Presented by studioDRIFT, The Delta Grind will take gravel riders on a one-of-a-kind tour and experience in the Arkansas Delta. Starting on Cherry Street in Downtown Helena, AR, there will be three ride options: a beginner, intermediate, and a 50-mile loop for more experienced cyclists.
The 50-mile Loop leaves Downtown Helena along the levee, then along the low road of the St. Francis National Forest. It is approximately 25 miles to Marianna winding through city streets, around the city square in downtown and past the famous Jones BBQ. The city square will be a welcoming break in a beautiful downtown and local culture. The return will follow the high road through the St. Francis National Forest along a mix of asphalt and gravel returning to downtown Helena where a festive atmosphere awaits.
The 50k Route follows the same path, but will not reach Marianna. Instead, it will move from the low road to the high road just south of Bear Creek Lake where aid stations will await riders at the 25k point. The return will follow the high road through the national forest, past Storm Creek Lake and back into downtown Helena.
The Beginner Gravel Route is 18 miles leaving from Downtown Helena and moving to the high road at approximately mile 9. The climb to the high road is a nice challenge where aid stations will provide a respite. The return is 9 miles back into downtown along paved roads winding through the St. Francis National Forest and passing Storm Creek Lake and Mississippi River State Park.
*All riders get The Delta Grind t-shirt, made locally from Delta Cotton - along with a goody bag of cool stuff you can keep and show your friends, who will envy you and your Delta adventure.
The Juke Joint Ball is a dinner and party to follow the ride. Tickets are sold separately from the ride and proceeds go to support our nonprofit, studioDRIFT and our work in the Delta region. Be our guests for a Delta tradition - fried fish, cold adult beverages, and dancing to a local band within stone's throw of the Mississippi River. Tickets for non-riders are $125. For participating cyclists, the evening's event is only $100. For group rates, contact us directly.
Registration fees
50-mile Loop Closed
- Helena to Marianna and back
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$95.00Mar 21 - May 28
50K Route Closed
- Bear Creek Lake/Storm Creek Lake
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$85.00Mar 21 - May 28
Beginner Gravel Route Closed
- Downtown Helena/St. Francis National Forest
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$75.00Mar 21 - May 28
Juke Joint Ball Closed
- Evening fundraising dinner
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$125.00Mar 21 - May 28
50 mile Loop + Juke Joint Ball Closed
Included registration for one rider in the 50 mile loop, plus admission for one to the fundraiser dinner following the ride.
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$195.00Mar 21 - May 28
50K + Juke Joint Ball Closed
Included registration for one rider in the 50k, plus admission for one to the fundraiser dinner following the ride.
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$185.00Mar 21 - May 28
Beginner Gravel Route + Juke Joint Ball Closed
Included registration for one rider in the 18 mile Beginner Gravel Route, plus admission for one to the fundraiser dinner following the ride.
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$175.00Mar 21 - May 28
Contact information
- Event contact
- Lindsey Wingo
- info@thedeltagrind.org
- Phone
- 501-301-6096
- Website
- Visit website
