A unique rally-style event that combines the exhilaration of road and gravel bicycling with the energy of running - all mashed together with lively music, delicious food, and a range of other engaging cultural activities. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience in Delta that promises to be both challenging and fun!
Saturday April 12th, 2025
Kelly Courtyard - 415 Cherry St, Helena, AR 72342
The Arkansas Delta has suffered for decades from extreme poverty, population decline, and an eroding economic base resulting in impoverished counties with the shortest life expectancy in the state. This is not merely a statistic; it is a call to action!
Register for the Ride Here
Proceeds from this event benefit the Crowley's Ridge Gravel Trail & the Helena Miles Club!
2025 Route Collection
Addison Agen take the stage!
Addison is an Americana singer-songwriter best known as Season 13βs first runner-up on NBCβs The Voice. Her powerful and heart-wrenching voice weaves together thoughts of hopefulness, acceptance, and joy. You do not want to miss Addison's show!
SATURDAY 4/12
ADVENTURE
π Location
Kelly Courtyard @ 415 Cherry St, Helena, AR 72342
β° Schedule
- 8 β 9:30 Check In
o 8:30 100 MILE START
- 9:45 Pre-ride Meeting
o 10am Bike Start
o 10:05 Run Start
- 1 β 5pm Food & Entertainment
o 1p Addison Agen performance
o 3pm Raffle
πIMPORTANT INFO
- ALL ROUTES ARE UNMARKED β you MUST have a GPS app or paper directions
- AID STATIONS β marked on map
- SELF SUPPORT β BYO hydration, tire repair, pump, tools, etc. Bring cash for convenience store treats
- Rolling SAG for DNF only β call/text if you have a catastrophic mechanical issue and cannot finish your adventure
- ZERO WASTE β plastic cup-less event, we will have reusable metal cups and beverages in cans.
πΊοΈ ROUTE COLLECTION
RUN - https://ridewithgps.com/events/358878-delta-grind-2025-run
RIDE - https://ridewithgps.com/events/358665-delta-grind-2025-ride
HELENA β MILE ZERO FOR CRGT & DHT
https://ridewithgps.com/collections/2278996
π RAFFLE PRIZES β courtesy of THE RIDE in Conway
- Salsa Journeyer (size L in Ruby Red) $750 retail
- gravel tires (2 pairs and 2 individual)
- handlebar tape
- seat bags // tool wraps
- torque wrench set
- CO2 pumps
RELAX
8th Annual Green Beans & Cornbread Contest
π This contest is more than a competition; itβs a gathering of friends, family, and food lovers. Alongside the culinary showcase, expect lively and engaging entertainment.
π₯ Come taste contestant entries and help choose the People's Choice Award
π Delta Cultural Center Depot Museum, 95 Missouri Street, Helena, AR 72342
ποΈ Doors open for visitors at 10 a.m.
Community Bike Celebration
β οΈ The mission of studioDRIFT is not just to build natural trails and host events that allow visitors a glimpse of Delta life. These are the first steps in work that we need to do to alleviate the damage done by decades of population decline and an eroding economic base that has resulted in extreme poverty and shorter than average life expectancy. It is not lost on us that recreation is an expensive hobby, and that getting to travel for a fun-filled weekend is a luxury.
π£ Our overall goal is to make outdoor recreation attractive to visitors and accessible to those who normally would not have the means or the opportunity to participate. Our next step is to break down the barriers for the local communities. This spring we are partnering with several public-school districts in the Delta on a pilot program designed to encourage positive student engagement in the classroom and encourage healthy active lifestyles outside of the classroom.
π Thanks to a partnership with Conway Bicycle Project and the dedication of Joseph Whitfield we are distributing 50 free bicycles to Helena public-school students that have earned the opportunity by being kind, safe, and respectful, demonstrating a positive work ethic, and improving attendance, grades, and behavior.
βοΈ Please join us in celebration of the studentβs efforts. The Helena Fire Department will be on hand grilling lunch and NICA Arkansas will be hosting super fun bike activities.
π415 Cherry St, Helena, AR 72342
ποΈ 11:30 β 12:30
Delta Dirtβs Birthday Party - see you there!
π Join us at Delta Dirt Distillery as we celebrate with the launch of a new spring menu, delicious appetizers, and the long-awaited return of Deep Roots & Sweet Roots!
π₯ Donβt miss this day of celebration with great drinks, giveaways, and unforgettable memories.!
π Delta Dirt, 430 Cherry St, Helena, AR 72342
ποΈ 12-8pm
Wild Hog Saloon β Annual Crawfish Boil
π£ Crawfish & Live Music.
β οΈ Nuff said.
π Natchez St, Helena, AR 72342
ποΈ 5-8pm
Moonlit Magic: Full Moon Kayak Tour of Horner Neck Lake
π£ Embark on a mesmerizing moonlit adventure with a park interpreter on Horner Neck Lake. As the sun sets and the moon rises, take a moment to enjoy the sights and sounds of Horner Neck lake at night. No experience is required! We will learn the basics of paddling as we go. Kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets will be provided. Please bring water, insect repellent, flashlight, and dress for the weather.
