Jonesboro is set to host the third Arkansas Graveler, a five‑day, 342‑mile supported recreational ride that will begin with a downtown celebration on Monday, Oct. 5. Organizers expect more than 200 cyclists to gather in the city’s core, where local officials and businesses are preparing a welcoming atmosphere.
Celebration and Departure
Craig Rickert, executive director of the Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission, announced that the 200‑block of Main Street will close from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday to accommodate the festivities. Gearhead Outfitters and the Brickhouse will stay open for the occasion, each featuring live music. Delta Dirt Distillery will host a pop‑up tasting inside Gearhead, while the Jambulance will return to the Brickhouse for a brief showcase.
Tuesday’s schedule begins with a complimentary breakfast for cyclists, provided by Centennial Bank, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. in the north‑end zone of Centennial Bank Stadium at Arkansas State University. Opening ceremonies start at 8 a.m. in the parking lot immediately west of the stadium, with the A‑State Choir performing the national anthem and local officials delivering brief remarks. The ride will depart at 8:30 a.m., escorted by Arkansas State University police and Jonesboro police.
Traffic Plan and Expected Delays
Drivers should anticipate short, temporary delays as the group leaves campus and crosses several city streets. Southbound traffic on Red Wolf Boulevard between Aggie Road and Stallings Lane will slow briefly while cyclists and escort vehicles pass; organizers estimate the slowdown will last no more than five minutes.
Police will temporarily block all lanes of Nettleton Drive at East Matthews Avenue, and they will also stop traffic on Highland Drive near Chuck E. Cheese as cyclists cross from the Mall at Turtle Creek to the Greenways Trail. Those interruptions are expected to last a minute or two each. Additionally, officers will block the trail crossing at Race Street as riders continue toward Allen Park and Willow Road.
Community Involvement
The event highlights Jonesboro’s reputation for hospitality and its commitment to active, family‑friendly recreation. Local businesses are encouraged to welcome the cyclists, and residents are invited to cheer the riders as they pass through downtown. The ride’s route through Jonesboro is available through the event’s Ride with GPS collection, allowing spectators to track progress in real time.
By providing a safe, organized environment for cyclists and minimizing traffic impact, the city demonstrates its dedication to supporting healthy outdoor activities while maintaining smooth daily operations for residents and commuters.
Looking Ahead
After departing Jonesboro, the graveler will travel to Arkansas City from Oct. 6‑10, continuing the supported ride through the state’s scenic gravel roads. The event’s emphasis on recreation rather than competition aligns with the community’s values of fellowship, family participation, and responsible stewardship of public spaces.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
