Fayetteville Ultra Circuit
May 23rd, 2026 REGISTRATION LINK
The FUC stitches together a hand-picked patchwork of legendary old-school singletrack - some beloved, some all but forgotten - linked by an unpredictable mix of surfaces. Riders can expect:
Raw, technical singletrack that’s been etched into Arkansas dirt for decades.
Unmaintained dirt roads full of chunky surprises.
Flowing gravel, from loose and fast to deeply washboarded.
Quiet paved backroads that offer short respites and stunning views.
This is a self-supported race - riders are responsible for their own food, water, navigation, and repairs. There are no aid stations, no course markings, and no outside help. The route will challenge your endurance, bike handling, and route-finding skills.
Expect solitude. Expect joy. Expect to curse that one trail climb and then tell everyone it was your favorite part.
all photos by Mixed Soil Media
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~100 Miles | Moderate Difficulty | Big Day Out
The FUC 100 is the gateway to the Ultra Circuit - a still-tough but more accessible option that delivers a big day of backcountry riding, ideal for riders short on time or looking for a gravel-bike friendly adventure with fewer technical demands.
The route borrows much of its DNA from the 200-mile course, sticking to scenic backroads, rolling gravel, and punchy climbs. It avoids the most remote and rugged trail systems, skips Lake Fort Smith, and bypasses nearly all of the technical singletrack, making it more approachable for those running lighter rigs or hoping to finish in one day.
What to expect:
Steady gravel climbs and fast descents
Smooth backroads with Ozark charm
Minimal hike-a-bike
Beautiful views and tight-knit community vibes
This is a great route for experienced gravel riders dipping their toes into bikepacking, or anyone looking to test their legs and gear on a serious but achievable adventure.
Route Link: FUC 100 - The Fast and Dirty · Ride with GPS
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~200 Miles | High Difficulty | No Easy Way Out
Don’t let the smaller number fool you - the FUC 200 is a beast. This route mirrors the FUC 400 mile-for-mile until around mile 155, hitting nearly every major trail system in the first two-thirds of the long course. You’ll taste the same chunky Ozark roads, climb the same steep grades, and rip through the same historic singletrack - but at Lake Fort Smith, the route diverges and begins a return arc toward Fayetteville.
The ride back isn’t a coast - expect a mix of challenging gravel and paved climbs, meandering through the lesser-known corridors south of Fayetteville. And just when you think you’re in the clear, the route links back up with the 400-mile course for a final push through the Mount Sequoyah trails, ensuring this ride ends as tough as it started.
Trail Systems Included:
Mount Sequoyah
Lake Fort Smith
Devil’s Den
Lincoln Lake
Lake Wedington
Centennial Park
Markham Hill
What’s not included: Buffalo Headwaters and Buffalo Outdoor Center - but you’ll hardly miss them, given the challenge level of what’s already packed in.
This is the perfect choice for strong riders who want a true bikepacking challenge but prefer a more contained route with more reliable resupply options and less remote exposure.
Route Link: FUC 200 - The Punchy Middle Child · Ride with GPS
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400+ Miles | Max Difficulty | Full Send
This is the main event - the full embodiment of the Fayetteville Ultra Circuit and a proper test of your endurance, preparation, and resilience. The FUC 400 dives deep into the wildest corners of the Ozarks, tying together nearly every notable trail system in Northwest Arkansas and venturing east into rugged, remote terrain where resupplies are few, and the riding is relentlessly steep and unforgiving.
Once you leave Fayetteville, you'll traverse a network of legendary and lesser-known singletrack systems, linked together by an ever-changing surface mix: gravel, chunky backroads, forgotten forest roads, and stretches of quiet pavement. The terrain becomes more intense as you reach Newton and Madison Counties, where steep grades, eroded surfaces, and massive elevation swings will test your limits.
Trail Systems Included:
Mount Sequoyah
BOC Ponca Downhill
Buffalo Headwaters
Lake Fort Smith
Devil’s Den
Lincoln Lake
Lake Wedington
Centennial Park
Markham Hill
This route is a self-supported gauntlet, traversing Arkansas’s most legendary and remote riding zones. Expect long stretches with no services, limited cell coverage, and the kind of solitude that makes you question your decisions - and then fall in love with them.
Not for the unprepared. This is the FUC in its most unrelenting form.
Route Link: FUC 400 - The Full Circuit · Ride with GPS
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Due to the wide variety of riding surfaces on the Fayetteville Ultra Circuit - including smooth pavement, chunky gravel, unmaintained roads, and technical singletrack - we strongly recommend a mountain bike with at least 2.2” tires for most participants, especially those tackling the 200 or 400 mile routes. A hardtail MTB or rigid setup will offer the best balance of efficiency and capability.
For riders choosing the 100 mile option, a gravel bike with 40mm tires can get the job done, but be prepared for a few sections that may require dismounting and hike-a-bike. A more forgiving 50mm tire is highly recommended for added comfort and control on rougher segments. Regardless of your setup, durable tires with good sidewall protection and a reliable tubeless system are key.
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The FUC is more than a race - it’s part of the Ride Your Damn Bike Festival, a multi-day celebration of cycling, community, and craft based in downtown Fayetteville, Arkansas. The festival includes:
Maker’s Market & Expo - Featuring local frame-builders, artisans, gear-makers, and food vendors.
Workshops - Covering bikepacking, trail advocacy, mechanics, and more.
Community Overnighter - A no-drop campout to reconnect with the land and fellow riders.
Local Group Rides & Shakedowns - From mellow cruises to mini-missions.
Ultra Race - Multiple distance options for self-supported adventure.
Whether you're racing or just rolling by, the festival creates a welcoming hub for the bike-curious, seasoned dirtbags, and everyone in between.
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A portion of proceeds go to Bikepacking Roots to support their mission to support and advance bikepacking, the growth of a diverse bikepacking community, and access to and the conservation of the landscapes and public lands through which we ride.
A Kowalski creation
Meet your Race Director:
Alex Kowalski is a long-distance cyclist with a deep love for rugged, off-road adventures. Over the years, he’s tackled routes like the Tour Divide, Grand Loop, and the Atlas Mountain Race. With a focus on community and challenge, Alex created the Fayetteville Ultra Circuit to showcase the wild beauty of Arkansas, and to offer riders a tough, rewarding experience on and off the bike.
The route draws partial inspiration from the legendary DOOM bikepacking race, blending steep climbs, rocky backroads, and remote singletrack to deliver a uniquely demanding ride through NWA and the Ozarks.