Race Details

COWabunga!

Get ready to ride a diverse landscape with no shortage of cow farms and hay fields.

Riders may choose either a 50 mile, 30 mile, or 17 mile race option.

The start and finish is located at Viola City Park in Viola Arkansas.

"Viola Park" located off Hwy 223 on Google Maps.

Amenities include restrooms with running water, a pavilion to serve as the Start/Finish, a playground, small walking trail, and baseball diamonds.

Note: This is a city park that prohibits alcohol and firearms.

Saturday morning starting at 6:00am to 7:30am.

Viola is a small town nestled between Mountain Home, Calico Rock, and Salem Arkansas. You might find a vacation rental or camping in Viola but there will be limited amenities. We recommend the following:

Mountain Home - largest town, most options for food and lodging, 30ish minutes from Viola. Options to stay on/near Norfork Lake.

Calico Rock - small town, river scenery, historic district, 30ish minutes from Viola.

Salem - small town, historic district, 15ish minutes from Viola.

Saturday:
8am - all distances depart. Neutralized start to gravel.

The first 1.3 miles will be on pavement and led by a support vehicle.

The 50 mile distance must maintain 7 mph average or greater. Cutoff will be enforced at the 20 mile aid station.

You must arrive and be clear of this aid station by 11am. If you do not meet cutoff, you will have the option for a ride back or drop to the 30 mile.

The course will be marked but we highly recommend using GPX. There are dozens and dozens of turns that could take you off course.

Note: Expect to climb 100ft per mile on every route. These hills are small and punchy - GPS does not record accurate elevation. If you map this on your own, the mapping tool might be a liar.

50M Map

50M GPX

30M Map

30M GPX

17M Map

17M GPX

Adequate flagging but nothing to prevent you from going off course.

We STRONGLY suggest you download the route map.

Terrain:

Highly varied gravel throughout. Minimal pavement. Expect the gravel to change from smooth to rough to smooth to rough. Local riders tend to lean toward larger volume tires and added compliance. "Rough" is relative but don't come here and expect pristine gravel - expect a thrilling and challenging adventure with beautiful scenery and some genuinely great gravel riding.

Water Crossings:

Maybe. There are several low spots that can retain water but we've never seen anything to cause alarm. Pre-race emails will address any causes of concern.

It will be a toss up this time of year. It could be below 50 or 80+ and extremely humid. Best to watch the weather and come prepared!

The 30m and 50m will have aid at mile 20.

The 17m will have aid at mile 9.

We do not provide cups. Bring your own water bottle.

Standard Syllamo Events Menu:

Hydration: Electrolyte mix, ginger ale, Coca-Cola, and water

Sports Nutrition: various gels or chews

Solid Foods: Sandwiches, fruit, pickles, chips, candy (hard and/or chocolate)

Cooked/Warm Foods: Commonly prepared by our wonderful volunteers.

Note: Our aid stations are always well stocked and riders can expect the same items at each location. Specific brands could vary.

We do not supply NSAIDS or other pain relievers.

Every aid stations will have basic first aid.

No.

All riders may enjoy a warm post race meal. Additional meals may be purchased for family/friends during registration.

We hope for beautiful weather and a lively crowd cheering on riders. Plan to stick around and join the festivities!

All of our events are low waste, low trash events. We do not provide plates, bowls, cups, or flatware.

Custom awards for each finisher.

Jake and Rusty

syllamoevents@gmail.com