backup.
ROUTE: AHCR Full + Singletrack.

Ryan Russell

Age 24 / Kansas City, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding my Chumba Yaupon Ti. I have a 120mm SID fork out front and the bike is sitting on ENVE XC28’s fitted with Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ tires. The drivetrain is SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission derailleur and cassete with the White Industries titanium cranks and 34T chainring. I also have 150mm dropper post paired to Force E1 shifters which are tied to Level brakes.
BAGS: I am running a Tailfin 2.2L top tube bag and a Silca seat pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I will running Exposure Lights front, rear and on the head. My headlight is a MAXX-D 17, tailight is a BOOST-R 3 REAKT, and my headlamp is a DIABLO 15.
GPS DEVICE: My head unit is a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Craig Schulz

Age 46 / Saint Paul, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE: Taking my Wilde Rambler out for spin on the full route.
BAGS: Mostly the same Tailfin bags I used last year.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: New rack to replace the fork bags (apologies to dogs along the route for not bringing along the chew toys).
GPS DEVICE: Garmin gps/tracker.
ROUTE: AHCR Full.

Jackson Simmons

Age 28 / Overland Park, Kansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing my Lauf Seigla rigid, Rival with GX transmission. It is a pretty minimalist setup. Zipp 38mm handlebars. 46T Wolf Tooth chainring with 10x52T cassette. Reserve 32 carbon wheels with 2.2″ Continental Dubnitals front and back. Full frame protection wrap from RideWrap. To keep me illuminated, I will use Fenix BC26R on my handlebars and Outbound Hangover light mounted to my helmet. I also have a Garmin Varia for my rear light. I am mounting three Tacx bottle cages, they have never dropped a bottle on me (finger crossed).
BAGS: For bags, most of my stuff will be in the Outershell half frame bag with additional snacks in my Cervelo Smartpak top tube bag. I use Silca Mattone Grande saddle bag for all my tools.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Garmin 1040 Solar.
GPS DEVICE: Northwest Loop.

Keo Singkhek

Age 56 / Benton, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding the AHCR on my 2025 Salsa Cutthroat with Salsa Woodchipper Carbon drop bar. The bike features a new pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires, Shimano XTR Di2 1×12 drivetrain with a 34T chainring, Shimano Dura Ace Di2 Shift Levers and Aerobar Sprinter Shifters, and Industry Nine Hydra carbon wheels. For comfort, the bike is equipped with a Shockstop Pro Suspension bar stem, a Shockstop Pro Endurance Suspension seatpost, a Prologo Nago R4 PAS 3DMSS saddle, and Redshift Quick-release clip-on aerobars.
BAGS: a custom frame bag from Buckhorn Frame and TT bags. I am also running a Tailfin CargoPack setup, Cyclite Race Backpack – 2L for water, and Apidura Stem bags for extra water bottles and storage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: MSR e-bivy will serve as my shelter along with a Therm-a-Rest Vesper quilt. Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisper down hoodie.
GPS DEVICE: I will be using Garmin inReach Mini 2 for tracking and SPOT location, Garmin 1040 Edge Solar head unit for the route. I also have the route loaded on the RWGPS app on my Wahoo ELEMNT Roam and iPhone as a backup.
ROUTE: AHCR Full.

Zach Smith

Age 46 / St. Louis, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be galavanting along the NW Loop on a Rodeo Labs Flaanimal 5.0 with 2.1″ Continental Dubnitals on DT Swiss GR 1600 wheels. Gearing is a 36T chainring up front and an XT 11-51T cassette out back, powered by a microSHIFT brifter. It’s an abundantly fun setup.
BAGS: All South City Stitchworks (SCSW, if you will). I made these bags! For the NW Loop’s distance, terrain, and resupply options, I chose: Two Big Lebarski feedbags (snacks), a full-distance top tube bag (snacks, electronics, gps tracker), a Love Handles rack harness cradling a prototype SCSW stuff sack (sleep system and layers), a prototype ultralight handlebar sack we’re calling the “Luncchable” (sic). It will depart empty and get filled at the route’s one reliable food resupply. Lastly, a made-in-St. Louis prototype downtube cradle (!), with my tools lashed in a stuff pouch on the undercarriage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I love all my gear, but can we highlight the Arkansas Ozarks? It’s an incredible place to ride. Well worth the effort to get there!
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

BILL SOLLEDER

Age 58 / HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: Chumba Stella Titanium MTB hardtail.
BAGS: Bedrock Frame Bag, Revelate Designs feedbag, Sweetroll, seat bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m not much of a gear nerd, but I do like my handlebar end grips, and the lockout on my Rockshox SID SL Select front suspension.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Element.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Marcin Sykut

Age 64 / Marathon, Florida (USA)

BIKE: Rodeo Labs Traildonkey, 700c wheels, Teravail Cannonball 38mm up front and Continental Terra Trail 35mm in the back.
BAGS: Salsa frame bag, South city Stitchworks top tube bag, X-lab, and a Tailfin rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My custom cockpit.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Chuck Thibault

Age 55 / Memphis, Tennessee (USA)

BIKE: A 2020 Salsa Cutthroat with stock components.
BAGS: A mix. Hopefully I’ll pack a lot lighter than this picture. Hopefully I don’t pickup any rocks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Rockd App, geological map, ACA maps so I know what formation is making me question my decisions.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin GPSMap 66i, Wahoo Roam.
ROUTE: AHCR Full.

