Lake Leatherwood ♡ October 2-4, 2026 ♡ Eureka Springs, AR

Please join friends old and new for a weekend of pedaling, camping, crafts, music, learning, swimming, flagging, scavenger hunt-ing, a raffle for the ages, pancakes, and so much more!

♡ let's play outside together ♡

What is this?

This is a bike event in a park with friends. There are others‍ like it. Everyone's invited, the vibe is queer bike summer camp. There will be an expo, there will be on and off-bike education opportunities, there will be bike riding, there will be a trail run, there will be swimming, there will be a scavenger hunt. 

You can choose to do all of these things or just hang with your buds.

We're trying something different and hope you're open to something different to.

Your ticket includes:

• 10,20, & 60 mile routes for you to ride on Sunday!
• Camping at Lake Leatherwood!
• A raffle ticket
• A scavenger hunt that will charm you
• A community meal on Saturday night
• Bikepacking workshops from local legends!
• Swimming in stunning Lake Leatherwood!
• A chance to vie for the crown of International Ms. Mx. Mr Lake Leatherwood!

More to come! more to share! just give us a moment!

top logistics experts are optimizing an itinerary as we speak!

*Assess your need level and honestly pay what you can, if everyone contributes when they are able we can keep this financially accessible to everyone! Because, at the end of the day, all we have is each other.

FAQ:

 Why?

Our event is a lightning rod here in the south for folks near and far in search of kindred spirits. All are welcome but Grit exists, first and foremost, to empower people on the margins to explore the wonderful experience of riding bikes with your friends.

This is a low stakes opportunity to step into the wide world of grassroots events and routes on offer here in Arkansas and beyond. A chance to make a friend. A chance to to leave with a new skill and a new friend.

You're a non-profit. What are you fundraising for?

This is a fundraiser for All Bikes Welcome! Our goal this year is to develop a Bikepacking gear library in conjunction with the public library in Fayetteville! Gear donations are encouraged!

-Tents, Bikepacking Bags, Sleeping Bags, Camp Cookware, First Aid Kits, Bikes, etc, etc

What about the old Grit Fest?

The gale force winds of a recession are blowing. We can feel them and so can you. This is cheaper, scrappier, and hopefully just as fun. We're trying something different and hope you're open to something different to.

The Venue:

Lake Leatherwood is a beautiful 1,600 acre park with 25 miles of Downhill and XC Mountain bike trails. You'll have a chance to ride the surrounding trails and gravel roads on our Sunday rides! Check out the map here!

The Accommodations:

We have rented out (almost) the entire park! There will be large fields to camp in addition to designated sites that are first come first serve! Check out the map here!

Food?

We'll have food trucks on-site through the weekend, pancakes on Saturday morning, and a community meal in the evening. Plan to feed yourself otherwise :)

What Bike Should I bring?

Lake Leatherwood is a mountain bike park and the trails there are best experienced on a mountain bike. That said, our shortest distance rides on Sunday could be ridden on a hybrid or something with at-least ~36mm tires.

We'll have mountain bikes available to demo for those interested in trying out something different!

What Else Should I bring?

Your favorite bike snacks, a smile, camping gear for a couple nights under the stars, repair kit for your bicycle, a donation for our gear library (we'll trade for a raffle ticket!), your friend who's curious about bikes.

Pets?

Still no

I'm a cis white dude...?

This weekend isn't for you but is open to all. You're expected to move through this weekend with care, respect, and deference to those possibly showing up to a bike event for their first time. This weekend is for them. 

Be the best steward for bikes that you can be. Your kindness matters. All we have is each other.