FAQ

This route was developed to empower the cycling community to examine the past to change the future.

The annual Grand Depart is an event to promote community and awareness. It showcases the importance of this ride. All registration fees are donated to the Cherokee Nation Foundation. Phat Tire Bike Shop is sponsoring the event: Phat Tire will provide a support van to transport camping gear to the overnight location for semi-supported participants. The van will have limited capacity and is intended to help reduce carried weight for riders. It will NOT function as an official SAG vehicle or follow the slowest rider along the route. Phat Tire staff will also be available at camp locations to provide basic technical support as needed. The main camping area that the group and the Phat Tire Crew will be staying at is Eagle Bluff Resort = Camping. There are many other camping options along the Illinois River. Once registered it is recommended to reserve a campsite along the Illinois River as these sites are extremely popular during kayaking/rafting season and will book quickly. Please refer to the RideWithGPS links to research camping.

Self-guided riding is an amazing way to experience the route on your own timeline. The route can be ridden year round. If departing solo the rider must be capable of completing simple bike repairs. The route does pass through remote, rural areas and cell service can be limited in Eastern Oklahoma. Tubeless tires with adequate sealant, plug kit, and a spare tube is encouraged.  Please donate to the Cherokee Nation Foundation for self-guided tour.

A gravel bike is required for this event. For the section from Pea Ridge to Fayetteville, a minimum tire width of 38 mm is recommended. If you plan to complete the entire route from Pea Ridge to Tahlequah, a minimum tire width of 45 mm is advisable, as you will encounter some easy singletrack and very rough gravel roads.

The route passes through public land and no permits are required. The section from Pea Ridge to Fayetteville is relatively tame. It consists of low traffic paved roads, gravel roads, and protected Greenway. For riders completing the 140 or 270 mile routes the route becomes more demanding once riders encounter singletrack at Mt. Kessler. The gravel roads also become more challenging.

For the Grand Depart Event all entry fees are donated to the Cherokee Nation Foundation. For more information on the Grand Depart see Registration. To donate more or for self guided touring please visit: Donate

This route supports the Cherokee Nation Foundation due to the recent Federal funding cuts to tribal colleges. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so that they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Before you ride, identify the ancestral homelands and contemporary tribal nations whose land you are visiting. Acknowledge them and understand the history of the area, treating it not as a playground but as a living landscape with ongoing cultural significance. Practice strict Leave No Trace principles. Stay on established trails to prevent damaging ecosystems and avoid building new trails or cutting switchbacks. Respect the land by packing out all trash and, when possible, leaving the space better than you found it.

If you choose not to complete the entire out-and-back route from Pea Ridge to Tahlequah, you are responsible for arranging your own transportation back to the start. We recommend planning your return in advance to ensure a smooth experience.A gravel bike is required for these routes. The section from Pea Ridge to Fayetteville is more tame and a minimum tire width of 38 mm is recommended. For the entire route a minimum tire width of 45 mm is recommended as riders will encounter some easy singletrack and very rough gravel roads. Riders can stay at hotels, cabins, or tents along the route. Historic Cane Hill permits tent camping on their grounds if you call ahead. The college grounds feature 3 acres of outdoor space. The large grassy space sits at the base of a hill with a backdrop of giant walnut trees and the historic Cane Hill College building. Electricity and water are available upon request. Tents may be placed on the grounds with permission 479-824-4455. Please visit the Route Library for more information on lodging options. There are plentiful camping opportunities along the Illinois River.