Christie Tracy

Age 47 / Austin, Texas (USA)

BIKE: 3T Extrema Italia Project X with HED Lancaster Wheels, Panaracer X1 Tires (700 x 50mm), Bisaddle SRT, BB Infinite Bottom Bracket, and Profile Design aero bars. Her name is “Wicked”.
BAGS: TailFin Cargo Pack, Moosepacks Snack Pack, Apidura Top Tube Bags, MSR Tent/HB Bag, and Osprey Dry bags hung off my Tailfin with my Down Jacket and Quilt.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I downsized from a Big Agnes 2 person tent to an MSR Hubba Hubba UL1 Bikepacking tent, and I LOVE the shorter poles, lighter weight, and quick, freestanding setup, as well as the fact that I can pack my sleeping pad and sleep clothes inside the tent bag on my HBs!
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura for life!
ROUTE: AHCR Full.

Jacob Waterman

Age 34 / Springfield, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: Mosaic GT-2X, SRAM AXS drivetrain, i9 AR40 wheels, Vittoria T50 50mm tires.
BAGS: Dispersed Bikepacking full frame bag and top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: About as minimal as it gets. Frame bag bladder, layers of clothing, all the snacks.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Sarah Waterman

Age 32 / Springfield, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Chumba Terlingua with Maxxis Rambler 45mm tires.
BAGS: A hodgepodge of bags, including an Oveja Negra handlebar bag, Buckhorn top tube bag, and Farewell saddle bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Camelbak loaded with Uncrustables.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Ryan West

Age 47 / Bentonville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: Cayon Grizl 2×11.
BAGS: Abar bag 2 stem bags, and one dry bag on the Rat Tail rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Basically bringing lights, battery banks, a little extra clothing and some sleeping gear food and water.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 540 solar.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Austin Whittington

Age 34 / Grapevine, Texas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Northwest Loop on my custom Forma (Forma.Bike) gravel bike. It has a SRAM RED/Force 2x groupset, a 50mm Continental Dubnital up front, and a 45mm Continental Terra Competition in back for the route’s mix of pavement and gravel.
BAGS: Micah Green made my custom frame bag (Instagram: @bagsbymicah.g (https://www.instagram.com/bagsbymicah.g/)). The upper compartment holds food and tools, while the lower compartment holds a 3L bladder.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540.
ROUTE: Northwest Loop.

Preston Williams

Age 41 / Lake of the Forest, Bonner Springs, Kansas (USA)

BIKE: This will be my third High Country, and my second with the singletrack option. I will be riding a single-speed Otso Fenrir Ti. I’ve added front suspension and gone up to 2.4″ Bontrager Montrose tires. My gear ratio is 34 x 19T.
BAGS: The frame bag, top tube bag, and stem bags are custom from South City Stitchworks. The bags up front and outback are made by Tailfin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I don’t consider myself superstitious, but I believe deeply in the Guardian Bell at the top of my seat tube. I also have a little piece of crystal that a trail angel gave me on my last Doom for good luck. I use a bivy with an air pad, and a little blanket. An Exposure Six Pack lights my way, and a Dragonfly holds my water bottles.
GPS DEVICE: My computer is a Garmin Edge, and my tracker is a Garmin inReach.
ROUTE: AHCR Full + Singletrack.

Scarlet Zeigler

Age 17 / Dover, Pennsylvania (USA)

BIKE: I am riding a custom handmade I Am Cook steel frame and fork on the Arkansas High Country Full Loop. Christened “Athena”, she’s rocking a set of Velocity Aero 650’s, a Redshift suspension stem, hydraulic brakes, and a Shimano Deore 1×12 drivetrain with a 40t front chainring. Flat bars with Ritchey bar ends and a Brooks saddle complete my steed. She’s carried me though the hills of England, the gravel of PA and successful through my world record attempt.
BAGS: I’ve got a full set of Restrap kit as my bikepacking bag system! Handmade in the UK, these bags have carried my gear through every kind of weather and terrain you can imagine. Being 100% waterproof has saved my skin many a time. My kit this race consists of a Switch Rack with 10L panniers, a Custom Frame Bag, a Short Race Top Tube Bag, and a Race Bar Bag with a flat bar dry bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I am taking my 3FulGear solo tent with a Big Agnes airmat. Ive also got my OneUp Components EDC Tool Pump, one of my must-haves for any race or ride. I’ll also have a Restrap Rolltop Hydration vest for extra food storage and water capacity.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin Edge 530 to navigate.
ROUTE: AHCR Full.

Check out the Arkansas High Country Race 2026 Tracker page to follow along on the live tracking map, watch for ongoing race updates, and tune in for more event coverage. Find it here.

Further Reading

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