β οΈ Space is limited, pre-register by calling the visitor center at (870) 295-4040
π Horner Neck Lake Boat Ramp
ποΈ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
π Adult : $18.00, Child : $12.00
Make a weekend of it!
Shakeout runs/rides FRIDAY afternoon and then an art show and concert in the evening. 3pm, 430 Cherry St.)
Choose your own adventure on SATURDAY morning, followed by:
block party with pickleball, NICA AR leading kids bike activities, Helena Fire Department grilling hotdogs
bicycle giveaway for hard working Helena students
birthday party for Delta Dirt Distillery (nations only black-owned farm to bottle distillery) a
moonlight paddle at Horner Neck Lake
SUNDAY paddle the Mississippi or explore more of Helena and the St. Francis National Forest.
FRIDAY 4/11
RIDE
π² Social Spin β mixed route, 25 miles. Sneak peek at some of the Helena area jewels.
π Free and open to everyone.
π Delta Dirt, 430 Cherry St, Helena, AR 72342
ποΈ 3-5pm
RUN
πββοΈββ‘οΈ Running Tour of Helena, 2-3 miles. Explore city murals and a civil war fort with a view!
π Free and open to everyone.
π Delta Dirt, 430 Cherry St, Helena, AR 72342
ποΈ 3-5pm
RELAX
π·Arts & Music Lovers check out "The Redemption of a Delta Bluesman: Robert Johnson" art exhibition by Andre Miller // musical performance by Keith Johnson "The Prince Of Delta Blues" a young and upcoming blues musician // Industry and lecture from radio host, researcher, writer and blues expert Scott Barretta
π£ 2024 Arkansas Gravelers - you will remember Keith Johnson amazing performance on Day 5 in Cave City ο Keith is an accomplished blues musician, songwriter and winner of the 2016 local International Blues Challenge Competition. Keith the great-nephew of blues icon Muddy Watersβ¦ deep family roots in the Delta Blues!
π Free and open to everyone. Food and refreshments served.
π Delta Cultural Center Visitors Center, 141 Cherry St, Helena, AR 72342
ποΈ 5-6:30pm
πΊ Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale
π£ Half blues fest, half small-town with a dozen music stagesβ¦
βΉοΈ More info: jukejointfestival.com
π Clarksdale, Mississippi
ποΈ Thursday, April 10 - 13
SUNDAY 4/13
RIVER
πΆ Guided canoe outing on the Mississippi, with Quapaw Canoe Company
π£ Jump on board and join us for an exploration of the wildest freshwater wetlands in the heart and soul of North America! The Buck Island Adventure is a roundtrip canoe paddle on the biggest river in North America, the Mighty Mississippi, involving a tour of an archipelago islands with big beaches, swim holes, birds, turtles, wetlands, gravel/fossil bars, deep willow forests, and miles of sand bars to swim from or walk along!
ποΈ 10am - 3pm
π $75, RSVP VIA EMAIL
RIDE
π² Cruiser Ride β route TBD
π Free and open to everyone.
π Delta Dirt, 430 Cherry St, Helena, AR 72342
ποΈ 10am
RUN
πββοΈββ‘οΈ Shakeout Run β route TBD
π Free and open to everyone.
π Delta Dirt, 430 Cherry St, Helena, AR 72342
ποΈ 10am
More Fun Stuff!
Helena has plenty to offer, check it out and have fun! Hereβs a handy map.
Top 10 things to do in and around Helena
Visit the Delta Cultural Center Museum and learn about the Deltaβs rich music Heritage / Open 9am-5pm
Walk the Harbor View Trail, a one-mile wooded loop, in the Helena River Park - Can you find the Pizza-Saurus Rex? Link
DIY Mural Tour - lace up or grab your bike and explore some great works of art! Link
Get contemplative at the African American Cemetery and the Confederate Cemetery just north of town.
Walk the Big River Loop Trail in The Helena River Park and discover Buck Island Beach, where you can stick your toe in the Mighty Mississippi River! Link
Visit Delta Dirt Distillery on Cherry Street, Open 2pm to 8pm
Log some miles (and add some migratory birds to your lifelist) on the new Delta Heritage Trail
Eat Helenaβs World Famous Fried Catfish at the Delta Fish Market Bar and Grill / Open 10am-8pm
Satisfy your inner history buff - from the Civil War to the Underground Railroad plus a impressive collection of Old South homes and churches Link
DIY Paddleboarding & Kayaking β Mississippi River State Park, just scan your phone to access kayak and gear rental (Storm Creek and Bear Creek swim beaches)
LOOKING FOR LODGING?
We recommend the beautiful camping options at the nearby Storm Creek Lake Campground β level, full-service campsites plus unique camper cabins!
The Edwardian Inn Bed & Breakfast is also a great option.
King Biscuit Blues Festival has compiled a list of additional options, check it out.
2025 SPONSORS
