Arkansaw High Country Live Race Blog
What it is?
A self-supported 1,030-mile bike race through the most scenic backroads of Arkansas. It started on October 31 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Fun facts
- 1,020 miles, 75 hours riding, 80k+ climbing and a new FKT at the AR High Country race. Congrats @iamtedking!
- Ashley Carelock finished first in the Women’s field, second overall, and sets a new Women’s Solo FKT at 7 days, 9 hours, 0 minutes.
- Racers can go in either direction. In fact, Ted King the race leader and Andrew Onermaa crossed paths going in opposite directions.
- Queen of Pain @rebeccarusch held the women’s FKT; she finished in 8 days 3 hours 33 minutes on a wet track and miserable cold weather. Less than a month later, the inaugural ride commenced staring in Fayetteville.
- * Wednesday’s update from the organizers: “After a valiant effort, racing against the kings of gravel, Fayetteville favorite Andrew Onermaa has scratched from the race. Thank you @onermaa for the ride. You gave 100% to a race, sport, and community you love. Your effort inspired many.”
Follow the Arkansaw High Country Race
- Live tracker
- Official Instagram
- Men’s winner, @iamtedking on Instagram
- Current Women’s Leader, Ashley Carelock on Instagram
- Race photographer, Kai Caddy’s gallery
High Country Race Photos and Updates
2020 Arkansaw High Country Race Finish
Ted King finishes the 2020 Arkansaw High Country Race, winning and setting a new FKT in the process.
Ashley Carelock finished first in the Women’s field, second overall, and sets a new Women’s Solo FKT at 7 days, 9 hours, 0 minutes.
View this post on Instagram96 hours in and @iamtedking continues off the front, now holding the lead for 4 days in his first ever multi-day bikepacking race. With just 200 or so miles separating Ted from the finish line in @Fayettevillear – it’s his race and race record to win. • The King of Gravel may be wearing a different crown before this day is over. • #arhcrace #ArHighCountryRace #bikepacking #endurancerace #bikepackingadventures #adventurecycling #adventurerace #visitarkansas #thenaturalstate #fayettevillear PC @kaicaddy
The Finish Line!
View this post on InstagramOh #arkansas … you will always have a special place in my heart. ❤️ The @arhighcountryrace put up a tough fight against myself and my fellow competitors. Blessed to take the win and set a new female FKT in 7 days 9 hours. I rode the last 265 miles on less than an hour of sleep, the last 127 miles without stopping to narrowly take second place overall. Super congrats to the amazing @iamtedking on his smoking fast race and new FKT #beastmode To @arhighcountryrace thanks for putting on such a stellar event. You guys rock! To @rodeolabs , I think you know how much I love my #traildonkey , but I have to say it again, thank you. Thank you for creating a bike that rides so comfortable over so many tough miles. And, super special thanks to my coach, @goldenboygould I kept telling myself to use that “pro” fitness that you’re training me for during those last 127 miles, to burn those matches that I had purposely been saving the entire race. #greatcoach 📸: @kaicaddy
Checkpoint 9
Checkpoint 8
View this post on InstagramFrom McChickens in his pockets, to corn dogs saved for scenic views. From bathroom mirror selfies to eating enough Dominos to feed a family of six. Since bringing his own fan club to the start line, @onermaa has kept this race nothing short of entertaining as he chases the legend of gravel @iamtedking – trailing by only 75 miles after 4 days of racing. • Now a race back to @fayettevillear – winning this wild thing is still very up for grabs. • #ozarkgravelcyclists #arhcrace #ArHighCountryRace #bikepacking #endurancerace #bikepackingadventures #adventurecycling #adventurerace #visitarkansas #thenaturalstate #fayettevillear PC @kaicaddy
View this post on InstagramI found the breaking point. I came here to put everything on the line to contest the win and I discovered my limit. It was an all or nothing approach and I held on for as long as possible. Upmost respect to @iamtedking — finish the damn thing and get that FKT! I wasn’t looking at my phone much at all but was absolutely blown away from the support and love directed my way. Seriously, you all rock so much. I’m leaving this knowing I have potential in the sport as long as I keep putting in the work. Here’s to the grind ahead and whatever objective is next 🍻
Checkpoint 7
View this post on InstagramFrom sunrise until long after it sets, racers continue to put down impressive performances. • The first to pass the halfway mark, @iamtedking is officially racing back to @fayettevillear and the finish line! • @kaicaddy captured Ted as he rolled into the Arkansas River Valley last night. • #arhcrace #ArHighCountryRace #bikepacking #endurancerace #bikepackingadventures #adventurecycling #adventurerace #visitarkansas #thenaturalstate #fayettevillear
View this post on InstagramMy sweet husband. He’s nearing mile 700 of @arhighcountryrace. We just chatted on the phone and we talked about how during childbirth you think you might never want to do it again—and then it’s eventually over and euphoria and relief take over. Mile 700 is in the thick of it; the evening was cold, the miles were rough and slow, the body is aching. We are rooting for you and cheering you on, @iamtedking! 😘
Checkpoint 6
Checkpoint 5
View this post on InstagramNow hundreds of miles from the start line in @fayettevillear, the sun has set on day two as racers decide to push forward or take shelter on a cold @arkansas night. We’ll leave you with a parting shot from earlier today featuring current race leader @iamtedking rolling towards the River Valley. Checkout the photography work of @kaicaddy and the link in his bio for a photo gallery he plans to update as racers pass through his neck of the woods all week. • Follow all the racers LIVE at trackleaders.com (link in bio)! • #arhcrace #ArHighCountryRace #bikepacking #endurancerace #bikepackingadventures #adventurecycling #adventurerace #visitarkansas #thenaturalstate #fayettevillear #arkansasrivervalley #dotwatching #followthedots #linkinbio
Checkpoint 4
View this post on InstagramHere’s another of @iamtedking from earlier today, just south of Mountain View. Started a gallery (link in bio), gonna try to update it all week as racers come through the River Valley. @arhighcountryrace. . . . #goneriding #fromwhereiride #outsideisfree #bikearkansas #cycling #cyclist #cyclinglife #cyclingphotos #bikelife #roadbike #roadcycling #cyclingshots #instacycling #cyclingpics #bicycle #bike #ride #bikestagram #arhcrace #arkansawhighcountryrace #arkansasrivervalley #endurance #bikepacker #bikepacking #adventurecycling #sportsphotography #sonyalpha #bealpha
Checkpoint 3
View this post on InstagramFollowing in @rebeccarusch footsteps (literally) – Women’s leader @ashcarelock is over 250 miles into her race and looking strong! • • • #womencycling #womenracebikes #crushingit #arhcrace #ArHighCountryRace #bikepacking #endurancerace #bikepackingadventures #adventurecycling #adventurerace #visitarkansas #thenaturalstate #fayettevillear #searcycountyar #marshallar #dotwatching #followthedots #linkinbio PC @searcycountycc
Checkpoint 2
Checkpoint 1
The Bikes and Kits of Arkansaw High Country
Check out the singlespeed Gary Fisher that is about to embark on the 1,030 mile journey.
Ted King’s Cannondale
View this post on Instagram96 hours in and @iamtedking continues off the front, now holding the lead for 4 days in his first ever multi-day bikepacking race. With just 200 or so miles separating Ted from the finish line in @Fayettevillear – it’s his race and race record to win. • The King of Gravel may be wearing a different crown before this day is over. • #arhcrace #ArHighCountryRace #bikepacking #endurancerace #bikepackingadventures #adventurecycling #adventurerace #visitarkansas #thenaturalstate #fayettevillear PC @kaicaddy0
